As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe attracts visitors year-round with its natural beauty and a choice of activities. The pristine blue water and snowcapped peaks draws hikers, campers and boaters on a day trip or weekend getaway.
Many come for skiing in the winter time at some of the many well-known ski resorts, such as Heavenly Ski Resort, Squaw Valley, and Homewood Mountain Resort.
There are also several museums in the area that tell the story of Lake Tahoe and the railroad that once ran through the nearby towns. Here are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe, CA.
1. Desolation Wilderness
Desolation Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Eldorado National Forest. The area contains nearly 64,000 acres of alpine and sub-alpine forests as well as mountain peaks, valleys, and lakes that were formed by glaciers.
Travel in the wilderness area is limited to foot and horseback, as all forms of mechanical transport with the exception of wheelchairs are prohibited. Visitors are expected to leave no trace and carry all garbage out of the park. The natural area features miles of trails, including beginner to advanced trails. Camping is available in most parts of the wilderness area; however, wilderness permits are required to enter the protected area.
North El Dorado, California 95623, Phone: 530-543-2600
2. Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park preserves and memorializes the site of the Donner Camp, which is where members of the Donner Party were trapped by weather in the winter of 1846–1847. The famous ill-fated party was stuck without any shelter or adequate food and provisions and the group unfortunately had to engage in cannibalism in order to survive.
The park's visitors center interprets the site and contains exhibits related to the history and culture of the area, including the Donner Party, Native Americans, and the First Transcontinental Railroad. Park employees provide interpretive walks, hikes, presentations, and campfires. The park additionally contains the Pioneer Monument and the Emigrant Trail Museum, which are dedicated to travelers of the Emigrant Trail. Recreational opportunities include several miles of hiking trails and a stretch of lake frontage.
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California 96161, Phone: 530-582-7892
3. Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park is a state park centered on Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, one of the most popular areas of the lake. The park grounds include Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, which is a large Scandinavian mansion. The park additionally contains Fannette Island, which is the only island in Lake Tahoe.
The state park has two campgrounds, including the Boat-In campground, which is only accessible by boat or by hiking, and the Eagle Point Campground. A scenic trail curves around the bay, providing access to the lakeshore. The underwater part of the state park includes many boat wrecks.
138 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-541-3030
4. Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake is a remote mountain lake in El Dorado County. The glacier-created lake is about a mile south of Lake Tahoe and the Fallen Leaf Lake Campground is located near the lakeshore. There is minimal commercial development on the lake and so services are limited to the small Fallen Leaf Marina and Store at the lake's southern tip.
The lack of development means that Fallen Leaf Lake has retained its natural beauty and extremely good water quality. The marina has 60 slips for boats and provides water access. Wakeboarding and waterskiing are popular activities and the lake is also a good destination for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and recreational rowing.
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5. Heavenly Ski Resort
Heavenly Ski Resort is located on the border of California and Nevada in South Lake Tahoe. The ski resort features 97 runs and 30 lifts spread out over four base sites divided between the two states. The ski season is typically from the middle of November until the middle of April and the slopes feature a combined yearly average of 360 inches of natural snow and manmade snow from one of the nation's largest snowmaking systems.
The mountainside offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and both well-manicured and back-country runs. As far as night life goes, Unbuckle at Tamarack Lodge and the DJ Cat, which is a custom DJ station built on the back of a snow cat; both offer a chance to party while at Heavenly.
4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 775-586-7000
6. Gatekeeper's Museum
The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society was created to preserve and research the history of Lake Tahoe. The society built and maintains the Gatekeeper's Museum, William B. Layton Park, the Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum, and the Watson Cabin Museum. The Gatekeeper's Museum sits at the same location as the original log cabin that was home to the resident gatekeeper.
The museum tells the story of Lake Tahoe's history and includes many Indian artifacts, historical displays, and personal stories of the pioneers who settled the area. The Marian Steinbach Indian Basket Collection is held in the Edmund S. Barnett wing of the museum and consists of an impressive collection of over 800 baskets as well as dolls, artifacts, and pottery.
130 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA 96145, Phone: 530-583-1762
7. Homewood Mountain Resort
Homewood Mountain Resort is a ski area near Lake Tahoe's west shore. The resort features 1,260 beautiful acres of terrain and seven ski lifts and trails ranging from beginner to expert. The resort is typically open from December to April and is often sunny, while most of the trails are on the east face of the mountain, meaning that they are somewhat protected from the wind.
