Lake Tahoe straddles California and Nevada and is the largest alpine lake in North America. With depths of up to 1,600 feet, it is also the second deepest lake in the world. The lake was formed over 2 million years ago and is one of only 20 lakes in the world to be considered ancient.
With crystal clear cobalt blue water, thick alpine forests, and the staggering mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada range, it is a photographer’s and outdoor enthusiast’s dream!
There is so much to do and see in the area, but here are a few of our recommended things to do in Lake Tahoe.
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*Updated May 2024
5 Awesome Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Table of Contents
- 1. Visit Emerald Bay State Park
- 2. Play at Historic Camp Richardson
- 3. Kayak at Sand Harbor and Secret Cove
- 4. Hang out at King’s Beach State Recreation Area
- 5. Hike Eagle Rock
1. Visit Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park is the gem of Lake Tahoe and is tucked into the southwest corner of the lake.
This picturesque cove is home to Vikingsholm, a lavish fjord-style summer home. It is also where you’ll find the only island on the entire lake.
There are two trails that you can take to hike down to Vikingsholm Beach at Emerald Bay.
One option is the Vikingsholm Trail, a short but steep 1-mile descent down to the beach.
To access the trail, park at the Emerald Bay Overlook Vikingsholm parking lot. The cost is $10 and the lot is relatively small.
This is also a popular lookout point so the lot gets filled up quickly. You may find yourself circling around trying to find a spot.
Hike a portion of the Rubicon Trail
I would recommend the second option, parking at The Upper Eagle Point Campground and taking the Rubicon Trail. Entrance to the campground is $10 for a day-use pass and there is plenty of parking.
Park near the trailhead then take the shaded 1.6-mile trail down to the Vikingsholm Beach.
Although this trail is a little longer, it is a more gradual descent and your lungs will be thanking you on the way back up!
The Rubicon Hiking Trail is considered the most scenic hiking trail at Lake Tahoe (not to be confused with Tahoe’s legendary Rubicon 4×4 trail).
The Rubicon Trail connects Emerald Bay State Park and DL Bliss State Park. The trail is 7 miles from Upper Eagle Point Campground to Rubicon Point (14 miles round trip).
However, if you do not have time to complete the entire trail, the hike down to Vikingsholm Beach will give you a great taste of the beauty of the Rubicon Trail.
This trail offers mesmerizing views as the trail skirts along the bay.
Tour the Vikingsholm castle
Once you reach the main beach, you’ll find picnic tables, a visitor center, gift shop, Fannette Island, and the opulent Vikingsholm castle.
Vikingsholm is a Scandinavian inspired mansion that was built in 1929 as a summer home for Mrs. Lora Knight.
She also built a teahouse to entertain guests atop Fannette Island, whose crumbling walls can still be seen.
In the summer months, guided tours of Vikingsholm are offered every half hour for $15/person.
Visitors are also free to just wander around the grounds and appreciate the outside architecture of the home.
Kayak to the teahouse on Fannette Island
Kayak Tahoe is also located on the beach and offers rentals if you want to paddle out to Fannette Island and take the short hike up to the teahouse remains.
Rates are $25/hour for a single kayak or paddleboard, and $35/hour for a double kayak. Rentals are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, so I would recommend arriving right when they open at 9:30 am to ensure you get one.
Hike to Eagle Falls
As you head back up the Rubicon Trail from Vikingsholm, you’ll see a spur trail leading to the Lower Eagle Falls. The trail is a short but steep 0.2 miles to the base of the falls.
When we visited in early September there was only a trickle of water running down the granite face. I have heard that in the spring the rushing falls are an impressive sight.
From the road, you can also access the Upper Eagle Falls Trail for a view of the falls and Emerald Bay from above.
Explore underwater
If you have scuba gear and a sense of adventure, you can discover an underwater museum.
On the south side of the bay, you’ll find a buoy marking the location of two barges and an underwater monument that are submerged 35 feet underwater.
Visibility can often reach up to 100 feet so it is also possible to catch a glimpse of the barges from a boat or kayak if the conditions are right.
