LAKE TAHOE
VISITOR GUIDE | SUMMER/FALL 2026
WHERE TO GO
BEACHES, BOATS, HIKES, PEDALIING, PADDLING & MORE COMMUNITY EXPERTS
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Recreation Map Roads, trails, bike paths, beaches and golf.
19 Community Experts
Regional Real Estate experts. 21 Take a Walk Strolls, hikes and dog walks.
22 Head for the Water Sunning, paddling, waterskiing and swimming.
26 Boating and Floating Ski boats, lake cruises and river rafting.
28 Go Pedaling Bike paths, single-track, road-riding and parks.
30 More Fun Golf, scenic rides and history.
Cover Photo: Sunset from Sand Harbor, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON
Left: Lupine bloom, Tahoe City, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON©
LAKE TAHOE VISITOR GUIDE SUMMER/FALL 2026
Publisher & Editor Chaco Mohler
Art Director Kaersten Swain
Distribution Mitch Landaburu
P.O. Box 5897
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Inquiries: chaco@c2m.media
Tahoe’s Perfect Balance
Welcome to Lake Tahoe’s summer mountain playground! There are more ways to enjoy yourself here than hours in a week. Tahoe has both National Park-worthy scenery and full variety of man-made fun, whether it’s top-notch resorts and restaurants, or hundreds of miles of maintained mountain bike single-track. Or all of the above.
A Tahoe vacation is bespoke—pick from all the outdoor and indoor fun available, and communities large and small, to create a perfect holiday balance: relaxation, renewal, quality time with others, and some excitement thrown in to spice it up.
Finding balance here also means respecting Tahoe’s natural environment. Litter can end up in the lake and rivers, as can pet waste. You can help “Keep Tahoe Blue” (and eliminate some stress too) by riding FREE door-to-door micro-transit in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee (page 11), and from Stateline to South Lake Tahoe. Or cycle to the beach on a bike path through the woods.
We share our forests with large creatures, so respect for Tahoe’s wildlife is also advised. Don’t leave food in a parked vehicle, especially overnight—black bears have an incredible sense of smell and are adept at breaking into cars. Garbage bags left unattended outdoors are quick pickings for bears and ravens. If you’re lucky enough to see one, know that black bears are not naturally aggressive, but keep your distance and appreciate the wonder of the moment.
We hope these pages help guide your journey to many wonderful moments during your time at Tahoe, “The Lake of the Sky.”
Infinity Pool, PHOTO BY MIKE EADINGTON©
BUSINESSES & SERVICES
SHOPS
MEDICAL
REAL ESTATE
LODGING
Truckee Luxury Leader sierrasothebys.com
info@lawrencerealty.com
VISITOR SERVICES
TOWN OF TRUCKEE/CALIFORNIA WELCOME CENTER 530.587.8808 truckee.com
INCLINE VILLAGE CRYSTAL BAY VISITORS BUREAU 775.832.1606 gotahoenorth.com
TAHOE CITY VISITORS CENTER 530.581.6900 gotahoenorth.com
TAHOE SOUTH VISITORS CENTER 775.588.4591 tahoesouth.com
Socata TBM
Top Summer Attractions
Scenery, history, beaches and parks
Sand Harbor State Park
A marvelous combination of protected cove, rocky point, giant granite boulders and a long, sandy beach, this state park fills its parking lot quickly on many summer days. Transport alternatives include free micro-shuttles hailed by TNT-TMA app and scenic three mile bike trail from Incline Village.
Emerald Bay
One of the west’s most photographed locations, Emerald Bay is surrounded by steep mountain sides and dotted with an island topped by a stone tea house. Highway 89 hugs the cliffs above the lake, with parking in 3 lots, plus a few highway-side spots. Eagle Falls tumbles down cliffs below the road into Emerald Bay State Park. A 1.7-mile hike leads to the lakeshore and Vikingsholm “castle,” constructed in 1929 and one of the finest examples of historic Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere.
The beaches at Sand Harbor live up to its name., COURTESY PHOTO Below: Emerald Bay, PHOTO BY MKE EADINGTON©
Heavenly Village & Stateline Casinos
Heavenly Village and nearby casinos, bars and shops are Tahoe’s nucleus of man-made fun. Many spots feature live music, with 24-hour gaming across the Nevada stateline. An incredibly scenic gondola ride travels up to 9,123-foot elevation and viewing platform, mountain lodge, ropescourse and “mountain-coaster.” Multilpe beaches are a short drive away. Shopping options are numerous in the village and nearby streets.