The resort is known for having fantastic views of Lake Tahoe and great powder. Homewood is also open in the summer, featuring mountain biking and hiking trails, and although the lifts are not operational in summer, the lodge and cafe are.
5145 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 96141, Phone: 530-584-6800
8. Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: KidZone Museum
KidZone Museum is a children's museum located in Truckee, California. The museum strives to provide an interactive, open-ended play space for children through intentional, playful exhibits and programming. The museum features a Baby Zone, which is a nature-themed play area specifically designed for babies aged 0 to 18 months to explore through rolling, climbing, crawling, and walking.
During the warm months, KidZone has an outdoor play area that includes a stream and a sandplay zone and often features special nature programs. Some of the other exhibits include the science lab-inspired Exploration Station, an indoor play structure perfect for indoor play in winter, the medieval-themed Once Upon A Time exhibit, and a hands-on Art Studio.
11711 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161, Phone: 530-587-5437
9. Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: D.L. Bliss State Park
With more than 700 acres of land, D.L. Bliss State Park has several sights and activities to offer every kind of visitor. For those who love hiking and sightseeing, various paved and dirt trails may be explored within the park. One of their trails, Balancing Rock Trail, features a unique stone formation consisting of tons of granite seemingly balancing atop a thinning stone base. This geological marvel has been one of the park’s most popular natural attractions. Several campsites and picnic areas are also available for those looking to relax with nature. Unexpectedly, even beach-lovers can enjoy an afternoon as they relax on the shores of Lester Beach and Calawee Cove. Swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing are also welcomed activities at the beach. Last but not least, swimming or scuba diving within the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe is sure to be a hit for park-goers as well.
9881 CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-525-7277
10. Things to Do Near Me Today: Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe State Park in Nevada is a park and recreational space with several different areas for visitors to explore. The most popular area is Sand Harbor, which features several sandy beaches, a boat ramp, and picnic facilities. The beaches offer several swimming areas with sloping beaches and clear water and are also a popular spot for scuba diving.
Spooner Lake is another popular destination for picnicking and also offers hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing. Spooner Lake also features a trailhead that accesses the backcountry between Carson City and Lake Tahoe. This backcountry area has been preserved as a Primitive Area and provides miles of vehicle-free multi-use trails that are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
2005 Hwy 28, Incline Village, NV 89451, Phone: 775-831-0494
11. The Coachman Hotel
Located only a short walk from Lakeside Beach on the shores of Lake Tahoe and a 10-minute walk from winter sports at Heavenly Mountain Resort, The Coachman is a modern hotel with pleasant spacious rooms spaced in a couple of 1960s buildings. All rooms have private bathrooms, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms also have a living space, and one even has a heart-shaped whirlpool tub. Suites have an extra bedroom and a separate living room. Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, snacks, free access to a private beach, a trendy rustic-chic bar, a hot tub, an outdoor pool, and a fire pit.
4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-545-6460
12. Lake Tahoe Boat Rides
Lake Tahoe Boat Rides is a boat tour company in South Lake Tahoe. The company offers unique boat tours that can be customized to your wishes. Private sightseeing tours of Lake Tahoe include tour guides who explain the history and stories of the lake. Guests can also take the opportunity to engage in water sports, swim, or just relax with friends and family.
Additionally, the company offers private yacht charters that can accommodate up to 20 guests and are highly customizable. Lake Tahoe Boat Rides also operates as a paddle-sport outfitter. They have stand-up paddleboards and kayaks available for multi-day or hourly rentals and even deliver to homes in the Tahoe Keys.
2435 Venice Drive E, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-545-1223
13. Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery
Although Tahoe is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, the area is not lacking in cultural activities. One of these, the Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery, displays the works of many American and international artists. The gallery has a particularly diverse selection of fine art, including oil paintings, prints, glass pieces, sculpture, and unique contemporary pieces.
Conveniently located in South Lake Tahoe's Heavenly Village, the 4,400-square foot gallery is the perfect addition to a day perusing the shopping district. The gallery often hosts special events and art shows, where artists showcase their work, and frequently provides demonstrations, talks, and more. Many of the art pieces in the gallery are available for purchase and Marcus Ashley can even help with financing.
