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Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe: Our most recommended tours and activities

South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

1. South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

Embark on a sightseeing cruise starting in South Lake Tahoe either at sunset or during the day. Take in the scenic beauty while cruising 11 kilometers across the lake to Emerald Bay, one of the top ten most photographed places in the world. Savor snacks and drinks as you sail. See the majestic mountains of South Lake Tahoe while onboard the world-class Tahoe Bleu Wave yacht. As you cruise, you will find indoor and outdoor seating with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the snow-capped mountains, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm Castle, Eagle Waterfall, and the Rubicon. Navigate the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe while hearing your captain's narration about this lake. You may even get the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the bald eagle, black bears, and wild geese. If you've chosen the sunset option, relax and watch the sun dip low below the sky.

Lake Tahoe: Half-Day Photographic Scenic Tour

2. Lake Tahoe: Half-Day Photographic Scenic Tour

Visit some of Lake Tahoe's most famous locations, showcasing the best of its South and West Shores. Your journey begins at a beautiful secluded beach. Shadowed by Mt. Tallac, you will learn how the famous Snowcross forecasts the forthcoming winter conditions. The area is especially famous as a wonderful wildlife sanctuary, home to numerous species of birds. Look out for bears, especially in October, as you listen to the peaceful birdsong. In late spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the meadows of Taylor Creek. In October you will see the Kokanee Salmon run - when around 80,000 salmon start their journey to spawn. Pause at some local stores for snacks and beverages before moving on to Emerald Bay. One of the most photographed locations in North America, beautiful waterfalls await as you explore the glacier. The carved masterpiece can be seen from various perspectives. The tour offers myriad photo opportunities throughout. As the tour guides show you how to take optimal photographs, they will also capture magical shots to process and later deliver to you.

South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

3. South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

Begin at South Lake Tahoe and embark on a 2-hour happy hour cruise. Experience a happy hour like no other on board the Tahoe Bleu Wave as it cruises on the gorgeous Lake Tahoe water. Enjoy your afternoon as you munch on delicious snacks and sip on signature drinks. Take in the scenic beauty across the lake to the pristine Emerald Bay, known as one of the top ten most photographed places in the world. Admire the mountains in the backdrop with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Navigate the beautiful waters with your captain who will give a personal narration of the facts and figures of this lake. You’ll even get the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the bald eagle, black bears, and wild geese.

Lake Tahoe and Squaw Valley: Full-Day Narrated Bus Tour

4. Lake Tahoe and Squaw Valley: Full-Day Narrated Bus Tour

Take an enjoyable Lake Tahoe excursion that circles the lake and makes a detour to Squaw Valley, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. On this narrated bus tour, you’ll marvel at the natural beauty of the region while you learn more about the area and leave the driving to your guides. Start with pickup from selected South Lake Tahoe hotels. You travel clock-wise around the lake and make your first stop at Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay is one of the area’s most photographed sites. Its vista point offers spectacular views of the bay and Fanette Island. You’ll then continue traveling along the lake’s western shore, and make your next stop at the Truckee River Dam, which presents another great opportunity for photos. You then make a detour to visit Squaw Valley, which is located 8 miles north of Lake Tahoe. This lovely and historic valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. In Tahoe City, which marks the half-way point of our tour, you'll stop for lunch. You'll have a have plenty of eateries to choose from here, including sandwich shops, coffee shops, and lakeside restaurants. After lunch, your excursion continues along the lake’s northern and eastern shores, with a stop to enjoy the views and take photos at scenic Logan Shoals.

Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Helicopter Flight

5. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Helicopter Flight

Take off from south Lake Tahoe and enjoy fantastic scenery on a helicopter flight. See several scenic landmarks including Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Taylor Creek, and Pope Beach as you fly towards breathtaking Emerald Bay. Admire the views of granite and forested landscapes surrounding Emerald Bay. See Eagle Falls which feeds into the lakes shimmering emerald-green waters. Take in these incredible sights from a helicopter for a truly memorable experience over Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe: East Shore Trail Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour

6. Lake Tahoe: East Shore Trail Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour

Enjoy Lake Tahoe’s most scenic and enchanting coastal trail. Pedal along in comfort on a self-guided e-bike tour. See and feel Lake Tahoe differently as you soak up the breathtaking views and mountain vistas while cycling along the Sapphire Jewel’s most popular shoreline path. You'll ride along separate bike paths the whole way, so you can relax without having to worry about traffic. Cycle from Incline Village to Sand Harbor at your own pace. Enjoy numerous stops at beautiful beaches, stunning viewpoints, and coastal photo settings. Journey over bridges and along the shoreline to reach Sand Harbor – Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful state park.

