Lake Tahoe is a large, freshwater, alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains with the most crystal-clear blue water.
It sits at an elevation of 6,225 feet above sea level with California on one side and Nevada on the other.
It’s arguably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see if you believe any of the 15 million or so people that visit each year.
- Shaka Guide's Lake Tahoe Tour is a 72-mile loop with 26 stops, requiring at least a full day to complete.
- Highlights include Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, Sand Harbor, Logan Shoals Vista Point, and Cave Rock Beach.
- The tour offers diverse landscapes, from high-elevation overlooks to sandy shorelines and historic sites.
Shaka Guide's Lake Tahoe Tour
The Shaka Guide Lake Tahoe Tour is a clockwise loop around the 72-mile lake with 26 stops along the way.
Although you could make the drive in less than four hours, the stops along the way will enrich your experience and that’s why you’ll need at least one full day – if not two or (ideally) three days if you want to try all of the recommendations that are offered.
There are so many things uniquely Tahoe that you’ll see along the tour route, from:
- high-elevation overlooks to sandy shorelines
- castles to historic cabins
- waterfalls to hiking trails
- mountain towns to shopping villages
- gondola rides with a birds-eye lake views
Shaka Guide offers several starting points from various spots around the lake (depending on where you’re arriving from), but all the routes will run clockwise around the lake, which makes it easier to pull off at all of the stops.
There are four starting points that the tour offers, for those coming from…
- Mount Rose Highway 431 to Incline Village
- Carson City Highway 50 to Cave Rock
- Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe
- Truckee Route 267 to Kings Beach
Shaka Guide’s One-Day Lake Tahoe Driving Itinerary
This particular starting point on the Lake Tahoe tour is for those who are coming from Reno along Mount Rose Highway to Lake Tahoe.
1. Memorial Point Scenic Overlook
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Heading south along Highway 28 through Incline Village in Nevada, you’ll come upon spectacular views once you reach Lake Tahoe, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains ringing the lake and the Carson Range to your left.
There is an incredible walking and biking path called the Tahoe East Shore Trail that runs parallel to this part of the lake, which is simply brilliant to take advantage of if you have the time.
So if you’re going to do that, you can park near the Tunnel Creek Cafe and walk the trail from there, or rent a bike at that location.
This out-and-back trail runs all the way to Sand Harbor, three miles each way.
But if you’re not parking to walk the trail, Shaka Guide's first tour stop is at the Memorial Point Overlook. You’re allowed to park for up to 20 minutes free of charge.
Use that time wisely — walk down the stairs for a better view of the lake or even further if you want to try and touch the water or stand on some of Tahoe’s massive iconic boulders.
2. Sand Harbor
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Sand Harbor is a series of beachfronts nestled inside Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Simply put, Sand Harbor is stunning.
Its beaches all have different landscapes and views, with a nature boardwalk that is a must-do!
The boardwalk is a gorgeous, rambling, easy walk ripe for birding and wildlife viewing, along with lake views to die for.
Sand Harbor is one of the most popular locations in Tahoe, and if you had to choose only one location to stop and enjoy on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, this is it.
But if you’re coming in the summer, arrive before 8 a.m. for the best chance to score a parking spot. There is a nominal entrance fee per vehicle, subject to change.
Once you park, be sure and check out all of the beach areas along the shoreline.
The beach furthest south has a sandy shoreline and very shallow water pretty far out into the lake, making it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding.
The middle beach is closest to the visitor center and cafe (where you can dine and drink overlooking the lake).
And the beachfronts north of the visitor center are the ones that contain those signature Tahoe boulders jutting out from clear turquoise waters — the ones you’ve seen when googling pics of Lake Tahoe.
How to get to Sand Harbor
The best way to get to Sand Harbor is to walk or bike along the Tahoe East Shore Trail from Incline Village. The Tahoe East Shore Trail is a three-mile paved, relatively easy path connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park.
It’s even ADA-compliant, making it accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and all ages. The trail is open to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-bikers.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but not in Sand Harbor.
The trail starts at the public lots and runs parallel to the lake, beginning on the opposite side of the lake.
