Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning lakes in the entire United States. Well-known for its tremendous views and epic terrain, Lake Tahoe has become a year-round mecca for travelers from all around the world.
The summer months are ideal for hiking, biking, water sports, and even an adventure that you can only find in Lake Tahoe. Some of the biggest draws of visiting this expansive lake are the unbeatable outdoor adventure opportunities it allows, especially during the summer.
Couple that with its vibrant dining and entertainment options, and you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during a summer break. Here are some of my favorite reasons you should add Lake Tahoe to your summer itinerary this year!
You’ll Fall in Love With The Trails
The Tahoe Rim Trail dates back to 1860 when Pony Express riders used it to transport mail between Missouri and California. Today, the 165-mile trail is a hiking mecca for its spectacular views and sometimes rigorous terrain. The Rim Trail is broken up into 14 day hikes ranging from easy to very strenuous. Some even match up with the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
You can tackle them on your own or go with guides, either for day trips or overnight excursions. The Rim Trail is biker friendly in some areas, but not all, so be sure to check your route before heading out. I’ve personally biked part of the Rim Trail and the views alone are worth the effort!
You will find hiking trails all around Lake Tahoe. I’ve hiked the Van Sickle Trail located behind Heavenly Village. There’s a cool spot to take pictures on the way to the trailhead where you put one foot in Nevada and the other in California.
If trail hiking or mountain biking aren’t for you, there are also paved paths to explore. The most famous is the Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail considered one of the most beautiful paths in the country. The 3-mile paved path connects Incline with Sand Harbor State Path and is available for walking, biking, or running.
Lake Tahoe Has a Dinner Cruise
Hop onboard an authentic paddle wheel boat for a dinner surrounded by Lake Tahoe’s beautiful water. The M.S. Dixie II runs all year long out of the Zephyr Cove Marina and offers local food and live music. The price is $140 per adult and $75 for children (3 and under are free) and includes your dinner. Drinks, like their signature cocktails, are available onboard for an additional price.
Once you board, the M.S. Dixie II will set sail to beautiful Emerald Bay to watch the sunset. The 500-passenger boat is the largest in Lake Tahoe and also runs afternoon cruises and private charters.
Other cruise companies around the lake include Lake Tahoe Bleu Wave, which offers happy hour cruises, and sunset cruises, Tahoe Cruises, which run champagne sunset cruises, and Tahoe Gal, which cruises around the west side of the lake to the famous Fleur Du Lac, as seen in The Godfather II movie.
There’s Plenty of Water Activities
No visit to Lake Tahoe in the summer is complete without some sort of water sports. Most marinas around the lake rent pontoon boats for a nice leisurely day on the water. For a bit more adventure, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, and jet skis at various shops around the lake. If you’re not scared of heights and you’re looking for high up views of the blue lake, try parasailing!
Fishing at Lake Tahoe is a popular activity because the fish are abundant and Kokanee is a favorite find for fishers in the lake. It’s a type of salmon introduced to the lake in the 1940s and has been abundant ever since.
You can find different types of trout in most parts of the lake. And if you are looking for Bass, head to Tahoe Keys, where both the largemouth and smallmouth bass live. You can rent a boat to fish farther out on the water or fish from the shore. Cave Rock, Tahoe Keys, and Kings Beach are all popular fishing holes.
You Can Enjoy a Balloon Ride
Did you know Lake Tahoe is home to the world’s only balloon aircraft carrier? Established in 1992, Lake Tahoe Balloons has its hot air balloons take off and land on a moving vessel called the Tahoe Flyer.
Its founders thought of the idea as a way to eliminate balloon hazards on land, specifically power lines and steering a balloon to a fixed landing spot. The Tahoe Flyer boat can match the speed of the hot air balloon thus making landing the balloon much easier.
Once inside the balloon basket, you will launch off the back of the boat, sail above the lake and enjoy magnificent views of Tahoe’s blue water before landing back on the boat. Since there are two groups onboard at the same time, expect to spend four to five hours on the lake for this excursion. We did this as a family for my Mom’s birthday and it was truly a once-in-a lifetime experience that I would highly recommend.
Yes, There’s a Wine Cruise
One of my favorite ways to explore the lake is through a wine cruise. My oenophile heart loved tasting new wines while taking in the lake’s beauty. Tahoe Tastings leaves out of the Tahoe Keys Marina for a two-hour tour around some of the more famous parts of the lake onboard a Venetian water taxi named the Golden Rose (named for its 24 karat finishings and roses etched into its windows).
The company offers four different tour times, including a sunset cruise; you can even rent out the entire boat for a private function. During the tour, you’ll taste eight different California wines while learning about the lake’s history.
