𖤥 LAKE TAHOE

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Lake Tahoe

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where Is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is located in two states: California and Nevada. The nearest major cities are South Lake Tahoe in California and Reno in Nevada.

What Is Lake Tahoe Known For?

Lake Tahoe is known for its crystal clear blue water and its mountain panorama that surrounds the entire lake.

In winter, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular ski destinations in the US with top ski resorts like Heavenly Ski Resort, Squaw Valley, and Northstar California Resort.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Tahoe?

The great thing about Lake Tahoe is, that it is an awesome place to visit all year round.

Visiting Tahoe In Summer

In summer you get to enjoy the crystal clear water and pristine Caribbean-like beaches. There are many activities on and off the water, like boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, or going for hikes, biking, and sightseeing.

Visiting Tahoe In Winter

In winter, Lake Tahoe turns into one of the US’ most famous ski destinations. There are 15 ski resorts in Lake Tahoe that give snowbirds endless opportunities for riding and skiing. There are also great trails for cross country skiers, and snowshoers, as well as opportunities, to go ice skating and snowmobiling.

Lake Tahoe In Spring

Springtime in Lake Tahoe is still cold and spring skiing with many sunny bluebird days is going strong. Fun things like the jacuzzi and heated pool on the mountain at Squaw Valley open up as the winter slowly starts to disappear.

Fall In Lake Tahoe

Fall is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe as the peak summer season ends and the winter season is not quite around the corner yet. In early Fall, the temperatures can still be quite warm also.

Around October, you can see the colorful fall foliage in Hope Valley, which is half an hour south of Lake Tahoe.

How To Get To Lake Tahoe?

Driving To Tahoe By Car

The best way to get to Lake Tahoe is by car. However, since Tahoe is so popular, try not to get to and from Tahoe during rush hour times. Especially if you are driving from and to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bay Area To Tahoe

Coming from the Bay Area, leaving anytime before 1 pm on a Friday is a good time to avoid major traffic. Of course, not everyone can leave work early. Leaving after 8 pm is also a good option and you will most likely make it to Tahoe at the same time as your friends who left in the afternoon! 😉

Driving To Lake Tahoe In Winter

During winter make sure to be prepared and have snow chains on board, as there are snowstorms regularly. Without chains, you will end up on the side of the road not going anywhere anymore. You also won’t make it through chain control and will have to turn around. If you’re lucky you can find snow chains at the nearest gas station, however at exorbitant prices. So be prepared and bring snow chains!

The best way to manage Tahoe winter roads is with a 4×4 vehicle, but at least with a regular car that has snow chains. Even better when you have both. However, sometimes a 4×4 won’t entirely save you from sliding around when the streets are icy. We’ve been there and it’s no fun when the car is going places you don’t intend it to go. So be prepared and keep calm and drive safely when a snowstorm hits Tahoe.

Tahoe Ski Bus From The Bay Area

If you don’t have a car and want to go to Tahoe for skiing only, there are ski buses that bring you there early in the morning and drive you back in the evening.

Doing a quick Google search will give you various options. A well-known and popular one is the ski bus from Sports Basement.

Amtrak Train To Truckee

Another way to get to the Tahoe area is to take the Amtrak train to Truckee and use an Uber or bus to get around the lake.

The train is called California Zephyr and goes from Emeryville in Oakland to Truckee in Tahoe.

Fly To Tahoe Via Reno Airport

You can also fly into Reno Tahoe Airport and rent a car to get to Lake Tahoe. That will only save you time if you come from farther away though.

How many days should you stay in Lake Tahoe?

The short answer: As many as you can! The longer answer: There are a ton of outdoor activities and things to do in Lake Tahoe, no matter summer or winter.

Many people visit Lake Tahoe for an extended weekend, from Friday to Sunday. So spending three days in Lake Tahoe is very common.

If you have the time, it’s best to plan a week-long vacation in Lake Tahoe. 7 days in Tahoe will give you enough time to relax and enjoy the lake as well as to explore the many activities around.

Where To Eat Around Lake Tahoe?

There are nearly endless restaurants around Lake Tahoe. However, if you are looking for amazing lakeview dining in Lake Tahoe, be sure to check out our Tahoe Lakefront Restaurant Guide featuring various types of restaurants on the lake that boast incredible views.

T A H O E
W I N T E R

Lake Tahoe Winter Guide

Lake Tahoe vacation guides all around winter in Lake Tahoe

T A H O E
S U M M E R

Lake Tahoe Summer Guide

Lake Tahoe vacation guides all-around summer in Lake Tahoe.