23 Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe In Summer: Activities & Tips You Need To Know
Ever since I moved to the Bay Area, our trips to Lake Tahoe have always exceeded expectations. If you’re wondering what the hype is all about, here are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer.
Some of our amazing experiences include camping, scenic hikes, and exploring different sides of the lake. There’s just so much to do there whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hanging out with some outdoorsy friends, or just chilling.
Lake Tahoe is an epic summer destination that deserves its spot on your California road trip, and I’m here to help you make the most of your time here. I’ll also share some tips for visiting during this high season, including suggestions on getting around and where to stay.
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Must-do summer activities for first time visitors
If this is your first time to Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to start with some of the most iconic must-do activities. Perhaps you’ll recognize some of these spots from social media!
1. Visit Emerald Bay State Park
One of the best photography spots in Lake Tahoe is the lookout point overlooking Emerald Bay State Park and Fannette Island. It is especially scenic during sunrise and sunset, and I recommend going in the morning for fewer crowds.
If you want to explore further after admiring the view from above, head down to Vikingsholm via a 2-mile round trip hike. You can also take a tour of this 38-room mansion that reflects its Scandinavian architecture.
2. Chill at Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe (yes – that’s a thing) on the Northeast shore. It is easy to access from Reno and Incline Village, and offers the chance to chill on the beach or learn about Lake Tahoe via the short boardwalk trail.
We saw people jumping off boulders into the water, kayaking, and playing in the sand. You could also bring your lunch and a camp chair there for a picnic.
It’s crazy how blue the water is, and how impossibly smooth the boulders look. Although the beach is quite big relative to the others around Lake Tahoe, the parking lot does fill up quickly because it’s so popular.
3. Kayak or paddle board
Consider leaving your car behind and explore Lake Tahoe by kayaking or paddle boating. Since Lake Tahoe’s water is quite calm, you can explore nearby coves and secret beaches by paddling there.
There are options for kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals in Lake Tahoe. Alternatively, you can bring your own, such as this inflatable SUP. I personally love the idea of a clear-bottom kayak where you can actually see through to the clear water.
If you prefer to follow a local’s lead, sign up for a tour here to get the inside scoop on the hidden gems within Lake Tahoe. Even better, hop on a clear-bottom kayak tour from Sand Harbor. Since water sports are in high demand in summer, make sure to book in advance.
Romantic things to do
There’s something magical about a big blue lake, pine forests, and majestic mountains all around. It’s no surprise that even celebrities buy vacation homes in Lake Tahoe.
Here’s a wild idea – have your wedding elopement in Lake Tahoe and then enjoy some of these luxurious and unique activities as a celebration.
4. Helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe
Treat you and your loved one to a romantic helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe where you can admire the mountainous landscape along with the surrounding alpine lakes. Tours range from 10 to 45 minutes, mostly near Emerald Bay and Zephyr Cove but you also have the option to take a longer tour circling Lake Tahoe.
Imagine yourselves flying over Emerald Bay and overlooking Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake. You’ll get live commentary about the surroundings as you fly. Here’s the best part – it only costs $110 per person!
5. Cruise around in a private boat
There are a few ways to enjoy a cruise experience in Lake Tahoe. Whichever suits your budget, getting out on the water is pretty much a classic Lake Tahoe experience.
You can charter a yacht for private use (2 hours) for $640, and you have flexibility to choose the time slot when you make your reservation. I recommend picking the 7pm slot if you want to enjoy a sunset cruise. This one caught my eye because you have a little table that you can sit around and enjoy a drink along with a cheese board.
If you’re on a tighter budget, consider joining a small group sailboat tour for $140 per person. The nice thing about this option is that beverages are provided, and since it’s a sailboat you won’t be smelling the fuel. This tour also runs for 2 hours, and if you want to enjoy golden hour, book the 6pm slot.
6. Enjoy a beach day
If you want to keep it simple, you can spend time on the shores of Lake Tahoe’s beaches. Although beaches like Sand Harbor can get quite crowded, you can check out the quieter parts along the North shore such as Kings Beach.
You could also book a room in a hotel or resort that has private beach access, like Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort which has a 275-foot private beach. Wouldn’t it also be great to watch the sunrise and sunset from your room?
Alternatively, check out some of the secluded beaches on the East shore such as Chimney Beach. If you don’t mind a short hike to get to the beach, this would be great spot to hangout.