4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #23, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-544-4278
14. Kayak Tahoe
Kayak Tahoe is a seasonal paddle-sport outfitter operating on Lake Tahoe. The outfitter offers stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals and features one of the largest selections of both on the lake. In addition to providing rentals, Kayak Tahoe offers lessons and guided tours of the lake and they also have equipment available for purchase.
The business has five locations on the lakeshore at Timber Cove, Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, Baldwin Beach, Pope Beach, and Nevada Beach. Each location is staffed with experienced paddle-sport lovers, who are available to help customers with everything they need for paddling the lake.
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-544-2011
15. Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: Northstar California
Northstar California is a ski resort hotel in Truckee located near the northwestern shore of the lake and offering beautifully scenic views of the mountains. The resort's 3,170 acres include a 2,280-foot vertical drop that is accessible by 19 lifts. Northstar has a snowmaking system as well as many inches of natural snow each year and there is also a cross-country center.
There is a village with shopping and restaurants as well as options for overnight accommodation. The resort has activities all year round, and warm-weather activities include an 18-hole golf course and a mountain bike park that visitors can access by lift.
5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161, Phone: 530-562-2267
16. Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley Ski Resort is located in Olympic Valley and is one of the largest ski areas in the country. The resort was the host site for the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. The park boasts 3,600 skiable acres accessible by 30 chairlifts. The resort also features a scenic aerial tramway that carries visitors 2,000 feet to High Camp, which offers many activities including a pool, dining, shopping, high-altitude disk golf, and roller skating.
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows offer joint access to their guests, meaning that visitors have even more terrain to explore. Squaw Valley hosts many events throughout the summer, such as live musical performances, yoga events, and food and drink events. Things to Do in California
1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, Phone: 800-403-0206
17. Tahoe Adventure Company
Tahoe Adventure Company is an outfitter and tour guide company that leads adventure tours through the mountains, trails, and waters of Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. The activities offered are nearly endless and can be customized to fit individual or group wishes. Guests can bike the numerous bike trails that weave through the Tahoe backcountry.
Additionally, the Sierra Nevadas offer opportunities for every type of hiker or rock climber. Whether visitors would like to take an easy, slow-paced nature walk or attempt an adrenaline rushing climb, Tahoe Adventure Company has something to offer. Of course, they also offer adventures on the waters of the lake itself, including kayak and paddleboard lessons, rentals, and tours.
7010 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista, CA 96148, Phone: 530-913-9212
18. Tahoe Photographic Tours
Tahoe Photographic Tours is a first-of-its-kind scenic guide and photography service. The tours cater to anyone interested in photography at any skill level and guests need not be photographers to go on the tours. The photo tours visit waterfalls, backcountry lakes, and mountain overlooks. Guests may also encounter some of Tahoe's amazing wildlife.
The pace of the tours is somewhat up to the guests and ensures visitors have the time to really take in the beauty of the area and take their own photographs. The tour guides are passionate about photography and are willing to share information about Lake Tahoe's history, wildlife, and geology. Guides will also share photography tips and take high resolution photographs of your group.
1679 Erie Circle, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-577-5264
19. Treetop Adventure Park at Granlibakken
The Treetop Adventure Park is located at Granlibakken Resort. The park is operated by North Tahoe Adventures and is the first Aerial Adventure Park to be opened in California. The exciting parks originate in Europe and are comprised of a series of courses that connect tree platforms by using zip lines and bridges. There are several courses for a variety of ages and skill levels. Visitors are safely harnessed and are provided with other equipment to make the exhilarating experience completely safe. The park’s Flying Squirrel zone is perfect for younger children and includes bridges, zip lines and more for young and beginning climbers.
725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145, Phone: 800-543-3221
20. Tallac Historic Site
Tallac Historic Site is comprised of three separate sites: The Pope Estate, the Baldwin Estate, and Valhalla. Most visitors start out at the Baldwin Estate, which shows an introductory video and features exhibits related to historic Tahoe. Visitors can tour the Pope House on a 1-hour guided tour. The home displays the way that high society visitors would have lived at Lake Tahoe. The tour guides share many stories of early life at the lake.
