Visiting South Lake Tahoe under 21? You’re in luck—there’s plenty to see and do beyond the casino floors. On top of all the most epic year-round outdoor adventures you could dream of, there are some sweet options for after dark too. Whether you’re a local looking to mix up your routine or a first-time visitor exploring the area, Tahoe offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. From outdoor experiences to unique local hangouts, here are five of the best ways to enjoy the South Shore if you’re not yet 21.
Rad Arcades
Inside Retroactive Arcade
Retroactive Arcade, which opened in the summer of 2025, is a treasure trove of vintage arcade games from pinball to Skeeball to classic racing games. At this arcade, old-school thrills meet cold drinks and good times. Step into the vibrant retro space filled with iconic games, bold colors, and nonstop nostalgia. There’s something for every kind of button-masher. Pair the action with cold beer, fizzy soda, and your favorite snacks. It’s the perfect hangout for a night out with friends, a fun family day, or simply reliving the good old days. The coolest part? Admission is a flat rate for unlimited game play. So you don’t have to worry about running out of coins and can play to your heart’s content.
In addition, both Harrah’s and Caesars Republic have arcades that are easy to find. Harrah’s arcade also has a jungle gym. They have old school style arcade games as well as modern day “flappy bird” game consoles.
Classic Bowling Alley
From birthday parties, to school celebrationsTahoe Bowlis a classic spot for family and friends. A recent visit reminded me just how timeless bowling can be. Along with the lanes, you’ll find old-school arcade games and tasty food to fuel your game. Best of all, Tahoe Bowl is easy on the wallet, making it a great choice for a day or night out.
Ice-Skating & Heavenly Village Activities
Ice-skating is yet again another fun physical activity that families and friends could definitely enjoy. South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is another affordable facility to try out. They include a food court, a warm sitting area to warm as well as TVs to watch to shows in case you needed to warm up and need entertainment.
During the wintertime, the Heavenly Village mini golf course is replaced with an ice rink. There are a ton of things to do all within the Heavenly Village, including live music, a magic show, ice skating or mini golf, Rocket Fizz (So. Much. Candy.), and more.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort also has an ice skating rink – surrounded by pristine views of the resort and snow-capped mountains, Edgewood on Ice.
Mini Golf at Heavenly Village or Magic Carpet
When the snow melts, mini golf season kicks into gear on Tahoe’s South Shore. At Heavenly Village Mini Golf, you can putt your way through a lively setting surrounded by shops, dining, and live entertainment—perfect for families and friends looking to add a little friendly competition to their day.
For a more classic experience, head to Magic Carpet Golf, a Tahoe favorite featuring multiple themed courses with playful obstacles and plenty of nostalgic charm. Affordable, fun, and outdoors, it’s a go-to activity for sunny afternoons and long summer evenings.
From retro arcades and bowling alleys to ice-skating rinks and endless outdoor adventures, South Lake Tahoe has plenty of ways to keep the fun going if you’re under 21. Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just exploring on your own, the South Shore is full of memorable experiences in every season—no ID required.
Whoever decided that the typical happy hour would in fact be closer to two or three hours, I tip my hat to you. We’re all running on Tahoe Time, so the extra long ‘hour’ helps. Not sure how every joint unanimously agreed to that one, but it’s probably because this recipe for success needs no fixing – happy hour, happy people.
Happy hour heroes, rejoice. There’s a cold one with your name on it just about anywhere you look, and special deals for any night of the week so you won’t need to empty your pockets. For something we can all get happy about, check out these Lake Tahoe classics and local favorites with plenty of different options on special deals to get a little loose.
Chart House Lake Tahoe – Monday – Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. One of THE best happy hours around. Visit their website for all the deets.
Best Happy Hour in Tahoe! Come relax at the Bear Trap Lounge at the Tahoe Ridge Resort. Our bartender Jim has been pouring drinks at the Tahoe Ridge Resort for over 40 years! Open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 2 pm to 9 pm. Happy Hour is 4 pm to 6 pm. Check out their virtual tour.
Emerald Bay Bar & Grill – Send it for happy hour any day of the week from 3pm-6pm and 9pm-12am at the Emerald Bay Bar and Grill.
McP’s Taphouse – McP’s is no stranger to our frequent ‘Best Spots’ posts. In their convenient location at the heart of the Heavenly Village, you’ll find their restaurant and bar stocked with a diverse selection of 40 beers on tap. Head over for happy hour from 3pm-5pm (excluding weekends). Entertainment most nights.
Happy Hour at the Grove Camp Richardson Resort– Happy Hour running every day, 7:00-9:00 pm, Monday-Thursday. The Grove is giving happy hour a whole new meaning… you can’t afford to miss it!
$5 Draft Beer Half off Rum Runners Half off Seasonal Cocktails Half off Appetizers Half off The Grove Burger Entrée Half off Caesar Salad Entrée
Tahoe Tavern & Grill Happy Hour Monday through Thursday, 3:00-6:00 pm and Friday, 2:00-5:00 pm.
