When we mentioned to our near and dears that we were going for a weekend getaway to lake Tahoe, EVERYONE had similar reactions.
“You are going to have soo much fun”
“Oh My God, the scenery”
So, of course, we were hyped. We were soo hyped that we didn’t even flinch when we heard most of the activities involve the word “hike”. We had heard from many people who have visited that the entire area is just serene and relaxing. No need to go on any challenging hikes. There are PLENTY of ways to enjoy Tahoe. So, if you are like us, and enjoy the outdoors but don’t want to go on super challenging hikes, this post is for YOU! (please read that sentence again in Oprah’s voice)
Here's our list of 6 ways you and your loved ones can enjoy Tahoe
1. Enjoy the Stunning Mountain Views at Kings Beach
Kings beach is located in the North Tahoe Area. Most of the lake shore is rocky but the views and clarity of the water are worth the trek. You can find parking in one of the many public lots and enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline. You will also see many people enjoying the water, so if weather permits, keep a beach bag ready with your bathing suit and some towels. The shore has big flat rocks that make for a great workout.
The water is cold even during the summers, so it is refreshing during the summers. Not recommended to bath during the winters. (Hypothermia is not a good look. Ever.) We did dip our toes and enjoy the cool sensation of clear water at our feet but *during Covid the beach was crowded so we chose to stay away due to social distancing. We still enjoyed the walk and the views but we were unable to swim in the water.
2. Take a Long, Scenic Drive Along the North Lake Blvd and HWY 89
There is nothing better than a nice long drive, especially when you are not driving (Sophie). The towering pine trees and the lake playing peek a boo through them is just breathtaking. We love scenic drives and they are especially tempting for visitors who are coming from cities where scenic drives are not the norm. Being able to drive through the woods and see the quaint eateries and homes was just a wholesome way to enjoy the vibe of the town without even leaving the car.
Due to Covid, most of the restaurants had outdoor seating and tables so it was nice to be able to people watch as well. We will say, there are parts of the road that are narrow, parts that are sharp turns, and parts that don’t have railings.
*Note (Because we care) If you get motion sickness easily or just don’t like heights please go slow and you will be A ok. Please make sure to follow the speed limits. This is kind of a two for one. On this exact route you will end up at Emerald Bay.
3. Visit Emerald Bay and Experience the Famed Green Waters
If you have ever seen a picture on Instagram or Pinterest of clear green waters in Tahoe, there is a pretty good chance that they are from Emerald Bay. We were already in love with this place before we even left Los Angeles. We didn’t know if the pictures were real (photoshop has made us all skeptics) and when we arrived at the bay:
holy cow, it was real
The water is actually a mix of stunning blues and greens. Located on the opposite side in the South Tahoe area. There is a recreational camp ground where people book cabins and are right on the water, so expect for this area to always be crowded. Despite the amount of people, the water is unbelievably clear. You will see many people wading in tubes or even jumping off the docks but we urge everyone to use caution because the bottom of the lake is rocks not sand and could make for a painful fall. We really enjoyed the large trees surrounding the lake and again the gorgeous mountains as backdrops.
*Before going be sure to check out the Emerald Bay State Park Website for the most up to date pre travel info.
4. Take a Gondola Ride in Heavenly Village
*Bonus: The same Gondola Ride also gives access to The Ridge Rider Coaster. This coaster looks super fun, we were soo excited to experience this ride, but unfortunately when we went to get tickets it was already at capacity. Aamir was SUPER bummed being the coaster fan that he is. Make sure to get your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The cost of the Gondola Ride with Coaster is $71 USD per adult and $43 for kids. NOTE: They have height and other basic requirements for all passengers. Please make sure everyone in your group qualifies so no on has FOMO (fear of missing out: it’s the WORST)
Before going, make sure to check out their official website to ensure you have the most up to date information as they sometimes close or alter operating hours based on weather conditions. Check out their official site here.
There are TONS of pictures all over Instagram showing stunning views from high elevations. Chances are, they were taken from one of the famous gondolas. The ride itself is relaxing (as long as you don’t think too hard about being suspended from wires). The overall ride was smooth and the views were un real. The slow 2.4-mile ride up gave us some time to really soak up the atmosphere and scenic views.
You can purchase your tickets right at the base and each Gondola can fit a maximum 6 people. Each adult ticket is $59 USD and $39 USD for children under 18. You will not be sharing a Gondola with other people so; in our case it was just the 2 of us. Great for photo ops and some relaxation.
The Gondola takes 2 stops. The first stop is to the 14,000 sq foot observation deck that also has a café where you can grab a quick refreshment (they are expensive compared to shops on the ground, supply and demand is a beast ya’ know). The top of the mountain has access to the Chair Lifts (you need to sign a waiver before hopping on) from the chair lifts you can get access to more stunning panoramic views as well as hiking trails.
5.Walk, Shop and Dine in Heavenly Village
Since we are alll about helping you make the most of the area, once you get off the gondolas make sure to explore the surrounding town center. The South Tahoe area is famous for being lively and full of activity. You will find all major hotels and even a casino or two on your adventure.
You will find a TON of great dining options and shops right at the base of the Gondola Ride. There is an entire area dedicated to shops where you can find local art as well as souvenirs. There are plenty of dining options (including a Starbucks if you need your coffee fix) and on the weekend this entire area lights up. You will hear live music and it’s a great place to people watch.
During Covid all of the restaurants were very good about social distancing while still being able to serve the masses. Check out the official resort site here to see a complete list of shops.
