Some of the most idyllic memories are created while visiting South Lake Tahoe. Hundreds of days of sunshine annually and bountiful entertainment both inside and out have long enticed guests to this awe-inspiring natural spectacle to unwind and make their dreams a reality.
Especially romantic reveries.
Couple having cocktails outside at Edgewood Tahoe
Couples can easily make two magical summer days amidst South Lake Tahoe’s mystique. Inclusive of all, Tahoe is incredibly welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, and invites anyone in love, or perhaps duos seeking to find those depths, to discover inspiration on the banks of its otherworldly waters.
Perhaps you’ll even find depths of your relationship rivaling the depths of the lake you behold…
Day One
You’ve arrived!
Holding hands, breath taken away as you crest the Sierra summit to reveal one of the world’s most exquisite bodies of water, you drive into South Lake.
On Tahoe’s south side, a bevy of accommodations await. Want a rustic cabin stay? Check. Wiling away your days in beachfront luxury? Got you. Called by the casino action? Take your pick. Bringing your furry, four-legged family? No problem.
South Lake Tahoe
You’ll surely find the perfect place to stay for your Tahoe adventure in South Lake.
Once checked in, it’s time to fuel up and plan.
Try heading to The Grove Restaurant at Camp Richardson, and pick the locals’ brains on fun activities over their signature Rum Runner cocktail and some snacks while beachside. Once sated, rent jet-skis, kayaks or even an entire motorboat from the Camp Richardson Marina, mere steps away from The Grove.
Family dining outside at the Grove Restaurant at Camp Richardson Resort
If you’re not feeling up to navigating, let the captain of the Rum Runner Yacht do it for you. He takes groups on a cruise to extraordinary Emerald Bay twice a day each summer, letting guests sip on their adult or non-alcoholic beverages sans stress.
Ahh, yes, breathe. Now you’re letting the Tahoe vibes kick in.
However, all that beauty works up a hearty appetite. It’s dinnertime.
Now you’ve both got lake fever and want to soak up all the time you can on its shores.
Fear not: if there’s an abundance of anything aside from Mother Nature’s glory here, it’s lakeside dining options.
FIre pit at Jimmy’s Restaurant at the Landing Resort & Spa
First night, try Jimmy’s at The Landing for a truly romantic dining experience. Cozy up in a private dining alcove and get hypnotized by the flames of your own personal firepit. Order a bottle from their 1,500-bottle wine vault while pondering which sumptuous gourmet menu items to order.
Dine on a decadent dessert together before letting the stars lead you to your next destination.
Blu Nightclub inside Bally’s Lake Tahoe, setting a new paradigm for nightlife at the lake, this world-class venue is Lake Tahoe’s hottest nightclub and exudes an energy level that the area has never seen before.,
Day Two
Rise and shine, the outdoors await!
South Lake Tahoe has an abundance of ethereal beaches and heart-pumping hikes to choose from. If you prefer two-wheeled adventures, mountain and road biking is world-class here, as well. Bring your own, or rent from any of the local shops.
Family on the Beach at Lake Tahoe
Before embarking on your second day, grab coffee, tea and a hearty breakfast at Tahoe fave the Red Hut Café Kingsbury. It’s decked out inside with Tahoe nostalgia and makes you feel like you stepped into an old-time diner. Go big, because that’s what we do in Tahoe, with one of their heaping, appetite-busting breakfasts, like the protein-rich Don’s Special, or a plate of pancakes, French toast or waffles.
Filled up, it’s time for your first outdoor excursion of the day.
“Oh, we’ll just have to come back longer next time”, you say to your partner, who vehemently nods in agreement.
Couple looking from the top of Mt. Tallac
The Fallen Leaf Lake hike is great for beginner-to-intermediate hikers, in just a few miles offering views of the smaller alpine lake and its stunning flora and fauna.
But climbing Mt. Tallac seems like it could be exhilarating, you think. The trail challenges hikers with substantial elevation changes over the five-mile ascent to one of the Tahoe basin’s tallest peak, at 9,738-feet elevation.
You made it! Now to sort through those pics. Sigh. Everything was just so…photographable.
Off to the beach for some cooling down. But first, lunch. And a cold, local microbrew sure sounds mouthwatering. So, Cold Water Brewery and Grill it is.
Pair their crave-inducing pub or comfort foods with any of their exceptional handcrafted beers, all while taking in views from the outdoor patio.
If you brought your pooch, Kiva Beach is “fur” you (bad pun totally intended).
Two women sitting on the beach at Zephyr Cove Resort
If you’re looking for a bit more action, journey to Zephyr Cove on the east side of South Lake. From here, you can parasail, paddleboard, jet ski or play volleyball on their vast beach. And if you missed being on the water for your first day, now’s your chance.
