Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

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Lake Tahoe Top Family Activities

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Top Picks for Family-friendly Summer Activities in Lake Tahoe – From exploring local beaches to strolling along nature trails to river rafting down the Truckee, Lake Tahoe has many family-friendly activities that can cater to just about any age. 

To review our top picks for family activities, please scroll down the page.

 

Lake Tahoe Top Family Friendly Activities

Lake Tahoe Beaches  — Picnicking, swimming, building sandcastles, fishing for crawdads, and sunbathing are just a few of the activities that the whole family can enjoy.  More >>

Biking, Walking, Skating.

Two great bike paths are located in South Lake Tahoe. The Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is a 3.9 mile paved trail that follows alongside Highway 89. The South Lake Tahoe Bike Path is a paved path that starts at Highway 50 near El Dorado Beach. The trail travels throught he forest and connects to other bike trails.  More >>

Hiking to Vikingsholm

Emerald Bay State Park, West Lake Tahoe

A one-mile steep, but well defined, trail leads from the parking lot down to the Vikingsholm – an authentic replica of a Viking castle which is part of the Emerald Bay State Park.   Daily tours of the Castle are given from mid-June through Labor Day.  A nominal fee is charged. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fabulous view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island from the shoreline of this California state park.  Pets are not allowed.  More >>

Truckee River Rafting

For a great summer activity, enjoy a leisurely and casual float down the Truckee River.  The fun float meanders from Tahoe City down 5 miles to the River Ranch. It is a great family activity.  More >>

Taylor Creek Visitor Center –  South Lake Tahoe    

3 miles north of the "Y" on Hwy. 89 past the Tallac Historic Site.    (530) 543-2674

More than just a travel store for the Forest Service, the complex is home to many exciting activities such as:  The Stream Profile Chamber which has served as the primary attraction for the complex since it was constructed in 1968.  The Chamber provides a view of the stream environment by allowing visitors to study a diverted section of Taylor Creek.  

And four nature trails including: The Rainbow Trail, The Tallac Historic Site Trail, The Lake of the Sky Trail, Smokey's Trail .

The Visitor Center also offers  items for purchase such as maps, brochures, souvenirs, hiking permits and other items.  More >>

Horseback Riding

Lake Tahoe is home to many fine stables that offer a variety of guided tours that cater to individuals, families, and groups.  The stables may have age limits, so be sure to check directly with them to make sure they can meet your needs.  More >>

Angora Lakes

1214 Angora Ridge Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA    (530) 541-2092

A short one mile hike leads to this wonderful alpine lake and small resort.  With its sandy beaches and kid friendly shallow water, this is an ideal destination for most families.

During the summer months,  the privately operated resort offers a variety of activities including rental boats, sailboats, ice cream, and "the camper's favorite" fresh squeezed lemonade.  The also offer a limited number of rental cabins. 

Miniature Golf

Need a break from the beautiful lake and beaches?  A great activity for all ages is mini golf. Magic Carpet in South Lake Tahoe is cute and fun! 

 

What’s on Tap

Events

Lake Tahoe Festivals & Events:

 

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival—7/8 – 8/21

North Lake—Imagine your toes in the sand, a fantastic bottle of wine nearby, a gourmet meal in hand and first-class entertainment before you…

Labor Day Lake Tahoe Fireworks Extravaganza—9/4/16 @ 08:30 PM

South Lake—This pyrotechnic exhibition explodes over Lake Tahoe after dusk and features a variety of patterns, shapes, and designs.

Big Band Jazz Concert at the Sugar Pine Point State Park—9/4/16

West Lake—Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic, low-back chairs, blankets, and be prepared to have fun.

The Great Reno Balloon Race—9/9 – 9/11/16

Reno—This is the 35th year for one of Reno’s most colorful and spectacular events! It attracts nearly 100 hot air balloons

For more event information, click on our Festivals & Events page for Half Moon Bay.
  
  

Attractions

Top Attractions:

Winter Outdoor Activities  – 2015/16

The ski areas were finally blessed with SNOW! The recent drought took its toll, but finally were seeing some action…

Summer Outdoor Activities – 2016

Lake Tahoe  – In a couple of months, Lake Tahoe will be bursting with outdoor activities!

Desolation Wilderness Area 

Awesome hiking from late spring to late summer. 

 

For more information on local attractions, click on the Lake Tahoe Attractions or Recreational Activities.
  
  

 

Advisories

The Region’s Fall Advisories:
  

Traffic Conditions. During the summer months, Lake Tahoe is inundated with tourists making driving challenging. Another issue, is the warm summer months are the best to complete road work. This combination can create very long delays in certain sections. Go to www.caltrans.com to learn about road conditions. 

Yes, It’s Still Water! California’s extreme drought has created some long-term consequences. If you are planning a lake vacation be sure to check about water levels. That rafting trip, fishing, or skiing may be impacted. It has also create EXTREME fire conditions, so be sure to check with local authorities about campfire and camp stove regulations.   

The Plague! It sounds medieval, but chipmunks and squirrels around Lake Tahoe can carry the Plague and health officials urge caution. Click here to learn more.

Yellow Jackets! I don’t know why it’s so bad this season, but from Tahoe City south  along the beaches the bees are everywhere! Click here to learn more.
  
  

  
  
  

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