Visitors

Welcome to South Lake Tahoe!

Visiting or planning a visit to South Lake Tahoe? We extend a warm welcome and invite you to visit our beautiful community. Here, we hope you’ll find the resources you need to make planning your trip a great experience. You'll find information to summer activities and links to many other visitor and tourist sites in the area. Check back in the fall for more information on fall and winter activities.

We mean it when we say Lake Tahoe is America’s All Year Playground. Whether you love the winter or love the summer, even spring or fall, you’ll find plenty to do in Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Visitors' Authority

In South Lake Tahoe you’ll find a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Just about everything you need to know is available through the south shore visitors’ centers operated by the Lake Tahoe Visitors’ Authority (LTVA). When in town, be sure to stop in at one of visitors’ center and pick up free maps, brochures and talk to the knowledgeable staff who operate the facilities seven days a week.

Explore Tahoe!

Visitors would also enjoy the only interactive visitors center in the basin. Explore Tahoe an Urban Trailhead is a unique experiece for all ages. Located in Heavenly Village next to the Gondola.

Lake Tahoe History and Facts

Want to know more about the Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America? Lake Tahoe Visitors’ Authority has a quick snap shot of facts or visit Wikipedia where you can read how the lake was formed along with other geological details, environmental issues and some of the Lake’s famed history. Did you know that Lake Tahoe is also one of the ten deepest lakes in the world?! Lake Tahoe is a must see!

The City of South Lake Tahoe located within El Dorado County, California has a population estimated by the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau of 21,403. We have a five member City Council elected at large and the Mayor is elected every year by the City Council. For more on the City, visit Wikipedia.

Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe

Get Outdoors to Experience America’s All Year Playground 

There’s no better reason to come to South Lake Tahoe than to get outdoors. You'll find much to do listed on the Lake Tahoe Visitors' Authority website, and many others in town, here's just a sample of ideas to get you started.

Hiking

The Tahoe Rim Trial provides more hiking choices than you’ll be able to complete in one, two or even five trips to South Lake Tahoe (so be sure and plan your next trip back). In addition, parts of the Pacific Crest Trail pass through the Lake Tahoe Area. The U.S. Forest Service has additional information on hiking and trails (PDF) in the area, they also manage a large number of recreational locations in the Lake Tahoe region. Many of the trails provide a variety of opportunities to hike at all levels of endurance. As the snow melts in the Sierras, most of the trails provide breathtaking views of gorgeous waterfalls.

Camping

The City hosts the best campground in the region, bar none as it’s right on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The public campground often sells out early in the season so call ahead to make your reservation. The US Forest Service also hosts numerous campgrounds in the area.

Swimming Pools

When not jumping in the cool waters of Lake Tahoe, visit the only public swimming pool in South Lake Tahoe and yes, it’s open all year round. Have fun with the City’s Aquatics programs and while there, picnic and BBQ out back.

Special Events

Sign up to receive news about events as they happen including reminders a few days before, or visit the Special Events calendar.

Entertainment

For a listing of a variety of entertainment around Lake Tahoe, visit the Lake Tahoe Entertainer.

Visitor Resources

Where to stay

Start your search for where to stay by visiting the South Shore Lodging Association or stay in a vacation rental, or visit one or both Chambers or the Lake Tahoe Visitors’ Authority for more information on a great place to stay in South Lake Tahoe.

Getting Married in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a wonderful wedding and honeymoon location. To make your arrangements easier, visit the South Lake Tahoe Wedding and Honeymoon Association website, they have just about everything you need to plan your special day. For more vendors, visit both Chamber websites (listed below) and enter search words for “wedding.”

When considering wedding locations, the City maintains several spots right on the lake, which provide a stunning backdrop.

Traffic and Road Conditions

Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) provides updates on road construction projects in the Lake Tahoe basin on TahoeRoads.com and they also have webcams on the south shore.

Biking

Biking around Lake Tahoe and in its mountain ranges provides breathtaking views along with a great workout. The Tahoe Bike Coalition provides just about everything you need to know about biking on the south shore, including biking maps of the area and a directory of bike rental and repair shops for both the south and north shore. Additional and unique biking information can be found through Tahoe Arts and Mountain Culture, “bike culture.”

Boat Inspections

Cultural Activities

Don’t miss the City’s historical museum, art center, and senior center. The Lake Tahoe Community College produces a number of plays all year. The Lake Tahoe Community Choir can be heard at performances throughout the year. The Tahoe Tallac Association hosts Valhalla’s Art, Music and Theatre Festival each year offering everything from the Renaissance Faire to community theatre.

For a unique and sustainable Tahoe experience check out Tahoe Arts and Mountain Culture where you’ll find information about being “green” while in Tahoe.

For more information on things to do including:

  • Boating, canoeing, water rafting

  • Horseback riding

  • and many more activities...

Visit Tahoe South or the the City’s Parks and Recreation division of the Community Services Department.

Where to shop

When it’s time to go shopping, there are unique shops and stores throughout the south shore. Heavenly Village offers an opportunity to park in the garage while you shop in the mall. The Ski Run Marina and Ski Run Boulevard offer a host of fun activities from Farmer’s Market Fridays to the new public art utility boxes, it’s all “On the Run.” Other shopping malls can be found visiting TahoeSouth.com.

Find a Business

If you have a particular business in mind you’d like to check out, visit one of two Chambers of Commerce in town, Tahoe Chamber serving both Nevada and California businesses in the community and South Tahoe Chamber specializing in small businesses located on the California side of the south shore. Both chambers have a business listing of their members

Stay Connected through Local Media or City News

Stay connected by signing up for City news, join our social media networks (Facebook and Twitter) and don’t forget to read the local news sources including:

You’ll also find Lake Tahoe Television on the web and in many hotel rooms.