The shop inside the Baldwin Museum has books and Tahoe-related items available for purchase. The buildings at the site close during the winter, but the grounds are always open for visitors and include beautiful gardens complete with interpretive signs, allowing for self-guided tours. The site's website also features a mobile device tour, which guests can access by smartphone.
1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-541-5227
21. Truckee Railroad Museum
The Truckee Railroad Museum is dedicated to the history of trains and rail travel. It is situated next to the historic rail depot in downtown Truckee. The caboose parked outdoors is from the Southern Pacific Railroad and was used in the area and has been painted in the original Southern Pacific colors and style.
The museum features exhibits that tell the stories of the railroad in Truckee as well as pictures, re-creations, and artifacts related to the railroad and its role in the growth of the town. Exhibits include Tourism by Rail, the First Transcontinental Railroad, and Logging Railroads. Additionally, guests can partake in a guided tour of old railroad lines, camps, and trestles in nearby areas.
10075 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161, Phone: 530-582-7720
22. Van Sickle Bi-State Park
Van Sickle Bi-State Park is a state park that straddles the state-lines of Nevada and California. The park contains the farm of Henry Van Sickle and offers scenic views of Lake Tahoe. Most of the parks grounds are located within Nevada, however the main entrance and most of the historic buildings are located in California.
The Heavenly Ski Resort gondola passes above the park near the barn and stables. The park's buildings include a log cabin that was built in 1917 and the historic barn from the Van Sickle farm. There are numerous hiking trails within the park's grounds that connect to the 165-mile-long multi-use Tahoe Rim Trail.
30 Lake Parkway, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-542-5580
23. Vikingsholm
Vikingsholm is a mansion with 38 rooms located on the shore of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. The mansion was originally built as a summer home. Its construction included some interesting, old-fashioned construction methods and it remains an important example of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. The building was mostly constructed from materials found near Lake Tahoe.
The home is part of Emerald Bay State Park and guests can tour Vikingsholm for a nominal fee during the summer. The docent-guided tours take approximately 30 minutes. Visitors must climb a steep trail from the parking lot to reach the home and there is very little wheelchair access. The mansion features a visitors center and gift shop as well as hiking trails and a public swimming beach nearby.
CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142, Phone: 530-525-9530
24. Wine Tours from Tahoe
Wine Tours from Tahoe provides customized wine-tasting tours and tours of the wine region surrounding Lake Tahoe. Hosts introduce guests to a variety of wineries and the company provides round-trip transportation from South Lake Tahoe to the wine region of El Dorado County, where guests will spend the entire day exploring scenic wineries, sampling wine, and shopping for bottles to take home. Many of the wineries visited on the tours provide complimentary samples. The tour also includes a light lunch either picnic style on the grounds of a winery or at a popular bistro. Some tours may visit the Boa Vista open market or the fudge factory, depending on the season.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158, Phone: 530 573-1066
25. Lake Tahoe Balloons
Lake Tahoe Balloons offers hot-air balloon tours and flights over Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. The tour company is staffed with experienced employees who provide a safe, interesting, and friendly service. Lake Tahoe Balloons owns the world's only US Coast Guard certified hot-air balloon launch and recovery boat.
Tours begin and end onboard this one-of-a-kind double decker aircraft carrier-style boat. The balloon is inflated right on the deck of the boat and guests are invited aboard. The experienced balloon pilot also acts as a tour guide and points out interesting sites along the way. Guests will have a chance to see Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Desolation Wilderness, and Cascade Lake. On clear days, it is often possible to see the mountains in Yosemite.
2434 Venice Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158, Phone: 530-544-1221
What is Lake Tahoe known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Lake Tahoe?
The top attractions to visit in Lake Tahoe according to local experts are:
- Desolation Wilderness
- Donner Memorial State Park
- Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay State Park
- Fallen Leaf Lake
- Heavenly Ski Resort
- Gatekeeper's Museum
- Homewood Mountain Resort
- Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: KidZone Museum
- Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: D.L. Bliss State Park
- Things to Do Near Me Today: Lake Tahoe - Nevada State Park
- The Coachman Hotel
- Lake Tahoe Boat Rides
- Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery
- Kayak Tahoe
- Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: Northstar California
- Squaw Valley
- Tahoe Adventure Company
- Tahoe Photographic Tours
- Treetop Adventure Park at Granlibakken
- Tallac Historic Site
- Truckee Railroad Museum
- Van Sickle Bi-State Park
- Vikingsholm
- Wine Tours from Tahoe
- Lake Tahoe Balloons
More ideas:
Wyland Galleries
Wyland Galleries has a reputation for offering high-quality fine art, books, gifts, and clothing that feature their art and Wyland is one of the best-selling artists in the world. Most all of his pieces are related to environmental concerns and feature subjects with a special emphasis on the world's oceans.