If you head to the north shore of the bay, you’ll discover Boat Camp. Here you’ll find what remains of the historic Emerald Bay Resort and Camp.
Just off the shore underwater, you’ll find the remains of a collection of recreational boats referred to as the “miniature fleet”. There is also an old pier and diving platform that elicit memories of what this resort once was.
Inspiration Point Overlook
Once you hike back up, return to your vehicle and drive south along Hwy 89. The road will climb up to some impressive viewpoints.
I especially love this particular stretch of road high above Lake Tahoe on one side and Cascade Lake on the other.
But Inspiration Point is my favorite scenic lookout. The lot is large, parking is free, and they have informational plaques and viewfinders at the overlook.
As you continue driving you’ll see several more unmarked spots where you can pull over and take in the view.
As you keep driving around the bay, you’ll reach the Emerald Bay Overlook Vikingsholm parking lot that I mentioned previously.
Parking is $10 and the lot is often full, but if you do snag a spot you can capture the most photographed location in all of Lake Tahoe. This iconic view over the lake is considered the best place to watch the sunrise.
2. Play at Historic Camp Richardson
Camp Richardson is giving me all the summer camp vibes! With golden sand beaches and rustic wooden docks, it feels as if it belongs on the set of a Disney summer camp movie.
Families have been flocking to these shores and jumping off these wooden docks for the past 100 years.
Today guests can rent a modest cozy cabin or stay in the historic hotel. Many also just opt to visit for the day.
Dine at the Beacon Restaurant which sits right on the shore with views over the lake. Or pick up a sweet treat at the ice cream parlor or general store.
If you want to get on the water and play, rentals are available at the dock for everything from ski boats to kayaks.
Boat rentals start at $370/2 hours, Waverunners are $139/hr, kayaks are $35/hr, paddleboards are $40/hr, and pedal boats are $30/hr for a two-seater.
You can also find great deals for boat rentals from Boatsetter which has convenient rental locations on both the south and north shore of Tahoe.
Scenic bay cruises are also available where you can experience the beauty of Emerald Bay from the water. You can also book a Vikingsholm Cruise which includes a tour of the Vikingsholm summer home.
Or if you prefer, just find a nice shaded spot along the shores of Pope Beach to relax. As a funny side note, you can find YouTube videos of bears playing in the water at Pope Beach, so keep your eye out!
3. Kayak at Sand Harbor and Secret Cove
Sand Harbor is located within the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and can be accessed with a $10 state park fee.
The pristine water, sandy cove, unique boulders, and easy access to the water make it one of the most popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. However, due to its popularity, the parking lot often fills up within a half-hour of opening at 8 am.
When we visited, I was planning to go later in the afternoon to see if we could grab a spot as someone was leaving. What I didn’t realize is that once the lot is full they close it and don’t open it again until after 5 pm. At least that was the case when we visited on a busy Labor Day weekend.
Water sport rentals are also available on the beach from Sand Harbor Rentals. Reservations are highly recommended, but they only take reservations for the 8:30 am slot due to the parking lot closure.
You can also book a guided Clear Kayak Tour at Sand Harbor where you are guaranteed access to the harbor.
I was disappointed that we weren’t able to visit this beach, but we decided to head a little further south to Secret Cove instead.
Secret Cove is no longer the secret that it once was, but it is much less crowded than Sand Harbor and every bit as picturesque, if not more.
However, it comes with a huge disclaimer: this is a nudist beach. If you want to avoid finding yourself in an uncomfortable situation, I recommend coming early in the morning or later in the evening on a weekday during the summer months.
Instead of venturing down to the beach and mingling with the nudists, we decided to explore to the right.
We hiked along the boulder-laden shoreline and discovered little private secluded pools to dip our feet in.
It was the perfect respite from the crowds and a great spot to watch the sunset.
There is no designated parking for Secret Cove, but there is ample street parking along Hwy 89. We just put “Secret Cove” into Google Maps then parked on the street above the cove.
It is a steep 1/4 mile or so down until the trail connects to FS Route 1566. From here there will be a sign directing you to Secret Cove about another 1/4 mile.
