Lake Tahoe Casino Guide: Where to Play and Stay

If you want to experience some of the most unique casinos in the country and pair it with a vacation that embraces the great outdoors, there’s only one place in the United States to find that – Lake Tahoe. To help, here’s a quick breakdown of the Lake Tahoe Casinos scene.

South Tahoe Casino Scene

When it comes to the selection of casinos, the south shore of Lake Tahoe, on the border of California & Nevada, has the most options, and some properties are investing millions to bring a chic, modern feel while maintaining a strong sense of place with an alpine aesthetic.

Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (formerly Harveys)

Updated Room at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casinos

Those wanting a home base for schussing at Heavenly Mountain & gaming at night, look no further than Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. The casino floor boasts a variety of slot machines & table games as well as a race and sportsbook center. If you visit in the summer, Caesars Republic hosts the Summer Concert Series in their outdoor amphitheater, where big acts like the Scorpions and Duran Duran have played.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino (formerly Harveys)
Harrah’s and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casinos

Right across the street, you’ll find Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, the most popular casino-resort in Lake Tahoe. In addition to the table games such as roulette, craps, & baccarat along with progressive slots, you’ll find a host of amazing dining options, the PEEK nightclub, and the hip Cliché Lounge. For music lovers, the South Shore Room hosts some of the biggest performers up to present day. Need to unwind a bit more? Get a massage at Reflections The Spa or lounge by the indoor pool.

Bally’s Lake Tahoe

Bally's Lake Tahoe
Bally’s Lake Tahoe Resort Casino & Spa

Most Lake Tahoe visitors are looking to enjoy the outdoors in what is the ultimate alpine paradise in any season. After a full day of hiking, skiing, or any other mountain activity, Bally’s Lake Tahoe makes sure your stay is in comfort. From the Opal Ultra Lounge nightclub for party-goers to the indoor grotto-like pool, there are a lot of choices. Featuring a steak house, buffet, craft beer, & assortment of adult gaming options, you’ll be set for your stay in Tahoe.

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe King Room
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

A lot of exciting changes are coming to the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino Lake Tahoe.  All hotel rooms and suites in Golden Nugget’s Sunset Tower have been completely renovated with upgraded amenities. Coming soon: Mastro’s Steak House, a sophisticated dining experience recognized for world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment. Outside, the resort’s pool area will also be reintroduced as H2O, featuring built-in seating areas, fire pits, a hot tub, private cabanas, a poolside bar, and outdoor gaming.

North Tahoe Casino Scene

The north shore of Lake Tahoe features a host of quaint & cozy casinos albeit less unique experiences in and of themselves. Here’s the rundown of those classic spots in places like Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Crystal Bay Casino

Crystal Bay Casino Lake Tahoe
Crystal Bay Casino Lake Tahoe | Photo: @travisbook

Built in 1937, the “CBC” as known by locals has renovated its accommodations & re-opened in 2003 but still holds to its old school Tahoe feel. On the casino floor, the walls are adorned with natural stones and a giant (fake) Oak tree standing from the middle of the pit spreading its branches over the table games. Besides the classic games such as blackjack and craps, the Crystal Bay has two performance venues. The red room provides an intimate setting while the Crown Room is their premier spot with a capacity of 550.

Jim Kelley’s Tahoe Nugget

One of the oldest family-owned casinos in the ENTIRE state of Nevada, they still follow the philosophy of providing good food and drink at an affordable price. This cozy casino features the latest in slots and a few table games to enjoy. But the real star is the “awful awful” burger that they’ve been serving for more than half a century. The “awful awful” moniker is short for awfully big & awfully good.

Grand Lodge Casino at the Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

Sitting on the northeastern edge of Lake Tahoe in the quiet town of Incline Village is the Grand Lodge Casino at the Hyatt. Those with a sophisticated palette and price is no object will find this casino & resort perfect. Offering several gaming options on the 20,000 square foot casino floor, take a dip afterward on their private beach. If visiting in the winter, enjoy hot cocoa by their cozy outdoor fire pits gazing upon the waters. Luxury amenities do come at a price: mandatory nightly $36 resort fee in addition to the cost of the room.

Whether you’re looking for alpine lodge charm or electric nightlife alongside your outdoor adventures & gaming fun, as you can see Lake Tahoe casinos are where it’s at.

