Sun & Summit DestinationsLake Tahoe's South Shore in Every Season
Beaches and boat trips in summer, Heavenly's slopes in winter, and that blue water all year.
- Best time
- July to September for the lake; December to March for skiing
- Getting there
- Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) is about an hour and a quarter away
- Getting around
- A car. Carry chains or have all-wheel drive in winter
- Stay
- 4–5 nights
Summer on the lake
Swim or paddleboard at Zephyr Cove or Nevada Beach, take a paddle-wheeler cruise to Emerald Bay, and hike to the viewpoints above it. The water is clear and cold even in August.
Winter at Heavenly
Heavenly Mountain Resort straddles California and Nevada, with lake views from many runs. The gondola from Heavenly Village is worth riding even if you don't ski.
Around the lake
- Drive the 72-mile loop around the lake in a day, stopping at Emerald Bay State Park
- Hike part of the Tahoe Rim Trail from Kingsbury Grade or Big Meadow
- Visit Vikingsholm, a 1920s Scandinavian-style mansion at Emerald Bay
Where to stay
These resorts are in very different spots. Pick the one that fits how you want to spend the trip.
Stay at Club Wyndham South Shore
Tell us your dates and we'll check availability and send you a quote.
