How To Avoid Crowds For Popular Summer Activities In Lake Tahoe

We’ve called Lake Tahoe home since 2015. And while we came for the winters, we’re like most other residents as we’ve stayed for the summers. The nearly perfect temperatures – average afternoon highs range between 69 and 77 degrees. White sandy beaches that remind you of the Caribbean. Heart pounding mountain biking trails. Scenic vistas that will take your breath away. As Mark Twain so eloquently put it, it’s the same air as the angel’s breath. Even big city nightlife can be found but don’t get too distracted because there’s lots to see. With such perfect weather and so much to do, it’s no wonder the population in the Basin swells from 40,000 to nearly 300,000 on peak days. While we typically avoid the most popular summer activities in Lake Tahoe, when we have family or friends visiting, here’s our travel hacks on how we reduce the stress and increase the fun factor.

Where To Start

The first thing we always hear from our friends out East before they visit is, “Isn’t Lake Tahoe a city?” or “It’s just a lake so can’t we get around everywhere in like a day?” Both of those are a No. Tahoe is BIG. In fact, it’s the largest alpine lake in North America with 72 miles of shoreline. It can take hours to get from one side of the lake to the other.

For a deep dive on events, things to do every season, and more, check out our Lake Tahoe Travel Guide.

Emerald Bay State Park

The Blue Diamond in the jewel of the Sierra. Pictures don’t do it justice. Words can’t even describe it. You won’t understand until you lay your eyes upon it. A cove almost entirely surrounded by steep rugged peaks that descend down to the shore. And in the center like a pearl inside of a clamshell is the ONLY island within Lake Tahoe. Like a siren, Emerald Bay calls to everyone who visits. This is also where you’ll find Vikingsholm Castle. Instead of dealing with the traffic to see Emerald Bay State Park via car, we ALWAYS book a seat on the MS Dixie II or the Tahoe Gal. It gets you on the water via a historic paddle-wheeler and an up close and personal view of the bay that you couldn’t get from above.

Go Like James Bond!

Or better yet, do it in style and book a private charter with Alpenglow Boat Company on a classic wooden boat. Departing from the Tahoe Keys Boat Marina, this 1958 Century Coronado provides an unparalleled boating experience. Enjoy a full sensory journey through Emerald Bay, with the option to dock and take a tour of Vikingsholm.

You can read more about it in our article: Be James Bond For A Day With A Tahoe Keys Boat Rental.

Sand Harbor State Park

Yet another precious stone on the necklace of Lake Tahoe. Arguably the most striking of its beaches. The iconic crescent-shaped sandy beach highlights the legendary clarity of the waters of Big Blue. And on the other side are jaw-dropping coves filled with polished boulders the size of Buicks. This heaven on Earth provides some of the best scenery for sunrise/sunset shots anywhere. With minimal parking, you must get up pretty early to enjoy Sand Harbor. If you aren’t already there by 8 am (or earlier), you’re probably too late.

Sand Harbor Introduces Reservations

Getting into Sand Harbor on summer days isn’t just difficult but can cause mega traffic congestion on Highway 28. The Nevada Division of State Parks has decided to alleviate this pain point and reduce overcrowding by introducing day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park. Starting August 17 through October 13, 2024, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays and done through Reserve Nevada. This initial trial period will help staff and visitors adjust to the new procedures, with full implementation set for April 2025.

East Shore Trail – an Attraction on its Own

The better option is to park in Incline Village three miles north and hop on the East Shore Trail. An attraction in its own right, this three mile 10-foot-wide paved trail connects the town to Sand Harbor. Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe what has become known as the most beautiful bike path in America. Or you can hit up the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. The outdoor theatre in Sand Harbor hosts plays throughout July and August that give you a Lake Tahoe sunset as a backdrop while watching Broadway actors upon the stage.

Another Option for Beachgoers

When it comes to accessing the waters, the southeast corner has the highest concentration of beaches. If our friends or family want to hit up a beach for their list of summer activities in Lake Tahoe, we leave the car at home and pack up our bikes instead. The 3.4-mile Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is a relatively flat route that winds its way through old-growth pine trees and meadows filled with aspens. The best part is it connects to South Lake Tahoe’s bike path network.

Flume Trail

There is A LOT of mountain biking to be had in Lake Tahoe. On the south shore, you have the legendary expert monster known as “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” and on the east shore what arguably might be the most photogenic mountain bike trail you’ve ever seen – the Flume Trail. Built on what was originally a flume in the 19^th century hence the name, the birds eye views of Lake Tahoe and Sand Harbor are worth the effort. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

For those wondering what to expect, be sure to read our personal experience of riding the Flume Trail.

Shuttle Logistics

The ride itself is normally done as a one-way to Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village. Shuttles and bike rentals (including e-bikes) can be done easily via Flume Trail Mountain Bikes. If you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe and have a bike rented already, we recommend parking at the Spooner State Park and then ride the shuttle back to your car. You reduce time in a car AND get on the trail quickly.

Tahoe Rim Trail

Using the analogy as Tahoe being the jewel of the Sierra, you can consider the Tahoe Rim Trail as the golden necklace that connects every visitor to Tahoe’s natural surroundings. A singletrack loop that clocks in at almost 170 miles. Unlike many trails of its length, you can do the TRT as a thru-hike or a day adventure with over ten trail heads accessing it. On it you’ll get up close and personal views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Carson Range, and of course Lake Tahoe. Across its length, you’ll be hard-pressed to specifically call out the most scenic part. Instead of driving from one side of the lake to the other, find the closest trailhead to where you’re staying.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Even during the busiest times of the year, if you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe’s central corridor, there’s a hidden gem you can walk to – the Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Straddling both California and Nevada, it’s the only bi-state park in the country. This 725-acre park packs a big punch too! First, it offers easy access to the world-acclaimed Tahoe Rim Trail. Even a short 1.3-mile hike rewards you with views of a waterfall.

Beautiful any time of day, the park truly shines at sunset. As the sun sets over the western peaks, you’ll understand why John Muir wrote, “Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best.”  Be sure to bring headlamps if you do enjoy a later outing.

D.L. Bliss State Park

Just to the north of Emerald Bay you’ll find this state park. Within its boundaries are a few different attractions to take in such as Rubicon Point Light, the highest elevation lighthouse in the United States. This is also where you’ll find one of the lake’s deepest spots. You can experience both of these as part of the Rubicon Trail. Not to be mistaken for the same named four-wheel drive trail that Jeeps are named after and sits west of the lake. This is a narrow foot trail that meanders the lakeside, hugging rocky cliffs and giving you scenic overlooks of the waters and landscape. While the trail connects D.L. Bliss to Emerald Bay that you could complete as a shuttle for summer activities in Lake Tahoe, we recommend doing it as an out-and-back.

Donner Memorial State Park – Good Alternative

While not in the Lake Tahoe Basin per se, we had to give a shout out to this gem as one of the summer activities in Lake Tahoe. Named in honor of the ill-fated pioneers who perished here in 1846, it provides easy access to Donner Lake. On busy days up at Lake Tahoe, this body of water is a good alternative to gain access to beaches and water sports. And when you’re done hanging out on the waters, don’t miss some of the best ice cream we’ve had in years at the Little Truckee Ice Creamery. Even their “simple” flavors like vanilla have a unique take where they make it with Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans.