Heavenly Mountain Resort’s summer operations bring an array of thrilling activities and breathtaking scenery to all who visit. From the panoramic views atop the Heavenly Gondola to the excitement of snow tubing, zip lining, and hiking, this mountain paradise offers something for everyone. So don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Heavenly Mountain Resort this summer. Get ready for a memorable journey, and let nature’s beauty captivate you!
Scenic Hike On Top Of Heavenly Mountain
As the summer season kicks into high gear, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers eagerly anticipate the opening of Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Summer Season. Nestled in the picturesque Sierra Nevada range, Heavenly Mountain Resort is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. From breathtaking gondola rides to gemstone panning and thrilling snow tubing, Heavenly Mountain promises an unforgettable summer experience. So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a memorable adventure in the heart of nature.
Heavenly Gondola: Soar Above the Spectacular Landscapes
Heavenly Mountain Gondolas
The Heavenly Gondola provides visitors with a birds-eye view of the stunning surroundings. As you ascend, breathtaking vistas of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains unfold before your eyes. Capturing awe-inspiring photos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and revel in the beauty of nature from the comfort of your gondola cabin. This scenic ride is an excellent way to kick off your summer escapades at Heavenly Mountain.
This gravity-powered alpine coaster will exhilarate you and your family as it coasts through the forest and natural rock formations. As always, the views are incredible, and the memories will be too! The coaster sleds fit up to two riders, so you can enjoy this activity with others.
Café Blue and Tamarack Lodge: Satisfy Your Appetite
Eating Outside Of Tamarack Lodge
After working up an appetite, head to Café Blue or Tamarack Lodge to refuel and recharge. These establishments offer convenient grab-and-go food and drink options to keep you energized throughout your day. From delicious snacks to refreshing beverages, you’ll find a variety of choices to satisfy your cravings and keep you going on your summer escapades.
Exciting Adventures on the Horizon
Zip Lining On Heavenly Mountain
The Hot Shot Zip Line offers an adrenaline-pumping experience as you zip through the air, suspended high above the mountain slopes. The Granit Peak Climbing Wall presents a challenge for climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels, providing an opportunity to conquer new heights.
Gem Panning
Step into the excitement of the Gold Rush with Gem Panning at Heavenly’s Epic Discovery. This family-friendly activity lets guests sift through mining rough to uncover gemstones, fossils, and other hidden treasures to take home. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that combines adventure, discovery, and a bit of local history, making it a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Summer Tubing
While winter may be long gone, the excitement of snow tubing is still available at Heavenly Mountain. Hop on an inflatable tube and slide down specially designed slopes for a thrilling ride. Laugh with friends and family as you race down the hill, enjoying the exhilarating sensation of gliding through the snow. It’s a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and add a touch of winter excitement to your summer adventures.
Hiking Trails: Embrace the Beauty of Nature
Scenic Views on a Heavenly Mountain Hiking Trail
Heavenly Mountain offers a myriad of picturesque paths for hikers of all levels. Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you. Traverse lush forests, explore serene meadows, and marvel at breathtaking vistas that will leave you in awe. Get ready to take in the tranquility that only a mountain hike can offer.
In Lake Tahoe, the adventure isn’t complete without your pup by your side. Read on to discover the best activities, restaurants, and places to explore with your furry friend in tow. If you think you’ll love Tahoe (you will), just imagine how much your dog will. From dining out to treks around the lake, you’ll quickly realize that this lake town is doggy heaven. There are so many places to explore in dog friendly Lake Tahoe!
First things first, find a pet-friendly hotel
With a whopping 43 pet-friendly hotels, you’ll find options that welcome your fur family and suit every taste and budget. Explore pet-friendly lodging here.
Parks & Places to let your pup unwind
Start With the Bijou Community Dog Park
If your dog needs to let off some steam, head to Bijou Community Dog Park. This expansive park features three areas for dogs: one for big dogs, one for little dogs, and an agility course. It’s the perfect spot to let them roam off-leash and burn off some energy.
