9 Things to Do in Your First Week in South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe sits at the border of California and Nevada and is known for its ski resorts and the beaches that sit along the lake. It’s a popular vacation destination for tourists from around the world. Below you’ll read about some of the best attractions and activities that the Lake Tahoe area has to offer. If you’re getting ready to spend some time near the lake, you can use this list to fill out your itinerary. If you’re beginning a search for Lake Tahoe real estate, you will enjoy thinking about everything that you’ll be able to do in your new city.

You can’t talk about south Lake Tahoe attractions without mentioning the Gondola at Heavenly. The 2.5-mile gondola ride begins downtown and provides spectacular bird’s-eye views of the area as you travel. You’ll experience glimpses of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains that will take your breath away. Make sure you get out at the Observation Deck to take a few pictures from nearly 9,000 feet above the ground. You’ll definitely want to post these pictures to your social media account later on.

The south Lake Tahoe shopping scene is one of the best you’ll find in the entire region. You have several options for stores and boutiques to browse while you’re in the area. The Shops at Heavenly Village is one spot you won’t want to miss. You’ll find over 40 shops and restaurants in the complex and various attractions like an ice skating rink and a movie theater. Check out their upcoming schedule of events to see if there is a live music act or performance planned in the near future. If you’re going to be in town for a holiday, they often plan special festivals and celebrations to mark the season. The shops open daily at 10 a.m. Closing time varies depending on the day of the week.

Visit this modern-day castle to navigate 38 different rooms and marvel at the exquisite architectural styles. Vikingsholm holds a spot on the US National Register of Historic Places. The construction was inspired by Scandinavian styles. Come between May and September to take advantage of a guided tour of the property. Vikingsholm is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Rubicon trail stretches for over 16 miles and provides several breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe’s best natural areas. You’ll observe various rock formations along with several picturesque lake views. You can start your hike from trailheads at Emerald Bay State Park or Bliss State Park. The trail is moderate difficulty, and some parts may be difficult for anyone who isn’t an experienced hiker.

The 140-foot-tall waterfall at Lower Eagle Falls is a natural wonder. You’ll want to wear hiking shoes, as it’s quite the journey to the top. However, you’ll feel invigorated by the natural scents and the beauty of the wilderness as you make your way up to the top. The atmosphere at the top is peaceful and serene, and you’ll want to stay for several minutes to relax and take in the scene before you head back down.

You’ll learn more about the unique history of the Lake Tahoe region when you pay a visit to the Historical Society Museum. This is a great activity to take advantage of when the weather isn’t conducive to spending time outside. You’ll browse through exhibits full of artifacts and pictures that give you a sense of how the Tahoe community came into existence. Some photos are even available for reprinting if you want to have some to take home with you. Stop by the gift shop before you leave to check out their selection of books, videos, and souvenirs. The museum is only open on Saturdays, so you’ll want to plan your visit in advance.

Looking for a romantic spot to enjoy with your significant other? Head on over to Lakeside Beach. You’ll love spending time with each other as you kick back and watch the waves hit the shore with the mountains in the background. You can bring a picnic lunch in case you get hungry or head over to enjoy a meal at Lakeside Beach Grill. Many people will choose to take a dip in the water, and families with children can head over to the playgrounds to let their kids burn off some energy.

This one-of-a-kind hot air balloon allows you to fly over Lake Tahoe and enjoy an unparalleled view of the area’s natural beauty. You’ll look down over Emerald Bay and Desolation Wilderness as you fly high above the lake and the surrounding countryside. You’ll remember your experience for years to come, especially if you book one of their sunset tours.

Art aficionados and creatives will love to spend time looking at the displays at Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery. You can set aside a few hours to make your way through each exhibit. You’ll find glass art and oil paintings put together by several well-known local and national artists. They often schedule special events where you can hear from area artists or learn how to create spectacular works on your own.

Now that you know a little more about what you can do in Lake Tahoe, perhaps you’re interested in making the community your new home. Reach out to Chris and Brooke Hernandez if you’re considering buying or selling Lake Tahoe real estate. They offer a proven combination of success, respect, and experience guaranteed to help you achieve your real estate goals. Their clients rave about their expert negotiation skills and their commitment to excellence. They would love to partner with you when you’re ready to start shopping for a home in South Lake Tahoe.