Lake Tahoe is a breathtakingly beautiful alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With its crystal-clear waters, Lake Tahoe provides some of the world's most stunning views along with plenty of fun recreational activities. No matter what type of Tahoe experience you're looking for, this place has something to offer everyone. The beauty of Lake Tahoe makes for the perfect vacation destination. It truly is one of the most majestic and beautiful locations in the United States. The lake is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. It is known for its crystal-clear, blue-green waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With a maximum depth of 1,645 feet and an average depth of 1,000 feet, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States and the tenth deepest lake in the world. The lake's average surface elevation is 6,225 feet above sea level, and it contains an estimated 39 trillion gallons of water. That's enough to cover the entire state of California in 14.5 inches of water.

Lake Tahoe is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, and mule deer. The lake is also a popular vacation spot, offering a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, and hiking. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for all. With its breathtaking views and abundance of outdoor activities, Lake Tahoe is sure to provide a memorable experience with nature for all who visit.

Spend a day exploring the lake's many beaches and coves, or take a boat out for an unforgettable experience during the hot Summer months. For the more adventurous types, take a hike around the lake to take in the breathtaking beauty of the area. In the Winter months, take advantage of the region's famous local ski resorts and snow parks. For a memorable experience, take a scenic drive around the lake or explore the area's many trails. Sample the delicious cuisine offered by the many restaurants in the area. You can also visit the local casinos on the Nevada side of the state lines for a night of bright lights, entertainment, and fun.

Where To Stay

North Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Here you can find a variety of activities, from sandy beaches to great restaurants and shopping, as well as plenty of outdoor activities. The popular Tahoe City and Kings Beach communities provide plenty of things to do and see, as well as spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

For those looking to have a little fun, the South Shore has a number of casinos, resorts, and spas that make it a great weekend getaway, along with group gatherings such as bachelor/bachelorette parties. There are also plenty of amazing golf courses, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities in the area, making it an ideal spot for a family vacation.

We stayed at the Cedar Crest Cottages located on West Shore. Each cabin is so cute and full of character and I loved the vibe of the modern little trendy mountainous decor. We loved being able to get up and make breakfast in the full kitchen with dishes and everything we needed. Then, we would take a scenic walk by all the cabins and beach area every morning. It was probably one of my favorite things on our trip. The cottages would be so perfect for families or groups of friends going on trips! The cabin also has a washer and dryer, ironing board and complimentary laundry pods making it helpful for longer stays. You also have beach access across the street from the Cedar Crest Cottages. They even have the perfect little campfire setup for a night full of laughs and fun!

Dining

Lake Tahoe is a paradise for foodies, offering a wide variety of restaurants to suit any taste. From romantic restaurants to casual eateries, there is something for everyone in this stunning city. To help you plan your visit, here is a Lake Tahoe City Guide featuring some of the city’s most popular restaurants. Here is a list of our favorites:

Lone Eagle Grill - Located in Incline Village. This should be one of your top stops, and not just for the food alone. This restaurant has the most gorgeous views of the lake and one of the widest sandy beachy areas that we saw around the lake! We walked out to the water and enjoyed the view, stunning!

Driftwood Cafe - You know you're at the right place when it's packed full of locals! As soon as we sat down to breakfast we saw plenty of regulars and locals coming in and out! The breakfast was great and the staff was so friendly!

Edgewood Restaurant - If you are looking for an elegant place for dinner with one amazing view of the lake and a scenic golf course, look no further. The famous luxury Edgewood Resort is also a hotel, spa, and golf course, and has 2 other restaurants. For those golf fans out there, the resort golf course hosts a yearly PGA tournament full of celebrities and famous athletes paired up with a PGA pro. This is a great place to visit and if you are looking to stay in South Lake Tahoe in luxury. This place is packed full of amenities and I would highly recommend staying here.

Base Camp Pizza - Such a great place to enjoy delicious pizza and craft brews and enjoy live entertainment! Located in the Heavenly Village which is surrounded by tons of shopping and next to the gondola that will take you up the mountain to the Heavenly Ski Village!

