21 Epic Things to Do in Lake Tahoe by Season

Lake Tahoe is an all-season destination I’ve been visiting since I was a young girl. My grandparents had a small cabin with big lake views on the west shore. Boy, do I wish they’d kept that in the family.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about a 3.5- to 4-hour drive from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe is a favorite Northern California getaway, with things to do for outdoor lovers, snow seekers, foodies, and weekend adventurers.

Whether you are swimming or boating in summer, skiing and tubing in the winter, chasing waterfalls in the spring, or leaf peeping in the fall, Lake Tahoe delivers year-round magic and memory-making.

Here is my list of 21 Epic Things to do in Lake Tahoe by Season so you can plan your ultimate Lake Tahoe vacation.

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🌞Summer Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

1. Relax at Sand Harbor Beach

Located on the east shore between South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village, Sand Harbor is one of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Tahoe. It’s also one of the busiest, especially during the summer.

It’s common to see lines of cars waiting to get in, which is why a relatively new reservation system for vehicle entry was implemented, requiring you to book in advance between April and October. Reservations open a few days ahead and sell out quickly.

Another option is to take the free Eastshore Express shuttle from Incline Village between June and September, from around 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (check the website for accurate dates and times).

Once in, you can enjoy a wide sandy beach, a snack bar and bathrooms, a boat launch, and large boulders jutting from crystalline coves.

2. Tube/Raft the Truckee River

Somewhere in an old album there exists a photo of me in a bikini, floating down the Truckee River in an inner tube. No, you won’t see it here, but I’m happy to report this is still a Lake Tahoe summer rite of passage and the gold standard of laid-back fun.

You rent a tube in Tahoe City, hop in upstream, and let the river do all the work while you drift through calm, scenic stretches that feel straight out of a postcard.

Relax, float, repeat. This is Tahoe at its most chill.

Good to know: the Truckee River Raft Company is the only company that exists directly at River Ranch, where you can enjoy a beer or lunch after your float.  

3. Kayak or Paddleboard

Paddling on Lake Tahoe is unreal, especially on calm mornings, when the water can be so clear it feels like you’re floating on glass.

I recently enjoyed the spectacular guided clear-bottom kayak tour. Not only was it beautiful, but I got a serious bicep workout in, too. Can you say win-win!

We didn’t have to drive either. The tour company picked us up in Incline Village and took us back to our cars.

4. Take a Scenic Boat Tour

Seeing Lake Tahoe from the water gives you a whole new appreciation for just how big, blue, and deep it really is.

My grandparents had a boat when I was a kid, and I was always amazed to watch the water shift from Caribbean turquoise near the shore to deep, dark cobalt blue in the middle.

For one anniversary, my husband and I booked a Paddle wheel cruise from Zephyr Cove . Called the M.S. Dixie II. We took the basic tour, which was wonderfully scenic, but you can also book a dinner or sunset cruise.

It’s best to reserve in advance during the summer months, especially over holiday weekends when Lake Tahoe gets very crowded.

Private boat charters are also available around the lake. I’ve done this when we have groups of friends, or when there are older kids aboard who want to swim, waterski, etc. This offers a more personalized experience with customizable itineraries.

You’ll also get the benefit of a licensed and knowledgeable captain, which is ideal if you plan to have some cocktails on board.

5. Dine or Drink on an Outdoor Deck

There are myriad waterfront restaurants around Lake Tahoe, and everyone wants to be seated at one on sunny days and at sunset. Some are more upscale, others super casual, and all serve up gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe.

6. Take a Hike

Exploring Lake Tahoe on foot is one of the best ways to experience the area (and get your steps in). There are endless hiking options and levels, from paved paths and short fire roads to all-day and overnight odysseys worthy of a Cheryl Strayed novel.

The Rubicon Trail along the southwest shore of South Lake Tahoe is a popular gem between D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay, with nonstop Lake Tahoe views .

