Lake Tahoe Tours
510 Reviews
The largest alpine lake in North America, and the second-deepest lake in the United States, Lake Tahoe is Northern California’s winter playground. known for its several ski resorts, and a summer getaway. The lake straddles the California-Nevada border, with roughly two-thirds of its mass in California.
The Basics
Much of the world discovered Lake Tahoe when the Squaw Valley ski resort hosted the 1960 winter Olympics, and it has been a favorite destination ever since. Lake Tahoe is split into two sections—North Lake, which includes the towns of Truckee and Tahoe City, and South Lake, which includes the city of South Lake Tahoe.
Head to Tahoe for world-class skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Heavenly Mountain, Sugar Bowl, and Kirkwood. In addition to downhill skiing, the area offers snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and other wintery fun. In the summer, the area is popular for kayaking, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and Jet Skiing. The surrounding area is a popular camping spot and offers hiking and biking paths.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The lake’s elevation is 6,225 feet (1,897 meters), and mountain resorts sit even higher, so prepare for altitude sickness by staying hydrated.
- The sun is strong in the mountains—wear sun protection year round.
- Snow chains are usually required in bad weather unless you have a 4WD vehicle with snow tires; checkpoints are set up on mountain passes, and the highway patrol enforces snow chain regulations.
- You can purchase snow chains from licensed vendors who set up on the sides of the roads.
How to Get There
Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the closest major airport, is about 60 miles (95 km) from South Lake Tahoe and 37 miles (60 km) from Truckee. There is also a smaller Truckee Tahoe Airport. To reach the lake by car, take Interstate 80 from San Francisco and Sacramento, US 50 from Sacramento, or US 395 from Yosemite National Park.
When to Get There
Ski season is generally late November–April; winter holidays and long weekends such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July, are the most crowded. There are very few roads through the mountains and around the lake, so traffic can get backed up. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and a more relaxing environment, though some business close during these shoulder seasons.
Truckee River
During the summer, if you’ve had your fill of lake activities, head to the Truckee River, located between the lake and the quaint, historic town of Truckee. You can spend your time river rafting, or exploring the walking and biking paths run along the riverbank, next to State Route 89.
Address: Lake Tahoe, California, USA, USA
10 Tours and Activities to Experience Lake Tahoe
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Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay Cruise on M.S. Dixie II
Take a boat tour on Lake Tahoe to soak up the alpine beauty of Emerald Bay, one of the lake’s most scenic spots. As you glide across the water on the M.S. Dixie II, admire the surrounding Sierra Nevadas, and cruise past Emerald Bay’s Fannete Island, the lake’s only island, as well as Vikingsholm Castle, a unique home on the shore. Plus, watch a video on board about the interesting underwater features of the lake.
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From
$69.75
From
$69.75
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley
Travel all the way around scenic Lake Tahoe in a comfortable shuttle on this 7-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll cover close to 70 miles (110km), making stops at the beautiful vistas of Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay. You’ll also visit a charming village at Squaw Valley Ski Resort, and explore Tahoe City on the lake’s north shore, stopping to purchase lunch. As you go, your guide will provide rich historical context for the beautiful landscape surrounding you.
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From
$61.54
From
$61.54
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
South Lake Tahoe Boat Rental
Experience Lake Tahoe to the fullest with your own powerboat rental from South Lake Tahoe. With a group of family or friends, you can explore the lake at your leisure, cruising to scenic spots like Meeks Bay or Emerald Bay. Use the boat for water sports like skiing or wakeboarding, or just soak up the sun in a peaceful cove. Select the type of boat that best suits your group.
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From
$183.37
per group
From
$183.37
per group
M.S Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise
Watch the sun slip behind the mountains on a Lake Tahoe dinner cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II, and enjoy champagne, live music and an elegant dinner on the water. Dance to tunes from the local Steve Walker Band, see a spectacular Sierra sunset, then sit down for a freshly prepared meal. Enjoy selections like grass-fed beef or trout, organic greens, and vegetables. Finish the evening with fresh berries and cake as the first stars appear above the peaks, and Lake Tahoe’s scenic shoreline is illuminated.
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From
$100.52
From
$100.52
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Half-Day Electric Bike Rental in Lake Tahoe
Experience Tahoe's Dazzling Shoreline vistas!
Cruise along Tahoe’s Most Captivating Coastal Trail. Ride an award-winning eBike and cycle the Saphire Jewel’s most popular and scenic shoreline path! The iconic Tahoe East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. Enjoy stops to snap photos at beaches and various panoramic viewpoints. Journey along the beautiful shoreline to Sand Harbor – Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful state park
Experience the scenic Lake Tahoe coast in a shorter amount of time.
Enjoy the views in relaxed comfort instead of catching your breath.
Easily select the bike's electric assistance to your own personal preference. Cruise in comfort or choose to get a workout.
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From
$62.10
$6.90 savings
From
$62.10
$6.90 savings
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Full-Day Electric Bike Rental in Lake Tahoe
Experience more of the scenic Lake Tahoe Coast. Enjoy the views in relaxed comfort instead of catching your breath. Easily select the bike's electric assistance to your own personal preference. Cruise in comfort or choose to get a workout.
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From
$75.65
$13.35 savings
From
$75.65
$13.35 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Full-Day Bike Rental in Lake Tahoe | Breathtaking Coastal Rides
Experience more of the scenic Lake Tahoe Coast. Enjoy the views on a bike that offers a more upright seating posture to better soak in the breathtaking beauty!
Plenty of Free Easy Parking at our shop. Bike paths the entire way so you are always Safe and Away from traffic!
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Ski or Snowboard Rental in Lake Tahoe
Hit the slopes of Tahoe this winter with a ski or snowboard rental package in South Lake Tahoe. You’ll be fitted by trained staff members who will make sure you leave with the boots, bindings, and skis or snowboard that are right for your skill level. Plus, receive maps of area resorts and tips about mountain safety. By reserving in advance, you’ll ensure you won’t miss out on rentals for your family during the busy ski season. Four rental locations are available, and you can choose a 1-, 2- or 3-day package.
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From
$44.59
From
$44.59
Cross-Country Ski Rental in Lake Tahoe
Go cross-country skiing in South Lake Tahoe, and enjoy the winter wonderland scenery while getting an excellent workout. With this cross-country ski rental package, you’ll receive the equipment you need to explore the mountain trails of the Sierra Nevada. Get fitted for boots, poles, skis, and bindings—plus you can rent or buy outerwear, if you need it. Reserving your rental in advance ensures you won’t miss out during the busy ski season.
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From
$34.80
From
$34.80
South Lake Tahoe Snowshoe Rental
If zooming down the side of a mountain isn’t your idea of fun, try experiencing the winter terrain by snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe instead. With this South Lake Tahoe rental package, you’ll receive snowshoes, poles, and insulated boots, so you can trek across the snow with ease, soaking up the crisp Sierra Nevada air.
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From
$34.80
From
$34.80