Lake Tahoe is a dream destination for those who want to get outdoors and into the water. For the last few years, the lake has become an integral part of both summer and winter travel experiences in California.
You could spend all of your time relaxing at the lake, but there are so many amazing experiences in Lake Tahoe.
In this guide, we’re going to show you some of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe day by day and provide a detailed Lake Tahoe 3 Day itinerary.
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Planning your trip to Lake Tahoe? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In Lake Tahoe:
- 4 Hour Private Boat Charter With Captain (includes watersports equipment)
- 4 Hour Polaris Slingshot Rentals (no motorcycle license required!)
- Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls (our favorite activity!)
- Lake Tahoe Photography Scenic Tour (photography tips from a pro)
- Tahoe Coastal Self-Guided E-Bike Tour
😴 Best Hotels In Lake Tahoe:
- Bluelake Inn (💲) (walking distance to beaches & casinos)
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (💲💲) (we loved our stay here!)
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort (💲💲💲) (5-star service!)
🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
Lake Tahoe 3 Day Itinerary
The most important thing about planning your itinerary is making sure you have enough time to fit in activities each day without feeling rushed or fatigued.
So make sure there is plenty of time scheduled between activities and meals so that you get your rest!
This 3-day Lake Tahoe itinerary is best for first-timers as it covers all sections of Lake Tahoe: North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, West Shore, and East Shore. We planned out this itinerary and it was a balance of both activities and relaxation.
Need help planning a road trip? Are you overwhelmed by the thought of trip planning? It can take 10-12 hours to plan just one day! We can create a road trip itinerary so you can enjoy your trip without the stress.
Day 1: South Lake Tahoe
Start your trip at South Lake Tahoe, a resort town on the California-Nevada border. It’s a cute town with lots of shops, casinos, and restaurants nearby that you won’t want to miss!
Helicopter Tour
A lot of tours start and end in South Lake Tahoe and we highly recommend beginning your trip with a helicopter tour. We booked the 30 Minute Lakes & Waterfall Tour by Tahoe Helicopters and it was thrilling!
We had a 10 am reservation and the morning was both foggy and sunny. Fog over Lake Tahoe was a sight to see along with the sun shining through!
Through this tour, the pilot guided us around various lakes and waterfalls including Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls. Look down at the Emerald Bay with its waters of different shades of blue and green.
It was so beautiful that even the pilot was taking photos on his phone (we weren’t moving then)! You get to see how expansive Lake Tahoe is along with the towering Sierra Nevada mountains.
This is truly stunning in person! It’s also a great way to see other parts of the lake if you’re on a time crunch.
Lunch
You’ll be hungry after this so head out to get some food. For lunch, check out Shangrila Himalayan Kitchen in South Lake Tahoe. This restaurant has tasty curry and naan bread that will warm you up after your helicopter ride! The food was filling and heartwarming.
South Lake Tahoe is home to many restaurants and bars serving anything from burgers to gourmet meals.
If you’re looking for something different than the typical burger and fries, we recommend trying one of these unique options:
Base Camp Pizza Co.: Make your way towards Heavenly Village, home to shopping outlets and restaurants where you can enjoy drinks or meals overlooking Heavenly Mountain. This pizza place has some tasty and unique items on the menu including Fire Roasted Medley, Thai Chicken Curry, and Pear & Gorgonzola.
Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill: Located in Harrah’s, this fine restaurant serves up delicious steaks with an award-winning wine list. Their seafood is delish too!
Empanash: Okay, this restaurant is casual but it’s the real deal. It’s simple and fast, and if you want to try Argentinian food, come here. Their empanadas are handmade and made with quality ingredients. Plus it is in a cozy environment. Try the corn fed and cinner empanadas!
Shops & Casinos in South Lake Tahoe
After lunch, take the rest of the day exploring South Lake Tahoe’s Main Street that’s full of shops and casinos.
You will also find plenty of shopping opportunities in South Lake Tahoe with stores specializing in clothing and gifts as well as unique local shops offering everything from antiques to handmade jewelry and artwork by local artists.
Once you’re done try out some of the casinos such as Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe.
Chill At Your Hotel
Head back to your hotel after this first day of Lake Tahoe. Excited by all the things you saw and did, you would be super tired. We headed to our hotel’s swimming pool and hot tubs to relax and we recommend you do the same!
Day 2: North Lake Tahoe + West Shore
A great way to start your second day is by exploring North Lake Tahoe and then the west side.
