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Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake straddling the border of California and Nevada, and it is just west of Carson City, Nevada. This lake is the 6th largest by volume in the United States, trailing only the five Great Lakes. The beautiful panorama of mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe and the clarity of its waters has made it a popular destination for tourism.
Visitors can enjoy Lake Tahoe year-round because of its many natural and artificial attractions. In addition, there are tons of outdoor summer recreation and winter sports activities. Lake Tahoe also has many casinos, restaurants, and historical locations.
With so much to offer, it is no wonder that Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to stay for your next adventure out west!
Best Areas to Stay Around Lake Tahoe
Finding the best areas to stay around Lake Tahoe will depend on your reason for the visit and the time of year when you go. With so much to see and do, you may want to spend your time exploring more than just one part.
Do you want an exciting holiday away with active nightlife? Would you prefer a serene location to kick back and relax? Is hiking or sightseeing more to your liking? The south side provides more places to stay and enjoy everything the lake life offers, while the northern area is less developed and attracts visitors looking for a quieter holiday.
The best part of Lake Tahoe is that it has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for visitors no matter what season it is.
Kings Beach
Liveliest in the summer, Kings Beach is a funky little beach town that attracts tourists with its vintage flair. Diners on every corner, knick-knack shops, and old-timey hotels make this a great place to stay on your Lake Tahoe vacation.
Visitors can take a hiking tour, rent a bike, hit the trails, or spend some time at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. However, if you visit the area during the winter months, hitting the slopes is easy with an ample selection for equipment rentals, lessons, and lift tickets to local mountains.
Jason’s Beachside Grille is a local favorite, serving up American classics with a spectacular view of the lake from their lakefront deck. Finally, stop by The Robin’s Nest, a local treasure shop, if shopping is your thing. Find that perfect gift for someone back home, or get a souvenir t-shirt for yourself from the Tahoe-style shop.
Carnelian Bay
Carnelian Bay is a sight to behold, named for the semi-precious yellow and red stones scattered on the shoreline. It was a popular spot for recreational boating and boat races in the 1930s and 1940s, while today, it is an annual destination for wooden boat enthusiasts to come for the Concours d’Elegance wooden boat show.
Another major draw to Carnelian Bay is for anglers to try their luck catching Mackinaw trout. Guided fishing tours here can help you reel in your perfect catch. Alternatively, visitors can learn how to wakeboard or participate in a jet ski tour around the lake.
If you are out and about, do not forget to stop by Patton Landing – Watermans Landing, a gourmet coffeehouse.
Ridgewood
Ridgewood offers a more authentic local experience without all of the tourist buzzes. Located just south of Carnelian Bay, Ridgewood is a more quiet place to stay. However, it is still close enough to Carnelian Bay and Dollar Point that attractions are available.
This location is a good option for those outdoor enthusiasts that love seclusion in the woods without being bothered. One popular reason visitors come to Ridgewood is their ample skiing options. You can choose between the Sugar Bowl, a Bavarian-style ski resort, the Palisades Tahoe, or other exceptional choices for a day filled with fun on the slopes.
The waters in the Ridgewood area are crystal-clear, making it an ideal spot to go kayaking. You even have the option of renting a see-through kayak to enjoy every part of your kayak tour, even the bottom of the lake.
If you prefer a little excitement in your next holiday, you should check out the Tahoe Vista Treetop. They offer aerial adventure parks and ziplining to provide a thrill you will not get by sitting on a beach.
Dollar Point
Dollar Point on Lake Tahoe is an excellent stay for outdoor enthusiasts. It encompasses many recreational areas, including:
- Burton Creek State Park
- Dollar Creek Trailhead
- Dollar Point Tennis and Beach
- Lake Forest Beach
- Lake Forest Campground
- Pomin Park
- Skylandia State Park and Beach
- Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area
After hiking and exploring, stop by Bacchi’s Inn, a local Italian eatery with roots from 1932. After dinner, head to Sugar Pine Cakery & Cafe for some made-from-scratch baked goods, “just like your Granny made it.”
One must-see attraction in Dollar Point is the Vikingsholm Castle. If you enjoy stepping back into history and learning about the past, there are many points of interest, historical sites, and tours to participate in while visiting.
If you are visiting in the summer and want the whole Lake Tahoe experience, head to Tahoe Waves to get great deals on boat rentals. They have it all; wakesurf, pontoons, and watersport boats. In addition, their pricing is all-inclusive – each boat containing a full tank of fuel, towable toys, coolers, and biminis!
Tahoe City
Arguably one of the prettiest places you will see, Tahoe City is bustling with life. It sits at the outlet of the Truckee River, with its first house erected in 1864. From winter to summer, Tahoe City has fun activities. Unique shops and delicious restaurants make for a fun day. Foodies can stop by Fire Sign Cafe for some down-home comfort food.
If you are looking for a terrific place for drinks and American grub, head on down to Bridgetender Tavern Restaurant and Bar. If you are a shopaholic, Tahoe City can satisfy your needs. Multiple shopping malls, including Cobblestone Center, Boatworks Shopping Mall, and Lighthouse Center, are all located in Tahoe City.
