Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: Tours, Cruises & Day Trips
Wondering what to do in Lake Tahoe? Get on the water: the two-hour sailing cruise (about $149) and the Emerald Bay scenic cruise ($105) are the highest-rated experiences on the lake, and a clear-kayak tour over the granite boulders of Sand Harbor ($150) is the most photographed. Give yourself three to four days — one for the South Shore (Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm and Eagle Falls, the Heavenly gondola), one for the East Shore (Sand Harbor by kayak or the East Shore Trail by e-bike, $100), one for the North Shore and Tahoe City, and one for the full 72-mile circle drive ($70 guided) or a day trip to Virginia City. Much of Tahoe is free: Inspiration Point over Emerald Bay, the Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm trails, the East Shore Trail, Kings Beach and the Taylor Creek stream profile cost nothing beyond parking. Below you can compare every Lake Tahoe cruise, tour and activity by rating and price, with free cancellation on most.
162 tours · prices per person, book with partner
All experiences in Lake Tahoe — FAQ
What are the top things to do in Lake Tahoe?
By traveller reviews: the two-hour sailing cruise, the Emerald Bay scenic cruise, the self-guided driving audio tour of the lake, the evening dinner cruise, the East Shore Trail e-bike ride, the clear-kayak tour of Sand Harbor, the Emerald Bay helicopter flight, the Lake Tahoe 101 full-lake van tour, the Virginia City day trip and South Lake Tahoe parasailing. Compare all of them below.
How many days do you need in Lake Tahoe?
Three to four days. Day one: the South Shore — Emerald Bay, the Vikingsholm and Eagle Falls trails, a lake cruise and the Heavenly gondola. Day two: the East Shore — Sand Harbor by clear kayak and the East Shore Trail by bike. Day three: the circle drive through Tahoe City, Kings Beach and Incline Village. Day four: a hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail, parasailing or a Virginia City day trip. Winter visitors need two to three ski days.
What can you do in Lake Tahoe for free?
Inspiration Point over Emerald Bay, the hike down to Vikingsholm’s beach and up to Eagle Falls (parking fee), the East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, Kings Beach and Commons Beach in Tahoe City, the Taylor Creek stream profile chamber and its October salmon run, Cave Rock and the Bonsai Rock viewpoint, the Tallac Historic Site grounds, the Van Sickle Bi-State Park trail behind Heavenly Village and stargazing anywhere on the shore. Sand Harbor charges per car.
Do Lake Tahoe tours offer free cancellation?
Most experiences listed here can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time; boat trips are refunded if cancelled for wind or weather. The policy is shown on each tour before you book.