Once your pup is happily tuckered out, take a stroll and explore the rest of this amazing park. You’ll find a basketball court, a bike park and track, volleyball courts, a skateboard park, and a disc golf course with 30+ holes. There’s even a gazebo area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the day.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
For a day by the water, Kiva Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. This spacious, dog-friendly beach offers plenty of room to roam, play, and soak in the scenery. Located where the marsh meets Lake Tahoe, it’s one of the area’s most picturesque spots, with stunning views of the crystal-clear water and the towering Mount Tallac in the distance.
For off-leash fun in the water, head to the designated dog area at Regan Beach. Here, your pup can splash, swim, and cool off in Lake Tahoe while you relax and enjoy the lakeside setting.
Kiva Beach Lake Tahoe
Another great beach is North Zephyr Cove Beach; just be sure you are not on the resort’s private beach.
Regan Beach is a lovely park. With lots of sandy beach for dogs, the water is shallow enough that it’s also ideal for small dogs. For more dog-friendly beaches and general beach info, check out Tahoe Beaches.
Conolley Beach, located midtown in South Lake Tahoe, is a shallow water beach, with limited parking. Dogs are permitted on leash, and it’s close to restaurants, water sports rentals, and a marina.
Dog-Friendly Hikes
Hiking Mt Tallac Lake Tahoe
For the best views of the whole lake, the Mt. Tallac hike offers the most stunning scenery. This is one of the longer, more challenging trails at over 10 miles, even taking the shortest possible trip. You do not have to summit the peak to enjoy some great views. Cathedral Lake is a perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic before turning around or heading up the final ascent. If you decide to go for the entire hike, you and your dog will need plenty of water for the strenuous journey. There’s no feeling more incredible than being up in the clouds towering over Lake Tahoe and its surrounding forests.
If you’re looking for those great views but something less intense, check out Van Sickle Bi-State Park. The Van Sickle Trail connects with the Tahoe Rim Trail, allowing you to access many more trails, but it also offers scenic views within the first mile of the hike. This park is excellent for dogs of all sizes.
Glen Alpine Falls
A personal favorite is to venture out to any of the numerous waterfall hikes (excluding Lower Eagle Falls), especially Glen Alpine Falls (lower or upper). The nice part about starting at the trailhead is that you’ll have the option to connect to a number of different hikes that all lead to or loop around lakes, streams, and even past some cool historic spots.
Protip: Bring your pup’s leash and extra disposable bags!
Where to eat with your dog
AleworX @ the Y | What could be better than live music, wood-fired food and craft beer? A spot with a patio and firepits where you and your pup can kick back year-round.
Azul Latin Kitchen | With a sizeable outdoor patio, live music, and a fresh Latin-fusion menu, Azul will delight your tastebuds. Don’t miss the margaritas.
Basecamp Beer Garden | Located at Basecamp Hotel, this cozy nook is tucked away in the heart of downtown. With lawn games in the summer and warm firepits in the winter, cruise by and see what it’s all about.
Elements Eatery & Bar | Featuring a lake view patio and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a great choice for dining with your fur family.
The Hangar | This place is a whole vibe! This is a must with 26 rotating beers on tap and more specialty options in the cold case, plus food trucks and a whole outdoor area where dogs can play. Bonus? In wintertime, they have giant clear igloos with heaters inside to stay toasty while you are toasted.
Sprouts | Serving an array of healthy breakfast and lunch options, including freshly squeezed juices and delicious smoothies, Sprouts is famous among locals and is just steps from Lakeview Commons Beach.
Stateline Brewery | Located in the heart of downtown, Stateline offers great food and great brews in the middle of all the action, served by kind and knowledgeable staff.
Keeping your pup safe while adventuring
Lake Tahoe is an incredible place to explore with your four-legged companion, but a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Keep your dog on a leash whenever required, especially on hiking trails and in unfamiliar areas. This not only protects local wildlife but also helps prevent unexpected encounters with bears, coyotes, and other animals that call Tahoe home.
While the area’s lakes and streams are beautiful, it’s best to discourage your pet from drinking directly from natural water sources. Standing water can contain harmful bacteria or algae, and fast-moving streams may pose unexpected hazards. Bringing fresh water and a portable bowl is the safest way to keep your dog hydrated.