Truckee
Truckee’s authentic “Old West” downtown, bisected by the Transcontinental Railroad, has an entertaining variety of quality restaurants, unique shops, galleries and bars. Trails and bike paths head out in multiple directions, including along the Truckee River and to nearby Martis Valley. Donner Memorial State Park and its museum tell the stories of the infamous Donner Party and other Western pioneers. A trail leads to the sandy shoreline of Donner Lake. Old Highway 40 follows the pioneers’ path over the Sierra Crest.
Photo by Pablo Narvaez
Owner Jessica Smey
Tahoe City, State Park & Museums
Lake Tahoe’s only outlet is the Truckee River in Tahoe City, where a dam controls the top ten feet of the lake. Lean over the railing of the recently replaced “Fanny Bridge” to watch the giant trout below. Bike paths and sidewalks lead from Gatekeeper Museum throughout this scenic town of unique shops, restaurants and “watering-holes.”
Olympic Valley, Palisades Tahoe
This beautiful alpine valley was the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Palisades Tahoe Village features outdoor dining spots and a spectacular aerial tram, traveling up 2,000 vertical feet to a high mountain lodge with a small Olympic museum.
Tallac Historic Site & Beach Parks
Historic mansions and three white sand beaches on Tahoe’s southeast corner are connected by bike trail with South Lake Tahoe. The Tallac Historic Site’s lawns and paths extend down a stretch of shoreline. Baldwin, Kiva and Pope beaches have shallow water and warmer swimming on sunny days.
Community Experts
sabrina@insideincline.com www.insideincline.com
Real estate is more than transactions; it’s where your life happens, the memories you create, the legacy you build and the lifestyle you choose. We created CasaTua because we believe discerning buyers, sellers and second-home owners deserve an experience that matches the quality of the homes they love.
Jeremy exudes experience and expertise with proven processes
and sellers that attain excellent results. With 27 years in the Tahoe region, intrinsic knowledge, experience and relationships paired with stellar marketing and negotiation skills create success.
Community Experts
info@LawrenceRealty.com
Lawrence Realty is a family owned and operated business deeply rooted in Olympic Valley, also serving the surrounding communities. With over 90 years of real estate experience, Larry, Chiara and Ron each contribute their own strengths to this dynamic, well-rounded team. Strong local presence. International reach. Utmost service to all clientele.
Sandy.dobronte@bhhsdrysdale.com
With over 20 years of experience in luxury property management and the fine art industry, I bring expertise and attention to detail to Berkshire Hathaway’s proven market strategy. Nothing can replace a personal connection with clients and I work closely with them to establish and share our wonderful Lake Tahoe lifestyle.
With over two decades in the Tahoe market, Tyler O’Neal represents luxury real estate, grounded in local tradition. As a second-generation broker, he offers unmatched insight into lakefront, golf, and ski properties across Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, backed by O’Neal Brokers, a family-owned business serving the region for more than 50 years.
NORTH TAHOE
Take a Walk
Strolls
Paved bike and walking paths are found throughout the region. Long stretches include South Lake Tahoe to Tallac Historic Site and nearby beaches, Tahoe City to Meeks Bay or down the river to Olympic Valley, the lakeside trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, and the Legacy Trail from Truckee on the river. Relatively level dirt trails are found at Sugar Pine Point State Park, Donner State Park, Meeks Bay Resort and Washoe Meadows State Park.
Hiking Trails
From spring through late-fall, Tahoe has perfect hikes for most every day and every mood. Emerald Bay State Park has a scenic lakeside trail. Tahoe Rim Trail encircles the lake on surrounding peaks and can be accessed at 12 trailheads, including Tahoe Meadows above Incline Village, Brockway Summit off Highway 267, Echo Lakes near Interstate 50, and Spooner Lake near Interstate 50 on Tahoe’s East Shore. A stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail traverses from Donner Summit through Desolation Wilderness, accessed at over 7 trailheads in the Tahoe region. Desolation is the nation’s most visited wilderness area, requiring permits for overnight stays but not for day hikes.
When exploring Tahoe’s mountains and forests, always carry a fully-charged cellphone, adequate water and extra clothing. Turn to the Recreation Map on page 16 for more trail information.
Dog Walks
Dogs on a leash are welcome on Tahoe’s bike trails, and on leash or under voice command on most hiking trails. Hikes with plentiful water include Meeks Bay creek trail, Glen Alpine trail, Five Lakes trail, Shirley Canyon in Olympic Valley, Truckee River Legacy Trail and Donner Memorial State Park.
Bird Watching
Spring and fall, migratory birds linger in the larger wetlands of the Upper Truckee River, Carson Valley and Little Truckee River. Around Lake Tahoe, look for osprey, red-tail hawk and bald eagles. Or have mountain chickadees eating out of your hand on “chickadee ridge,” a short hike east of Nevada Highway 431 in Tahoe Meadows.
