South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forest and distant mountains.
A boat on a turquoise lake surrounded by tall trees and mountains.
A marina with several boats docked, a person in a red shirt, and mountains in the background.
A fast-flowing river with large rocks and green foliage.
A person kayaking on clear, shallow water with visible rocks beneath.

Come to this Lake Tahoe destination in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to ski in winter, swim in summer and enjoy a lively nightlife year-round.

South Lake Tahoe is the adventure capital of the spectacular Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy sandy beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails and year-round nightlife amid breathtaking natural scenery. South Lake Tahoe lies between the south banks of Lake Tahoe and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe’s commercial centre is at one end of the town adjacent to the California/Nevada stateline, home to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. Learn about the region’s history at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. See wildlife and landscape photography displays at the Jon Paul Gallery and rotating exhibitions by local artists at the Tahoe Art League.

The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are ideal for relaxation and watersports. Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Ski Run Marina to explore the lake’s calm water. Try water skiing and wakeboarding or relax on the shore with a picnic while enjoying the scenery and sunsets. Just a 20-minute drive from the town centre is Emerald Bay State Park. Discover secluded beaches lined with pine forests. Take a guided tour of the Scandinavian-style castle, Vikingsholm.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola cable car from South Lake Tahoe town centre toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-metre) high peak. Come in the winter to ski and snowboard on almost 100 runs. When the snow melts the resort transforms into a summer sports hub. Travel on a 3,300-foot (1,000-metre) long zip line or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Hike or bike along trails to enjoy panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Go out after dark to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nightlife. Find bars and nightclubs situated in the town centre. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centres.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination offering a mix of culture, entertainment and natural beauty. Get here by flying to Tahoe-Reno International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away. Rent a car to visit other Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation centres, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

Find the best South Lake Tahoe areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Lake Tahoe
Learn more about South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Tahoe Keys

Though Tahoe Keys might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Al Tahoe

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Bijou Pines

While Bijou Pines might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino.

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino and Heavenly Gondola are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is CA $175 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $175
CA $286 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,144 reviews)
"Room not cleaned well prior to our arrival. Food crumbs on floor in common area. White substance on back of table chair... possibly spilled milk. Informed front desk of crumbs after waking the first morning. Said they would have staff fix it. Came back after the day out found crumbs still there after ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 out of 5
931 Park Ave South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is CA $139 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $139
CA $161 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3901 Saddle Road South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is CA $261 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
CA $261
CA $339 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free valet parking, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,040 reviews)
"Well, the staff was nice and my stay was beautiful. I only notice one thing that the duvet was bloody and doesn’t get changed after each guest. It is disguising to even think about it that someone’s u cleaned bedding is on you. The sheets were clean but what was in between was not at all."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2026

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,690 reviews)
"Our room was very pleasant and decorated nicely. The grounds were delightful. We were very pleased with the price we received. It seemed very reasonable and made it possible for us to visit. We thank you very much. We had a very nice visit."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

The Americana Village
Marriott's Timber Lodge

Marriott's Timber Lodge

4 out of 5
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 hot tubs, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,115 reviews)
"The hotel is ok the location is convenient for ski near the gondola. The rooms are clean but they have a connecting door to the adjacent room which passes noise to your room very badly . The next door to our room were a couple with 3 or 4 kids . We had to tolerate a lot of crying and yelling of kids. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
Stardust Lodge

Stardust Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very good! (874 reviews)
"It was 90 degrees and there is no air condentioning they had basic fans in the rooms. You could not flush the toilet more than once in 30 minutes. The remotes for the TV work when they want to. They provide you with a coffee maker but they do not have coffee!! Good luck using your key card getting ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2026

Stardust Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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