Paintings, sculptures, and photographs that depict the ocean make up a large part of the gallery's collection and Wyland Galleries also features other artists focusing on environmental interests. Visitors may enjoy visiting the gallery and looking at the various pieces or shopping for fine art to add to their home or private collection.
4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Unit 3, Building A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-541-7099
Best Lake Tahoe Beaches:
California is well-known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but when we think of California beaches, our minds tend to drift towards Pacific Coast locations like Venice Beach and Malibu. However, it's important to not forget that California has some wonderful inland beaches too, like on the shores of the stunning Lake Tahoe, which also crosses over the state border into Nevada.
Lake Tahoe is a must-visit location for anyone in either California or Nevada. The area is home to a lot of exciting recreational activities and is the West Coast’s closest competitor to the Great Lakes in terms of sheer size and natural beauty. There are plenty of great beaches to be found all around Lake Tahoe, both on the California side and on the Nevada side. Read on to learn all about the very best beaches at this location.
Sand Harbor Beach
Sand Harbor Beach is found on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and is one of the best beaches within a relatively short distance of nearby Carson City. Every part of Lake Tahoe is beautiful, but Sand Harbor Beach is extra special. Huge boulders and bright blue waters decorate the landscape here, with alpine trees and stunning views in every direction. This Lake Tahoe beach is a beautiful spot for swimming and there's even a cove for scuba divers to explore.
Not only that, but Sand Harbor Beach also has its own visitor center, as well as picnic areas and a boat launch site. It's one of the most popular beaches on Lake Tahoe, so you can expect to see big crowds on sunny days, and it's definitely worth a visit. This beach also hosts the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival for visitors who are interested in hearing some beautiful poetry to accompany their beach trip.
Baldwin Beach
If Sand Harbor Beach is perhaps the prettiest beach on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Baldwin Beach is its Californian equivalent. Located on the lake's southern shore, this family-friendly beach stretches out for around half a mile and offers some unbeatable views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, dominated by the impressive Mount Tallac.
Like many south shore locations at Lake Tahoe, the water at Baldwin Beach tends to be very warm and welcoming, so it's perfect for swimming. You can also try kayaking at this location, with rental services right nearby, and there are picnic tables and grills too for people who want to cook up some treats on the beach.
Pope Beach
Pope Beach is located on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe and stand sout for the huge swathes of tall pine trees that can be found just off the beach itself. All of these huge trees offer nice little pockets of shade on the beach, so this is a great option for people who want to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe without burning up or risking sunstroke on a summer day.
There's nothing quite like sitting in the shade of a tall pine tree and looking out over the lake, admiring the glimmering reflections on its surface and the distant mountains beyond. Lots of benches and picnic tables are found at this Lake Tahoe beach too, so there's always a comfortable spot to sit down. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented at Pope Beach as well, offering a fun option for visitors who really want to get out on the water and experience Lake Tahoe in a very special way.
Lake Tahoe Beaches: Lester Beach
Lester Beach is actually situated within the D.L. Bliss State Park, over on the western shore of Lake Tahoe. The state park can be a super spot to explore for all kinds of recreational activities, and this beach is a real highlight, offering a stunning swimming area with beautiful blue waters and some stunning views.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding is very popular at this location due to the calm nature of the water and the large open spaces, but Lester Beach is also a nice spot to simply relax on the sand with a good book or some fun beach games. The only problem with this beach is that parking is quite limited, so you'll have to hope to find a spot or risk parking further away and having to walk.
Commons Beach
Commons Beach is situated in Tahoe City itself, making it one of the more crowded beaches on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It's a very popular spot with families and young visitors, and there's a beautiful park right nearby with grassy areas and shady spots to cool off on sunny days.