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The Best Way to Spend Memorial Day Weekend in South Lake Tahoe

If you’re seeking a memorable and rejuvenating Memorial Day weekend this year, look no further than South Lake Tahoe. Nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, this idyllic destination offers an abundance of natural beauty and exciting activities. So pack your bags, prepare your camera, and get ready to embark on a memorable adventure in South Lake Tahoe.

Explore the Pristine Wilderness

South Lake Tahoe is renowned for its breathtaking wilderness, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Lace up your hiking boots and venture into the trails of the Desolation Wilderness or take a scenic drive along the Lake Tahoe Basin. Discover hidden gems such as Fallen Leaf Lake, and relish in the serenity of nature as you immerse yourself in landscapes that are truly “Awe and then Some!”

Soak Up the Sun on Beautiful Beaches

Memorial Day weekend calls for some quality time spent on the beach, and South Lake Tahoe does not disappoint. With miles of superb shoreline, the region boasts numerous public beaches where you can bask in the sun, enjoy a picnic, or even take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. Be sure to visit spots like Zephyr Cove Beach, Pope Beach, or Baldwin Beach to make the most of your beach experience.

Water Activities

With its sparkling blue waters, Lake Tahoe beckons adventure seekers to indulge in an array of thrilling water activities. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and glide across the tranquil lake surface while enjoying the panoramic views. Alternatively, embark on an exhilarating jet ski or boat tour to explore hidden coves and marvel at the surrounding mountains. For the more adventurous souls, parasailing or wakeboarding are excellent options to get your adrenaline pumping.

Local Events

This Memorial Day weekend, South Lake Tahoe will be bustling with exciting local events. From live outdoor music in the Heavenly Village and more intimate magic shows to living-history walks and guided kayak tours, our events page shows all there is to offer over the holiday weekend. These events allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant community atmosphere, fostering connections with locals and travelers alike. The joyful energy and sense of unity will undoubtedly enhance your holiday, leaving you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the South Lake Tahoe community.

Good Eats this Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Tahoe

After a day full of exploration and adventure, treat your taste buds to the local culinary scene in South Lake Tahoe. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, you’ll find a diverse range of dining options. Savor delicious fresh seafood, sample farm-to-table cuisine, or unwind at a waterfront eatery while enjoying stunning sunset views. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal or a casual bite, South Lake Tahoe offers culinary experiences that will leave you craving more.

Get Ready For Some Fun!

South Lake Tahoe truly embodies the spirit of Memorial Day weekend with its harmonious blend of natural beauty, thrilling activities, and peaceful retreats. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, relaxation on the beaches, or delectable dining experiences, this captivating destination has something for everyone. Make unforgettable memories amidst nature’s splendor, and let South Lake Tahoe mesmerize you with its unparalleled charm.

Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Tahoe … There’s More!

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Take in All of Tahoe This May

If you’re looking to create unforgettable memories or simply escape the everyday, South Lake Tahoe in May offers the perfect retreat. Make a reservation at a lakeside restaurant to soak in breathtaking views, or head to the beach for a head start on your summer tan. It’s the ideal time to enjoy the serenity and beauty of Tahoe before the summer crowds arrive.

Clearly, there’s no better way to get up close to Big Blue than a boat or jet ski rental. Showing is better than telling, and seeing IS believing. The grandeur of Lake Tahoe is easier to comprehend when you’re smack-dab-in-the-middle, trust us.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Tahoe Style

If you’re looking for a reason to get out and explore the wide range of Mexican cuisine is South Lake Tahoe, there’s no better time than Cinco de Mayo! With deals on food and drinks all over town, all you need to do is pick a spot to eat. Be sure and check out the Cinco de Mayo Festival at the Heavenly Village on Monday, May 5th.

Enjoy a Lakeside Meal with Mom

Lakefront dining at the Boathouse on the Pier

If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe this Mother’s Day, why not ditch the card and treat that special lady in your life to an unforgettable lakefront meal? When the mimosas stop flowing, take to the streets and explore Lake Tahoe’s unique shops.

Neal Francis will be live in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe!

Saturday, May 10, 2025, 7:30 pm, Get ready to groove with Neal Francis! His soulful music and rich melodies will bring an unforgettable night of energy to the South Shore Room. Don’t miss out on this vibe-filled evening!

Get your tickets here.