The M.S. Dixie II takes you on a waterborne journey into eye-popping Emerald Bay by paddlewheel boat. Take an afternoon cruise or try and tear your eyes away from the sunset on its decks later.
Well, the day is winding down, but those brews you tasted at Cold Water piqued your interest in trying more local libations.
Luckily, with the crystalline waters of Tahoe inspiring them, brewers abound ‘round here. Download the South Tahoe Beer Trail Map for a concise guide to finding your newest favorite frothy beverage.
South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail Map
Looking for a more intimate setting and a superb craft cocktail? The Loft features some unusually delicious options to try while imbibing in their moody, mysterious interior seating—fitting for a place also serving up sides of live theatre and magic.
After two full, exciting and romantic days in South Lake Tahoe, you’re already planning your previously discussed return.
There’s just too much you didn’t get to savor quite yet. But oh, those two days were the perfect start to a lifelong love, between both you two, and Tahoe.
You planned the trip, packed your bags, and made it to South Lake Tahoe. Why not take your foot off the gas pedal, grab a bike, and hop onto one of the many FREE options to get around town?
From South Shore, north to Incline Village, and all the way around the lake to Tahoma, you can take in all the incredible views and experiences Tahoe has to offer without busting out the map app on your phone.
Once you get to the end of the road, you can grab your bike from the rack on the outside of the bus, give your driver a friendly nod, and go as far as your two wheels can carry you. With South Lake Tahoe’s designation as a Bike Friendly Community, you can count on finding nearby bike racks while you hit the town or take to the beach.
If you need a reason other than saving money, maybe skipping the hassle of parking is enough to convince you. While incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains are in abundance around here, parking spots can be a bit tougher to find, especially in the more populated areas around the lake.
Taking a free ride with Tahoe Transit can also help protect this special place. Each year more than 50 million vehicles journey into and out of the Tahoe Basin. Small pieces of dust, dirt, and smoke from roadways and parking lots make up about 70 percent of the particulates that enter Lake Tahoe and are a significant factor in declining lake clarity.
Planning your trip is easy, just download the Transit app and stay in the know with real-time updates on your route. Available for Apple and Android devices.
South Shore visitors and residents have a new way to get around with the launch of Lake Link, a microtransit shuttle system. The service will offer free rides in the service area on the south shore including Round Hill, Lower Kingsbury, and the casino corridor in Douglas County, Nev., and to Lodi Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, California
The on-demand system will be accessed and scheduled through the Lake Link app and operate 365 days per year 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.
Bird and Lime scooters are back in South Lake Tahoe for the summer to help you get around. In 2020, over 60,000 people took over 200,000 rides on e-scooters. This translated to a savings of 186,000 vehicle miles traveled, 7,800 gallons of gas, and 325,000 pounds of CO2 from car emissions.
Just please be sure to follow the rules of the road, be considerate of others, and park your scooter in a place that is out of the way.
Lime Scooters at Lake Tahoe
Getting to Tahoe’s South Shore
Looking for a ride between the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Tahoe’s South Shore? The South Tahoe Airporter offers multiple departures daily. Just kick back and enjoy the scenery!
Prefer to travel by rail? An Amtrak train can get you as far as Sacramento to the west of Lake Tahoe and Reno to the northeast, both short bus rides from South Lake Tahoe.
June in Lake Tahoe is a particularly wonderful time to experience the lake and its surrounding areas as the vibrant colors of spring continue to pop on high elevation trails, and the lake warms to the perfect temperature to swim in, paddle on, or boat around. By June, trails and campgrounds have all opened and summer entertainment begins heating up. Book that extra day early because you’re going to want as much time to explore as you can get!
Hit the Trails
Find your trail in South Lake Tahoe. Photo by Heavenly Mountain.
Whether by foot or by bike, there are miles of trails to explore on your next trip to South Tahoe. The 165-mile hike around the Tahoe Rim Trail is the ultimate Tahoe hiking experience and offers stunning views of the entire lake. For those that prefer to be on two wheels, the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path or Camp Richardson Bike Path is one of the most popular paved trails in the scenic Lake Tahoe area, as it winds through pine forest not far from the lakeshore.
Nevada State Fair – Mills Park in Carson City – June 5-8, 2025
NV State Fair | Photo courtesy of Visit Carson City
Nevada State Fair returns to Carson City, Nevada’s great capital. Four fun filled days of entertainment, carnival rides, culture, music and so much more. June 5-8th, the Nevada State Fair is proud to celebrate our great State of Nevada. Come on out and enjoy our beautiful June weather with a full day of activities at Mills Park.
Thursday June 5th: 11am – 10pm Friday June 6th: 11am – 10pm Saturday June 7th: 11am – 10pm Sunday June 8th: 11am – 10pm
Free to the public – no entry fees. Nevada State Fair is an outdoor event.