Parking is also available at the nearby Chimney Beach parking lot, but it is often full. I believe it is about a mile or so walk to Secret Cove from the parking lot.
And if you have time, stop by Chimney Beach to see the random large stone chimney that sits on the beach!
If you have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can also launch at Sand Harbor then paddle the 5 miles down to Secret Cove.
4. Hang out at King’s Beach State Recreation Area
King’s Beach is the most popular beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and can be easily accessed from the center of the town.
There are paid lots and plenty of street parking available. The ease of access makes it a summer hot spot.
When we visited, almost every square inch of the long stretch of golden sand was covered with people.
It was a family-friendly environment just buzzing with summer energy. With colorful umbrellas, sunkissed shoulders, ice cream drips, unicorn floaties, hamburgers sizzling on portable grills, and shrieks of laughter.
Watersport rentals are also available at a few different retailers.
And when you’ve had your share of the beach and the crowds, walk into town and grab a bite to eat or a refreshing ice cream cone.
I would highly recommend Sweet Tahoe Time, their ice cream is delicious and they have a charming little outdoor dining area.
5. Hike Eagle Rock
Lake Tahoe is becoming increasingly busier in the summer months, but thankfully the lake is massive enough that it is still possible to find secluded areas away from the crowds.
Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide with approximately 72 miles of shoreline. It would take nearly 3 hours to drive around the entire lake!
One of our favorite spots to escape the crowds is Eagle Rock. The west shore of Lake Tahoe tends to see fewer visitors and this is where you can find the Eagle Rock Trail.
The short but steep .5 mile trail leads up to a sublime view sweeping over the lake.
We went at sunset and watched in solitude as the sky was bathed in a deep ruby red.
We made our way back down in the twilight and ended the night with dinner on the outdoor patio at Fat Cat Bar & Grill in Tahoe City.
Other things to do in Lake Tahoe:
- Ride the Flume bike trail: Take the shuttle to the top of the trail then ride the scenic 14 miles down. Bike rentals are $46 and the shuttle ride is $18.
- Bonsai Rock: This large boulder with four small trees growing out of a crack on the top has become a popular spot for photos and cliff jumping.
- Meeks Bay: This quiet and charming area on the west shore has a relaxed vibe, white sandy beaches, and picturesque docks.
- DL Bliss State Park: This beautiful park on the west shore is home to secluded beaches, hiking trails, and the historic Rubicon Point Lighthouse. Be sure to check out the beautiful beach at Calaway Cove.
- Heavenly Resort: During the summer months, visitors can ride the gondola, mountain coaster, and Blue Streak Zipline. Heavenly Village is also a vibrant area with shops and restaurants.
- Clearly Tahoe: Glide across the clear water in a see-through kayak. For a unique experience, book a night-time LED stargazing tour! A cooler with water and snacks is included, as well as sunscreen and a Bluetooth waterproof speaker.
- Brockway Hot Springs: The Brockway Hot Springs can be found right on the shore about a 0.7-mile paddle south of Kings Beach.
- Happy Hour Cruise: Take a one-hour happy hour cruise on a yacht during golden hour for only $49, including a drink! The Tahoe Serenity Yacht departs from the Roundhill Pines Marina. If you’re hungry, order dinner from the Roundhill Beach Resort Grill and they will deliver it to you right on the beach!
- Eagle Lake: If you’re craving isolation in nature, take the 1.8-mile hike to Eagle Lake. On a calm day the lake mirrors the surrounding mountain peaks. The trail also leads to the Upper Eagle Falls. A permit is required and can be purchased at the trailhead.
- Van Sickle Bi-State Park: This state park sits right on the California/Nevada border. The border is painted on the road and makes for a great photo-op.
We absolutely loved our first trip to Lake Tahoe and can’t wait to go back, just preferably not on a holiday weekend! I hope this guide will help as you plan the best things to do in Lake Tahoe!
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- Take a Day Trip to Historic Truckee from Lake Tahoe
- 9 Secret Spots at Lake Powell
- A Family-friendly Guide to Lake Havasu
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