This beach also features a play area for the youngsters and lots of benches and picnic tables for groups of friends or families who want to enjoy some food together without risking sand in their sandwiches. There are some really impressive views of the Sierra Nevada mountains at this particular Lake Tahoe Beach, and the proximity of Tahoe City offers a lot of amenities to make your stay as enjoyable as can be.
Lake Tahoe is the biggest alpine lake in all of North America and has around 71 miles of shoreline in total, being a hugely popular recreational area for people in both states. All sorts of activities can be enjoyed at Lake Tahoe, including winter sports, summer fun in the sun, kayaking, sunbathing, hiking, and more, and there are plenty of beautiful beaches to be found all around the lake. One of the best things about visiting a Lake Tahoe beach is being able to sit back and simply admire the breathtaking natural beauty of the lake itself.
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More Ideas: Coachman Hotel
Lake Tahoe is one of the best recreation areas in all of the United States, and a beautiful place to visit for those in California and Nevada in particular. Stretching across the border between these two states, Lake Tahoe sits among the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning ski resorts, and exciting adventure opportunities.
It's the biggest alpine lake in all of North America and the biggest lake in the US after the Great Lakes, with around two million years of history behind it. It's the perfect place for skiing, snowboarding, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, cycling, and even gambling at various casinos and resorts over on the Nevada side.
If you're planning a trip to Lake Tahoe, the city of South Lake Tahoe tends to be the best place to say. Sitting on the southern shores of the huge, beautiful lake, this resort city is on the California side of the border and offers easy access to some of the best beaches and skiing locations in the area, with lots of good hiking and nature trails nearby too. One of the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe is the Coachman Hotel.
Recently renovated, redesigned, and revitalized for a brand new era, the Coachman Hotel is one of the top accommodation locations in all of South Lake Hotel. Aiming to provide an affordable yet luxurious motel experience, the Coachman Hotel's design and style is inspired by the stunning surroundings of Lake Tahoe, fusing chic modernity and timeless elegance and offering a great range of amenities for all guests.
- Location - Located at 4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA, the Coachman Hotel is mere minutes away from the shores of Lake Tahoe and right by the state line too, offering easy access over into Nevada for those who are planning on visiting the casinos and attractions on the other side of the border. You'll find plenty of great bars and restaurants nearby, and the area around the hotel is relatively peaceful when compared to some of the busier spots of South Lake Tahoe. The Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort is very close to the Coachman Hotel too, so whether you're heading to the lake for winter sports, summer fun, or something different, you'll find the Coachman to be a great base.
- The Hotel - As stated above, the Coachman Hotel has undergone some big renovations recently, breathing new life into the old building and providing an even better experience for every guest. As well as its prime location, this South Lake Tahoe hotel offers plenty of excellent amenities including a swimming pool to help you cool off in the summer months and a cozy hot tub for those cool winter nights when you want to warm up and relax with your friends. The hotel also boasts of its own outdoor fire pit, the perfect gathering and hangout spot, along with a lobby and bar space where you can enjoy coffee, beer, and wine throughout the day and into the evening, basking in the glow of natural light streaming in through the large glass paned doors and relaxing with the books and games provided.
- The Rooms - This highly rated South Lake Tahoe hotel has a total of 42 rooms. Most of the rooms are regular King or Queen Queen rooms, designed and decorated to a very high standard and filled with all the amenities and features you need. There are also a couple of deluxe rooms like the Honeymoon room and the Two Bedroom Suite, providing more luxury and space for those who need it. This is a pet-friendly Lake Tahoe hotel, so you can bring a furry friend along and stay in a designated room, and you'll be able to enjoy cozy beds, plenty of storage space, handmade vanities, flat screen TVs, speedy Wi-Fi access, and much more throughout your room.
- Meetings and Events - As well as offering free breakfasts in the mornings, free s'mores in the evenings, free Wi-Fi throughout, and plenty of additional amenities and services for all its guests, the Coachman Hotel is also open for meetings and events too. If you're planning something special at South Lake Tahoe, the Coachman offers several meeting spaces including a 300 square foot 'living room' style meeting area and a 900 square foot event space with a full kitchenette and 1,000 square foot exterior roof deck too. All the audio visual equipment and catering you could need will be provided, and the Coachman's dedicated event planning team will be happy to help bring your event to life exactly as you imagine it.