Classic Cue – Join the Cue Crew on any given day and you can expect one of their specials or activities to be going on, but enjoy happy hour and pool from 3pm-6pm.
Mondays are popular at the Cue as they offer 2 / $8 fish or chicken tacos from 11am until 10pm, and a special $3 cans of Miller from 11am until close. Come try what many say are the best fish tacos in town!
Happy Hour at LandShark Bar & Grill Kick back, relax, and soak up the laid-back vibes at LandShark Bar & Grill during Happy Hour, Tuesday through Friday from 4 PM – 6 PM! Sip on $6 Margaritas, enjoy $6 Draft Beers, and snack on $9 Appetizers while taking in the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of adventure or just looking for a reason to celebrate, there’s no better place to toast to good times. Cheers to island time in Lake Tahoe! Also at Margaritaville Lake Tahoe, JWB Happy Hour! Tuesday through Friday, 4:00-6:00 pm. Unwind in style during Happy Hour at JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, where bold bites meet refined pours. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and chef-curated small plates in a relaxed yet upscale setting. Plus, you can elevate your evening with a bourbon tasting experience featuring Minden Mill Distillery.
Azul Latin Kitchen in the Heavenly Village. Starting at 11 a.m. (Monday – Friday, bar area only), you can enjoy margaritas and beers for only $4, wine for $3.50, tacos for $3, and burritos for $6. The catch? Every hour each of the offerings goes up 50 cents and ends at 3 p.m. There’s also a reduced option over the weekends.
Azul Latin Kitchen at the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe
The Idle Hour Lakefront Wine Bar. Monday through Friday starting at 2 p.m. you can find an assortment of wines (sparkling, white or red) for $10 along with beer for $5. Small plates such as their shrimp cocktail, butter leaf wedge salad, spinach and artichoke dip, and traditional pinsa can also be had for $10 – or grab a slice of cheesecake for $5.
Idle Hour Lakefront Wine Bar Lake Tahoe
We hope to see you soon! Please check for updated specials, as things change!
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.
Get your costumes ready! From trick-or-treating with the kids to adults-only entertainment, no other holiday lets you indulge your inner devil (or clown, princess, robot…) quite like a South Lake Tahoe Halloween.
Join us for a night of Halloween fun with costumes, horseless carriage rides, and delicious treats. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dance the night away with friends and family. Come and enjoy a fang-tastic time at Boo Bash 2025! It’s going to be a Halloween party you won’t want to miss. Tickets will be sold at the door for more than current ticket price. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us for a Halloween-themed Costume Dinner Cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II. Get ready for a night of spooky festivities, delicious food, and ghoulish fun as we set sail on the eerie waters. Dress up in your scariest or most creative costume and prepare for a thrilling evening of dining and entertainment on the M.S. Dixie II.
Spectacular Halloween at Zephyr Point is a family-friendly evening benefiting Zephyr Point’s Youth Camps. There will be haunted cabins, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, bounce house, face painting, costume contests, hay rides, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
The Shops at Heavenly Village has partnered with their friends at Desolation Hotel, Maggies Restaurant, Untethered, South Lake Lodging Association and the South Tahoe Chamber to provide the largest FREE trick or treat event for kids on the south shore complete with a $1000 costume contest.
There is no better place to mix and mingle with the creatures of the night than the iconic Lake Tahoe Halloween party that is Freaker’s Ball. $10,000 Costume Contest. VIP table and bottle service are available at Blu Nightclub by calling 775-450-6373.
Crawl your way through Harrah’s and Harveys Lake Tahoe, where each themed stop offers drink specials, spooky surprises, and cash prizes for the best costume at every location. With $10,000 in CASH prizes up for grabs throughout the night. The evening wraps up at PEEK Nightclub for the grand finale costume contest, offering the biggest prize of the night. Bring your best Halloween look for a chance to win big.
This Halloween, The Loft transforms into the Village’s premier Ultra Lounge—aptly named “The Haunted Loft”—where spooky décor, party favors, and nonstop dance music will set the stage for an epic night. The party starts at 9:00 PM, with DJ Tony Dove spinning from 10:00 PM until 2:00 AM.
Come dressed to impress. We’re giving away over $1,000 in prizes for the top three costumes, including dinners, drinks, bottle service, show tickets, and more!
Hallows Eve Bash at Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger
We’ve got the booze….you bring the boos!!! This year, we are celebrating our Players with a Hallows Eve Bash!!! We will open up the party to the public at 9 pm! The best costume wins $500. All players must RSVP (Gold, Platinum, and Palladium players only).
Thursday, October 31st, 8:30 – 10:00 pm, Join us at Tipsy Putt for a spooktacular Halloween costume competition! Show off your best look while enjoying mini golf and drinks!
Whatever your plans for this Halloween, have fun and be safe!
$5 Draft Beer
Half off Rum Runners
Half off Seasonal Cocktails
Half off Appetizers
Half off The Grove Burger Entrée
Half off Caesar Salad Entrée