A favorite walk of mine is the paved East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor. Start at the Tunnel Creek Café (there’s paid parking but it fills up fast so you may want to arrive early). It’s flat, and there are plenty of places along the way to snap photos and climb down to the shoreline.

7. Visit Emerald Bay State Park

If Lake Tahoe had one signature view, this bay on the south shore would be it.  It’s one of the most photographed parts of the lake and is home to Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette.

Come for a hike, a kayak, a paddleboard, or to tour a Scandinavian-style castle. The area gets busy during summer, so arrive early or consider a fall visit.

8. Bike Tahoe

There are many ways to explore on two wheels, from the scenic and flat paved Truckee River bike path that runs from Tahoe City toward more rugged, off-road adventures like the Flume Trail.

Check with local shops like Flume Trail Mountain Bikes or Anderson Bicycle Rental for tips, rentals, and epic outdoor adventuring advice.

I highly recommend a guided bike tour along the East Shore Trail on the Nevada side of the lake. With shuttle service to and from the starting point, you’ll ride along an easy paved path with epic views of Lake Tahoe.

The EastShore Trail is honestly one of my favorite walking spots on the lake too, with gorgeous views of turquoise coves from Incline Village all the way down to Sand Harbor.

9. Shop Local

Aside from the stunning scenery, Lake Tahoe is also surrounded by small towns anchored by businesses that need our support. Wander through Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Incline Village, and South Lake Tahoe for books, jewelry, outdoor gear, fine wine, 2^nd-hand clothes, handmade gifts, house décor, and more.

🍂Fall Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

10. Chase Fall Colors

Autumn is a quieter, calmer, and stunningly beautiful season, with bright yellow leaves creating a technicolor backdrop at every turn.

Take a drive around the lake to see golden aspen trees fluttering in the wind.

For hiking, try Spooner Lake, which has a super easy 2.5-mile loop with minimal elevation change, flanked by beautiful fall colors.

11. Ride the Heavenly Gondola & Mountain Coaster

The Heavenly Gondola offers a scenic, 2.4-mile ride up the mountain with views over Lake Tahoe that make it clear why it’s called Heavenly. You’ll also find an Observation Deck at the top for photos, drinks, and snacks. 

Thrill seekers should also check out the Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered ride with amazing views, a fun time in summer or fall.

Gondola tickets are $124 per person, which is pretty steep for a day out, but less than the cost of a ski lift ticket these days. The website offers package deals and discounts too.

12. Take a Scenic Drive Around the Lake

When fall finally hits and the traffic thins, a full lake loop drive can be enjoyable.

It’s 72 miles around, and of course, you could do it all at once in about three hours, without stops.But this is Lake Tahoe and you’ll want to slow down and take it all in.

You could spend a whole day or even two to enjoy scenic viewpoints, hikes, beautiful hotels, lakefront decks and towns, and tour historic sites, such as Thunderbird Lodge (tours offered May – October).

My grandparents were “riders” and by that I mean they loved to go for a ride in their car around the lake. They would have loved this downloadable Driving Audio Guide. It’s a good resource for pointing out historic spots, hiking trails, lookouts, and more.

❄️Winter Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

13. Ski or Snowboard

Skiing in Lake Tahoe is a gift and a delight thanks to an array of ski resorts, Sierra Nevada scenery, 300 days of annual sunshine, and views of a deep blue lake that create a unique and thrilling on and off-piste experience. 

Well-known resorts like Heavenly, Palisades and North Star are beloved and world-renowned for good reason, but smaller, family-centric ski spots like Diamond Peak (my home hill) and Homewood are delightful, and less pricey too.

14. Dip Into Fondue

Is there anything better than dipping bread into hot cheese on a cold winter night? I don’t think so. Reserve a table at the lakefront The Idle Hour in South Lake Tahoe (also fabulous for watching a sunset).  