7. Take the Heavenly Mountain gondola
Another way to get sweeping bird’s eye view of the Lake Tahoe landscape would be to take a scenic gondola ride up Heavenly Mountain. From here, you can imagine what it’s like in winter when the whole mountain range is blanketed with snow and becomes a ski town.
After riding up 24 miles, you can stop at the observation deck for photos, snacks and drinks. From the top, you can also take the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster which zooms through the forest – powered by gravity. The combination of the gondola and coaster ride costs $117, and is a uniquely summer activity that typically opens in July.
8. Take an alpaca on a walk
I bet you didn’t know that there was an alpaca ranch near Lake Tahoe. Olde LYFE Alpacas is a ranch located near Carson City, about 45 minutes away from either Incline Village or South Lake Tahoe. It costs only $25 to visit the ranch and you’ll get some food to feed the alpacas and play with them.
You can also book a campsite on the ranch, where the alpacas might approach you out of the blue. We booked a night here via Hipcamp (use link to get $10 credit) and added on a “peaceful walk” for us to hang out with an alpaca each.
Adventurous things to do
Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to hike, camp, and enjoy the water, which keeps adventure junkies like us keep coming back for more. Hopefully you’ll get a glimpse of this during your time in Lake Tahoe, I know it’s going to be amazing!
9. Go for a hike or two
There are a variety of hikes in Lake Tahoe to suit different preferences. Here are some ideas to get you excited to explore the landscape on foot.
Besides, did you really go to Lake Tahoe if you didn’t hike there? Okay, I’m just kidding. But you really should try hiking here in summer! If you’re new to hiking, check out my recommendations of gear for beginners and budget hiking backpacks.
Easy hikes – also the first ones I tried in Lake Tahoe
- Monkey Rock Trail
- Rainbow Trail
Moderate hikes
- Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
- Eagle Lake Trail
- Cascade Falls Trail
- Cave Rock Trail
- Vikingsholm Trail
- Rubicon Trail
- Tamarack Lake Trail
Hard (and rewarding) hikes
- Mount Tallac
- Granite Lake and Maggies Peaks
- Lake Aloha
10. Float down Truckee River
Whether you’ve gone whitewater rafting before or you’re a first timer, you can sign up for a tour to float down Truckee River. It is just north of Lake Tahoe (40 minutes from Incline Village), near the historic town of Truckee.
This highly rated tour takes you from Boca to Floriston, starting slow in calm waters with swimmable pools, to more exciting rapids leading to Floriston Gorge. The entire tour takes 4.5 hours and covers 7 miles and only costs $100 per person.
If you’re coming to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area, consider stopping by Truckee for a fun splash in the rapids. You’ll have helmets, life jackets, and guides to help you get comfortable with the adventure.
11. Backpack in Desolation Wilderness
Desolation Wilderness is the backcountry area of Lake Tahoe, and every year backpackers rush to book their permits for summer. If you’ve only done front country camping, this is your sign to try backpacking.
One of the popular routes (also the one I booked for my first backpacking trip), is a 3-day journey to Lake Aloha where you’ll camp near Tamarack Lake and Lake Aloha. All these sights are exclusive to people who take the trip up into the Desolation Wilderness, and it’s definitely worth it!
Before you go, make sure to book your permits here and bring along a bear canister.
12. Parasailing over Lake Tahoe
Parasailing is an exciting activity where you’re attached to a parachute-like harness while being pulled by a speedboat. This pushes you above the water just like a kite where you can enjoy an alternative perspective of Lake Tahoe.
You can check for availability at Tahoe Sports and Zephyr Cove, and read more about the safety features on their website. Prices range from $90 to $115 per person depending on how high you want to go.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, put this on your list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer!
13. Rent an e-bike to tour the shores
Forget about the car! Just park it and hop on an e-bike to explore the shores more efficiently. They are perfect for handling the inclines along the trail, so you can reserve your energy for enjoying the experience.
This self-guided e-bike tour along Tahoe’s new East Shore Trail makes it easy for you to stop wherever you want to explore the hidden beaches between Incline Village and the famous Sand Harbor.
There will be helmets and bike locks included, and costs between $99.95 (3 hours) to $119.95 (4 hours) per person. Alternatively, you can also book it for the full day at $139.99.
14. Camp under the pine forest
Camping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself into Lake Tahoe’s surrounding, where you’re just a short walk away from the gorgeous lakes.
Fallen Leaf Campground is one of my favorite beginner-friendly campsites in California, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get started camping.