Virginia City Day Tour From Lake Tahoe

7. Virginia City Day Tour From Lake Tahoe

Enjoy a full-day bus tour to Virginia City from South Lake Tahoe and discover a historic town along the Pony Express Trail. A tour guide will share the history of the city, once a boomtown of the mining industry. Discover how pioneers explored and settled the area after the discovery of silver and gold. Upon arrival, you will go to the F Street Train Depot to ride on the historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad, a 7-mile round trip through Wild West country to Gold Hill and back. After the train ride, proceed to the main C Street and Delta Saloon, established in 1859, where you can enjoy the Old West atmosphere before exploring the tiny but historic town, dominated by the piercing spire of the St. Mary in the Mountains church. Other highlights include the Mark Twain Museum, western wear stores, gold and silver stores, and a chance to go into a real mine.

Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour

8. Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Explore your way on this self-guided driving tour of Lake Tahoe. See the entire lake and all the best vistas, hikes, and swimming spots using an app that functions as a guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Enjoy a tour by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists. Begin your tour in Stateline on the southern shore. From there, take a clockwise loop around the lake. While driving, learn about the heated debate between California and Nevada over who technically owns the lake. Visit the summer home of a man who insisted people called his cabin the Vatican. Then, see a few more impressive homes along the shore, including some inspired by Viking longhouses. Next, visit Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel. This bay offers stunning views of the water and the mountains beyond, as well as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and any other water activities you could want. If you’re in the mood for a waterfall, stop by the Eagle Falls trailhead to see the only waterfall that flows into the lake. Hear the spooky tale of how Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette, is supposedly haunted. As you continue, learn about the Washoe tribe who lived here long before any European explorers put it on a map. Next up, see Meeks Bay, a perfect white sand beach to catch some sun. Get the scoop on a presidential visit to the lake, famous residents who occupy the houses along the shore, and learn about the lake’s origins. Pay a visit to Carnelian Bay, where boat racing used to be a big deal in the '30s and '40s. Then, say hello to Kings Beach on the north shore, a perfect picnic spot with views that will make you feel like a royal yourself. Pass by the Cal Neva Casino next, which straddles the border between California and Nevada and was once owned by Frank Sinatra. See more stunning estates along the way. Then, learn about some of the area’s wildlife. Visit the Secret Cove, a perfect spot for those looking for some secluded serenity. Nearing the end of the tour, visit a 300-foot-high vista point for perfect photo opportunities. Conclude your tour by Cave Rock, a remnant of the lake’s most ancient history.

From Lake Tahoe: Yosemite National Park Full-Day Tour

9. From Lake Tahoe: Yosemite National Park Full-Day Tour

Enjoy traveling in a luxury 28-passenger mini bus to the High Sierra. You’ll leave South Lake Tahoe at 06:00 on the 3-hour drive to the main valley of Yosemite National Park. This breathtaking adventure provides an unforgettable opportunity to savor the vast array of stunning High Sierra features made famous by the likes of John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ansel Adams. The exclusive documentary tour includes a full-day of sightseeing in one of America’s favorite national parks, conducted by a Yosemite expert. The tour price includes transportation, the park admission fee, a delicious picnic lunch with an assortment of beverages, and a seasonal hike to the Bridalveil Fall or Yosemite Falls. Spend around 6 hours in the park, driving from one scenic location to the next. You can exit the bus to admire the scenery and take photos at each stop. When you reach the main valley at around noon, you’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. On the way back the mini-bus will stop at O'Nelly Deli so you can have a bite to eat and something to drink. You’ll arrive in South Lake Tahoe at around 20:00.

Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Boat Trip with Captain

10. Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Boat Trip with Captain

Enjoy a boat trip around the stunning natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. Take in panoramic views of mile-high mountains and the famous Emerald Bay on this private, 2-hour tour. Meet your certified captain at the Tahoe Keys Marina. Hop aboard their ship, the White lightning, a fun boat with a 502 mag and 3,000 dollar stereo system. Get ready to set sail onto North America's second deepest lake. Enjoy spectacular views as you journey round Lake Tahoe. Pass by Camp Richardson and the Tallac Historical Site. Sail into the picturesque and photogenic Emerald Bay. See Fannette Island in the middle of the lake, and catch a glimpse of the Scandinavian architecture of the Vikingsholm mansion. Take in the beauty of the D.L. Bliss State Park. Admire the electric green and cobalt blue water of Rubicon Bay, before returning to the marina to finish the tour.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Lake Tahoe

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What people are saying about Lake Tahoe

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 524 reviews

This tour was excellent. The views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area were amazing, and we caught a beautiful sunset. The captain was very friendly & informative, and the beverage service was a nice plus. Will definitely do this tour again if/when I return to Lake Tahoe

Captain Auggie was absolutely amazing! He gave us a great cruise, lots of information and history. The drinks and snacks were amazing and the First Mate, Bob, was extremely kind and helpful. We will be back for sure in the summer!

We had a great time. Captain Steve, 1st mate Charlie and 2nd mate Josh were all awesome people and made the cruise for us. Of course the spectacular views didn’t hurt. . Thank you guys for a great experience.

Great crew! Knowledgeable and friendly, pick this boat tour, won’t be disappointed!

Amazing experience and the crew were very friendly and informative!