Washoe Meadows State Park. PHOTO BY CHACO MOHLER
Head for the Water
Beaches
Lovely meetings of sand and water can still be found around Tahoe’s 72-mile shore. Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a scenic gem with 3 unique beaches. It’s parking lots fill quickly on most summer mornings however, which then requires taking a shuttle from Incline Village or a three-mile bike path to reach the park. In South Tahoe, wide Nevada Beach and Baldwin Beach are both good bets. Nearby, Pope Beach was recently named one of America’s top beaches.
On the North Shore, Kings Beach, Moon Dunes and Tahoe City’s Commons Beach have a variety of sand, lawns, playgrounds and shallow water. Tahoe’s West Shore has two outstanding beaches. Meeks Bay is a sheltered cove and a large beach and calm water for swimming and paddling, but requires an entrance fee. The beaches at D.L. Bliss State Park are among Tahoe’s prettiest. Near Truckee, West End Beach at Donner Lake features large lawns and shade trees and shallow, warm water.
Turn to page 16 for a map of beach locations.
Dog Beaches
Dog-friendly beaches include Kiva Beach in South Tahoe, Zephyr Cove on East Shore, Racoon Street Beach in Kings Beach, Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay or Hurricane Bay on the West Shore. Don’t be surprised to see locals bring their dogs to other Tahoe’s beaches, but that is often against local regulations and fines are given out.
Swimming
The lake is chilly in the early summer, but the surface temperature warms to near 70 degree Fahrenheit by August and September. The warmest water is found in the shallows off South Tahoe’s beaches, Sand Harbor, Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista. Put on swim goggles or mask and snorkel to enjoy Tahoe’s water clarity. The lower Truckee River also has clear cool water and numerous swimming holes.
SCAN THIS CODE FOR “8 GREAT TAHOE BEACHES” ON YOUTUBE.
Paddling over Tahoe’s clear water is a delight! COURTESY PHOTO
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KAYAKS
PADDLEBOARDS
Paddling
Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters—every shade of blue and turquoise—have a magnetic attraction for paddleboarders and kayakers. There are multiple Tahoe marinas that offer launching and rentals. Many of the most popular beach locations also have rentals and convenient parking. East Shore’s mix of undeveloped shoreline, numerous coves and huge granite boulders make it a favorite adventure, accessed from Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Or paddle past lakefront estates from Tahoe City’s Commons Beach. Another epic paddle is the journey into iconic Emerald Bay, accessed from Baldwin Beach in the south or Meeks Bay to the north. Go to LakeTahoeWaterTrail.org for information about multi-day paddles around the lake.
Pay close attention to wind and weather forecasts before venturing onto Lake Tahoe. This is NOT your normal lake!
The water is dangerously cold in spring and early summer so always have a leash attached to your board, even close to shore. Winds can come up quickly in the afternoon and become strong enough that an offshore breeze might be too strong for you to make headway against, with the nearest shore then over 12 miles away!
Waterskiing & Wakeboarding
On a calm summer morning, Lake Tahoe’s surface mirrors the blue sky and green peaks, creating waterskiing nirvana. West Shore locations are often the most wind protected, including launches from Homewood and Tahoe City marinas. Other lakes that are often ideal for waterskiing or wakeboarding are Donner Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake. Instruction in waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are available from many rental services, with rental wetsuits also available.
Check weather forecasts carefully if launching your own ski boat. Afternoon winds can grow gusty quickly on Lake Tahoe, building waves on the opposite shore that can overwhelm a small boat. It’s also best to not dive headfirst into Tahoe’s depths off a boat in the middle of the lake. Even in summer, Tahoe’s water can be extremely cold, literally stealing-your-breath-away six feet down. Tragically, the lake records drowning victims most every year. Be smart and safe.
Every shade of water toys are for rent at many Tahoe beaches. COURTESY PHOTO
Boating & Floating
Speedboats & Jet Skis
Rental speedboats, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards are available at marinas surrounding Lake Tahoe, including in Tahoe City, Sunnyside, Homewood, Tahoe Keys, Ski Run and Tahoe Vista. Water sports rentals are also found near many hotels and lakefront restaurants, including at Kings Beach Recreation Area. Parasailing is available on both North and South Shores. Pay attention to weather forecasts and wind direction when planning any boating trip on Tahoe. Cruises
Cruise boats with indoor and outdoor seating, beverages and food, are an enjoyable way to experience Lake Tahoe in any weather. The M.S. Dixie in Zephyr Cove and Tahoe Gal in Tahoe City depart on multiple daily trips. Cruise on an historic yacht with Tahoe Tastings and enjoy fine wine on the water. Sailing charters are available in Tahoe City, Tahoe Keys and Carnelian Bay.
