Tahoe City, California
Tahoe City, California has many activities for outdoor adventurers. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there's something for everyone. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Emerald Bay State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, and the Tahoe City Golf Course. For those who enjoy hiking, the Tahoe Rim Trail provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. The Donner Summit Trail offers a more challenging experience, with its steep inclines and rocky terrain. For a more leisurely experience, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities on the lake. An abundance of wildlife can be spotted in and around the area, including bald eagles, ospreys, and mule deer. Whatever your outdoor interests, Tahoe City has something for you. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near the area for a truly memorable experience.
Top Spots in and near Tahoe City
-
South Lake Tahoe, California
Emerald Bay
4.31.84 mi / 358 ft gainThe View at Emerald Bay is not to be missed. This is an amazing place to catch a sunrise over the lake or to see the east side of the lake lit at night. During the day, you should take the quick hike down the trail to enjoy the beach to rent a kayak and explore the dark blue water. The perspecti...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Capture the Milky Way over Emerald Bay
4.5There is a reason Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world and that is because of its stunning beauty! I am sure you have experienced it during the day, but the bay really comes alive at night. The Milky Way reaches over all of Emerald Bay and it is a sight to see! Head out...Read more -
Washoe County, Nevada
Sand Harbor Nature Trail
4.50.54 mi / 33 ft gainWhile Sand Harbor Park is a popular summer destination, the sunsets from this spot are breathtaking year round and you will have less company in the winter. The park is located right off of Highway 28 and has an admission fee of $7. There is a parking lot that fills up quickly in the summer, so a...Read more -
Truckee, California
Donner Lake Public Docks
4.5In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...Read more -
Sand Harbor, Nevada
Surf Lake Tahoe at Sand Harbor
5.0Surfing Lake Tahoe is a rare opportunity which only happens when there is a lot of wind. It's nothing like surfing in the ocean. There are mountains in the background, the water is fresh, and generally the waves are small. You can see if there are waves on the drive there (if driving counter-cloc...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Rock Climb at Eagle Lake Cliffs
4 miTo Access Eagle Lake Cliffs Crag, head to the West Shore of South Lake Tahoe. You’ll want to park at Emerald Bay Parking Lot and head to the trail register. It’s almost always packed, so come early, or plan to park on the road and walk. Sign yourself and your party number in for the day access pa...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Rock Climb the 90ft. Wall
5.0Park at the Eagle Creek Canyon parking lot. If it's full, park alongside the Hwy 89, right at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Canyon parking pullout. Both parking areas fill up quickly, so if those two are full, park across the street at Emerald Bay Vikingsholm Trail parking lot. That area can fi...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Loop
4.42.39 mi / 617 ft gainEagle Falls Trail is located off Highway 89 and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Eagle Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in Lake Tahoe because of its beautiful cascading waterfalls, lush green scenery, and trees. Alongside one of the bluest pristine...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Middle Velma Lake via Eagle Falls Trailhead
4.59.18 mi / 2251 ft gainHiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you wa...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Lake Trail
4.02.35 mi / 571 ft gainThe trailhead starts (and ends) by the beautiful Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe, and goes west. The trail is well-marked and composed of mostly granite steps. Once you get to the lake, you can swim: it's cold but beautiful. If you keep following the path to the wooded areas (to the left), there are s...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Eagle Falls Vista Loop
0.56 mi / 138 ft gainEagle falls is a short walk from the main Emerald Bay vista point. The top of the falls are cool to look at themselves, with great views of the lake.Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
Sand Harbor Beach
4.8This is what you would call a family beach. It is clean, beautiful, and well maintained. The admission price for vehicles has gone up quite a bit, but based on the economy and the fact that this park remains clean and glass-free, you really cannot complain. The beach gets pretty crowded and they ...Read more -
New Washoe City, Nevada
SUP from Sand Harbor
4.5My favorite is to take a trip from Sand Harbor State Beach to Thunderbird Lodge along the East Shore in Lake Tahoe. Start by traveling to Sand Harbor State Beach, park in the parking lot and bring your equipment to the sandy shore. Hop on your board and begin heading south along the East Shore...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Lake Tahoe’s Inspiration Point
4.7Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is a national natural landmark and is one of the prettiest parts of the lake. Inspiration Point is located along route 89 on the Southwest side of Tahoe about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe or about 33 miles South from Truckee. It is very easy to get to, and its high va...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Catch a Sunset at Cave Rock
4.70.8 mi / 127 ft gainThis short hike is just off of highway 50 and provides one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. From South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 50 past Zephyr cove until you see Cave Rock Drive. Take this road until it dead ends and park in the small gravel lot. After following the trail out of the park...Read more -
Truckee, California
Hike the Truckee Tunnels
5.0To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...Read more