Brunch
To save time on dining, we started with brunch at Spindleshanks Tahoe Restaurant, a local restaurant in Kings Beach. There’s a reason why it’s one of the best restaurants in the area! The brunch was very satisfying and I loved my fried jalapeno.
Inclined Burgers and Brews: If you’re looking for a nice burger with a drink, then this is your place. Tasty burgers with even tastier fries! Try the incline fries but if you’re a fan of garlic then go for the garlic fries that are intensely garlicky.
Bite Restaurant: The to-go place for tapas in Lake Tahoe. Try the Grilled Wild Alaskan Halibut Tacos and the Medjool Dates. It is relatively more expensive than other places but it’s worth it to eat there at least once.
Lone Eagle Grille: Come here for dinner for tasteful and tasty American food with views of Lake Tahoe. The restaurant has huge windows so make sure to reserve a table near the windows during sunset.
We dined here and were deeply impressed by the thoughtful design of the restaurant. The décor is both elegant and modern from the main dining area to the fireplace and customized wooden tables.
In addition to the visually pleasing ambience comes a sense of warmth not usually found in such upscale restaurants. We had Roasted Beet Salad and Roasted Natural Chicken Breast and both the quantity and quality were perfect.
Kings Beach
After brunching, head over to Kings Beach. The beach has a fishing pier; great to walk out into the lake without getting wet. There are picnic tables, bathrooms, and a playground nearby.
You’ll also find kayak and paddleboard rentals near the beach. There’s a fee to park at the Kings Beach parking lot but you’ll find street parking close by.
Eagle Rock
Next, go hiking! Head to Eagle Rock on the west side of Lake Tahoe. The Eagle Rock hike is fun and offers amazing views once you reach the top. It’s one of the best easy hikes in Lake Tahoe.
The parking lot is small and both the parking lot and the trailhead start right off the road. It’s a gradual steep incline in the beginning and then becomes more steep and involves scrambling.
When we visited in March, it was slippery and filled with deep snow so our legs kept digging into the snow. Walking quickly across the snow with caution helped to prevent our legs from digging even further in.
Sugar Pine Point State Park
After that scenic hike, drive to the Sugar Pine Point State Park. To enter the park, there is a $5 parking fee in the winter or a $10 parking fee in the summer. We spent an hour or so at the park.
Surrounded by pine trees, the park is known for the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. This old piece of California history dates back to the early 1900s. It used to be the residence of I.W. Hellman and his family.
The mansion conducts tours between May and September with tour fees of $12 for adults, $10 for students, and free for kids under 7 years old. The tour explores each restored room that’s been well-maintained with its classy 1930 furniture.
Walk around the mansion grounds to see other historic buildings. Another attraction in this park is rail tracks that go right into the lake.
These tracks start from the Boatman’s Cottage, an old building that was used to ramp boats. It’s a cool place to take photos and sit on the rail tracks.
You can also camp at the Sugar Pine Point Campground. There are a couple of amenities at the campground including showers and a dump station.
Emerald Bay State Park
Next, head over to Emerald Bay State Park. This area has some spectacular hiking trails and perfect views of Fannette Island, which is the only island in all of Lake Tahoe. While you’ll get views of Emerald Bay on your drive toward the park, here are the 3 spots to stop at:
Emerald Bay State Park Lookout: There’s a parking lot for this scenic view. There’s a parking fee but you can find free parking along the road. You can hike down to Vikingsholm, a castle hidden near the shore of Emerald Bay. It’s a very steep 1-mile hike to the castle. It’s best to hike down in the summer when the castle is open.
Inspiration Point: This isn’t the best viewpoint as there are some pine trees blocking the view but there are interpretive signs at the viewpoint where you can learn more about Emerald Bay and the history of Lake Tahoe. There are also restrooms at this viewpoint.
Emerald Bay Overlook: This is the best viewpoint as you get an excellent view of Emerald Bay and it’s free! It’s a roadside pullout that can accommodate a few cars. This overlook also has a small waterfall adjacent to it.
Eagle Falls
Afterward, hike the Eagle Falls loop trail as the last activity for the day before dinner. This hike is relatively easy during non-snowy season but would be a bit challenging when the trail is covered with snow. It’s a short hike to Eagle Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by pine trees. If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can hike further to Eagle Lake.
Dinner Options In North Lake Tahoe
If you’re heading back to North Lake Tahoe for your hotel, make sure to grab some food along the way. The area has plenty of restaurants that offer everything from fine dining to casual comfort food. We ate at a variety of spots:
Soule Domain: This restaurant is in a small log cabin that’s charming and cozy. We had a table right in front of the fireplace where the servers occasionally added firewood into it so we were comfy and warm the whole time. The food is pricey but also local and sustainable. We had the Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Bowl and the Organic Chicken Thighs.