*Dogs are allowed on leash only. *Entering and/ or leaving the venue with alcohol is not permitted.
The Nevada State Fair was originally founded in 1874 and had been Nevada’s longest-running event. The Board of Directors for the Nevada State Fair met on Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 and decided to close, ending a 136-year run (1874-2010). In August of 2013, a completely new Nevada state non-profit company was formed to continue the legacy. With collaborative efforts from both state and private sectors, the Nevada State Fair is welcomed back and is pleased to be held in Carson City.
Free Events
Tahoe Bike Month
Tahoe Bike Month. Gather your friends, family, and coworkers for a month-long celebration of biking in Tahoe. Together with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition is celebrating 18 years of Bike Month starting June 1st with loads of activities planned.
All genres of music will be featured, with most shows on Fridays and Saturdays, holiday Sundays and the week of the 4th of July holiday, and American Century Championship Golf.
The free shows in this series are held on the stage between the Fire and Ice and Gunbarrel Tavern restaurants from 5:45 p.m to 9:15 p.m.
The Village is located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way surrounding the Marriott resorts and gondola. The parking garage is $5 after 5:00 pm. Except holidays.
The events, which last through Labor Day, are held every Friday and Saturday (with a Sunday/Monday bonus over holidays) and showcase the talents of both regional and national musicians.
Apart from being Lake Tahoe’s largest free summer concert series, what also sets the Heavenly Village events apart from other seasonal entertainment is its family-friendly environment.
Concerts are held either between Gunbarrel Tavern and Fire + Ice or in front of Azul Latin Kitchen. Each show begins at 5:45 p.m.
Annual Hwy 50 Wagon Train, May 31 – June 7, 2025
Ride in Celebration of California and Nevada’s ONLY BI-STATE HISTORIC EVENT!! Wagon Train itinerary
Riding for only a day or for the whole trip, the wonders of this great land are truly appreciated as one travels down the road at an average speed of three miles per hour! Evening campfires, storytelling, and low key entertainment round out the experience. Families are welcome!
As early as the 1840’s, a trickle of humanity began the arduous journey toward the great Pacific and the freedom they foresaw in settling there. In 1849, the cry of “Gold” from the foothills of the California territory rocked the world! Leaving property and families behind, men traveled West.
In the early 1850’s, one of the major land routes to California, traversing what we now know as Echo Summit and the Highway 50 corridor, became known as the “Roaring Road”. Travel was so heavy; oftentimes, wagon trains were forced to wait for days to have their turn on the road.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the “Gold Rush”, a Wagon Train was formed to travel west from Lake Tahoe to Placerville (Old Hangtown) along Highway 50. This “one-time” event was so popular that it resumed in 1951, and has made its annual trek each year since that time.
Waking up before dawn, savoring the rich aromas of coffee boiling, bacon frying, mingled with the clanking of harness, the soft knickers of horses being readied for the day, and the murmurs of the wranglers going about their duties draw one back into a lifetime of excitement and anticipation.
Tying into this event, join the Lake Tahoe Historical Society for the 4th annual Western Days on Saturday, May 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum complex. Entry and activities are free.
There will be tours of the museum, the 1930s log cabin, a peek into the 1860s Toll House, children’s hands-on activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, craft vendors, music by the Cash Only Band and Whiskey Wolves, and western entertainment and storytelling by David and Gayle Woodruff.
Chow down on BBQ and refresh Your thirst with a hard (or soft) beverage, and Much, Much MORE!
Find Your Beach
A family of four at Baldwin Beach. Photo by Rachid Dahnoun.
Each beach around South Lake Tahoe offers something a little unique, including different ways to catch some rays: beaches on the western side of the lake see more early morning sun, and those on the east side are ideal for catching the sunset. Some, like Kiva Beach and Nevada Beach, are dog friendly. Others, like Emerald Bay State Park, offer boat camping and you-can’t-find-anywhere-else views of Fannette Island and the Vikingsholm Estate. And if you’re looking for something more exhilarating, like access to boating and parasailing, you’ll find that, too.
DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, runners will once again run counter-clockwise around Lake Tahoe in the 61st annual DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay. Considered to be the oldest relay race in the country, the Lake Tahoe Relay began as a New Year’s gag by a group of college runners in 1959, grew into a tribute to a beloved son, and has evolved over decades as a family’s labor of love. With altitudes up to 6,500 ft. on the 72-mile course around scenic Lake Tahoe, this race is as fun as it is challenging.
The Lake Tahoe Relay teams have 7 people, each running approximately 8 to 12 miles. All runners will have the same team number pinned on the front of their shirts. The course closes at 8:00 p.m. Runners will be asked to leave after 8:00 p.m. for their own safety.
