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.
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, selecting 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.
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 in Tahoe
When it comes to dog-friendly beaches, Kiva Beach is where you want to be. You will have a wide-open beach to roam. This spot also offers astounding views where the marsh meets the lake, looking right up at majestic Mount Tallac.
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 in Tahoe
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.
Most trails around the Tahoe Basin allow dogs as long as they are leashed. Anywhere along the Tahoe Rim Trail is an exceptional option with views. 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.
After exploring, you’ll want to find something to eat…
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.
Helpful Resources for Traveling with Your Furry Best Friend
If you are ever unsure of where and what you are or aren’t allowed to do, it can’t hurt to visit the USDA Forest Service site for up-to-date information regarding tips and rules for enjoying our parks and nature. You can also view Rover’s tips for flying with your pet here.
We can’t wait to see you and your pup enjoying one of America’s most magnificent natural treasures. Please remember to pack it in and pack it out wherever you go, which means bringing plenty of dog waste bags and potentially a ziplock to put them inside for longer treks. Thank you for helping us keep this slice of heaven pristine for all.
If you’re still in Lake Tahoe, you’re in for a treat! You’re witnessing the peaceful shift from summer’s energy to autumn’s golden glow. And if you’re just arriving, welcome, you’ve made a brilliant choice. September is Lake Tahoe’s best-kept secret: the crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the lake sparkles with a new kind of magic. As summer gently steps aside, Lake Tahoe continues to shine, offering adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking beauty at every turn.
Although the nights are cooling off, the days are still plenty hot for all your outdoor lake activities. The kids are back in school, the bros and broettes have flocked back to their frats, and the seasonal influx of tourists has started to dwindle down with the exit of our Burning Man drifters. The town is quieter (if only for a month or two) but never too quiet, summer’s hustle ‘n bustle is shifting to fall festivities. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t mind sharing our home with the many visitors eager for some Tahoe time, but we will gladly enjoy these last weeks of summer heading into fall with a bit less traffic. Our businesses and local organizations have prepared for an eventful month. Make sure you get out and take advantage of it all while you can.
Labor Day Weekend
Heavenly Village Midway Art & Music Festival, Friday, August 29th through Sunday, August 31st, Lake Tahoe will celebrate a Labor Day last call: an amped-up holiday weekend of non-stop activities. Live music, Classic Car Show, Art Show, Carnival Rides, and to cap it all off Fireworks!
Teddy Swims at Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic
The soulful Teddy Swims will bring his powerful vocals and genre-blending sound to the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys), on September 6, 2025! With a mix of R&B, pop, and country, Teddy’s live shows are an experience you won’t want to miss. Prepare for an unforgettable night under the stars! The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Darius Rucker Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:00 pm, Darius Rucker is coming to the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic for a magical night under the stars!
Car Show at the Heavenly Village
Good Sam Safe Ride is back with their Cool September Days Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show right at the center of the Heavenly Village. Friday through Sunday, September 12th – 14th, head to the village for a stroll around some seriously cool cars, new technology, and more. For just $45, you can enter your own car, truck, or motorcycle.
Fall Ale Fest and Chicken Wing Cook-Off in the Heavenly Village
Join us for the ultimate celebration of fall flavors at the Fall Ale Fest and Chicken Wing Festival Saturday, September 13th in the heart of Heavenly Village, Lake Tahoe’s #1 destination! This lively event promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together the best of craft beers and the most mouth-watering chicken wings for a weekend of fun and flavor.
Sample the Sierra
Saturday, September 6th, is the always awesome Sample the Sierra event at Bijou Community Park. The event is a farm-to-fork festival celebrating the best of food, wine, and art in the Sierra Nevada. The event brings together local restaurants with neighboring growers/producers to turn out scrumptious samples craftily paired with an appropriate wine or brew. Vendors will be set up for locally made goods such as jam, soap, honey and olive oil along with specialty products created right here in the county, such as fine art, jewelry, and crafts.
Be a Next Level Visitor
No matter what you decide to do around Lake Tahoe’s south shore, be sure to leave everything you brought with you and properly dispose of it. Some trash areas may be full, so plan to dispose of your waste when you return to where you’re staying.
You could even be a next-level steward and pick up a few pieces of discarded trash while you’re there. Cleaning up a few small pieces of plastic or bringing an extra dog waste bag can go a long way toward protecting Lake Tahoe’s wildlife, clear water, and breathtaking views.
Keep Tahoe Awesome
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 locals and visitors’ mutual respect for the South Shore. 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.
Check out our events page for a full list of what’s happening this month, including many different concerts, charitable races/marathons, and other shows for any night of the week.
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.
Red, White and Brew Festival at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre
Red Wine, White Wine & Brew Festival on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm! Enjoy all-you-can-drink tickets to sample local brews, open bars for non-beer lovers, delicious summer bites, live entertainment, and a dazzling drone show after sunset. Free admission for a fun, family-friendly evening!
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.