La Fondue: If you love fondue, come here! This is one experience you don’t want to miss as you prepare your meal right at your table! The restaurant is small and has a European feel to it. We finished our Lake Tahoe trip at this place with the Alpine Cheese Fondue Appetizer and Seasonal fresh vegetables – with Tempura Batter.
Cutthroat Saloon: Looking for a casual rustic place for dinner? Try this bar located in Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. We had the Loaded Saloon Nachos and the Berrytastic Mule; both tasty and filling.
Day 3: East Shore
On the third day of your Lake Tahoe trip, set out to explore the east side of the lake.
Scenic Overlook on Mount Rose Highway
Start with a stop at Mount Rose Highway scenic overlook in Incline Village. While there, be sure to snap plenty of photos as you look out over Lake Tahoe.
Memorial Point Scenic Overlook
Next, head to Memorial Point Scenic Overlook to catch another stunning view of Lake Tahoe where you can hike around or relax on one of its huge rocks.
Sand Harbor
After admiring these views, drive down towards Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and walk the Sand Harbor Nature Trail before going for a swim at the beach. There is a $10-$15 parking fee to enter Sand Harbor.
Take this 1.5-hour kayaking tour and look up to 65 feet below the lake’s surface!
Cave Rock
To stretch your legs, even more, hike the Cave Rock Trail and check out Cave Rock itself—a geological phenomenon shaped by lava flows and wave erosion that makes for an impressive sight! It’s an easy hike up until Cave Rock. It is a steep climb towards the top of Cave Rock but well-worth the view!
Dining Options On East Shore
When you’re done exploring the eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe, it’s time to end your trip with some food. Here are the best restaurants on the east side:
Edgewood Restaurant: Another restaurant with excellent sunset views over Lake Tahoe. Here, you’ll find a global cuisine in a beautiful setting with windows that span from the floor to the ceiling.
Casey’s: Come here for breakfast, lunch or dinner for classic American food. Get Casey’s special when you’re here. If you’re here on a Monday night, you’ll be entertained by live music.
El Agaveño Mexican Bistro and Seafood: For traditional Mexican food, come here. Try the yummy chicken enchiladas and other items that are well-priced.
Here’s a brief list of the Lake Tahoe 3-day itinerary:
Day 1
- Helicopter Tour
- Shops and Casinos in South Lake Tahoe
Day 2
- Kings Beach
- Eagle Rock
- Sugar Pine Point State Park
- Emerald Bay State Park
- Eagle Falls
Day 3
- Scenic Overlook on Mount Rose Highway
- Memorial Point Scenic Overlook
- Sand Harbor
- Cave Rock
What To Add If You Have 4-7 Days In Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers many things to see and do. To see and do the most in Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to spend at least 3-7 days there. Here’s what you can do if you’ve got a few more days in Lake Tahoe:
Winter Activities In Lake Tahoe
If this isn’t your first time at Lake Tahoe, then you already know all the sections of Lake Tahoe.
So we recommend taking advantage of the snow activities here if you’re visiting during the winter months. Lake Tahoe’s region brings in inches of snow annually so there’s snow for everyone!
There are a variety of skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing activities in the area. You should plan your trip for January or February – this is when there is typically most snow on the ground.
However, if you’d like to check out the area’s ski resorts without spending the big bucks on ski passes and rentals, March is also an excellent option. For skiing, you can get your ski rentals without waiting in long lines.
If you’re looking for a guided snowshoeing experience, try this one with Tahoe Outdoor Adventures. Add these to your Lake Tahoe winter itinerary!
Summer Activities In Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination all year round, but summer is the busiest time of year. If you want to visit at this time, be mentally prepared for heavy traffic and crowds.
There are ways to avoid some of the biggest crowds, though. For example, staying in a less-busy part of the lake or getting up early can help you miss some of the worst traffic.
Another way to ensure that you will be with fewer crowds is selecting a couple of tours! These tours are limited to a couple of people at a time and you will be able to see and do the most at Lake Tahoe with the professionals.
For a little bit more of a workout, the Half-Day Coastal Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour is definitely a must. In this tour, you will get an e-bike, a bike lock, a bike helmet and bike rack for the tour.
