Four-season Lake Tahoe is known for its winter wonderland full of snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. When the snow and ice melt, the fun heats up. Make your next ultimate summer vacation to the shores of Lake Tahoe. Pack your sun and water gear and point your compass to the shores of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. You’ll find plenty of fun in the sun, as well as many other activities to see and do that will keep you busy throughout your Lake Tahoe summer stay.
Hiking
Mountain terrain, lush meadows, and winding trails await. Lace-up your hiking boots and explore the area around Lake Tahoe. There are plenty of hiking trails to quench your thirst for outdoor adventure. Choose an easy trail with little elevation change for kids and beginners or find something more advanced that takes you up the mountains to a view like no other. Make sure to pack your hiking necessities like sun protection, water, and trail snacks. You’ll also want to pack your camera to capture all the breathtaking scenery and moments of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep in mind that many Lake Tahoe area trails are great for biking and horseback riding and be prepared to share the trail.
Parasailing
Take to the skies above Lake Tahoe on an unforgettable adventure. See beautiful Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area with a different view. Parasailing is a fun, adrenaline-filled way to get a bird’s eye view of Lake Tahoe. Strap into the harness and take off from the deck of the specially designed and USCG-approved parasailing boat. Choose to stay dry for the duration of the flight or wear your swim suit and ask to take a little dip in Lake Tahoe before taking to the air again for a safe landing back on deck. Ask about picture and video packages available. Some companies take their own and provide you with a memory card to develop later, while others will outfit you with a GoPro for capturing the ride from your view.
Fishing
Anglers will want to make sure to take the time to enjoy their favorite sport. Lake Tahoe has great fishing. Charter a fishing excursion or rent a boat and strike out on your own. You can look forward to hooking kokanee salmon, lake, rainbow, and brown trout, among others. Show off your catch for the camera, then take it back to your accommodations to grill up for a delicious lunch or dinner. Make sure to explore the feeder rivers and streams, too.
Swimming
Summer at a lake and beach destination isn’t complete without some swimming. Splash around in the water or change up your exercise routine with a swim. There are public and private beaches along the shores of Lake Tahoe where you can find soft sand and lapping waves to take a refreshing dip. Grab a mask and snorkel and check out what’s swimming beneath the water.
Boating
Rent a boat and set out on your own nautical adventure on Lake Tahoe. Pack up your coolers and put on your swimsuit for some time on the water. There are many fun things to do in North Lake Tahoe in summer like tubing, wake boarding, and water skiing, or just fly across the water on a spin around the lake. At the end of the day, take a sunset cruise and admire the lake and mountain scenery. Many state and local laws require boaters of a certain age to obtain a boating safety certificate before taking the helm, so make sure everyone is safe and legal to operate the boat if they plan to drive.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
For a different way to play on the water, grab a board and paddle. Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a water activity that will keep you busy for hours in the summer waters of Lake Tahoe. Take lessons or rent some gear and strike out on your own. Some places will even provide a full ground lesson, including proper paddling techniques, basic water safety, and safe boating practices to learn to share the water with other vessels. If you head out on a solo journey, the early morning hours are ideal, as the lake is less busy and easier to navigate with a paddle.
Kayaking
Paddle the waters of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. Rent a kayak and paddle or ask about local companies offering tours of the best places to experience the activity. Paddle along the shoreline to hidden beaches and other areas to explore. When you’re ready to strike out on your own, opt for an early morning launch. The lake is less busy and allows for smooth paddling and navigation.
Biking
Lake Tahoe has been named a Bike Friendly Community, and there are plenty of trails for every age and ability level. Start on the paved paths for a family or group ride where everyone sticks together or navigate the trails that cut through the beautiful mountain and forest scenery. Locals love the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path for the easy spin and seek out challenges like Corral Trail and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride for an adrenaline rush. After a long ride in the sun, take a refreshing dip in the lake.
Driving Tour
While much of your plans likely include the lake itself, you don’t want to miss the scenery and breathtaking views that surround it. Pile everyone in the rental vehicle andtake a drive around the lake. The two-hour drive takes you the many other sights of the area that are must-see. Stop by places like Zephyr Cove, Sand Harbor Beach, Incline Village, Cave Rock Trail Head, Emerald Bay State Park, and Camp Richardson, just to name a few. You can get out and stretch your legs and explore, making the journey last much more than a couple hours in the car.
