Lake Tahoe Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is in the west United States, almost one-third of the way down California's eastern border with Nevada State. It is 110 mls NE of California's state capital Sacramento, 200 mls NE of San Francisco and its international airport and 60 mls SW of Reno airport in Nevada. Lake Tahoe is positioned between the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and the Carson Range to the east.

Skiing Lake Tahoe has to be one of the most unique experiences. The resort of South Lake Tahoe straddles the Californian/Nevada border where gambling is legal and the apres-ski entertainment is as glitzy and 'Vegas' as you want it.

With accommodation set around the resort the large ski area of Heavenly is almost on your doorstep. Access to the other resorts (Sierra at Tahoe, Kirkwood, Alpine Meadows, Squaw and Northstar) is easy by both road and water so every day on the slopes can be different.

A year-round resort beside a clear, deep-blue lake, which, although only 22 mls long, is extremely deep. if drained, it would cover the state of California in 14½ ins of water.

This area is popular with all manner of international tourists, in the summer and winter. Large numbers from the West Coast visit for recreational sports, fresh air and legitimate gambling across the state line in Nevada.

There is a huge choice of accommodation here to suit all pockets and requirements. From budget roadside motels, affordable lodges and hotels to glitzy Las Vegas-style casino properties with 24-hr restaurants and entertainments.

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 3080m (10105ft), Lowest lift: 1993m (6538ft), Vertical drop: 1087m (3566ft), Number of lifts: 29, Number of slopes: 84, Beginner: 20%, Intermediate: 45%, Expert: 35%, Total piste length: 259km, Snowboard parks: 1, Cross country: 100km

Heavenly's main Aerial Tramway, ski-school (with nearly 300 instructors) and day-care centre are situated at California Lodge, 3 mls S of the casinos. The Heavenly Gondola station is situated right in town, but accesses intermediate runs only.

The lake boasts a variety of beaches with brown-sugar-type sand.

There is a good variety of ski- and sporting goods in addition to a handful of major supermarkets. Small selection of factory-outlet stores offering clothing and footwear at prices cheaper than in the UK. Local shopping centres dotted all along Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

During the daytime in the winter season there is a huge choice of activities including snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, snow-tubing at Adventure Park, cross-country trails and sleigh rides.

In summer time there is extensive hiking, mountain biking, windsurfing and water-skiing. Daily boat excursions including paddle cruisers, hot-air balloon rides and golf. Those with fatter wallets can take aircraft tours over the region from the small local airport.

The areas nightlife in the winter offers choice of bars along Route 50, casino gambling, cinema, and floor shows. Additionally in summer, dinner cruises to Emerald Bay and fireside camping.

There is a big choice when it comes to eating out, with huge button-popping portions. Everything from the usual fast food to Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisine, focusing on huge rib steaks, burgers, Pacific seafood and mountains of vegetables and salad. Plenty of locally brewed beers and Californian wine.

Suggest a change to the Lake Tahoe Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC

U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando

U.S.A. - California - San Francisco

U.S.A. - New York - New York

U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

	Day	Night
Mon	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy
Tue	Sunny	Clear
Wed	Sunny	Clear
Thu	Sunny	Mostly Clear
Fri	Scattered T-Storms	Showers

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Lake Tahoe Suitability Profile