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.
Hyper-modern, uber-chic, Opal Ultra Lounge inside Bally’s Lake Tahoe offers an electrifying end to your first ideal day. Let their local or national DJs bring you to your feet—though their bottle service offers some epic people-watching from the comfort of your booth also—and dance into the wee hours.
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.
Looking for some live music in South Lake Tahoe? If your dream vacation includes entertainment venues and bars with live music, look no further! South Lake Tahoe is the place to be after the sun goes down all year long. Check out our picks for daily and weekly shows and live music in Lake Tahoe for your next trip!
Weekly Shows and Live Music in Lake Tahoe
Concert at the Heavenly Village
Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series – Lake Tahoe’s largest free concert series! Food, fun, and live music. Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series music starts at 5:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, Memorial Day through Labor Day, in the Heavenly Village.
Live at Lakeview
Live at Lakeview: Free Summer Concert Series on the Beach – Live at Lakeview is a free weekly concert series hosted at Lakeview Commons in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. The event hosts live music and art on the beach, along with various local merchants and delicious food options, plus amphitheater-style seating and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe from the beer garden. June through August.
Live music at Valhalla Tahoe
Valhalla Tahoe Summer Event Series – Valhalla Tahoe brings the community together to enjoy history, art, music, theatre and other cultural events at one of Lake Tahoe’s most unique properties, the Heller Estate. In partnership with the United States Forest Service, Valhalla Tahoe hosts tours, cultural events and private events throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall.
Live music at Meyers Mountain Farmer’s Market. Photo: Brian Walker
Live Music Wednesdays at the Meyers Mountain Farmer’s Market – Wednesdays from 3pm – 7:30 pm through September 13th at Tahoe Paradise Park! Farm-to-table fresh produce, live music, food, artisan-handmade crafts, and a grand ole’ time! Yoga, 45+ vendors. Park at the Magnet School, snap a pic of your car and show us at the MMM booth to collect your MMM.
Tuesday Night Blues at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe–Harrah’s is heating up the night every Tuesday, with free Blues shows. Longtime Northern Nevada musician Buddy Emmer will showcase local and regional headliner artists as they front Emmer’s smokin’ band with some of the best blues music around. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. every Tuesday.
A magician performing a trick for an audience at the Loft
Magic After Dark – Looking for an unforgettable magic experience? Magic After Dark is an irresistible window into the edgy, sexy, sophisticated, and sometimes sick mind of award-winning magician-comedian, Robert Hall. This show is perfect for couples and friends alike to enjoy and is sure to be a great addition to any special occasion. Reserved for those 18 years of age or older. Showtime is 9:00 pm every Friday.
Dueling Pianos inside Harveys Casino Resort
Dueling Pianos at Harvey’s – The Mountain Bar at Harvey’s is one of the best bars with live music in South Lake Tahoe if you want a FREE show to pass the time. Sing along to all your favorite hit songs or pull up a seat and enjoy the show. The show starts at 8:30 pm every Friday and Saturday.
Party at Opal Ultra Lounge– Fantasy meets reality at the super chic Opal Nightclub located inside the Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Spa and Resort. Don’t miss out on the sensual atmosphere that is sure to get your heart pounding! Don’t miss out on the action Fridays and Saturdays all year long!
Karaoke at Rojo’s Tavern– For those looking to take their singing abilities from the car into one of Lake Tahoe’s many bars, Rojo’s Tavern is your best bet for fun on Friday and Saturday nights. From Journey to Spice Girls and everything in between, you are sure to find the perfect song. Just don’t forget to tip your DJ!
Arty the Party at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Arty the Party at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – “Arty the Party” as he’s affectionately called, has been playing in Lake Tahoe for several years now and calls the Casino Center Stage at Harrah’s his unofficial home. Arthur’s incredible music career began as a lead singer for San Francisco’s 13-piece Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra. He then went on to star in the city’s famous stage musical production “Beach Blanket Babylon”. You can party with Arty Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9:00 pm. It’s the best disco, dance, R&B, and soul party in Lake Tahoe!
Tahoe Club Crawl
Tahoe Club Crawl – Ready to discover South Lake Tahoe’s unforgettable nightlife? The Tahoe Club Crawl is an organized tour of all that Lake Tahoe’s south shore offers after the sun goes down. The party starts at the Center Bar at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino every Saturday night at 7:45 pm and wraps up at 11:00 pm. What you do next is up to you!
Nightly Shows and Live Music in South Lake Tahoe
A band performing at the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe
Live Music at McP’s Taphouse Grill – This local’s favorite has been a beer and entertainment staple in South Lake Tahoe for over 25 years. Family-owned and operated, McP’s offers 40 beers on tap, live music every night, and no cover charges.
You won’t be disappointed with their traditional Irish dishes along with lighter options inspired by classic California dishes.
Magic Fusion at the Loft Lake Tahoe
Magic Fusion at The Loft Theatre – The Loft in the Heavenly Village is pleased to announce that their family-friendly show, Magic Fusion, is back! Shows start nightly at 7:00 and 9:00 pm with an additional KIDS FREE matinee every Sunday at 4:30 pm. All you have to do is buy one adult ticket to get one kids ticket for free.