You can either bring a tent, hammock, or sleep in a roof top tent. To help you out, here’s a quick camping packing checklist that we always use. You can read this article for more tips on how to plan a camping trip.
Lastly, don’t forget to look up and try to spot the Milky Way in the summer night sky.
15. Zipline for the adrenaline rush
While you’re at Heavenly Mountain, you can also try their Hot Shot Zip Line that is 1,000 ft long (305 m) and brings you to speeds of up to 40 mph (64 kmh). If you book this adventure together with the Gondola ride, it costs $133 per person as a package.
16. Take on a treetop aerial course
If you’re with an adventurous group that’s looking to try something different, not so typical Lake Tahoe, check out Tahoe Treetop Adventure Parks.
They have several treetop parks near Tahoe City and Kings Beach (North-west side of Lake Tahoe). Here, you’ll get 2.5 hours to explore the various aerial elements and obstacle courses, with some sections of zip line that help you progress through the park.
Your experience here is self-paced and you can choose to do only the parts you’re comfortable with. For such a fun-packed session, it only costs between $60 to $85 per person. I’ll definitely find a chance to play here and feel like a teen again!
Relaxing things to do
Not all Lake Tahoe trips have to be adventure-packed or have a special reason. One of the best things about going to Lake Tahoe is that even if you didn’t manage to book any activities, there are still lots of ways you can relax here.
17. Enjoy live music
Whether you’re in Lake Tahoe for the night life, or want to enjoy golden hour with some live music, there are many events you can look forward to.
Most of these would be in South Lake Tahoe, and most people agree that it’s the liveliest place to be in summer. Here are some summer concerts to check out.
- Heavenly Village summer concert (free)
- Lakeview summer concert (free)
- BaseCamp Pizza daily live music
18. Go on a Beer Trail
If you’re visiting South Lake Tahoe and you like a good local craft beer, make sure to go on a Beer Trail. There have been more breweries here lately, so you’ll have plenty of options to check out.
- South Lake Brewing Co
- Lake Tahoe AleWorX
- The Hangar Taproom and Bottle Shop
- Cold Water Brewery & Grill
- Sidellis Lake Tahoe
- Stateline Brewery & Restaurant
19. Enjoy a spa day
Treat yourself to massages, facials, and wellness treatments in Lake Tahoe. There are various types of spas to choose from, especially in South Lake Tahoe.
For example, check out Spa Forest Bath where you get to sit in a traditionally-inspired Japanese Cedar Detox Bath. A couple’s session costs $130 per person and you’ll get to use a private spa room.
If hot springs are your thing, consider driving out to the closest hot springs near Lake Tahoe for a relaxing soak.
20. Go horseback riding
You can explore the nearby trails on horseback by booking with local companies like Piping Rock Horses, Camp Richardson Corral, and Zephyr Cove Stables. Even if you’re a beginner, there are easier trails where you can spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour with the horse. You can also add on a steak meal afterwards.
Overall, it’s a great way to enjoy the Sierra Nevada scenery in the wilderness without having to break a sweat. Prices start at about $80 per person for beginners, though you can also choose longer trails if you’ve ridden a horse before.
21. Play golf
Disc golf, mini golf, regular golf – they’re all available at Lake Tahoe. If you’re into golf, you might like the scenic golf courses here especially those on the alpine meadows.
Initially I thought that this would be super expensive, since Edgewood Tahoe charges $350 for their 18-hole course. However, if you look around you’ll find some more affordable alternatives even for the casual golfer.
- Tahoe Paradise Golf Course: From $50 for 18 holes
- Bijou Golf Course: $20 for 9 holes
- Lake Tahoe Golf Course: From $29 for 18 holes
22. Explore Truckee
Truckee is a historic town where you’ll find charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants serving locally sourced cuisine. It’s also near the Donner Lake Overlook which we always pass by when driving to the north shore from the Bay Area.
23. Cafe hop
Speaking of charming shops, there are so many cafes all around Lake Tahoe. Currently, our go-to is Drink Coffee Do Stuff which has several locations including Truckee and Incline Village. Fire Sign Cafe is also another highly-raved one on the West shore near Tahoe City.
My favorite cafe so far is Cuppa Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe. Here, you can browse through rows of books that are available for purchase and find a comfortable spot to read. I’m sure there are many more hidden gems to discover, hopefully you find some good ones!
Tips for visiting Lake Tahoe in summer
Crowds: I’m not going to lie, Lake Tahoe gets super crowded in summer. For example, I heard that Sand Harbor parking gets full even before 9am. Hence, plan to visit popular attractions early in the day or during weekdays.