On the north shore, drop by La Fondue in Incline Village. It’s not on the water, but the cozy chalet setting has all the alpine vibes you crave when sitting around a bubbling cauldron of cheese.

15. Visit the Winter Olympics Museum

Of course, you can do this during any season, but why not feel the history of the area’s 1960 winter Olympic games during the cool season at the Olympic Museum, located at High Camp at Palisades Tahoe.

I’m an Olympics fanatic and love the collection of memorabilia, uniforms, and equipment, news articles, and video presentations detailing the many magical moments that took place around Lake Tahoe. Admission is free with your Aerial Tram ride ticket.

16. Try Snowshoeing

I gave up skiing a while ago (my knees and back thank me), but I still love getting outdoors in the winter season and soaking up Lake Tahoe’s snowy alpine scenery. So, I took up snowshoeing.

It’s easy to learn, peaceful, and best of all, it’s low-impact, so great for beginners too. beginners. Best of all, you can wear your own snow/ waterproof boots, so comfort is guaranteed.

Set off on your own self-guided journey around Lake Tahoe’s stunning beaches, parks, and trails. Or follow a guide on a snowshoe adventure into Lake Tahoe’s winter wonderland.

17. Go Sledding or Tubing

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy sledding and tubing, both great activities for adults and kids. There are designated sledding and tubing areas around Lake Tahoe, paid and free. 

🌸Spring Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

18. Chase Waterfalls

Spring is the season that brings waterfalls roaring back to life. Here are two trails to consider on your waterfall hunt.

-Cascade is one of the best short hikes around the Emerald Bay area. It’s only about 1.5 miles round-trip from the Bayview Campground, and the trail leads to great views of Cascade Lake, Lake Tahoe, and the waterfall.

-If you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe,  Van Sickle Bi-State Park is super accessible, and Van Sickle Waterfall is one of South Lake Tahoe’s best-kept little secrets.

The 2.2-mile round-trip hike feels like a mini adventure, winding through quiet pine forest with spring wildflowers and surprise “wow” moments of Lake Tahoe below. The seasonal falls may be modest, but the sense of discovery—and solitude—is pure wonder.

Good to Know: You can still get late spring snow in Lake Tahoe, so always check the weather before heading out.

19. Go Wildflower Hiking

Wildflower season is one of my favorites in Lake Tahoe, and I love to hike mountain trails and through meadows colored with beautiful blooms. It’s best in May and June. Grab a trail map from a local tourist office or download the AllTrails app.

Or check out the Shirley Canyon Trail in Olympic Valley. It gives a lot of bang for a late spring hiking buck. You’ll spot vibrant flowers, smell fresh pine air, spot a few waterfalls, and enjoy mountain peak views, too. Find it: From Palisades Tahoe parking lot, walk down Shirley Canyon Road and find the trailhead on the left.

Good to Know: It’s three miles to Shirley Lake with about a 1,000-foot elevation gain and some unstable footing.

20. Be a Birdwatcher

Spring is active for birds and other wildlife around Lake Tahoe. Grab your binoculars and head to Spooner Lake, popular for its 12,000 acres of forested, open space, and roughly 50 miles of trails frequented by feathered friends.

Prefer a guide to lead you into the birding wild? Check out Redtail Adventures, experts in half and full-day birding adventures in the Sierra and Lake Tahoe basin.

21. Book a Lane at Bowl Incline

Bowling? Don’t turn up your nose just yet. This place has been around for 50+ years, but has recently been face-lifted into a retro-style entertainment center that’s fun for every age in any season.

Best of all, the food is amazing (I’m looking at you, poke tacos) thanks to the Hawaiian Fusion flavors of chef Sam Choy and Ohana Diner.

Along with 16 lanes of bowling, you’ll also find arcade games, axe-throwing, bocce, and some gambling at the bar. It’s a perfect place for a Lake Tahoe family night out, date night, or girls’ night.

You can also just drop in for dinner or a drink and skip the rental shoes.

Ready to go? Book your stay today!