Lake Tahoe Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Lake Tahoe tours and things to do at America’s stunning alpine lake: cruise the turquoise waters to Emerald Bay, paddle a crystal-clear kayak over the granite shallows, take in the mountain panoramas on a scenic tour, hike forest trails to hidden viewpoints, sip wine on a sunset cruise, and charter a private boat across the crystal lake. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Lake Tahoe by interest
Whatever brings you to Lake Tahoe — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Lake Tahoe
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Emerald Bay
Jewel-green cove.
Sand Harbor
Clear kayaking.
Sierra Trails
Alpine hikes.
The Lake
Scenic cruises.
East Shore
Scenic tours.
South Lake
Watersports.
Sunset Lake
Wine cruises.
Crystal Water
Kayak & paddle.
West shore awayEmerald Bay
Jewel-green cove.
East shore awaySand Harbor
Clear kayaking.
Basin awaySierra Trails
Alpine hikes.
Lake awaySunset Lake
Wine cruises.
Lakeside awayEast Shore
Scenic tours.
South shore awaySouth Lake
Watersports.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Lake Tahoe visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Warm and sunny — peak season for the lake.
Autumn (Oct)
Crisp air and golden aspens, fewer crowds.
Winter (Dec–Mar)
Snowy and cold — world-class skiing.
Spring (Apr–May)
Melting snow and quiet shoulder season.
For the water
Summer is best for cruises and kayaking.
Best overall
June to September for lake activities.
One day
An Emerald Bay cruise and a kayak.
Two days
Add a hike and a wine cruise.
Three days
Add adventure, charters and more trails.
For the water
Cruises, kayaking and charters.
For nature
Hiking and scenic tours.
For adventure
Jet skis and off-road tours.
By car
A car is best for circling the lake and trailheads.
By boat
Cruises and charters explore the water.
Tours & shuttles
Scenic tours and shuttles link the shores.
By e-bike
The East Shore trail is great by e-bike.
Where to stay
Stay in South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City.
US dollar
The USA uses the dollar; cards widely accepted.
Emerald Bay
Take a cruise for the best views of the cove.
Clear kayaks
Paddle Sand Harbor for the clearest water.
Hiking
Start early to beat the midday sun.
Sunset cruise
Book a wine cruise for a golden evening.
Sun & altitude
The high elevation intensifies the sun — bring SPF.
Layers
Mountain weather changes fast — pack layers.
Emerald Bay cruises
Popular cruises sell out — book ahead.
Kayak tours
Clear-kayak tours fill up — reserve early.
Sunset cruises
Wine cruises fill up — book ahead.
Boat charters
Private charters fill up — reserve early.
Watersports
Jet skis and adventures fill up — book ahead.
Summer season
July and August are busiest — book ahead.
Emerald Bay cruise
Around $60–110 for an Emerald Bay cruise.
Kayak tour
About $65–110 for a clear-kayak tour.
Scenic tour
Roughly $50–90 for a scenic lake tour.
Sunset cruise
Around $75–130 for a wine sunset cruise.
Boat charter
About $400–800 for a private boat charter.
How to save
Join group cruises to save over private charters.
Lake Tahoe through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Lake & cruises.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Fall colours.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Quiet.
- Best for
- Skiing.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Snowy.
- Best for
- Quiet shoulder.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.