Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevadas in northeastern California, is the largest alpine lake in North America. The deep blue water, mountains, pine-scented air, rocky shoreline, and clear skies, all located 6,225 feet above sea level, make Lake Tahoe a prime year-round destination. In winter, snow sports attract visitors to ski resorts, and in summer, an abundance of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, camping, biking, and nature walks, call to active travelers. Two states share Lake Tahoe. A north to south vertical line divides the lake, with the eastern third in Nevada and the western side in California. In addition to the state line, an imaginary east-west boundary creates North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South. With its stunning granite boulder coastline, the North Lake Tahoe includes small cities and towns (like our favorite Truckee!) in both California and Nevada. Described as a quieter, nature-focused area, the north shore offers casinos, entertainment, and a wide range of places to stay. South Lake Tahoe (also referred to as Tahoe South) includes the city of South Lake Tahoe on the California side, which is the largest city around the lake. Downtown features shopping, restaurants, bars, and pedestrian-friendly Heavenly Village. On the Nevada side of Tahoe South, there's nightlife, dining, entertainment, and four casino resorts.

The best way to get around Lake Tahoe is by car. Because there are more than 70 miles of shoreline at just the lake alone, you'll find that having your own set of wheels will be most convenient. To get from the airport to your accommodations in Tahoe, you can rent a car, take a cab (ride-hailing services, Uber and Lyft, also operate in the area) or hop on a shuttle. The Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) provides public bus services, but only around the north shore. Lake Link – a free, on-demand shuttle bus – provides transport to passengers in South Lake Tahoe. Many hotels & resorts also have a shuttle available to help you get around town so be sure to check with your concierge!

Lake Tahoe is about an hour’sdrive from is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with convenient connections from virtually any city in the US and abroad. Lake Tahoe is also within driving distance to the Sacramento International Airport which is about a 2-hour drive, and the Bay Area Airports (San Francisco, San Jose & Oakland) are about 3.5-4 hours away.

John C. Fremont discovered Lake Tahoe in 1844, he was really a bit late to the party as Native Americans, specifically ancestors of the Washoe Tribe, had him beat by close to 10,000 years, and probably more! The area quickly became developed due to silver mines in Nevada & the Gold Rush in California. With the arrival of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 the lake became a popular retreat for the wealthy from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Virginia City. Over the next few decades, hotels, resorts, and casinos sprang up to appeal to this clientele. In the 1930s, a well-off eccentric resident named George Whittell Jr. began buying up over 40,000 acres of land, including more than 25 miles of shoreline with intention to develop the property into casinos & hotels (you can still see his home, the Thunderbird Lodge). Overtime he fell in love with the secluded beauty of his property and kept it undeveloped — leading to the pristine wilderness still enjoyed on the eastern side of the lake today!

The Lake Tahoe area is incredibly popular and attracts over 15 million visitors a year … for a lot of good reasons! Most strikingly, Lake Tahoe is known for breathtaking views and a deep connection to nature — from its clear water to snowy mountain tops! The unique alpine landscape allows for a perfect skiing season and then warm, sunny summers and miles and miles of coastline allow for great sunbathing & water activities! From great hikes, world renowned casinos and nightlife, waterfalls, scenic drives Lake Tahoe has it all!

Lake Tahoe weather can be a bit extreme due to alpine setting of the lake. During the winter, the weather at Lake Tahoe varies from blizzard conditions to clear, crisp sunny days, but it's always cold. The sun might shine clear in the morning and by afternoon you might find another foot of snow on the ground. Fortunately, this leads to some of the best skiing conditions in the country! Spring can be slow to arrive in Tahoe, but as the snow melts it gives way to fields of blooming wildflowers. Some years the ski resorts are open until May because of snow fall! Summer (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) brings much higher temperatures during the day, from 70s through low 100s, with hot sunny days with picturesque white clouds. The mornings are are still chilly, and the evenings chill to cold nights. Fall happens in a blink in Tahoe — going from scorching days to blizzards quickly. Both spring & fall are great times to hike around the lake, as the weather allows for more mid-day activity and the wildlife is quite stunning this time of year.

In both California & Nevada you'll have a variety of dining options at your fingertips. From amazing fine dining resort meals to hearty alpine comfort cuisine you’ll be able to find a little bit of everything! Dining lakeside with a view is very popular, and happily, there are a range of options from high-end to casual, to suit all budgets! Tahoe has its share of food, wine and beer festivals, such as the Tahoe Brewfest in summer and Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest in August. Craft beer lovers might also want to check out the North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail or the South Tahoe Beer Trail!

If you’re a fan of casinos a jackpot win could be a great thing to take home! We kid of course … but in all seriousness be sure to take lots of panoramic photographs to remember the beautiful views!

Lake Tahoe is a vacation destination that’s all about being comfortable — pack casual & comfortable clothing & walking or hiking shoes as there will be a lot of exploring and activities. Don’t forever your sunglasses & a lot of layers — no matter the season you’re visiting in expect the temperature and weather to vary (sometimes) dramatically and over 80% of days are sunny here!

The area has its share of below-freezing days & nights, but surprisingly enough the Lake itself has never frozen over! The great depth & volume of water is always in motion and keeps it from being the world’s largest ice rink!