You can bring your own food onboard or stop by the market at the marina to grab some snacks before you board. After your tastings, you have the option to buy a glass or a bottle of wine to enjoy. Water and soft drinks are free on this cruise and if anyone in your group prefers beer, just let the company know ahead of time so they can accommodate you.
To enjoy wine on land, head to the Idle Hour, and more specifically the balcony at Idle Hour. I love sitting outside overlooking the water while enjoying a glass of wine and one of their small plates, like the fondue or create-your-own pizza.
Try The Magic Show
Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe is home to the area’s only magic show. Performing every night at the Loft Theater in the heart of Heavenly Village, this award-winning live show features renowned magicians from around the world. There are two shows every night; the early show is family-friendly while the later show is geared more toward adults.
Before the show, make sure to check out TASTE at The Loft, an American tapas restaurant (make sure to make reservations!). After the show, the Lounge at the Loft ramps up, featuring music and nightly promotions including trivia. The magic show and TASTE are open year round.
Enjoy The Scenic Drives
Taking a day to make a scenic drive around Lake Tahoe will not disappoint. The 72-mile drive around the lake will take you a few hours because most of it is on two-lane roads with a lower speed limit. And once you add in stops, it’s easy to make a day out of it. Along the drive, there are numerous pull offs and scenic overlooks, which provide unparalleled views of the blue water.
Stop in Tahoe City for craft brews at Tahoe National Brewing Company. Most of their beers are not sold in stores, making a stop at the brewery a must for beer lovers. Once there, walk the paved trail along the coastline or dip into local shops. Keep driving to reach Incline Village on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe.
Here, you will find shops and restaurants, with Azzara’s being a favorite for authentic Italian cuisine. Head west and you’ll hit Northstar, California. Perched on top of an extinct volcano, Northstar is home to a ski resort in the winter and is a good place to hike and bike in the summer. Once you’re done with your outdoor adventure, head to the quaint Northstar Village to shop at boutiques, grab a bite to eat or roller skate in the village center.
Enjoy Dinner With a View
Head up a few floors for a sophisticated meal with a magnificent view of Lake Tahoe. There’s the Sage Room located on the 19th floor of Harvey’s Casino. At its sister casino across the street, Harrah’s, head to the 18th Floor for two fantastic options: Friday’s Steak and Seafood Grill and Sapori Italian restaurant. The Chilean sea bass, lobster bisque, and roasted prime rib at Friday’s are popular, as is the fettuccine scampi mushroom ravioli at Sapori.
Ask for a seat by the window at any of these restaurants and you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious meal with unparalleled views. All three restaurants boast an extensive wine and cocktail list to accompany your meal.
Take in the Scenery (Heavenly Gondola Ride)
Heavenly Mountain Resort’s gondola is open in the summer for scenic rides. The 2.4 mile ride first stops at an observation deck for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There, you can also grab a coffee at Cafe Blue or grab a souvenir from the shop. Continue up to the top of the gondola where you can go for a hike or grab something to eat at the Tamarack Lodge before heading back down.
Olympic Valley at Palisades Tahoe (formerly known as Squaw Valley) has a scenic aerial tram. The 10-minute ride takes you to Palisade’s Tahoe High Camp, which has spectacular panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Grab a bite to eat while you’re up there or tour the Olympic museum. The museum is free with your tram ticket and pays homage to the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. Sightseeing tram rides range from $44 to $72, depending on what day you go.
Plenty of Summer Concerts
Summer is concert season in Lake Tahoe. A main draw is the Summer Concert Series put on by Harvey’s casino in South Lake Tahoe. Aside from drawing individual acts, the concert series also put on music festivals throughout the summer months.
There is also free live music just a few blocks away at Heavenly Village. Musicians perform in the village every Friday and Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. These concerts are my favorite because they’re free, you’re outside, and you can shop, eat, and drink all while listening to live music.
Head to the beach for a free concert every week at the Live at Lakeview summer concert series. Gather at Lakeview Commons, an amphitheater-like venue, at El Dorado Beach for live music, local merchants, and food, plus dramatic views of Lake Tahoe. The event also features local breweries and craft beers inside its beer garden. This event happens every Thursday night throughout the summer.
Bally’s Lake Tahoe, Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe, and the Tahoe Blue Event Center all have various performances during the summer, so be sure to check their schedules too!
You Can Chill and Enjoy a Beach Day
With 72 miles of shoreline, it’s easy to spend the day lounging on the beach. While there are many places to enjoy the sand, Kings Beach is a favorite. This small town has your typical beach town vibes and is said to be named after a man named Joe King who allegedly won the town in a poker match.
The main drag is lined with funky shops, historic hotels, and a diverse array of restaurants. If you want to get on the water, there are places to rent kayaks and paddleboards, or just simply throw out a towel and lounge on the beach all day. And if you happen to be there around the 4th of July Kings Beach puts on a fun beach party complete with fireworks show.