Lake Tahoe Top 10 Sights
Although the whole of Lake Tahoe is a spectacularly beautiful place we recommend these top 10 sights to get the most out of your Vacation.
- Emerald Bay
Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its brilliant panorama of glacially carved granite, this bay provides a remarkable juxtaposition of Lake and mountain. Make your trip to this landmark extra special and arrive by boat, stopping at Fannette Island, Tahoe's only island. The bay also features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian inspired architecture in the Western Hemisphere.
- Squaw Valley's Cable Car
Experience a bird's-eye view of Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe on this ride that travels up 2,000 vertical feet. At the top is a wide mountain meadow and High Camp, which includes restaurants, ice skating, swimming, tennis and a small Olympic museum.
- Heavenly's Gondola
These eight-passenger cabins swoop riders up to 9,123 feet and spectacular views of the entire length of Lake Tahoe and surrounding peaks - all within minutes of South Lake Tahoe's six casinos and dozens of shops in the village.
- Thunderbird Lodge
This beautiful stone estate, built in 1940, is known for its craftsmanship, its beauty and for the idiosyncrasies of its original owner, George Whittell. Whittell had secret tunnels cut through the site's solid granite and kept a zoo of wild animals on the grounds, including an elephant!
- Tallac Historic Site/Taylor Creek Visitor Center
A lovely testament to a bygone era, Tallac Historic Site includes three Old Tahoe estates and is also the site of the summer-long Valhalla Arts and Music Festival. Just a few miles north lies the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, which features winding nature trails and a steam profile chamber that fills with Kokanee salmon during fall.
- Donner Memorial State Park
Near the east shore of lovely Donner Lake is the Emigrant Trail Museum recounting the story of the ill-fated Donner Party. The site includes a large boulder that once formed the fireplace and part of the back wall of one of the party's cabins.
- Sand Harbor State Park
Just a few miles south of Incline Village on the East Shore is one of the Lake's most spectacular beaches and entertainment venues. There's a long sandy beach with shallow, clear waters and unique rock formations around a picturesque point. The park features an outdoor stage that lays claim to "the most scenic venue in the world!" On summer evenings it is home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, among other cultural events.
- Mt. Rose Highway Overlook
For an easily accessible bird's eye view of the Tahoe Basin, pull off on the Mount Rose highway overlook, just up Highway 431 from Incline Village. To guide your view, plaques identify the major peaks that surround the lake.
- A Drink by The Lake
One of the classic experiences of a Tahoe summer is to sit on the deck of one of the area's favorite waterfront restaurants. Several are also accessible by boat including: West Shore's Chambers Landing and Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge; North Shore's Garwoods and Lone Eagle Grille; and South Tahoe's Beacon Bar and Grille, and Blue Water Bistro.
- Being on The Lake
Whether by kayak, canoe, sailboat, speedboat or raft, getting out on the wide surface of the Big Blue is an unforgettable experience. A boat ride down Tahoe's southwest shore by Meeks Bay promises some of the clearest blue-green water your eyes have ever seen.