Summer Activities

Beaches

Some of South Tahoe’s popular public beaches include Baldwin, Regan, Nevada, Zephyr Cove, Emerald Bay, Kiva, Pope, Camp Richardson, Timber Cove and Roundhill Pines.

Water Sports

Name your pleasure—boating, kayaks, jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boards …Convenient marinas include Camp Richardson Marina, Lakeside, Ski Run, Tahoe Keys, Timber Cove and Zephyr Cove and Roundhill Pines.

Biking

You’re really on your own when you hit the trails at Tahoe. The area is chock-full of logging roads, mountain trails and bike paths built for fun. Mountain bikes, touring bikes, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are available for rent at area bike shops.

Horseback Riding

Get in touch with your cowgirl or cowboy spirit by exploring the area on horseback. Horses can be rented by the hour for a guided ride and pack trips can be arranged. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Rides available at Zephyr Cove Stables.

Tennis

Public courts are found at Round Hill Pines Beach, South Tahoe High School, South Tahoe Middle School and Zephyr Cove Park/Whittell High School. In some cases, reservations are required.

Campgrounds, RV Parks

From the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service, request the Lake of the Sky Journal, an outdoor recreation guide that includes a complete campground roster. Camping is generally on a first-come, first-served basis, though individual and group reservations can be arranged. For general information about any of the activities available in the South Lake Tahoe area, call 1-800-AT-TAHOE.

Hiking, Backpacking, Camping

The perimeter of Lake Tahoe spans thousands of square miles on forest service land. On the southwest side, D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks occupy almost 2,000 acres in California’s Sierra Nevada. Emerald Bay was designated a Registered Natural Landmark in 1969 and is famous for being one of the most beautiful and most photographed areas in the United States.

Ice Skating

Year-round ice skating is available at the City of South Lake Tahoe Ice Skating Rink. For more information, call (530) 544-7465.

Summer Activities

Heavenly Gondola: A “must see and do” attraction, a year-round sightseeing opportunity unlike any other! The eight-passenger cabins take you 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes while you enjoy views of Lake Tahoe. Brings you to a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation deck at 9,123 feet where you’re treated to views of the Carson Valley, Desolation Wilderness, and shore-to-shore views of Lake Tahoe. For more information, call (775) 586-7000, or visit their website at www.skiheavenly.com

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy Shakespeare at the Lake. Located on the beach at scenic Sand Harbor State Park, the Festival offers Shakespeare and other live performances seven nights a week during July and August in an intimate lakeside amphitheater, complimented by Shakespeare’s Kitchen, a gourmet kitchen and full bar. For more information and tickets, visit www.LakeTahoeShakespeare. com/Regal or call 800-74-SHOWS.

Tahoe Vista Trail: Take Heavenly’s Aerial Tram to the beginning of the trail, which starts 8,250 feet up and traverses a mile of ridgeline above southeastern Lake Tahoe. On clear days, the view from the trail extends for some 30 miles. Guided hikes are available by U.S. Forest Service-trained guides. Offered twice daily through fall, guided hikes are free and last about 90 minutes, interpreting the natural history of the lake basin. Late summer sunsets are even more spectacular when seen from the trails. No reservations necessary; tram ticket required. Call for rates. Trail hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (775) 586-7000.

Tahoe Rim Trail: This 150-mile hiking and equestrian trail follows the ridge around the lake’s basin and is now in its final stage of completion. Passing through six counties in two states, this loop trail incorporates a portion of the Pacific Crest Scenic Trail and affords panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the adjacent valleys. Volunteers have been the backbone in constructing the Tahoe Rim Trail since the project began in 1984. You can do your part by clearing and constructing the trail while you’re on vacation. Call for an information packet. (775) 298-0012.

Activities for Kids

Lakeside Beaches: Pick up a map with the locations of the beaches around the lake. Maps are available at the Tahoe-Douglas Visitor Center.

Video Arcades: All the South Shore casinos except Harrah’s, Harvey’s and MontBleu have video arcades. On the North Shore, the Crystal Bay Club, Tahoe Biltmore, Hyatt and Bowl Incline all have video arcades.

The Lake Tahoe Museum: Learn about Lake Tahoe’s past by watching a video and viewing historical exhibits. Hours vary, call first. 530-541-5458 located at 3058 Lake Tahoe Blvd., So. Lake Tahoe.

Biking: Pedal along Lake Tahoe’s many bike paths. Maps located at any bike shop or the Tahoe Douglas Visitor Center. Bike rentals are available at many bike shops.

Parks and Recreation: The local Parks and Recreation Departments organize field trips, day camps and activities during the summer. Call South Lake Tahoe 530-542-6055.