You’ll be riding along the Tahoe East Shore Trail on a self-guided tour that starts and ends at Incline Village. This trail contains some of the best views in Lake Tahoe, so don’t miss out!
Cruising on a private boat is one of the most popular things to do in Lake Tahoe (if you have more time) and it is definitely worth putting money into.
If you have ever wanted to feel like a millionaire without all the hassle, booking a private boat charter on Emerald Bay is it! The bay is gorgeous and there are so many neat places like Fannette Island and D.L. Bliss State Park that you’ll get closer to with your private charter.
If you’re looking for another cruise option that’s less pricey and eco-friendly, book this 2-hour sailing cruise that includes complimentary drinks on board.
Add some of these activities to your Lake Tahoe summer itinerary.
All Year Round Activities In Lake Tahoe
There are lots of activities that you can do all year round in Lake Tahoe. Here are a few:
Try out a photography tour where your guide will show you all kinds of Lake Tahoe gems to capture on a camera.
Take a guided day trip to Yosemite that is super scenic and lets you get off and take pictures at different stops in Yosemite National Park.
Spend a few hours in Truckee, a nearby cute town. Explore its shops and restaurants, drive through Donner Pass and hike around Donner Memorial State Park.
What to Do If You Have 1-2 Days
Lake Tahoe 1 Day Itinerary
If you’ve got just one full day to spend in Lake Tahoe, we recommend spending time around South Lake Tahoe. Start your day at Firesign Cafe – a small but perfectly formed cafe with an extensive menu serving up delicious food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
After filling up on some yummy lunch, head to Emerald Bay State Park, where you’ll find one of the most picturesque views in all of Lake Tahoe. Take a short hike to Vikingsholm Castle or hike to Eagle Falls and enjoy unparalleled views.
After spending some time exploring Emerald Bay, head south toward South Lake Tahoe and stop at roadside turnouts along the way to take in the stunning scenery.
1 Day In Lake Tahoe
- Lunch at Firesign Cafe in Tahoe City
- Emerald Bay State Park
- Vikingsholm Castle
- Eagle Falls
- Heavenly Village
- Dinner at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe 2 Day Itinerary
For a 2 day itinerary, you can check out South Lake Tahoe and explore other parts of the lake. On the first day, head to Kiva Beach in South Lake Tahoe. It’s on the southern tip of Lake Tahoe. Kiva Beach is one of the best Lake Tahoe beaches.
Kiva Beach is a dog-friendly beach and perfect for relaxing and getting away from the bustle of the town. This is a great place to spend a morning swimming, soaking up the sun, and enjoying nature. Grab some lunch at Beacon Bar & Grill near the beach.
After this, it’s time to get in some activity! Head into Emerald Bay State Park and hike to Eagle Falls. It’s one of my favorite hikes near South Lake Tahoe. The hike itself is beautiful, but the best part is that you’ll see Eagle Falls with Emerald Bay in the background – a truly spectacular view!
Get pizza at Base Camp Pizza Co. for dinner. Spend your second day on the east side of Lake Tahoe. First head to Cave Rock for a thrilling hike to the top.
Enter Sand Harbor and spend the rest of your day walking, swimming, or on a kayak tour around Sand Harbor.
Finish your 2-day Lake Tahoe trip by getting dinner in Carson City at The Basil Restaurant. You would be exhausted after the 2-day activities but if not, explore Carson City’s nightlife.
2 Days In Lake Tahoe
- Day 1
- Kiva Beach
- Lunch at Beacon Bar & Grill in South Lake Tahoe
- Eagle Falls
- Dinner at Base Camp Pizza Co. in South Lake Tahoe
- Day 2
- Cave Rock
- Lunch & Kayaking Tour at Sand Harbor
- Sand Harbor
- Dinner at The Basil Restaurant in Carson City
How To Get To Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in both California and Nevada. The easiest way to get to Lake Tahoe is by driving there.
It’s about a 45-min drive from Reno, NV, and 4 hours from San Francisco (making for a perfect weekend getaway).
If you are coming from Los Angeles, you will be looking at anywhere within an 8-9 hour drive. However, if you don’t want to drive yourself, there are plenty of other options available to you.
Greyhound offers bus routes directly into Reno and Truckee making it fairly easy to get there that way. The closest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport that’s 45 minutes away from Lake Tahoe.
Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: Bluelake Inn @ Heavenly Village
Mid-Priced Option: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino
Lux Option: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Lake Tahoe is a destination with endless lodging options for travelers, so where you stay affects your Lake Tahoe experience.
