Lake Tahoe is a world-renowned vacation destination for a reason. Along with the serene blue waters of the lake itself, the area offers mountain recreation year-round and a lively nightlife scene. It’s a unique combination that makes for long-lasting memories.
Booking a vacation rental is a great way to start your Lake Tahoe trip. Here are a few ideas for ways to make the most of your visit.
Find Fun on the Water at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake spans both California and Nevada, with more than 2.7 million visitors per year. Its beaches, both sandy and rocky, are popular summertime spots for sun worshippers and swimmers — although the water never warms up much past the upper 60s in temperature.
When in Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to get out on the water. Thrill seekers can participate in a number of water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, or speed boating, while those looking for a more peaceful experience may prefer a sailboat, cruise boat, or historic paddle boat. You can even view that famous blue water from above as you parasail over the lake. If it’s the view of a freshly caught fish that you crave, Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters offer great spots for fishing.
Explore Lake Tahoe in the Winter
With more than 40 feet of snow and 300 days of sun every year, Lake Tahoe’s 15 area resorts offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding anywhere. Heavenly, one of the most famous ski resorts, features lake views, a variety of terrain for everyone from beginners to experts, and fun après-ski options. There are also plenty of other ways to play in the snow, like tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even snow biking.
Tahoe takes après ski seriously, and even if you haven’t spent the day on the slopes, you can indulge in the fun. Whether you’re gathered around a fire pit or warming up in a cozy tavern, delicious drinks, food, and good times await.
Seek Outdoor Adventure Around Lake Tahoe
Winter isn’t the only time to enjoy the splendors of the Sierra Nevada. Once the snow melts, you can hike the mountains via a vast network of trails — whether you’re looking for an easy two-hour trek through alpine meadows or a full-on wilderness backpacking experience.
Like to move a little faster? Grab a mountain bike or explore trails on horseback. If you want to slow things down, take a gondola ride for a bird’s-eye view of both mountains and lake. A leisurely drive is a great way to soak in the lake’s 72 miles of coastline vistas — but you can get even closer via kayak or paddleboard on the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.
Lake Tahoe also hosts a strong lineup of live music and cultural events, including the Harveys Summer Concert Series, featuring big-name acts like Kenny Chesney and Phish.
Dive into Lake Tahoe’s Local Nightlife
In Lake Tahoe, visitors and locals play hard by day and by night, especially on the South Shore. Grab a German-style pint at Himmel House or head to The Pioneer Cocktail Club for an inventive craft cocktail. While both the California and Nevada sides offer bars, restaurants, music venues, and clubs, alcohol can be served 24 hours a day in Nevada— and gambling is legal, so you can test your luck at several casinos.
Get your Lake Tahoe Visitors Guide
If you’re up for adventure in the great outdoors or out on the town, Lake Tahoe offers an action-packed vacation. For more details on vacationing in the Lake Tahoe area and upcoming events, download the visitors guides for both North and South Lake Tahoe here:
Get your free North Lake Tahoe Visitors Guide
Get your free South Lake Tahoe Visitors Guide
Rest Easy with an Evolve Vacation Rental
The moment you book your vacation, you should start looking forward to your trip — not worrying about the little details. When you choose Evolve for your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, you can feel confident that the home you book will live up to our standards.
Every Evolve vacation rental you book comes with a team of hospitality experts, and we’re here to help make your stay more comfortable 24/7. To help you feel even more confident, we created The Rest Easy Promise: if a stay doesn’t match our standards, we’ll make it right.