Matisyahu live in concert at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Showroom

Saturday, May 24, 2025: Matisyahu live in concert at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Showroom at 8:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.

Get your tickets here.

Justin Hayward the iconic voice of the Moody Blues at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:30 pm, Get ready for an unforgettable night with the legendary Justin Hayward! The iconic voice of The Moody Blues. Featuring Mike Dawes.

Get your tickets here.

Hit the Beach

A couple walking along the shore at Baldwin Beach | Photo by Rachid Dahnoun.

Lake Tahoe’s gorgeous high-alpine scenery belies its serious beach scene. You’ll find miles of sandy beaches throughout South Lake Tahoe that cater to every taste. 

Start exploring beaches around South Tahoe here.

But Wait, There’s More!

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.

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How to spend the perfect Mother’s Day at Lake Tahoe’s South Shore

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. There are so many things you could do, but what will mom enjoy most? If you’re planning to spend the day in Lake Tahoe, you’re already off to a great start.

In Lake Tahoe, it’s easy to plan a fun and memorable day. Our local businesses love moms just as much as we do, and are going all out to ensure she has the day that she deserves – that she’s earned. Enjoy the outdoors, the spa, a nice meal with a view, or do it all. You can’t go wrong with flowers and food, but the south shore will be bustling with fun ways to wow mom this Sunday.

Brunch

  • Treat Mom to an elegant Mother’s Day dining experience right on the lake at Edgewood Tahoe at the Bistro, offering a Pre Fixe three course or la carte brunch.
  • Indulge in the ultimate celebration of motherhood with a regal high tea experience fit for a queen at Edgewood. Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, 2025.
  • Riva Grill offers a lovely Champagne Brunch for Mom at Ski Run Marina a
  • Mother’s Day Brunch at the The Grove Restaurant at Historic Camp Richardson Resort will not disappoint!
  • Celebrate Mom at the Saltgrass Steakhouse inside the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Resort.
  • Tahoe Tavern & Grill will mesmerize mom with a magnificent brunch!
  • Toulouse restaurant at the Station House Inn will offer Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm.
  • Skip the breakfast in bed routine this Mother’s Day. Instead, treat Mom to an unlimited feast! Don’t let her lift a finger (except to grab another plate) at FiRE+iCE!
  • Celebrate the wonderful women in our lives at the Getaway Café –  We’ve cooked up some incredible specials that we’ll be serving in addition to our full menu. 3140 Highway 50, Meyers, CA 96155.
  • Margaritaville Lake Tahoe has a special Mother’s Day Brunch at Come Monday Café!
  • The Cocktail Corner is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch. They will offer brunch specials and bottomless mimosas from 10 am to 2 pm.
Riva Grill on the Lake - Tahoe
Riva Grill on the Lake

Spas & Relaxation

Lake Tahoe has many spa locations that will get even the most tense mothers to relax and unwind. The Spa at the Landing Tahoe offers facials, massages and body treatments for different conditions and needs. Our favorite is the hydrating Emerald Bay facial. Their menu is quite extensive and they offer online reservations.

Consider joining mom for a deep tissue or hot stone massage available at many of the spas on the south shore. You can get a massage at BioSpirit Day Spa with a eucalyptus steam treatment included in the price. If you feel like you need a customized facial, check out the Elements of Tahoe day spa. If you’ve already enjoyed the spectacular view from the Bistro at Edgewood Tahoe and are curious what else they have to offer, the Spa at Edgewood Tahoe offers the ultimate relaxation experience.

Spa at the Landing Tahoe

Shopping

Mom wants to go shopping on Mother’s Day? Of course she does. Lake Tahoe offers lots of shopping options and places to explore. The shops at Heavenly Village is a one-stop shop where you’ll find local artisan goods as well as designer brands, popular restaurants and an outdoor pavilion. With so many shops and eateries, you can easily spend the entire day there. If you want to shop local arts and crafts check out one of these places.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Head over to Tahoe Bike Company and take a Surrey for a spin! These two, four, and six person bikes are a great way to get lakeside and see it all in half the time that it takes to walk.

Tahoe Bike Company
Photo | Tahoe Bike Company

With so many hiking trails in Lake Tahoe, it’s easy to take Mom out for a day in the outdoors. Whether you choose to hike to a hidden waterfall, discover the historic town of Genoa, experience the charm of Virginia City, or go for a scenic day cruise on Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of attractions and activities to do outside.

