The First-Timer’s Guide to Lake Tahoe

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Lake Tahoe is one of the world’s largest lakes by volume. Its other titles include California’s deepest lake and the United State’s largest alpine lake. But Lake Tahoe is renowned for more than its impressive size. It is best known for its spectacular water clarity and the incredible variety of amenities surrounding it. In fact, Lake Tahoe offers so much to do, it is overwhelming deciding on an itinerary for your first visit.

My first-timer’s guide covers things to do in Lake Tahoe plus the many other considerations for planning your first trip!

Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe

One of the best things about Lake Tahoe is that there is almost no bad time to visit. However, the things you will find to do here vary wildly depending on the season. If you want to take a dip in the chilly turquoise waters, summer is your best bet. Since the lake is fed by mountain tributaries and snowmelt the water stays cold, making summer the only swimmable time of year. Just beware that this also makes it the busiest time to visit. On the other hand, if cold is what you are looking for then consider heading to Tahoe from late November to mid-spring for ski season. Since Tahoe is near 3 major cities, the well-maintained highways surrounding it keep it driveable throughout the year (with major weather exceptions.)

My first visit to Tahoe was actually between summer and ski season in the shoulder season. This was a perfect balance between the two seasons because the lake felt private and secluded and yet I was still able to get out on the water. It’s also the only time to experience fall colors in Tahoe!

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

You don’t have to look far to find fun things to do in Lake Tahoe. These are my personal picks for things to do on your first visit:

Kayak Lake Tahoe

When I made a wishlist of things to do in Lake Tahoe, clear-bottom kayaking was at the top! Even on a windy day, the deep bottom of the lake was visible. Sitting on top of the lake with the ability to see directly beneath me all the way to the lake bottom gave me a whole new appreciation for the cobalt water. My experience with The Wild Society clear-bottom kayaks was incredible. Not to mention that they are the only clear-bottom rental agency in North Tahoe!

Hike Lake Tahoe

Second only to being on the water, hiking the trails around it is the next best way to experience the beautiful lake. Tahoe is a great option for hikers of any ability because there is such a wide choice of trails. These were all recommended to me as great hikes for my first visit:

Rubicon Trail
Eagle Falls Trail
Ellis Peak Trail
Mount Tallac Trail
Fallen Leaf Lake
Angora Lakes Trail

Emerald Bay, the best things to do in Lake Tahoe

The view of Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe. — Check out my Shop page if you like my Tahoe style!

Hit the Beach

Over 70 miles of shoreline provide plenty of places to choose from to relax by the waves. If you are seeking the iconic boulder laden emerald coves, head to Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay or Secret Cove. Even on a windy day, you will be able to see the bottom of the lake.

Ski or Ride the Ski Lift

Depending on the season, some of the best views of the lake can be found from the ski resorts. Homewood, Heavenly, and Diamond Peak offer some of the best ski lift views of Lake Tahoe because they are all situated lakeside.

Find a Sunset Spot

To catch the best sunset, head to either high ground or the east shoreline. From high ground, such as Monkey Rock or Cave Rock, you will get incredible panorama views as the sun paints the whole lake. From the east shore, such as Sand Harbor or Secret Cove, you will see the emerald glitter as the setting sun refracts on the water before it dips behind the mountains. Both are stunning sunset experiences!

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

Tahoe North and Tahoe South have two very distinct vibes. Check out the amenities surrounding each area when you decide where to stay. North Tahoe is generally regarded as a “slower” area compared to South Tahoe which is often described as the “Las Vegas of Lake Tahoe.” After driving through both sides, I was personally drawn to North Tahoe because I had better views of the lake from the hilly roadside.

Where to Eat in Lake Tahoe

It is no surprise that Tahoe has incredible food since it is such a popular tourist area. There are endless restaurants to try, but these were my first-time favorites or the restaurants that came highly recommended to me.

North Tahoe	South Tahoe
Whitecaps Pizza	Cafe Fiore
The Old Post Office Cafe	Tessie’s Beach Bites
Jason’s Beachside Grille	Basecamp Pizza Company
Lanza’s Restaurant	Azul Latin Kitchen

Before You Visit Tahoe

In order to be a responsible visitor, there are a few basics to consider before your visit:

Opt for public transport if you are going to a popular spot to be environmentally friendly.
Choose low environmental impact activities (ones that don’t leave exhaust in the lake.)
Check out Keep Tahoe Blue for more resources on being a responsible visitor.
Lately, I added praying for the destination to my pre-trip routine. Here are four easy prayers for travel to help get you started. I’ve found that praying before my visit makes me a more mindful traveler and gives me a greater appreciation for the experience.

If my first-timer’s guide was helpful for your first time in Tahoe I would love to know in the comments. And if you like this guide be sure to check out some of my other guides to California and Nevada!