Scenic Gondola Ride
When the snow has melted and the ski lifts are closed, you can still take to the sky for a breathtaking view. Many of the area ski resorts offer gondola rides in the summer months. Heavenly Mountain in South Lake Tahoe provides a scenic 2.4-mile ride up to 9,100 feet! Take in views of Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley from the 14,000-square-foot observation deck. Activities and amenities at the top include a full adventure park with ropes course, zip lines, tubing, rock climbing, open-air mountain coaster, and several scenic hiking trails. For an aerial ride like no other on the North Shore, take the tram at Squaw Valley to High Camp at 8,200 feet. Upon arrival, you’ll find a pool, hot tub, skating rink, disc golf, tennis, geocaching, restaurant, bar, and a myriad of hiking trails.
Virginia City
Get a taste of the area’s spot in Wild West history. The frontier town of Virginia City is located just 40 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. The silver mining town was once known as the “richest place on Earth.” Check out the many museums including the Mark Twain Museum, where you’ll learn about his years working there. You’ll also see mines, mansions, and other landmarks. For a different sightseeing experience, board the Virginia & Truckee railroad for a narrated ride around the area. Take in the awesome sweeping 100-mile views and take in Piper’s Opera House and The Way, a former museum. Learn more on tours of the Chollar Mine and Ponderosa Mine. Before you leave, grab a refreshing drink or snack before heading home at the historic Delta Saloon or the Bucket of Blood Saloon.
SCUBA Diving
There are over a dozen prime locations around the lake, and visibility is up to 80 feet in some of them. There are several options for dives including beach dives, boat dives, and even wreck dives! Visitors and locals alike explore Sand Harbor, Rubicon Point, and the Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail.
Vikingsholm
There are plenty of places around Lake Tahoe that are ripe for sightseeing. Head to South Lake Tahoe for a dose of Scandinavian architecture right in the U.S. The home was built as a summer home in 1929, its grand castle structure is one of the best seen in the Western Hemisphere. Lora J. Knight purchased the land at Emerald Bay in 1928. The Englishwoman was taken with Scandinavian architecture and worked with a Swedish architect to build the iconic home. The home is now a national and California landmark. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.
Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
The park is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. The legendary alpine park offers plenty of summer entertainment, including boating, picnicking, fishing, water skiing, hiking and more. As part of your visit, make sure to explore the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate the California emigrants that traveled west throughout the mid-1800s. Step into the visitor center where you’ll find exhibits that spotlight things like the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and even early motoring adventures over Donner Pass. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with restrooms open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Helicopter Tours
Fly high above the waters and mountains of Lake Tahoe. There are several companies that offer helicopter tours that give you a bird’s eye view of the area. Some offer specific trips, like Emerald Bay, area lakes and waterfalls, Zephyr Cove, and a circle of the entire lake. Make sure to bring your camera to capture breathtaking views or mountain vistas and the water below.
Harvey’s Casino
Nevada is known for its gambling. Most know Reno and Las Vegas, but the Lake Tahoe area has casinos, too. Stateline, an area near Lake Tahoe, has casinos you’ll want to check out. Harvey’s Casino is open 24/7 and offers slots, table games, and shows. Take a break and enjoy a meal at one of four on-property restaurants including the Sage Room, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Taco Cantina & Restaurant, and Joe’s Sports Bar & Grille. You can also grab a quick snack from places like Cinnabon, Carvel Ice Cream, and Starbucks. If you plan to gamble, make sure to set a budget and stick to it so you can enjoy all of the other fun and exciting places Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area has to offer.
Escape Room
In the last several years, escape rooms have become a popular activity, rain or shine, winter or summer. Get out of the heat and sun of a Tahoe summer and inside in the air conditioning. Trapped in Tahoe escape rooms require you to work together with your group members to solve a series of clues and puzzles and break out in 60 minutes to win the game. There are different themed rooms to choose from, with varying degrees of difficulty. Choose the theme like Runaway Train, The Prospect, The Estate, or Sector 9, or difficulty that’s right for you and make sure to book in advance. Currently, all rooms are private, so it will be only you and your group members. Advance reservations are required. When you arrive, stay in your vehicle, and call the front desk for an employee to escort you in at your game time. Masks are optional.
Lake Tahoe Summer Fun
You came to Lake Tahoe this summer for relaxation, fun, and excitement with all of your loved ones. Make sure you enjoy a stress-free, worry-free stay and book a vacation rental provided by Tahoe Signature Properties. Many of our vacation rental homes include flat-screen TVs, cozy and stylish furnishings, and stunning master suites. Make a delicious meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then gather in the open living and dining space to share the meal. Retreat to a private bedroom for a good night’s sleep before another summer day full of Lake Tahoe fun. For an unforgettable luxury stay, choose a premium unit that may include perks like stainless steel appliances, wood floors, and beautiful and stylish bedrooms to make your stay comfortable and memorable to keep you coming back for years to come!
Call us today to start planning your summer Lake Tahoe visit!