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Fish Lake Tahoe for a Great Time Every Time

‘The Bite’ is on at Lake Tahoe, no fish tales necessary. People are often surprised at not only the amount but the size of the fish in this lake. While there are some remarkably large fish, knowing where to find them and how to tempt them is hard. Fishing Tahoe is a must if it is one of your favorite things to do.

Fishing Lake Tahoe
Fishing on Lake Tahoe | Photo: Cam Schilling

Take a Ride on a Charter Boat

I’m not picky. Heck, I’ll take a five-pounder. That said, I’ve been eager to pull up a monster Mackinaw ever since I first saw how massive it gets. I recently tried my luck with Mile High Fishing Charters. Our guide, Justin, was impressively knowledgeable and strategic in his approach. The guides study the fish patterns daily and know how they change with the seasons and temperature. Justin goes out every day regardless of bookings. In seven years of trips, he has only been skunked less than a handful of times.

Fishing Lake Tahoe
Fishing Lake Tahoe | Photo: Photo: Mile High Fishing Charters

In most areas of Lake Tahoe you can sling the cast of your life and still only be in 7 ft. of water. Getting a better grasp of Tahoe’s contours and depths helps tremendously. Justin was willing to share some ‘secret’ spots with me, including one underwater ledge just off the shore of my neighborhood.

Learning from the Locals

He brought up many good points and strategies to get fish on the boat. The fish are not as dumb as many people think. You have to imagine that they’ve probably seen all the lures and tricks in the book. It’s not as simple as dragging your line in front of their face. With the nice boat and gear provided through the charter we were able to try minnows and some larger lures. We tried different tactics at different depths all at once.

Fishing on Lake Tahoe
Fishing Lake Tahoe | Photo: Cam Schilling

We were scheduled for a Public Shared Charter but were fortunate to have the whole boat to ourselves. My father was in town and this was the perfect way to hang out and take in all of Lake Tahoe, not to mention a favorite pastime. If you’re looking for an outing with family, friends, or just something new, I can’t say enough good things about this experience. Beginners, amateurs, even the most skilled anglers, it doesn’t matter. These guys will land you a fish, teach you useful tips and talk you through the how and why they’re advising certain techniques. It really helps to be in such great company.

Fishing Lake Tahoe
Fishing Lake Tahoe | Photo: Cam Schilling

Lake Tahoe Balloons & A Special Spot

It’s never all about what you catch, I’m happy just being out there. Sitting on a nice boat with the early morning light, lake is calm, like glass reflecting the magnificent Mt. Tallac. Bring your camera and capture the early peace and serenity of Lake Tahoe. We were lucky and watched Lake Tahoe Balloons launch right next to us, fly over and float around in the distance. Hard to beat, it may be the best way to start (or continue) a great day in South Lake Tahoe. Definitely the most fun at 6am I’ve had in a while.

That rush when it hits your line and you’re finally reeling one is what it’s all about, the trick is actually keeping the line tight enough to stay hooked when they thrash around. It was so reassuring, I didn’t care that it wasn’t huge – as Justin put it “it won’t be our biggest one but the most important one, the first.” As fate would have it, each fish thereafter was bigger than the last.

Fish Fry McDuff's Public House Tahoe
Fish Prepared by MacDuff’s Public House | Photo: Yelp

We caught and kept our limits and went to MacDuff’s who prepared our fish cooked three ways – in creamy dill sauce, with blackened Cajun rub (personal favorite) and fried in a light crust. It was truly something special, it doesn’t get more fresh than that. All I can say is wow and be sure to bring a large appetite. Our family was speechless when the platter came out.

Fishing Lake Tahoe
Fishing Lake Tahoe | Photo: Cam Schilling

Although I didn’t land the monster I had hoped to, the lines were tight all day and there will be plenty of more opportunities for that. The charter was exactly what we were looking for and then some, but heading back to the Keys he told us that it was a kind of ‘slow’ day compared to others. That thought had never crossed my mind, I was so stoked on the handful of lake trout we caught, I’d take that any day. I love my job, but as they say, a slow day of fishing still beats a good day in the office.

More Information

There are many options for Fishing Charters on Lake Tahoe. Learn more on this page. Visit this page for information on fishing from the shore. Find Fishing License information here.

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