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 10+ 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 crown of the Sierra. Pictures don’t do it justice. Words won’t quite capture it. You truly won’t understand until you see it with your own eyes. Emerald Bay—a cove cradled by steep, rugged peaks that tumble down into turquoise waters. And right in the center, like a pearl in a clamshell, sits Lake Tahoe’s only island. It’s no wonder this place calls to everyone who visits, like a siren whispering from across the lake. This is also home to the legendary Vikingsholm Castle. And trust us—skip the traffic and the crowded lookout points.
Skip the Traffic… by Boat
When friends or family are in town, we always book a boat tour to see Emerald Bay. If you’re after a more intimate experience, Cruise Tahoe offers rides on a gorgeous 1950s wooden boat—complete with free apps, two drinks, and a private tour of Vikingsholm. Or hop aboard a historic paddle-wheeler like the MS Dixie II or the Tahoe Gal for a scenic ride that gets you up close and personal with the bay—from the water, the way it was meant to be seen.
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 Uses Reservations
Getting into Sand Harbor on summer days isn’t just difficult but can cause mega traffic congestion on Highway 28. Since 2024, the Nevada Division of State Parks has introduced day-use reservations at Sand Harbor State Park to alleviate this pain point and reduce overcrowding. Starting from April 15th through October 15, 2025, reservations are required and done through Reserve Nevada.
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 19th 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.
For 2025, be aware that a segment of the iconic Flume Trail is closed due to dam reconstruction. You can still enjoy the most scenic sections of it but it’s done as an out-and-back.
Shuttle Logistics
This ride is typically done as a one-way trip from Spooner State Park to Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village. But for 2025, there’s a slight change in the shuttle setup. Instead of starting at Spooner, the shuttle now begins at the Incline Flume Trailhead—a different trail altogether.
This new starting point gives you a helpful bump in elevation and connects you to a higher segment of the Marlette Flume Trail, making for a more relaxed and easier ride overall. Need a lift or a bike? Flume Trail Mountain Bikes has you covered with shuttle service and rentals—including e-bikes.
Tahoe Rim Trail
Continuing with the analogy as Tahoe being the jewel of the Sierra, then the Tahoe Rim Trail is the golden necklace that connects you to everything wild and beautiful about the region. This nearly 170-mile singletrack loop wraps around the lake, offering an unforgettable way to experience its natural wonders. Much of this trail is even accessible via a mountain bike. One of our favorite rides of the year is what they call “the Bench.”
Unlike many long-distance trails, the TRT is super accessible. Whether you’re up for a full thru-hike or just want a scenic day adventure, there are eight major trailheads that make jumping on easy.
Along the way, you’ll soak in jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Nevada, the Carson Range, and of course, the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe. And honestly? It’s hard to pick the most scenic section—there’s just so much variety. Luckily, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association breaks down their top day hikes by theme—whether you’re chasing alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, or epic overlooks.
Pro tip: Skip the long drives. Instead of circling the lake, just find the closest trailhead to where you’re staying and start your adventure right there.
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 north of Emerald Bay lies D.L. Bliss State Park, home to a few hidden gems worth exploring. One standout is Rubicon Point Light—the highest elevation lighthouse in the U.S. You’ll also find one of Lake Tahoe’s deepest spots right here. Both can be experienced along the Rubicon Trail—not to be confused with the famous 4×4 trail that inspired Jeep’s Rubicon name and lies west of the lake. This Rubicon Trail is a narrow footpath that hugs the shoreline, weaving along rocky cliffs and offering jaw-dropping views of Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters. While the trail technically links D.L. Bliss to Emerald Bay and can be done as a shuttle hike, we recommend enjoying it as an out-and-back for a more relaxed, scenic adventure without being stuck in traffic.
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 to escape the crowds. 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.
Oh my, Tahoe is so gorgeous, and somewhere I’ve never been. This photo of Emerald Bay State Park has put it top of my bucket list!