The south shore is much more popular than the north shore, which means it will be more crowded and may have less of a sense of quiet serenity.
However, the south shore has some great beaches for swimming on warm days. If you’re planning to spend the summer in Lake Tahoe this might be a good option for you if that’s what you’re looking for.
In contrast, the north shore is less popular so things are more remote and quieter there. For example, if you like hiking and mountain biking then this might be a better option because it’s wilder than the south shore and has some good trails to explore.
We stayed in North Lake Tahoe at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa And Casino and loved it! From the outside, it looks like a hotel resort but on the inside, you get cabin vibes. Plus there are many places to eat in and around Hyatt.
What To Pack For Lake Tahoe
When it comes to packing for Lake Tahoe, your packing list depends on the visiting season. In the winter, Lake Tahoe temperatures drop to 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack warmly for a winter visit with a thick coat, hat and gloves, and snow boots.
On the other hand, summer temperatures in Lake Tahoe average out at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a great temperature to spend time in the lake’s cool waters so bring a bathing suit or a wetsuit (if you plan to be in the waters longer)!
Pack shorts, t-shirts and sandals as well. If you’re planning to hike, don’t forget to pack sturdy hiking gear. But for every season, make sure you’re packing these essentials:
- Water (carry at least a bottle of water per person with this reusable water bottle)
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- A backpack with a small cooler to keep your drinks fresh on the beach
Lake Tahoe has a more casual vibe than other popular California destinations like Napa Valley so unless you’re going somewhere fancy in South Lake Tahoe, don’t bring anything too dressy.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that you enjoyed this guide and it gave you some ideas on how to spend 1-7 days in Lake Tahoe. If you have any questions, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions:
How many days is enough in Lake Tahoe?
We recommend at least 3 full days in Lake Tahoe so that you have time to explore all of the beautiful natural wonders in this area, but keep in mind that there are many things to see and do here!
The number of days you spend in Lake Tahoe depends on your travel style and what you want to do. If you are the type of traveler who likes to take it easy and soak up the vibe of a place, then 3-5 days is plenty.
On the other hand, if you like to be on the go and see as much as possible, then 5+ days is better. But honestly, you could spend weeks exploring the lake.
How long does it take to drive all the way around Lake Tahoe?
The 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe takes about three hours and is best to start early in the morning to avoid traffic.
You’ll see lakeside mansions and expansive beaches where you can stop for a dip in the cool water. If you’re looking for sweeping views of Lake Tahoe as well as several places to take photos, this is an excellent choice.
If you’d like to venture off the beaten path and see some of Lake Tahoe’s many hiking trails, take a bike trip instead. If you want to bike around Lake Tahoe, it will take 6-8 hours depending on how many stops you make along the way.
Whether you’re visiting in a car or by bike, it’s worth taking some time to make your way around the lake.
What is the best time of year to visit Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe is great to visit during any of the four seasons but summer is the most popular time of year to visit Lake Tahoe. It’s the warmest period with the most sunshine. It can get chilly at night so bring layers!
Summer is also when you’ll find more water activities open around the lake. But if you’re looking to travel to Lake Tahoe when there are fewer crowds, a good time to visit is during the off-season between September and November.
In the summer, it gets extremely busy with tourists, and crowds are often unmanageable. By traveling during the off-season, you’ll beat some of these crowds and make your trip a more enjoyable experience.
What is the prettiest part of Lake Tahoe?
The entire lake is pretty but with its deeper blue color, the South Lake Tahoe side of the lake is often considered more beautiful than North Lake Tahoe.
Plus the gorgeous Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe makes the south side prettier than the north side. Plus its water is 99.9% pure making it one of the purest large lakes in the world.
How deep is Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe has a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, making it the second deepest lake in the U.S., behind Crater Lake in Oregon (1,949 ft.). Being this deep means that water remains cool even during the summer months – a nice escape from hot weather onshore.
The deepest parts of the lake are Crystal Bay at 1,637 feet and Rubicon Point at 1,645 feet. Additionally, because of its height of 6,224 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe looks larger than it actually is. It’s amazing to behold!
Final Thoughts
If you love water and feel like you can’t get enough of it, Lake Tahoe is the place for you. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend or a week-long getaway.
You can fit a lot into a trip here, but make sure you have time to explore all sides of the lake. And now that you know the best ways to spend three days at Lake Tahoe, it’s time to start planning your trip.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
11 Easy Lake Tahoe Hikes To Do
13 South Lake Tahoe Beaches To Visit
11 Best Boat Tours In Lake Tahoe
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