South Lake Tahoe is probably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The colors and clarity of the lake and the forest and mountains that surround it are just incredible. Lake Tahoe has four seasons, and every season bring its own and very different beauty and offers a truly wide variety of activities. It is hard not to fall in love with this place!
Summer travel tips
1. During Summer months, especially, from mid July to mid August, South Lake Tahoe gets really busy. But whether you are staying here for just a weekend or a long vacation (both are great!), consider making reservation in advance. The good ones go fast.
2. While the lake is quite big and there are plenty of gorgeous beaches, early mornings are the best time to go. The beaches get crowded and the city may restrict the access. Finding parking will be is really tough. Also, you don’t want to miss the absolutely amazingly peaceful lake water early in the morning.
3. Be careful where you park. Beach and Parks parkings are quite small, and when full, people park along the hwy, even though some places along the hwy have No Parking signs. Unfortunately, they do get tickets by the end of the day.
4. Pack layers. Sunscreen, swimsuits, tees, sweatshirts. It is 80s during the day and 40s at night.
emerald bay state park
The park is truly beautiful. You do have to go down (and then go back up, of course) a steep one mile trail to get there though. It is worth it, though. The trail scenery is absolutely beautiful. You will find a beautiful beach there with both, shade and sun. You may decide to stay and swim there, so bring snacks!
There is also Emerald Bay Underwater State Park that is largest resting place for many boats used in the lake before 1900s. So if you are up for a scuba diving, it’s really a special experience.
vikingsholm
Vikingsholm, a viking inspired castle, is located at the bottom of the trail of Emerald Bay State Park (another reason to see the park!). The castle is built in 1928, and construction methods and materials are the same as used in ancient Scandinavia.
fallen leaf chapel
There are a few smaller lakes around Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake is located only a few minutes away from Emerald Bay State Park. It feels incredibly remote and disconnected from the rest of the world. It is an amazing place to spend a day (or more!!). Deep into the woods, there is Fallen leaf Chapel. It is really one-of-a-kind, blends in with the surrounding so well. It is built in 1923 and officially called St. Francis of the Mountains. They still hold Sunday services during the summer months.
Virginia City, nv
If you have a half a day and want a different kind of. experience, Virginia City is a fun place to go. It is a once thriving mining town that. was an. important industrial point between Denver and San Francisco during gold rush years. Virginia City located about an hour away from South Lake Tahoe. Here you can take a train ride with Virginia and Truckee Rail Road to tour mine shafts. Also, here you’ll find Territorial Enterprise newspaper where Mark Twain worked covered the frontier mining news.
WHERE TO EAT
Clyde’s Coffee Roasting Co. for delicious coffee.
Izzy’s Burger Spa chill burger shack on Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Whitecaps Pizza in Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe
Sweet Tahoe Time, Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe