When globetrotters are asked about their favorite travel destination, Lake Tahoe is always at the top of their list. But when is the best time to visit? Summer or Winter?

With its tranquil lake and majestic mountains, paired with endless activities and nightlife, Lake Tahoe offers a perfect blend for any traveler.

Whether you prefer the frozen tundra or sunny beach bum vibe, we’ll let you decide!

Summer in Lake Tahoe

Summer in Lake Tahoe is an entirely different experience. The region’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters invite visitors to relax and unwind. Locals love spending their days soaking up the sun on the beach or trying their hand at stand-up paddle-boarding. 

The cool waters of the lake provide a refreshing escape from the summer heat, making water activities a popular choice among visitors.

Another favorite summer pastime is exploring the various viewpoints around the lake. The drive along the southwest shore to Emerald Bay is a must-do, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Emerald Bay itself is a picturesque spot, perfect for a leisurely picnic or a hike along one of the many trails.

Top Summer Activities in Lake Tahoe

Hiking

Explore the stunning vistas and wildflower-filled meadows of Lake Tahoe on foot. Whether you choose a scenic path near the south shore, venture into the Sierra on the Tahoe Rim Trail, or enter Desolation Wilderness, hiking offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles while hiking to preserve the area’s beauty.

Water Sports

Experience Lake Tahoe from a different perspective by exploring its crystal-clear waters. Rent a speedboat or jet ski to visit Emerald Bay, try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of the lake, or kayak and paddleboard along the shoreline to discover hidden beaches. For a thrill, consider wake-surfing or wake-boarding. The mornings are the best time to enjoy the lake when it’s calm and serene.

Fishing

Cast your line into the fish-filled waters of Lake Tahoe or its surrounding rivers and streams. Join a fishing charter on the south shore to discover secret fishing spots or explore the teeming trout-filled waters on your own. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, fishing in Lake Tahoe is an unforgettable experience.

Biking

Explore Lake Tahoe’s scenic beauty on two wheels. With a variety of trails for every skill level, from paved paths for leisurely rides to challenging single-track trails for experienced riders, biking in Lake Tahoe offers something for everyone. Enjoy the mountain scenery as you ride down trails like Corral Trail and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, or take a relaxed ride on the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, which leads to the best beaches on the south shore.

Food, Drinks & Shopping

Treat yourself to artisan cocktails at waterfront restaurants, sample aromatic IPAs on the beer trail, or explore the shops at Heavenly Village for unique finds. Lake Tahoe offers plenty of dining, drinking, and shopping options to relax and unwind after a day of outdoor adventure.

Art & Music

Experience the vibrant arts and music scene in Lake Tahoe. Attend live concerts at South Lake Tahoe or the Harveys Summer Concert Series, featuring Grammy-winning musicians. Don’t miss the chance to explore local art, crafts, and music at various events throughout the summer.

Beach Days

Spend a relaxing day at one of Lake Tahoe’s beautiful beaches. With fine-grain sand and crystal-clear water, Lake Tahoe’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Take a break from hiking and water sports to enjoy a leisurely day on the beach, soaking up the sun and the stunning views of the lake.

Winter in Lake Tahoe

Winter in Lake Tahoe is a magical time, especially for skiing enthusiasts. The region is home to a variety of world-class ski resorts, each offering its own unique charm and terrain. Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows, located on the North Lake, is a top favorite resort. It has a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and challenging terrain, making it suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort’s incredible views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe add to the overall experience.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter in Lake Tahoe offers a gang of other activities. 

Visitors can enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even ice skating on the frozen lake. The region’s charming towns and villages also come alive during the winter months, offering a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Top Winter Activities in Lake Tahoe

Snowshoeing at Chickadee Ridge

Start from Tahoe Meadows near Incline Village on a one-of-a-kind snowshoe hike at Chickadee Ridge. The easygoing trek offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and winds through snow-covered pine trees, creating a magical winter wonderland. Chickadee Ridge is also home to friendly Chickadee Birds, adding to the area’s charm. Don’t miss the opportunity to interact with these delightful creatures!

Free Snow Tubing

For an exhilarating winter adventure without the price tag, head to the free snow tubing hills around Lake Tahoe. Locations like Spooner Junction, Tahoe Meadows, and Fallen Leaf Lake Road offer thrilling tubing experiences with no admission fee. Skip the lines and enjoy the fun of snow tubing in these natural, snow-covered hills.

Ice Skating at Heavenly Village

Experience the joy of ice skating at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. The small, festive rink is perfect for a leisurely skate surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants. After your skate, warm up by the fire pits overlooking the rink and indulge in a delicious meal or a cup of hot chocolate.

Scenic Tram Ride at Palisades Tahoe

Take a breathtaking aerial tram ride at Palisades Tahoe for panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Tahoe. The 10-minute ride takes you to 8,200 feet above sea level, where you can step onto the panoramic sundeck and enjoy a drink at the Alpine Bar. The views from the top are truly spectacular and offer a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Snowshoeing at Donner Memorial State Park

Explore the picturesque trails of Donner Memorial State Park on a snowshoeing adventure. The flat, 3-mile trail loops through the park and offers stunning views of the winter landscape. You can also venture off the main trail to explore mini trails that lead to Donner Lake. Whether you’re snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, Donner Memorial State Park is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored.

Sunset Hike to Monkey Rock

Experience a breathtaking sunset on a hike to Monkey Rock, located behind Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village. The 2.6-mile trail offers sweeping views of North Lake Tahoe and Incline Village, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The hike is relatively easy and offers a rewarding view at the end, making it a must-do winter activity in Lake Tahoe.

Scenic Gondola Ride at Heavenly

Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on a scenic gondola ride at Heavenly. The 2.4-mile ride departs from Heavenly Village and takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can hop off and admire the views from the observation deck. While the price for adults may be steep, the unforgettable views make it a worthwhile experience.

Snowmobiling Through Backcountry

Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through Lake Tahoe’s backcountry, exploring snow-covered landscapes and enjoying stunning winter views of the lake. Several tour operators in the area offer snowmobiling tours, making it easy to enjoy this exciting winter activity.

Skiing or Snowboarding at Tahoe’s Mountain Resorts

Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding at one of Lake Tahoe’s top mountain resorts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Lake Tahoe offers a variety of resorts to suit every skill level. From Heavenly and Palisades Tahoe to Northstar and Kirkwood, there’s a mountain resort for everyone to enjoy this winter season.

Summer or Winter, You Really Can’t Go Wrong

It may be hard to choose between summer and winter in Lake Tahoe, as both seasons offer unique beauty and experiences. Whether you prefer skiing and snow sports or summer adventures by the lake, Lake Tahoe promises an unforgettable experience.

Ready to explore more?

Think you’ll miss out on skiing just because it’s July? Think again! Check out Lake Tahoe Skiing in the Summer to learn more!