After spending time outdoors, take a few moments to check your pet for ticks, particularly around the ears, neck, under the collar, between the toes, and under the legs. Although ticks are far less common than in many other regions, they are present in the Tahoe area, especially during the warmer months and in grassy or wooded environments.
With a little preparation and awareness, you and your pet can enjoy all the hiking trails, beaches, and mountain adventures Lake Tahoe has to offer.
If your Tahoe adventures don’t include your pup, Tahoe Best Friends Doggie Daycare, Boarding and Training Center offers a fun and safe place for them to spend the day. This cage-free daycare provides spacious indoor and outdoor play areas where dogs can run, socialize, and relax in a supervised, home-style environment. With caring staff on-site all day—and even overnight for boarding—dogs receive plenty of attention, exercise, and enrichment, making it a great option for pet owners looking to enjoy Tahoe while their four-legged friends do the same.
Although we love our dogs here, this is not the type of place where you’ll see disposable bags at every trail or beach, so always remember to be prepared and treat our home like it’s your own. Come prepared to pack it in, pack it out.
Traveling with your pet offers peace of mind knowing quality veterinary care is close by. South Lake Tahoe is home to several full-service animal hospitals, including Blue Lake Animal Care Center, Alpine Animal Hospital, and Sierra Veterinary Hospital, which can provide routine and many urgent medical services. For after-hours emergencies, 24/7 specialty animal hospitals are available in Reno, approximately one hour from Lake Tahoe.
As the summer sun starts to bid its slow farewell, and the cool whispers of autumn begin, there’s no place quite like South Lake Tahoe to mark the transition. Labor Day weekend here is an experience. Right in between the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains and the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe comes alive during this special weekend, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and celebration. Whether it’s the last boat rides of the season, fun local festivals, or serene nature hikes, this place has it all.
The hiking opportunities around South Lake Tahoe are legendary, and the trails are particularly stunning during this transitional season. Whether you choose the panoramic vistas of Mount Tallac Trail or the family-friendly paths in Emerald Bay State Park, the views will leave you breathless.
The Red Clay Strays Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic
Friday, September 4, 2026, 6:30 pm, With special guests, Dylan Gossett & Sweet Talk. Experience an unforgettable night with The Red Clay Strays – Grateful Tour at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater at Caesars Tahoe. Enjoy the band’s signature blend of Southern rock, country, blues, and soul in the stunning outdoor setting of South Lake Tahoe. Secure your tickets for an evening of powerful live music and scenic mountain views.
Jack Johnson Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic
Sunday, September 6, 2026, 7:30 pm, Jack Johnson: Surfilmusic, accompanied by very special guest G. Love, performs at the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series at Caesars Republic. Jack Johnson is a celebrated Hawaii-born singer-songwriter, filmmaker, and former pro surfer widely recognized for his laid-back acoustic sound and coastal-inspired songwriting.
Experience Live Music at Heavenly Village
Enjoy the festive atmosphere as talented bands and artists perform a variety of musical genres right at the foot of the beautiful Heavenly Mountain Resort, The Heavenly Village Concert Series.
What Are You Waiting For?
In South Lake Tahoe, Labor Day Weekend is more than just a break from work; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in nature, indulge your taste buds, and soak up the culture of this unique mountain-lake environment. Whether you’re cruising the lake, hiking scenic trails, or dancing to live music, adventure and relaxation await you here.
Explore Places to Stay
Stay in Lake Tahoe
Find the perfect accommodation that matches your unique preferences and ensures an unforgettable experience at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is an ancient marvel filled with 37 trillion gallons of 99.9% pure, sapphire blue water that we are fortunate to recreate in and around. Please respect its pristine nature and that of the surrounding forests and mountains by packing out all you pack in. If no trash container is handy or is filled, take your trash with you and find another appropriate receptacle.
Come Back Again. And Again.
Things to Do in Tahoe for Every Season
Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Lake Tahoe. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.
‘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 Lake Tahoe is a must if a day out on the water floats your boat.
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.
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 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 | 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 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 | 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.
