Travelers who haven't seen Lake Tahoe (yet) are still familiar with it, at least by name. Situated on the United State's Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe borders Nevada and California. This stunning lake is one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the world, teeming with local foliage and fauna.
Lake Tahoe is incredibly popular, attracting 15 million people every year! It's no secret why; this stunning area is home to an array of San-Francisco-inspired boutiques, numerous dining options, and cozy travel accommodations. Most strikingly, Lake Tahoe is known for its breathtaking views and connection to nature.
Travelers who believe that Lake Tahoe is nothing more than a tourist hotspot should check out these reasons why Lake Tahoe, despite its celebrity status, is still worth visiting.
A visit to California and Nevada is not complete without visiting Lake Tahoe! From its gorgeous, photo-worthy landscape to its trendy restaurants, there's something for everyone at this popular tourist attraction.
10 Lake Tahoe Has Clear Water
Lake Tahoe's beauty lies in its crystal clear waters, so no wonder it's considered to possess some of the purest lake waters in the world! Additionally, due to its large depths (being one of the deepest lakes in North America), Lake Tahoe's colors come in all shades of green-blue and rich navy hues.
9 There Is A Lot Of Unique Things To See, Including An Underwater Trail
Some travelers love to stop and smell the unique roses. At Lake Tahoe, travelers can enjoy unique attractions like Pioneer Cemetery, St. Francis of the Mountains, the Tallac Historic Site, Cave Rock, and the Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery.
The lake is also home to California's first underwater trail. Located at Emerald Bay, the First Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail opened in 2018, offering a unique experience to scuba divers. The underwater trail exhibits treasures unique to the lake, like sunken barges and boats. This trail is unlike any other because the artifacts can only be seen underwater!
8 Mountains Surround The Lake
Social media lovers will love Lake Tahoe for its beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, offering a ton of photo ops. Alternatively, travelers are also encouraged to put their phones away to admire this once-in-a-lifetime, picturesque view.
7 The Area Is Ideal For Skiing Buffs
Lake Tahoe has ski activities that are perfect for group and family travelers. Tourists should visit the Heavenly Mountains Resort Peak. According to Rand McNally and Orbitz, this resort is the number one ski destination in the area!
6 Visitors Can Enjoy Chasing Waterfalls
Visitors should take a trip to Lake Tahoe in the summer to enjoy many of the area's heavenly waterfalls. Avid backpackers can make the trek to Cascade Lake (around Emerald Bay) to see the top of the Lake Tahoe Waterfall, which is 200-feet of beauty. Glen Alpine Falls is another gorgeous waterfall that drops about 30 feet. This waterfall is perfect for travelers who love going off the beaten path!
5 The Drive Around Lake Tahoe Is Gorgeous
Travelers who love driving can enjoy the view of Lake Tahoe while on cruise control. The winding roads offer drivers a picturesque view of the landscape, nicknamed "the most beautiful drive." Stretching for 72 miles, tourists can take a road trip around Lake Tahoe, stopping at places like the Heavenly Village, Meeks Bay, and Zephry Cove. The drive around Lake Tahoe will award tourists many activities, sites, and shopping experiences to enjoy.
4 It's Always Sunny At Lake Tahoe
While one can experience all the seasons in the area, it is sunny for most days of the year. The sun shines 80% of the time on the lake! In the summer, travel goers can enjoy the pristine beaches and waterfalls. In contrast, Lake Tahoe's winters are perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities! Undoubtedly, no matter which season tourists visit Lake Tahoe, it will always be stunningly beautiful.
3 Visitors Can Enjoy A Variety Of Primo Lodges, Resorts, And Hotels In The Area
Travelers from all walks of life can enjoy a vacation to Lake Tahoe according to their budget. Budget tourists can choose from affordable stays like the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or cozy Airbnb cabins. Alternatively, visitors can stay at The Ritz-Carlton, the #1 hotel in Lake Tahoe, as per TripAdvisor.
2 Lake Tahoe Offers A Variety of Restaurants For Foodies
Travelers who love to eat will love checking out local restaurants, offering a melange of cuisines. For example, visitors will love Jake's On The Lake for authentic Californian and Hawaiian fare. Visitors should also visit Heidi's Pancake House on Lake Tahoe Boulevard to sample some diner delights, including hot sandwiches and pancakes. Alternatively, tourists can sink their teeth into some all-American fare while enjoying beach views at Beach House, located steps from Lakeside Beach!
1 Tourists Can Soak Up Some Sun At The Beaches
Soak some sun at some of Lake Tahoe's renowned beaches in the summer. Tourists flock to areas like Sand Harbor Nevada State Park or D.L. Bliss California State Park to enjoy fun activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Travelers should note that many of these beaches get crowded during the warmer months, so they must plan accordingly!