Lake Tahoe is a beautiful summer destination with many things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts come from far and wide to vacation by the iconic clear, blue water. From beach hopping to hiking to SUP, these are the top things to do in Lake Tahoe during your summer trip.
Top 5 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe This Summer
1. Hit the Beach
A summer vacation to Lake Tahoe isn’t complete without enjoying the beautiful beaches! The eastern shore of the lake has the iconic clear, blue water with the granite boulders that Lake Tahoe is known for. We highly recommend visiting at least one of these east shore beaches, if not all of them!
These are the best beaches in Lake Tahoe for scenery:
- Sand Harbor
- Secret Cove (clothing optional)
- Chimney Beach
For more details on these beaches and other beach options, check out our post on the best beaches in Lake Tahoe. This post goes include family-friendly and free beach options as well.
2. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset
Catching a sunrise or sunset (or both!) at Lake Tahoe is a stunning experience that can’t be missed. The colors of the sky with the mountains in the distance and the glassy water are a magical sight.
Our top spots in Lake Tahoe for sunset are:
- Cave Rock
- Bonsai Rock
- Sand Harbor
- Chimney Beach
For sunrise at Lake Tahoe, our favorite spots are:
- Emerald Bay
- Bonsai Rock
For more information on these places, check out our post on the top sunrise and sunset photography spots in Lake Tahoe.
3. SUP Lake Tahoe
Standup paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun and popular way to get out on the water and enjoy the views of the Lake Tahoe coastline. SUP rentals are available all over the area.
If you plan on visiting Sand Harbor, we recommend renting SUP’s while you’re there. Clearly Tahoe Rentals is conveniently located right on the beach at Sand Harbor and is a great jumping off point to see the iconic rocky Tahoe coastline. From Sand Harbor, you can paddle over to Bonsai Rock, a unique boulder that stands alone in the water and, against all odds, has small trees growing from its cracks.
4. Take in the Views of Emerald Bay
The views of the Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island, are stunning, especially during sunrise. Gorgeous views of Emerald Bay can be enjoyed right from Highway 89 (no hiking required!).
Even if you don’t visit for sunrise, getting to Emerald Bay early in the morning is a wise choice. The Emerald Bay area can get crowded later in the day, and finding parking can be a challenge.
5. Go on a Hike
There are many great hiking trails in Tahoe. These are a few of our favorites:
- Cave Rock
- East Shore Trail
- Eagle Falls
- Vikingsholm
- Rubicon Trail
For more information on these hiking trails and more, check out our post on the best hiking trails in Lake Tahoe.
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That concludes our list of the top things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer. For more information to help you plan your Tahoe trip, check out our other posts:
- Lake Tahoe Packing List: Summer Vacation Edition
- Lake Tahoe 2 Day Itinerary: How to Spend a Long Summer Weekend on the Water
- Best Sunrise & Sunset Photography Spots in Lake Tahoe
- Top Hikes in Lake Tahoe for Your Summer Trip
- The Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe for Your Summer Vacation