Parking and getting around: Try to arrive early to park, and get around via e-bike or on foot. There are several beach parking and public parking facilities, but spots are limited. I suggest choosing one region to explore in detail rather than constantly changing locations.
Weather: Summers in Lake Tahoe can get hot, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 70s to low 80s F (20 to 28 C). The sun is really intense here, so make sure you put on sunscreen or have a UV-blocking sun hoodie on.
Make reservations early: To avoid disappointment, book your restaurants, activities, and rentals way in advance.
Bring cash: Some day-use parking lots like Sand Harbor only accept cash, and you might be turned away if you don’t have any.
Where to stay in Lake Tahoe in summer
To be close to where all the action is, I recommend staying in South Lake Tahoe. You’ll also be close to the downtown area where you’ll find dining and entertainment options easily.
👉 Budget: Bluelake Inn at Heavenly Village (from $98)
👉 Mid-range: Hotel Azure (from $158)
👉 Luxury without breaking the bank: The Landing Resort and Spa (from $384)
Alternatively, you can stay further away and consider accommodations near Kings Beach for a more affordable options. However, do consider the heavy traffic during summer and make time for getting around.
FAQs – Lake Tahoe in summer
Before you go to Lake Tahoe, here are some FAQs that I think you might want to know about.
Can you swim in Lake Tahoe in the summer?
Yes you can! Just know that the water is actually icy cold because it is fed by snow melt from the surrounding mountains. Hence, cold water shock is a real risk here so you’re advised to wear a life jacket for safety. Most of the time people just wade in the shallow parts of the lake near the beaches.
What about the algae in Lake Tahoe during summer?
Algal blooms are a natural part of Lake Tahoe, especially in summer where the long sunny days fuel the growth of the microscopic algae. Together with the nutrients and sediments in the water, it causes the lake to decrease in water clarity.
Update in July 2024: There have been reports of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, and a suspected overgrowth i.e. Harmful Algal Bloom in Lake Tahoe recently. A dog passed away after swimming at El Dorado Beach (Lakeside) and Nevada Beach, and tests are ongoing to determine if algae was really the cause of death.
Check for updates via the Nevada State Park site and Keep Tahoe Blue on Instagram. For now, there are warning signs posted on the affected beaches and you’ll be able to see visual signs and colors of any Harmful Algal Blooms. It can make the water appear green, blue, brown, gold, or red.
What is the most fun area in Lake Tahoe?
For hiking and outdoor adventures, South Lake Tahoe is the most fun especially since it’s the gateway to Desolation Wilderness. You can also go on Beer Trails, try water sports, go on a romantic boat tour, cafe hop, and enjoy a relaxing spa day.
What is the prettiest part of Lake Tahoe?
In my opinion, Emerald Bay State Park is the prettiest part of Lake Tahoe because it’s so large and you’re surrounding by mountains in the bay. It’s also the easiest spot to get a great sunrise or sunset photo if you’re not looking to hike for it.
Is Lake Tahoe crowded in July?
Yes – and remember that July 4th is probably the most crowded day in Lake Tahoe. July and August fall within the peak summer months, so do be prepared for slow traffic especially around the weekends. Parking can also be a challenge, so just pick a spot and stay put for the day if possible.
How many days is enough?
Considering the possibility of heavy traffic in summer, I recommend spending about 3 days in Lake Tahoe. That way, you’ll at least have 1 full day to enjoy the summer activities in Lake Tahoe.
Alternatively, you can decide on how long to spend in Lake Tahoe based on the number of activities you want to do there. I’m sure there’s a long list by now!
Conclusion – Which of these summer activities will you try?
Everyone has different priorities when visiting Lake Tahoe, and you don’t have to do them all. Besides, Lake Tahoe is so huge and you can easily find things to do near you. As long as you plan in advance, have an open mind, and chill out about driving in traffic, you’re going to have a good time.
That wraps up my top recommendations on things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer, and I hope you have a fun time there! I’m definitely looking forward to more trips there, even in shoulder seasons like fall and winter.
Janice
Janice, a California-based travel writer from Singapore, discovered her love for hiking and camping during her studies in Los Angeles. Through her blog, she now shares detailed itineraries for adventures in California, Asia, and beyond. She also talks about gear recommendations and tips for beginners, hoping to inspire them to explore the great outdoors with confidence.
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