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More Ideas: Thunderbird Lodge
Located in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Thunderbird Lodge preserves the historic home of famed socialite George Whittell, Jr., operating as a living history home museum for tours and special event rentals. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lake Tahoe became a prominent spot for the construction of summer homes and resort residences by California’s elite. George Whittell, Jr.’s parents, George Sr. and Anna, were among the wealthiest residents of San Francisco at the turn of the 20th century.
History
Born in 1881, George Jr. became known throughout his young life as one of the American West’s most famous socialites and notorious playboys, noted for his multiple marriages, travels with the Barnum and Bailey Circus, and collections of exotic animals, designer automobiles, and luxury boats. By 1936, Whittell owned more than 40,000 acres of land across a 20-mile region of the Nevada shoreline of Lake Tahoe. That year, Whittell began construction on a residence that would become known as Thunderbird Lodge, designed by prominent Nevada architect Frederic J. DeLongchamps. Throughout the 20th century Thunderbird Lodge earned a reputation as one of the final and greatest examples of prominent high-society homes constructed in the Lake Tahoe region.
Before his 1969 death, Whittell sold much of his land and property in the Lake Tahoe region to the Crystal Bay Development corporation. Following Whittell’s death, the residence and 10,000 acres of property surrounding it was acquired by investor Jack Dreyfus, who later turned much of the land over to the acre of the National Forest Service and the Nevada State Parks service. Following renovations and additions Dreyfus made to the lodge in 1985, the property was sold to the Del Webb Corporation at a cost of $56 million. In 1999, a three-way land exchange was established between Del Webb, the University of Nevada at Reno, and the United States Forest Service. The portion of the land designated to the United States Forest Service was later conferred to the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society, which gained ownership of the entire property in 2009 after a major capital fundraising campaign.
Attractions and Tours
Today, Thunderbird Lodge is preserved as a living history home museum and learning center, owned and operated by the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society nonprofit organization. The lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000 and is part of the Thunderbird Lodge National Historic Site. The site features a heavily-forested terrain populated by mixed conifer trees and shoreline and creek areas with sandy beaches, showcasing a number of large granite boulders.
The main lodge, designed by architect Frederic J. DeLongchamps, serves as a prime example of architectural integration with the surrounding environment, utilizing design principles of natural harmony within its building materials, landscape elements, and surrounding pathways and driveways. More than 3,000 square feet of interior space are contained within the lodge, and a lakeside lawn, gazebo, two patios, and private sandy cove are showcased on its grounds. The lodge is most noted for its Lighthouse Room, which offers spectacular views of nearby Lake Tahoe.
In addition to the main lodge, several other buildings within a six-acre area make up the Thunderbird Lodge National Historic Site, including the home’s original Card House, which is accessible via a tunnel entrance. Whittell’s Elephant House, which formerly housed his pet elephant, Mingo, is heavily embellished with decorative ironwork, sconces, and artistic detail. A Caretaker’s Cottage, Cook and Butler’s House, Admiral’s House, and Gatehouse are also showcased on the property. The lodge’s one-story Boathouse also serves as the home of Whittell’s Thunderbird Yacht, constructed in 1939 and now recognized as one of the most valuable historic wooden speedboats in the United States. As a historic landmark-at-risk, the yacht is maintained by the Preservation Society through chartered yacht cruises and rentals.
Public guided tours of the home and its grounds are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays between May and October, with private tours available by reservation throughout the year. Tours last approximately 75 minutes and elaborate on Whittell’s life and the construction and history of the lodge. All public tours must be reserved in advance, and all participants must wear comfortable walking shoes for grounds exploration. Children under six are not permitted on tours, and smoking is not permitted within the lodge and its grounds.
Ongoing Programs and Events
Thunderbird Lodge hosts a variety of public special events throughout the year, including Winemakers’ Dinner fundraisers, which require advance reservations for all participants. The Thunderfaire Food and Wine Festival showcases fine California wines and gourmet food from chefs throughout the American West Coast, while special Father’s Day and Fall Harvest dinners serve multi-course meals specifically crafted by resident chef Darren Weston. The lodge and its surrounding properties and grounds may also be rented for private special events, including weddings, reunions, and corporate functions. Phone: 775-832-8750