In addition to the team run we also offer: (1) person 72-mile ultra-marathon circling beautiful Lake Tahoe. The event will start at 5:00 am at the start-finish line of the Lake Tahoe Relay. Competitors will have 15 hours to complete the course and must be done by 8 pm.
(2) person 72-mile relay. Each member will run 36 miles alternating legs as needed based on team dynamics. The event will start at 5 am, and teams will have 15 hours to complete the race.
This non-profit event is a labor of love and a memorial to Robert DeCelle Jr and Sr, beloved father and brother. All proceeds have gone to High School and Youth running programs within California and Nevada. All of the timers, workers, and the band are DeCelle family members or close friends.
Rod Stewart at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys)
Rod Stewart at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys). 8:00 pm, Saturday, June 14, 2025. Mark your calendars for a legendary night under the stars at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys)! Ticketmaster.com
Rock Tahoe Half Marathon
Run. Rock. Recover. Rock Tahoe Half Marathon on Saturday, June 22, 2025. Lake Tahoe’s premier running event takes runners along Lake Tahoe and finishes at the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino. Runners receive a medal at the finish, live music and a pool party. If you haven’t secured a spot yet for this event, register today.
RUN in beautiful Lake Tahoe! ROCK your way through some awesome weekend events! RECOVER poolside with live music at the post-race pool party!
The Rock Tahoe Half Marathon starts at Spooner Summit and drops over 1,000ft as it winds its way down Highway 50 along the stunning East Shore of Lake Tahoe to the finish line and post-race pool party at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe!
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The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.
The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has begun the process of opening National Forest recreational facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Before recreation sites can be fully opened to the public, the Forest Service must complete seasonal hiring of crews and staff to manage sites, clean up from winter, remove safety hazards such as damaged trees, and wait for the danger of a freeze to pass before turning on water systems for restrooms. All opening dates are subject to change, due to conditions and weather.
Fallen Leaf Lake Campground at Lake Tahoe
Campgrounds/Resorts
Zephyr Cove Stables – April 14
Round Hill Pines Resort – May 1
Camp Richardson Corral – May 3
Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest, Badger’s Den campgrounds – May 7
Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds – May 9
Fallen Leaf, Luther Pass, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds – May 23
Echo Chalet – May 25
Watson Lake Campground – May 30
Blackwood Canyon and Kaspian campgrounds – June 1
Angora Lakes Resort – June 7
Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park – Year Round
Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort – Year Round
Interpretive Sites
Inspiration Point – May 23
Logan Shoals Vista Point – May 24
Tallac Historic Site – May 24
Taylor Creek Visitor Center – May 24
Beaches/Picnic Areas/Trailheads
Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area – May 10
Baldwin, Nevada, Pope and Secret Harbor beaches – May 16
Sawmill Pond Picnic Area – May 16
Mt. Tallac Trailhead – May 17
Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads – May 23
Eagle Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead – May 23
Kiva Picnic Area – May 24
Chimney Beach – TBA
Until sites open, parking, trash and restrooms are not available, so plan accordingly. Do your part and pack out all trash. Where pets are allowed, always clean up after them and be sure to properly dispose of pet waste bags. Do not leave pet waste bags behind, if a trash receptacle is not available, please take them with you. Where gates are still closed, be sure to park vehicles completely off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block the gates.
A friendly reminder that pets are not permitted at the following designated swim beaches for public health and safety reasons: Baldwin, Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope, William Kent, and Zephyr Cove beaches. Per the Code of Federal Regulations, in developed recreation sites where pets are allowed, pet owners are required to keep pets on a 6-foot maximum length leash at all times. For ideas for recreating with your dog, visit the Where Can I Take My Dog webpage.
National Forest gate and road opening dates are determined by the LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) developed under the LTBMU Travel Management Plan. All dates are subject to change due to conditions and weather.
For the latest opening date information and updates, visit the LTBMU’s website and follow us on Facebook and X.
Until Nevada Beach, Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach and Meeks Bay open for the season, you may access the beaches by walking in. The facilities have been winterized and there is no garbage pick up. So please remember Pack it in, Pack it out. This includes dog bags, Please do not litter the beaches. Help us keep Tahoe Blue.
National Forest beaches and picnic areas at Lake Tahoe are generally open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. The length of the open season depends on snowfall conditions and may vary from year to year.
Tahoe beaches are popular and parking areas tend to fill up quickly. Plan accordingly and carpool, take public transportation, or develop alternate transportation solutions, such as walking, and biking when visiting National Forest locations.
We encourage all National Forest visitors to practice responsible recreation. Do your part to maintain the health and safety of yourself and others by following these guidelines:
Pets are not allowed on designated swim beaches. Only leashed, service dogs are allowed entry to developed beaches. The Forest Service reminds dog owners to always clean up after their animal, including properly disposing of pet waste bags.