Live Music at BaseCamp Pizza – Located conveniently in the Heavenly Village, near the fountain, Base Camp Pizza Company is the place for casual, family-style dining with some of the best pizzas, salads, and pasta. You can find bands playing live music daily, so pull up a chair, eat some pizza, and take in the incredible atmosphere you can only find around South Lake Tahoe.
California Burger Company– Brought to you by the same folks behind Base Camp Pizza, Azul Latin Kitchen, and Rubicon Pizza comes California Burger Co. This gourmet burger establishment is all about good food, music, and art.
Don’t miss out on live music featuring superb local acts every day of the week at the Heavenly Corner Stage in the Heavenly Village.
Still looking for things to do? Our events page has many more ideas to ensure your next trip to South Lake Tahoe is one you will never forget. Don’t forget to share your experience with us using #VisitLakeTahoe on social media.
Add Lake Tahoe to Your Mountain Biking Bucket List
If there was a list of historic mountain bike sites that every hardtail and full-suspension rider needs to visit at least once in their life, Lake Tahoe should be near the top of the list. No, mountain biking wasn’t invented here, but it’s safe to say Lake Tahoe and the people that call it home helped shape the sport, bikes, and culture into what we know (and love) today.
For Lake Tahoe mountain biking pioneer, Gary Bell, it all started in 1978 while tracking-down some two-wheel fun in the Sierras. “I always liked being out in the mountains,” Bell said. “I wanted to be able to go further and just have fun on some trails.” The allure of the mountains drove Bell to help set the pace for Tahoe’s mountain biking roots and open Sierra Ski and Cycle Works in 1980.
Gary Bell opened Sierra Ski and Cycle works in 1980. Photo by Dylan Silver.
The development of early mountain biking in nearby Marin County hadn’t gone unnoticed as Bell soon began transforming old steel-frame bicycles into custom “klunkers” complete with motorcycle handlebars, drum brakes, and balloon tires to help him navigate Tahoe’s rugged and primitive trail system. At the same time another Tahoe local, Max Jones, was busy building trails, including the legendary Flume Trail to the north.
One of five “Klunkers” built by Gary Bell and his buddies in 1979. Photo by Gary Bell
In the early days, Lake Tahoe had fewer trails as well as people using them. Most of today’s established rides had yet to be blazed or were being used for different reasons. An area favorite, the smooth-rolling Powerline Bike Trail, was originally a jeep trail that has since narrowed down to superb single-track.
The epic Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride wasn’t completely connected either. It took the work of Gary and a handful of friends to bring together a myriad of existing trails into the endurance testing experience it is today (on bikes with little or no suspension). “Of all the trails around Lake Tahoe, I think Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride has kept the original feel more than others.” Bell said. He credited respectful riding etiquette for helping to retain the original character.
“There’s a chance that parts of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride could get too gnarly for you. Instead of trying to make an easier way down on your own, we like to see people just walk their bikes down and not make new trails,” Bell said. Besides staying on existing trails, following simple mountain bike etiquette like giving right-of-way to uphill riders, not littering, and riding under control can go a long way toward making everyone’s outdoor experience a little more enjoyable. Bell practices what he preaches, having been one of the founders of the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) in 1988.
Lake Tahoe as a World Class Biking Destination
Today, bikers visiting Lake Tahoe can still ride the same trails Gary and Max did but also have dozens of others to explore thanks in-part to Gary Bell’s continuing advocacy for mountain biking in the area. The efforts made by TAMBA in recent years has also helped expand and preserve more area trails, securing Lake Tahoe as a world class mountain biking destination.
Lake Tahoe’s unique and positive cycling culture extends far beyond the trails and into the surrounding streets with Lake Tahoe recently recognized as a Bike Friendly Community. Cyclists of all types can enjoy miles of family-friendly bike paths, knowledgeable shops, and locals that share the same pedal-powered passion.
For the road cyclist, the famed loop around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles of unforgettable scenery with deep blue water, Douglas Fir groves, and breathtaking views the entire way. For the hardcore rider, the annual Tour de Tahoe is a chance to test yourself against some of the area’s best.
As a month that spans two seasons, June has a special place in the heart of any Lake Tahoe traveler. Take a trip and unwind along Lake Tahoe’s south shore. Want to be featured next month? Use the hashtag #VisitLakeTahoe for a chance to be highlighted.
Here are our top 10 #VisitLakeTahoe Instagram images from this past month.
No matter what route you take on your next Lake Tahoe expedition, please be sure to positively impact the local environment and wildlife along the way. As a city in the middle of a forest, South Lake Tahoe and its guests have a responsibility to keep wildlife wild by never feeding them and properly disposing of garbage in bear-resistant containers.
Ready to be a next-level visitor? Picking up even a few pieces of discarded trash can go a long way towards “Keeping Tahoe Blue”. Click here to learn more.
… Tree Pose 
