Lake Tahoe lies at about 1,900 m (6,225 ft) in the Sierra Nevada, straddling the state line. It is roughly 35 km (22 miles) long, up to 500 m (1,645 ft) deep and famous for the clarity and colour of its water. A road of about 115 km (72 miles) circles the shore, passing state parks, small beach towns and, at the south end, the casino hotels of Stateline, Nevada.
The lake has two distinct seasons. From June to September it is a destination for beaches, boat trips, kayaking and hiking; from December to April, more than a dozen ski areas open on the surrounding mountains. It is three and a half to four hours’ drive from San Francisco and pairs naturally with Yosemite when Tioga Pass is open.
Highlights
- The view over Emerald Bay and Fannette Island
- A cruise across the lake at sunset
- Turquoise water and granite boulders at Sand Harbor
- Riding the Heavenly Gondola above the south shore
- Skiing with lake views in winter
- Kayaking or paddleboarding on glass-clear water
Plan your time in Lake Tahoe
Two days are enough to drive around the lake, visit Emerald Bay and get out on the water; add a day for a longer hike or a second beach. Skiers usually stay three nights or more. The south shore has the most hotels and nightlife, the north and west shores are quieter and more wooded.
