Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe California things to do three day itinerary

50 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe California in the Summer

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe California: Summer Edition

If you are planning a trip to Lake Tahoe California and looking for the best things to do, see, and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Lake Tahoe is a resort city on the California-Nevada state line. Tahoe has a cobalt blue lake, 70 miles of shoreline, and is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is stunning. There is something for everyone in Lake Tahoe: quiet beaches, rustic cabins, hiking trails, water and snow sports, casinos, live entertainment, spas, and boutiques. Browse the must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Lake Tahoe bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Lake Tahoe trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

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Lake side view Lake Tahoe California things to do three day itinerary
Lake Tahoe California

Things to Do in and Around Lake Tahoe

Shop for souvenirs at Heavenly Village

Play a game of mini-golf

Ride the Heavenly gondola up the mountain for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe

Ride the alpine coaster at Heavenly Epic Discovery

Attend a concert on the water at El Dorado Beach

Stop by the Camp Richardson Marina for ice cream at an old-fashioned parlor

Tour the grounds of three estates at Tallac Historic Site

Go stargazing at Baldwin Beach

Explore the bike trails around the Lake Tahoe

Hike Cascade Canyon to the Falls

Stop at Inspiration Point for gorgeous views of Emerald Bay

Take a photo of Eagle Falls and hike the loop for stunning views

Hike down the mountain and tour the Vikingsholm Castle on the shore

Kayak out to Fannette Island and explore the tea house

Take an Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise

Hike the Balancing Rock Trail at DL Bliss State Park

Lake Tahoe California travel guide
Lake Tahoe

Hike the Rubicon Trail to the lighthouse

Tour the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

Hike through the forest at Sugar Pine Point State Park

Stop in Chambers Landing Bar & Grill for a Chamber’s Punch

Get your adventure on at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park

Take your picture with the 1960 Winter Olympics flame at Squaw Valley and explore the Olympic Museum

Ride the aerial tram at Squaw Valley for gorgeous mountain views

Go wine tasting at the Red Wolf Lodge

Raft the Truckee River

Hike the Shirley Canyon Train past waterfalls to the lake

Have lunch in the old railroad town of Truckee

Play bocce and drink wine at Truckee River Winery

Visit Donner Memorial State Park and learn the history of this area

Explore the old Summit Tunnel

Walk the pier at Dollar Point for incredible lake views

Go parasailing at King’s Beach

Have a picnic lunch at Crystal Bay

Stop by the Hyatt and purchase a s’more kit to roast on their fire pit

Lake Tahoe California must see
Lake Tahoe

Watch the sunset from Pier 111 Bar

Have brunch on the Sierra Cloud Catamaran

Go paddleboarding at Sand Harbor

Watch Shakespeare on a sand amphitheater with the lake as a backdrop

Take a photo of Bonsai Rock at sunset

Tour Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe’s castle in the sky

Spend an afternoon on Chimney Beach

Eliminate swimsuit lines on Secret Cove’s nude beach

Go mountain biking to monkey rock

Take a photo of Cave Rock

Relax on the beach at Zephyr Cove Resort

Go for a cruise on the Tahoe Queen paddle boat

Check out Genoa, Nevada’s oldest town

Explore the wild west town of Carson City

Explore Virginia City, a 19th Century mining town

Take a day trip to Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World

Check the Lake Tahoe California Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

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Plan Your Trip to Lake Tahoe California

Lake Tahoe California Travel Guide

Pick up a California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Lake Tahoe California Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Lake Tahoe Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

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Have a great vacation!