Fun Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Bay State Park Heavenly Gondola M.S. Dixie II Hot Air Balloons Tahoe Queen

Emerald Bay State Park. The natural beauty, geology and history of this unique spot make it a must-see attraction. In 1969, it was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier carved granite. For more information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506.

Vikingsholm Castle. Located at the head of Emerald Bay State Park among towering pines and cedars, this magnificent “castle” is a rare blend of nature’s spectacular beauty and man’s architectural ingenuity. Vikingsholm was built as a summer home by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight in 1929. For more information, visit www.vikingsholm.com

Heavenly Ski Resort. During the day, out-of-sight skiing and snowboarding reign supreme along with upscale shopping and gallery/museum hopping. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks into high gear jazz clubs, blues bars and round-the-clock action at the top casinos in town. For more information, visit www.skiheavenly.com  [Top]

Heavenly Gondola. Heavenly Gondola transports guests in its eight-passenger cabins 2.4 miles up the mountain in 12 minutes, all the while offering up eye-catching views of Lake Tahoe. Final destination is the Deck, a 14,000 square foot mid-station observation platform. Located at 9,123 feet, the Deck treats visitors to incredible scenes of the Carson Valley and Desolation Wilderness. For more information, visit www.skiheavenly.com/summer/gondola_heavenly. 

Sierra-At-Tahoe. Sierra-at-Tahoe, which features incredible terrain parks and half pipes, is a snowboarder’s paradise complete with a gigantic 17-foot super pipe and over 50 tabletops, step-downs and hips. Discover great terrain, superior snow and three high-speed quads that will ensure covering the entire mountain, quickly and intelligently. For more information, visit www.sierratahoe.com  [Top]

M.S. Dixie II. The M.S. Dixie II, a “Mississippi-style” paddlewheel boat, provides a two-hour cruise across Lake Tahoe, bringing you dazzling views of the Sierras and the dramatic splendor of Emerald Bay. An underwater video takes you 500 feet below the waters of Glenbrook Bay to tour the Steamer Tahoe—the majestic vessel that cruised Lake Tahoe for 50 years before being sunk by her owners. For more information, visit www.tahoedixie2.com

The Shops at Heavenly Village. With over 40 unique shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, the Shops at Heavenly Village makes shopping, well, heavenly. You’ll enjoy the traditional Tahoe ambiance with a distinct European village flair—heated cobblestone sidewalks, wooden archways, covered walkways, open bonfire pits and clock tower. In the center of it all is the new Heavenly Gondola providing views of Lake Tahoe that are, well, heavenly. For more information, visit www.theshopsatheavenlyvillage.com  [Top]

Lake Tahoe Hot Air Balloons. Eleven months out of the year, you can go up, up and away in a beautiful hot air balloon. Lake Tahoe Flights take place May through October and reach approximately 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level. You’ll get once-in-a-lifetime views of all of Tahoe including Emerald Bay the second most photographed spot in the U.S. and other vistas such as Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake. Carson Valley Flights are scheduled from December through April and can reach elevations of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level making it possible to look over the Sierras to Lake Tahoe. For more information, visit www.laketahoeballoons.com

Truckee River Rafting. Take a break from the casinos, museums and shops to enjoy a leisurely, self guided, 5-mile float on the Truckee River from Tahoe City. Awaiting you on the other end is the River Ranch Bar & Restaurant, where you can have lunch, drinks or just enjoy the view. A free shuttle bus will return you to your car safe and sound until 6 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.truckeeriverraft.com  [Top]

Tahoe Queen. In summer, the Tahoe Queen offers daily sightseeing cruises to Emerald Bay, Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruises and Weekend Dinner Dance Cruises as well as the very popular Family Fun Cruise with Tahoe Tessie & Friends and Mark Twain’s Tales of Tahoe Cruise. In winter, she offers the world’s only water-borne ski shuttle service by taking skiers to and from the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. For more information, visit www.zephyrcove.com/tahoe-queen.php

Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina. Zephyr Cove’s full service Marina offers water craft and water toy rentals, parasailing and more while the resort features dining and shopping. Plus, it’s the home of one of the largest snowmobile tour centers in the country. For more information, visit www.zephyrcove.com//about-zephyr-tahoe.php  [Top]

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