How to Enjoy Lake Tahoe if you Only Have One Day

Heavenly Gondola Lake Tahoe Winter — Heavenly Gondola

With its sparkling summer shorelines and world-class skiing, it’s no wonder that more than 3.5 million people flock to Lake Tahoe each year. Most visitors stay for a weekend or extended vacation, but the area has plenty to offer for day trippers too – whether you’re just passing through, have some extra time between wedding events, or want to make the most of a night away. Here are a few ways to enjoy the incredible California shore of Lake Tahoe if you only have one day.

Outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe

No matter the season, South Lake Tahoe is a terrific place to start your day outside, experiencing the impressive views. If it’s winter, grab your snowboard or skis, or rent your gear beforehand at South Tahoe Ski & Boards, and hit the slopes! If you are visiting in summer, be sure to check out the beach against the blue Tahoe water.

Even if it’s not ski season, you can still take in the scenery from the top of the mountain — ride the gondola at Heavenly up to sightsee, hike, mountain bike, or even do a zip-line tour. If you’re visiting in summer, head to Van Sickle Bi-State Park and check out the 725-acre park that is in both California and Nevada, providing day-use opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For visitor safety, sledding is not allowed.

If shopping is more your adventure of choice, stroll and people watch at The Village Center and the Shops at Heavenly Village.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park Lake Tahoe — Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Dining and Drinking in Lake Tahoe

After spending the morning snowboarding, hiking, touring a state park, or shopping, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. For a Lake Tahoe classic that offers breakfast all day, try the Red Hut. Your omelet will be served with the “truly outrageous service” that is the Red Hut’s motto.

But to really maximize your Lake Tahoe experience, dining on the water is a must! Head to the Riva Grill and sample the “World Famous” Wet Woody, their signature frozen rum drink named after the classic wooden boats on the lake.

If rum isn’t your thing, or you want to check out some views a little farther south, try the Grove Restaurant at Camp Richardson. You’ll find live music on their deck every weekend afternoon in the summer.

Entertainment in Lake Tahoe

Finish off your fabulous, jam-packed day seeing a magic show, a concert, or a featured speaker at The Loft. The entertainment changes nightly, so take a look at the schedule to find what fits you best.

There’s plenty to enjoy along the gorgeous California shore of Lake Tahoe. Whether you take these suggestions, or just explore on your own, there’s truly something for everybody in this beautiful place.

Keep Tahoe Awesome

The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.

Learn the Rules