Finally, stop by Granlibakken Ski and Sled Hill for some snow-filled fun in the winter season. Alternatively, Commons Beach is a popular stop in the summer.
Homewood
The biggest tourist attraction in Homewood is Homewood Mountain Resort. It is a great place to go and enjoy the beautiful mountain sites by skiing or snowboarding down the Lake Tahoe mountains. Backcountry skiing is also an option at Homewood Mountain resort. They put on different events throughout the winter months, including DJs at Big Blue View Bar and Pipe Down Sound.
When you are ready for refueling after a hard day of skiing, look no further than Swiss Lakewood. A unique experience, Swiss Lakewood is known for its gourmet foods and vodka garden. Items from their menu include veal piccata, rack of lamb, and filet mignon.
In addition, West Shore is a wedding and event venue providing private lakefront views if you want to have a majestic mountain wedding.
Tahoma
Tahoma got its name by combining the individual words “Tahoe” and “home.” It was the site of cross-country skiing and the biathlon in the 1960 Winter Olympics because of insufficient space in nearby Squaw Valley.
Tahoma has multiple state parks, including the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, where you can see the grounds and estate year-round. Sugar Pine Point State Park is another must-see in Tahoma. This state park became viral from its train track leading into the water. The park is $10 per person and is open 8 am – 7 pm most days.
The Dog and Bear is a great neighborhood tavern to enjoy great food and conversation while on your stay in Tahoma.
Meeks Bay
If you prefer to get some exercise, head to Meeks Bay Trailhead to see some beautiful sites on moderate hiking trails during your stay in Meeks Bay. Meeks Bay Resort and Marina is just down the road from the trailhead.
Enjoy beachfront picnics while spending the day at Meeks Bay Beach. It sits on National Forest land and boasts expansive, clean beaches with beautiful water views that can instantly put anyone into vacation mode.
If you are not up for packing a picnic, head on out and eat at the Wa She Shu Grille. Avid bicyclists will love a visit to Meeks Bay, with it being one end of the West Shore Bike Path. The West Shore Bike Path runs from Tahoe City down to Meeks Bay, with a stop in nearby Tahoma.
Lake Valley
Lake Valley is the closest thing you will find to a natural Venice here in the States. Roads made of the lake make Lake Valley a scenic destination for your stay.
Activities in Lake Valley include paragliding at Lake Tahoe Paragliding. People of all ages can enjoy this recreational sport, but those under the age of 18 will need an adult guardian to fill out the paperwork.
Keys Beach is right at the edge of Lake Valley, and visitors do not need a membership to access it. There is ample parking just outside the marina, so you can pack everything you need for the day and enjoy the water. Pope Beach is another great attraction in the Lake Valley area for visitors to go and soak up the sun on a summer day or go for a chilly walk on the beach in the colder winter months.
Located near Camp Richardson, The Beacon Bar & Grill offers award-winning food in a beautiful dining setting. Also, enjoy their signature Rum Runner cocktail to take off the edge.
Lake Valley State Recreation Area offers several amenities for visitors, including museums, snowmobile rentals, golf, and more. No matter what time of the year you visit Lake Valley, you will have a spectacular time.
South Lake Tahoe
One of the biggest attractions in South Lake Tahoe is the “Heavenly Village,” a bustling downtown area that includes shops, restaurants, resorts, hotels, and casinos. South Lake Tahoe also has a unique experience where visitors can take a wine-tasting cruise on the lake at Tahoe Tastings.
Visitors looking to clear their minds can take a yoga class right on the sand with Lake Tahoe Yoga. Then, try your luck at one of the numerous golf courses in South Lake Tahoe to enjoy the landscape while hitting a few balls in the afternoon.
Another great way to enjoy South Lake Tahoe is to take to Heavenly Ski Resort slopes. Even if you visit the resort in the summer, go for a ride on their scenic gondola ride. Then, spend some time at Epic Discovery to get a unique look at its breathtaking views.
For those who love life on the water, rent a kayak or take a boat tour to get the full South Lake Tahoe experience. Avid anglers or those who want to try their hand at fishing can find sport fishing tours that will get you out on the water and help you hook your next prize catch.
There are many things to choose from for dining in South Lake Tahoe. If you are looking for an Italian eatery, stop by Scusa Italian Ristorante for upscale dining and entertainment.
Conclusion
Lake Tahoe has so many things to offer visitors of all ages and interests. Hiking, watersports, skiing, shopping, restaurants, and beach days are just some of the many things to do on your visit here. Take a road trip from one town to the next, exploring all of the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Pack the family up or take a group of friends out. No matter what time of year it is, Lake Tahoe has activities for those young and old. So head over to Nevada and explore the Eastern side of the sixth largest lake in the United States.
Find the best town for you, and book your stay soon, so you do not miss out on this beautiful, natural gem! We hope this article has helped you learn more about Lake Tahoe’s best places to stay and explore!