6. Take a Scenic Lake Cruise
What better way to experience Lake Tahoe than a stunning evening lake cruise? Tahoe Cruises was highly recommended by locals as well as people who have visitied before. We will admit, this is not the cheapest activity with tickets starting at $90 USD for adults without including the cost of beverages aboard the boat. The captain and crew are experienced and know just the route to take to ensure that you get the best views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
We suggest you go for the sunset cruise that departs at 5:30. Each cruise lasts for 2 hours and they operate rain or shine. Be sure to check out the tour company’s official website here to see their full cancellation policy and booking options.
There are soo many more activites to add to this list, but we wanted to keep it short and sweet so you are not over whelmed. Honestly, there is no wrong way to enjoy this beautiful town. We hope everyone gets a chance to experience this unique nature wonderland.
As always we hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
-xoxo Sophie and Aamir
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29 Comments
Such great suggestions for Lake Tahoe. Thanks for the same! Such beautiful pictures and videos. Looks like you had a great trip.
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This is one of the most beautiful places in the US! You get both beach and mountains. Such a win-win!
We agree, the combination of water and mountains was something you have to see first hand to really appreciate. It was a triple win! Much needed vacation + water + mountains 🙂
I used to live in Stateline NV, which is on Lake Tahoe just over the CA border. Thanks for so many great memories. Emerald Bay was always a favourite spot.
wow, we are jealous. If we lived closer we are 100% sure we would make the trip more often. Emerald Bay is calling our name for a repeat visit for sure!
I’ve been to Tahoe many times but haven’t explored it too much mostly hanging at a friends cabin, hiking and relaxing at the lake. Now I have new things to see as I’ve never been to Heavenly Village and taken the gondola. Now I’m excited to go back for a visit!
Yes! most of our friends recommened the same outdoor activities. You should visit the village, its a little bit of “city” in the middle of the beautiful lake and mountains 🙂
King’s Beach really looks like a beautiful spot, even before you factor in those views of the mountains as well. And more great views from North Lake Blvd and Highway 88! I’m a sucker for cable car rides, so the gondola is a must, as is the lake cruise.
We love a good gondola ride as well, this ride also runs during the winter and we can only IMAGINE how beautiful the snow capped mountains would look from that vantage point. We are glad you would enjoy these activities.
There is little wonder the popularity of Lake Tahoe which this post shows so well. What a beautiful part of the world this is. Love that it caters for the adventurous as well as the more tamed explorer and encourages people to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Love the images you shared and the information relating to the options and cost.
We agree 100%, all the hype around the town proved worth it! We loved the versatility of the city as well, that was the one thing we were worried about being that most people enjoy the outdoors and we are not big hikers.
Lake Tahoe looks like an incredible area to spend a few days. I would love to do the Scenic Drive Along the North Lake Blvd – the views look amazing. I think I would like to go hiking around here!
The drive was soo theraputic. Just relaxing and letting the road go by is what we needed to recharge. We hope you have a chance to experience it first hand 🙂
This article is amazing. Thanks for sharing this article.
We are glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
These activities make for a day well spent out in nature! So needed with all the COVID madness. Nature therapy is the best in such times. I would love the gondola ride and the lake cruise. The cruise looks absolutely relaxing and the vibe is so peaceful out on the waters. Love shades of blue and green mixed so probably the Emerald Bay would also easily become my fav! Love this list of fun scenic things to do without any strenuous hiking!
We are glad you found the post and the article useful. The area really is beautiful and must be seen in real life to be believed.
Looks like so much fun there. I would definitely like to visit and take a gondola ride. Didn’t realize there was so much to do. Great post.
It was sooo much fun! We didnt know that there were activities either! There is soo much more that we haven’t listed but due to Covid as well as our limited time, we couldnt do more. But we took it as more motivation to go back 🙂
It looks like you had such a nice time. The water is amazing, so clear. The views are incredible too. Talk about sensory overload. Too bad you missed the coaster. I’m not actually a fan, but if you guys wanted to go, it’s a bummer that you couldn’t. I haven’t been to Lake Tahoe, but I think I would enjoy it very much.
It was a much needed getaway thats for sure! I wasnt the coaster fan but hubby reallly wanted to go. I honestly believe that everything happens for the best so not getting a seat on the coaster was A-okay with me :).
Lake Tahoe looks so beautiful! I would love to take that gondola ride, I bet it offers some stunning views!
The views really are breathtaking, having an unobstructed panoramic view of the lake and the mountains really has to been seen first hand 🙂
I didn’t know that Lake Tahoe is this beautiful – and I’m specifically referring to the waters. They look crystal clear – and ice-cold ;-). I love that. Will bookmark this for next summer – since now we are sadly heading into autumn 😉
We were JUST as surprised about the water. It was also really nice that the lake bed is smooth rock so you can stand without hurting yourself. Ohh yeah, the water was chilly for sure but that didnt stop people from enjoying.
Lake Tahoe looks beautiful and is on my list. I didn’t realize that there were some many things to do there other than hiking. I would definitely take the gondola (now that I’ve overcome my fear of heights) and I need to do the boat cruise as well. I can’t wait until the borders are open and I can start to explore the US again.
yess!! We were surprised too! Fingers crossed when you get back there are even MORE activites that are operational.
I CANNOT wait to visit this place !! The emerald bay looks mesmerizing!! Please visit in the winter as well so i get to know what to do in winter as well!
Abosolutely! We are already dreaming of a white Tahoe Christmas. We would even go through putting snow chains on, it really is worth the efforts 🙂