Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe events and things to do, from skiing Heavenly and Palisades to Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, lake cruises, hiking, casinos and summer beaches.
Lake Tahoe Events & Things to Do: Skiing, Beaches, Emerald Bay, Hiking & Lake Cruises
Quick answer: The best things to do in Lake Tahoe include skiing at Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, and Northstar, visiting Emerald Bay State Park, cruising the lake on a paddlewheeler, hiking and biking mountain trails, and enjoying the casinos and nightlife of South Lake Tahoe and Stateline. Coming up: Heavenly and Northstar opening day (November 20) and Palisades Tahoe opening day (November 25).
Planning things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer, in winter, or with kids? Tahoe is a year-round playground: skiing at Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, Northstar, and Kirkwood in winter, and beaches, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer. See Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm, swim at Sand Harbor, cruise the lake on a paddlewheeler, and try your luck at the casinos in Stateline.
Start Here: Your Lake Tahoe Trip Planner
- Sand Harbor Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Emerald Bay State Park Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Lake Tahoe Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Vikingsholm Castle Tours & Tickets: Historic tours and guided visits.
- Lake Tahoe Food, Wine & Nightlife: Browse food, wine & nightlife in Lake Tahoe.
- Heavenly Gondola Tours & Tickets: Top-rated tours, tickets, and experiences.
- Lake Tahoe Seasonal & Special Occasions: Browse seasonal & special occasions in Lake Tahoe.
Quick Links: Lake Tahoe Tours & Activities • Lake Tahoe Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Lake Tahoe Rentals Product Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Lake Tahoe Outdoor Activities
Upcoming Lake Tahoe Events in 2026 and 2027
- Ski season opening day: Vail Resorts plans to open Heavenly and Northstar on November 20, 2026, with Kirkwood following on December 4.
- Palisades Tahoe opening day: Lifts are scheduled to start spinning on November 25, 2026, weather permitting.
- Holiday season: Lakeside towns and resorts celebrate with lights, snow, and New Year's Eve events.
Find Tickets: Palisades Tahoe Tours & Tickets • Northstar Tours & Tickets • Lake Tahoe Tours & Tickets
What Are the Best Ski Resorts in Lake Tahoe?
- Heavenly Mountain Resort: Lake views from the slopes above South Lake Tahoe.
- Palisades Tahoe: Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, on the North Shore.
- Northstar California: A family-friendly village near Truckee.
- Kirkwood: Deep snow and expert terrain south of the lake.
- Mt. Rose: The highest base elevation in Tahoe, close to Reno.
Resort openings are typically in late November and can run into spring.
Explore: South Lake Tahoe Tours & Tickets • Palisades Tahoe Tours & Tickets • Northstar Tours & Tickets
What Is There to Do at Emerald Bay?
Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most photographed spots in the country. Hike the steep trail down to Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style mansion on the shore, whose tours run from Memorial Day weekend through September. Paddle to Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, or take in the view from Inspiration Point.
Explore: Emerald Bay State Park Tours & Tickets • Lake Tahoe Art & Culture • Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
What Are the Best Lake Tahoe Tours and Cruises?
Take a paddlewheel cruise to Emerald Bay, rent a kayak or paddleboard, book a sunset sail, or ride the Heavenly Gondola for panoramic views. In summer, bike the shoreline paths and hike sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Explore: Heavenly Gondola Tours & Tickets • Lake Tahoe Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours • Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tours
Lake Tahoe Food, Drink & Nightlife
Enjoy apres-ski at the resort villages, lakefront dining in Tahoe City and Kings Beach, craft breweries in Truckee, and casinos, shows, and nightlife in Stateline, Nevada.
Explore: Tahoe City Tours & Tickets • Lake Tahoe Food, Wine & Nightlife • Lake Tahoe Day Cruises
Things to Do in Lake Tahoe With Kids
Traveling with kids? Try tubing and sledding in winter, ride the Heavenly Gondola, swim at sandy Kings Beach and Pope Beach in summer, take a paddlewheel cruise, and explore the Tahoe Science Center.
Explore: Tahoe National Forest Tours & Tickets • Lake Tahoe Tours & Tickets • Heavenly Gondola Tours & Tickets
Free Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
- Emerald Bay overlooks: Roadside viewpoints on Highway 89 above the bay.
- Tahoe East Shore Trail: A paved lakeside path between Incline Village and Sand Harbor.
- Heavenly Village: Shops, restaurants, and events in South Lake Tahoe.
- Commons Beach in Tahoe City: Free summer concerts and a lakefront park.
Things to Do in Lake Tahoe for Adults & Couples
- Sunset lake cruise: Paddlewheeler cruises to Emerald Bay.
- Stateline casinos and shows: Nightlife on the south shore.
- Heavenly Gondola: Big lake views from above South Lake Tahoe.
- Après-ski: Palisades and Northstar villages in winter.
Things to Do in Lake Tahoe This Weekend & Today
Tahoe weekends mean traffic on I-80 and Highway 50, so leave early. In winter, check chain controls and resort conditions; in summer, get to popular beaches like Sand Harbor early, since parking fills up.
Browse Now: Lake Tahoe Tours & Activities • Lake Tahoe Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Lake Tahoe Rentals Product Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Lake Tahoe Scavenger Hunts Product Outdoor Activities
Popular Lake Tahoe Questions
What are the best free things to do in Lake Tahoe?
Free favorites in Lake Tahoe include Emerald Bay overlooks, Tahoe East Shore Trail, Heavenly Village, and Commons Beach in Tahoe City. See the free things to do section above for details.
What are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe for adults and couples?
Popular picks for adults and couples in Lake Tahoe include sunset lake cruise, Stateline casinos and shows, Heavenly Gondola, and après-ski.
When do Lake Tahoe ski resorts open for 2026-27?
Heavenly and Northstar plan to open November 20, 2026, and Palisades Tahoe plans to open November 25, 2026.
Can you tour Vikingsholm in winter?
No. Vikingsholm tours run from Memorial Day weekend through September, though the Emerald Bay views are beautiful all year.
Is Lake Tahoe in California or Nevada?
Both. The lake straddles the state line, with South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City in California and Stateline and Incline Village in Nevada.
When is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?
Winter is ski season, summer brings beaches and boating, and fall brings golden aspens and fewer crowds.
What is there to do in Lake Tahoe this weekend?
Browse Lake Tahoe tours and activities for lake cruises, ski rentals, and experiences you can book for your dates.
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Plan Your Lake Tahoe Trip
Ski Heavenly and Palisades Tahoe, hike to Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, cruise the lake on a paddlewheeler, paddle the clear water, and enjoy apres-ski in the lakeside towns.
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