Lake Tahoe is a one-of-a-kind place of natural beauty. You’ll feel immediately connected to the region's beauty the moment your eyes catch the deep blue glimmer of the lake. Preserving this pristine landscape is essential not only for the well-being of the wildlife that calls it home but also for the countless locals and visitors who seek solace in its natural wonders. Discover ways you can adventure sustainably in the Tahoe basin so we can all preserve this natural beauty and the profound connection it fosters with the natural world for generations to come.
Adventure Sustainably at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife, creating a picturesque destination that captivates the hearts of travelers and locals alike. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the majestic scenery, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, boating, and all the other incredible things to do that this destination offers. Read on to learn how to lighten your impact while enjoying Tahoe Time. There are plenty of ways to enjoy everything in South Lake Tahoe respectfully and sustainably.
Visit Lake Tahoe is a proud member of the Destination Stewardship Council. Founded in June 2023, this group spans two states, five counties, and includes government, private, and non-profit organizations, as well as the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. The group aims to increase communication and collaboration and to further catalyze sustainable initiatives in the Tahoe region.
Meaningful Travel Map: Support Sustainable Businesses
Check out our Meaningful Travel Map if you want to prioritize sustainability in your itinerary! It features lodging, dining, activities, and retail partners that have a combination of sustainability practices, local focus (via hiring, inventory, and/or fundraising efforts), and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Sustainability Success Stories at Lake Tahoe
Want to be more than a responsible visitor? There are many opportunities to get involved with sustainability in South Lake Tahoe. Think citizen science projects, beach cleanups, park volunteers, trail days, and much more.
There are many ways you can help preserve the beauty and tranquility of the Lake Tahoe region.
Keep it in Park
Lake Tahoe has an incredible network of walking and biking paths that allow you to stay active, reduce traffic and parking congestion, and commute with ease. Whether you bring your own or rent a bike at Lake Tahoe, decide to explore local shops along your walk, or utilize our amazing and free Lake Link service that offers lake-wide transportation, there are many eco-friendly ways to get around Lake Tahoe. Choosing to keep your personal vehicle in park helps to reduce carbon emissions, allows you to skip the hassle of finding parking, and keeps our roads operating efficiently.
Use the Reusable
Ditch the plastic and instead opt for a reusable alternative. Whether you’re taking water on a hike, bringing home food from your favorite Lake Tahoe restaurant, or shopping at the grocery store, help us reduce waste by bringing your own reusable container in place of single-use plastic bottles, bags, and to-go containers. Lake Tahoe has some of the purest and best-tasting tap water in the country, so grab your bottle and fill it up right at the tap to see for yourself.
Support Local Businesses
South Lake Tahoe has many incredible local businesses, from small boutique shops to family-owned restaurants and more. Shopping at these local businesses helps to reduce the carbon footprint as many of these goods are produced and sourced locally and don’t require unnecessary shipping from far away. So whether you’re trying a new place to eat, or shopping for gifts, swing by one of these local shops and help support our amazing local businesses.
Pack it In, Pack it Out
Whether you’re heading to the beach or high up in the mountains, if you take it with you, bring it home. Many beaches and trailheads have garbage cans to properly dispose of your waste at the end of your day. So throw a trash bag in your backpack or beach bag and help us to keep our region beautiful and trash-free.
Respect Wildlife
Lake Tahoe has abundant wildlife which you may encounter on your visit. Please be respectful of our wild critters and observe only with your eyes for your safety and theirs. Attempting to pet, feed, take photos, or interact with these wild animals is dangerous and can put them under a lot of stress . So please, remember to give them some space and appreciate them in their natural habitat from a safe distance.
Fill It Forward Program, in partnership with Drink Tahoe Tap, Visit Lake Tahoe has distributed 35,000 USA-made refillable water bottles from Fill it Forward to support South Lake Tahoe’s ban on single-use plastic water bottles. Each bottle features a QR code that, when scanned, donates five cents to one of four local environmental non-profits, reducing plastic waste and bolstering local environmental efforts.