Things to Do

Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination offering a range of activities for all types of travelers. Here is a guide to the best things to do in the area.

Cruising on the lake: Take a boat tour and explore the emerald waters of Lake Tahoe. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the lake is one of the largest and deepest alpine lakes in the world. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a taste of the local culture as you cruise along the lake.

Hiking at Mount Tallac: Enjoy a challenging hike to the top of Mount Tallac and take in the stunning views. From the summit, you’ll get a panoramic view of the entire Lake Tahoe area, making it a must-do activity for all hikers.

A Scenic Tour: We booked a tour with "Get Your Guide" and found the best tour! The one I picked was with a professional photographer who teaches you his art while showing you the landscape. He took us to the most beautiful spots in all of Lake Tahoe! Many of them were secret spots he loves to go to and photograph. He made the day so fun for us and he knew so much about the art of photography and the local land. He was even a photojournalism major and an art professor at the local community college in Lake Tahoe.

Lake Drive: This is one big lake and can take you hours without stopping just to circle the entire thing. However, the drive is beautiful. I highly recommend hopping in the car and taking a slow, enjoyable scenic drive around the lake, making plenty of stops along the way at the many villages to check out their local shops!! Incline Village is on the Northern side of the lake. Incline Village along with South Lake Tahoe are the two areas that will offer the most entertainment on the lake, but all the different villages have their unique charm and this made every last mile of the drive well worth it.

North Tahoe Arts - North Tahoe Arts is a not-for-profit arts organization located in Lake Tahoe that offers a wide variety of art exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. The organization has two galleries located in Tahoe City and Kings Beach, showcasing works by local, regional, and international artists. In addition to exhibiting art, North Tahoe Arts also offer workshops and classes in painting, drawing, photography, and other visual arts.

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park: Visitors can find skiing and snowboarding for all levels of experience here. The park has two ski lifts, two terrain parks, and a tubing hill, as well as special events and activities throughout the Winter season. Ski and snowboard rentals are available on-site, and experienced instructors are available for lessons. The park is conveniently located in the heart of Tahoe City, making it easy to access for visitors. Not only is the park an excellent spot for families to come and enjoy the mountain experience, but there are also a variety of other winter activities available nearby, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. If you are looking for thrilling Winter destinations and activities Tahoe City Winter Sports Park is the place to go for all outdoor fun on the mountain.

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park: The perfect activity for a day of fun. Located in South Lake Tahoe, the park offers an aerial obstacle course that is sure to bring out the inner daredevil in everyone. With courses ranging from easy to expert, there is something for all ages and skill levels. The courses include zip lines, rope bridges, suspended logs, cargo nets, and more. Safety equipment is provided, and the park offers group rates and special events, making it an ideal choice for a family outing, team-building exercise, or birthday parties. The views of Lake Tahoe from the treetops are breathtaking, making the experience even more memorable. Visitors of all ages will love the thrill of Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park and the views of the lake from the treetops.

Other Winter Sports at Lake Tahoe: Spend your days skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and get a unique experience with a snowmobile tour. If you're feeling adventurous, strap on a pair of snowshoes and trek through the snow-covered trails or go on a winter hike to experience the stunning scenery surrounding Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a classic Winter experience and ice skate on the pristine lake waters of Lake Tahoe. Get a truly magical experience and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Winter wonderland. Don't forget to witness the breathtaking sunsets from the shore of Lake Tahoe and finish the day off with hot cocoa by the fire after a day of winter fun.

Emerald Bay State Park- Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most popular and beautiful parks in the area. With its stunning granite cliffs, turquoise waters, and lush forests, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also has a visitor center that provides educational programs and interpretive displays about the natural history of the area. One of the most iconic sights in Emerald Bay State Park is Eagle Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that is one of the most photographed in the world. The park is also home to the historic Vikingsholm Castle, a 19th-century estate open to the public. Whether you're looking for an afternoon of outdoor activities or a romantic evening, Emerald Bay State Park is the perfect place to explore and experience all that Lake Tahoe has to offer. This stunning area is home to Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style castle, and the Emerald Bay State Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Emerald Bay from the lake or take a hike to the stunning Eagle Falls.