The Best Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe in the Summer

Most people come to South Lake Tahoe for the skiing. And yes — Heavenly Mountain is world class, the views from the top are unlike anything in the continental US, and a powder day here is hard to beat anywhere. But Tahoe is a four-season destination with far more depth than most visitors ever discover. Here’s what’s actually worth your time, whether you’re here in winter, spring, summer, or fall.

Get Out on the Lake

Lake Tahoe is the whole reason this place exists, and most visitors don’t spend nearly enough time on the water. In summer, rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the lakeside outfitters and get out early before the afternoon wind picks up. The clarity of the water here is genuinely surreal — you can see 70 feet down on a calm day. If you want something more social, the lake cruises out of Ski Run Marina give you the views without the paddling.

Explore Heavenly Village

Heavenly Village is the beating heart of South Lake Tahoe — gondolas, restaurants, shops, and an energy that feels alive year-round. In winter it’s ski culture at its best. In summer it transforms into a lively outdoor hub with events, live music, and some of the best people-watching in the Sierra Nevada. It’s also the starting point for our progressive dinner tour, which takes you through the neighborhood’s best restaurants as the evening unfolds around you.

Discover Al Tahoe

If Heavenly Village is Tahoe’s front porch, Al Tahoe is its living room — where the locals actually spend their time. This historic lakeside neighborhood sits away from the tourist strip and rewards the visitors who find it. Towering Jeffrey pines, views of Regan Beach, and cafes and restaurants that have been feeding the community for generations. It’s the side of Tahoe most visitors never see, and it’s worth the short drive.

Hike to Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed spots in California for good reason. The drive alone is stunning, but if you have the legs for it the hike down to Vikingsholm — a Scandinavian-style castle built on the shores of the bay in 1929 — is one of the most unique experiences in the entire region. Go early, the parking fills fast.

Casino Hop Along the Stateline

The Stateline district sits right on the Nevada border and offers something genuinely unique — world class casino entertainment in the middle of one of the most scenic places on earth. Whether you’re a gambler or not, the energy here at night is worth experiencing at least once. The restaurants inside some of these properties are also seriously underrated.

Take a Food Tour

The best way to know any place is through its food — and South Lake Tahoe’s culinary scene has more personality than most people expect. Our chef-led food tours take you through the neighborhoods, restaurants, and stories that define this mountain town, whether you’re joining a small group for a progressive dinner or booking a private experience for your group. It’s the most delicious way to spend a few hours in Tahoe.