Riding Rivers
The lower Truckee River from Tahoe City to River Ranch features family-friendly, moderate whitewater and is popular with all ages. Two commercial rafting operations serve this stretch—book ahead. If you launch in your own inner-tube or raft, you’ll want to leave a car near River Ranch, but not in their parking lot unless you are dining or staying there. More parking is available in Tahoe City. From Truckee, inner-tubers launch near the junction of Highway 89 and West River Street and float to Legacy Trail Bridge or Glenshire Bridge. Portions of the upper Truckee River near Myers can also offer gentle enjoyment for inner-tubers but beware of obstacles on the float to Tahoe Keys.
If you’re seeking greater whitewater thrills, stretches of the Truckee River Canyon between Truckee and Verdi feature Class 3 and 4 rapids. Tahoe Whitewater Tours run commercial day trips on the Truckee River as well as Carson River and forks of the American River.
Fishing Charters
Charter fishing boats leave before dawn from marinas around Lake Tahoe most every summer morning, often seeking large, deep-water Mackinaw Trout. Book well in advance. Fly fishing spots dot both the upper and lower Truckee River, as well as the Little Truckee River to the north and Carson River, south of Tahoe.
Rental speed boats allow exploring of Tahoe’s shoreline. COURTESY PHOTO
TAHOE
Go Pedaling
Bike Paths
Smoothly paved and separated from vehicle traffic, lovely bike paths are found throughout our region. South Lake Tahoe’s network includes fun rides to several beaches. Incline Village’s path to Sand Harbor has stunning views and accesses several small coves. Tahoe City is the center of over 19 miles of connected bike paths, including the popular route along the Truckee River to Olympic Valley and a 12-mile stretch down the West Shore to Sugar Pine Point State Park and Meeks Bay. Truckee’s network of paths includes the Legacy Trail, a 4.4-mile ride along the Truckee River.
Mountain Biking
The Northern Sierra is a mountain biking mecca of single-track and fire road fun, including newly built routes that curve and flow down mountain sides. Flume Trail is the most iconic Lake Tahoe single-track, a breathtaking trek along mountain ridges and cliff side that follows an old lumber flume. Turn to the map on page 16 for more information on popular trails.
Road Biking
For riders at ease cycling on narrow mountain roads, this region is full of challenges. Chief among them is the infamous Death Ride circuit, winding over steep mountain passes south of Tahoe. Or try the 4,400-foot ascent from Reno over Hwy. 431 that leads to a 2,500-foot descent to Incline Village. Less strenuous, but still a belt-notch Tahoe ride, is the 72-mile journey around the lake (turned into a “century” with an out-and-back to Truckee). The lakeshore highway has mostly singlefile shoulder but also stretches of little to no shoulder on East Shore and Emerald Bay. Highway 89 from Olympic Valley to Truckee has wider bike lanes and connects to a scenic 3-mile, 1200 vertical foot climb up Old Highway 40 and over the Sierra Crest.
Bike Parks
Truckee has an excellent bike park with beginner to expert jump lines. Incline Village and South Lake Tahoe have public bike parks with pump-tracks and beginner to intermediate flow lines. Boreal Mountain and Northstar California bike parks have numerous features, single-track, and ski lifts to carry you and your bike back up the mountain.
There are mountain bike trails for all abilities at Tahoe. COURTESY PHOTO
More Fun
Scenic Rides
Heavenly’s gondola travels from South Lake Tahoe straight up the mountainside to spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, trails and rides. Palisades Tahoe’s large aerial tram travels up 2,000 vertical feet from Olympic Valley to the resort’s High Camp lodge.
Golf
Edgewood Tahoe at Stateline is the “Pebble Beach” of the mountains, site of nationally televised American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. South Tahoe has three
three additional public links.
In North Tahoe, historic 9-hole circuits are found at Tahoe City Golf Course and Old Brockway in Kings Beach. Incline Village has two beautiful courses. Truckee and Northstar boost seven courses, including the Jack Nicklausdesigned Old Greenwood and Peter Jacobsondesigned Grey’s Crossing.
Miniature Golf
Find mini-golf fun at Kings Beach Miniature Golf or Magic Carpet Golf locations in South Lake Tahoe and Carnelian Bay. Heavenly Village lays out summer-only holes on its plaza.
Museums & History
Tahoe museums include Donner Emigrant Trail Museum outside Truckee, Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City, Tahoe Environmental Research Center in Incline Village, and
Edgewood is home to the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. COURTESY PHOTO
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