Then, a short tunnel takes you under the road, and you come out on the lakeside, then walk or ride right alongside Lake Tahoe for the rest of the way into Sand Harbor.
I can’t stress enough how beautiful this trail is, and it’s even been named as one of the most beautiful in all of the U.S.!
For all the information and details regarding parking and reservations for both Sand Harbor and the Tahoe East Shore Trail, be sure to check out our Lake Tahoe Know Before You Go article when planning your trip!
3. Logan Shoals Vista Point
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As you continue south, you’ll now be driving along Highway 50. When you reach the Logan Shoals Vista Point, park (free of charge) and walk up the short paved path to the overlook.
Here, instead of being near the lake level, you’ll now find yourself high above Lake Tahoe. And the panoramic views are breathtaking!
4. Cave Rock Beach
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Another must-see stop! After driving through Cave Rock Tunnel, you’ll immediately turn right to head down to the shoreline.
From the lake, you can look straight up at that one-of-a-kind cave. It is a marvel, for sure! And since you’ll only need a few minutes to grab some pics, you don’t have to pay full price.
Just a couple of bucks will get you a 10-minute photo opp!
5. Zephyr Cove M.S. Dixie Dinner Cruise
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Although this beach resort is very crowded and parking is hard to find—and even when you do, the rates can be crazy—the experience is worth it.
The best way to enjoy Zephyr Cove is by reserving a spot on the M.S. Dixie steamboat paddlewheeler, which takes you all the way to Emerald Bay at sunset!
You can even take advantage of the free shuttle service from South Lake Tahoe to avoid the challenging parking situation at Zephyr Cove.
For all the details about this incredible experience, read our Lake Tahoe Know Before You Go article!
6. Nevada Beach
Image from Flickr by Andrew
Oh my gosh, this is another beachfront that is a must-see. The beauty of this beach is astounding.
Once you drive down the road it’s on, you’ll see a wooden fence along the side of the road.
So if you don’t want to pay to park in the lot, you can turn your car around and find a parking space along the fenceline.
Then you’ll see a beautiful walking path that you can take down to the shoreline of this gorgeous beach.
The view from here of all the mountains in the distance that surround the lake, and the soaring trees along the shoreline, makes the landscape so unusual and glorious!
7. Heavenly Gondola & Heavenly Village
Image from Flickr by Chris Yunker
As you near South Lake Tahoe, you’ll drive through Stateline — the last town in Nevada before reaching the California border.
This is where the resort casinos live, so you’re going from all that beautiful nature into a more touristy area, which can be a bit jarring if you’re not prepared.
Since gambling isn’t legal in California, the casinos are conveniently located on the border for those who want to stay in South Lake Tahoe, CA, and walk across the street into Nevada to place some bets.
South Lake Tahoe, compared to the other towns around the lake, is the most crowded. It’s bustling with activity, yet it’s still a beautiful place.
If you like being in an area that’s central to many activities and lots of entertainment options, this town is for you.
You have your pick of restaurants, cafes, and shopping, all within walking distance if you want to park your car and enjoy the area on foot.
In the winter, South Lake Tahoe is all about the skiing, because Heavenly Mountain — the tallest mountain along the lake — is the only ski resort directly on Lake Tahoe.
Heavenly Village
As you enter South Lake Tahoe (welcome to California!), you’ll see Heavenly Village on your left, which has great options for dining and shopping.
There’s public parking, in case you’d like to ride the Heavenly Gondola up the mountain for those, well, heavenly views overlooking the lake.
The gondola is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (and, of course, all ski season). Walk inside the main hotel lobby of Heavenly to purchase gondola tickets.
Right next door to the Heavenly Lodge lobby entrance is the super cool Explore Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
It’s worth stepping inside if only to view the exhibits, but you can also pick up some hiking maps if you’re staying in the area for a few days and want to be one with nature.
8. Camp Richardson General Store and Beach
Plunging back into the forest as you head out of the town, look for the adorable log cabin of the Camp Richardson General Store and turn there.
You really should stop inside (parking’s behind the store), whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or hot cocoa by the fireplace, or to buy a souvenir. It’s such a cozy little store.
Then, if you don’t mind paying a nominal fee in season, drive down to the beachfront. If you’d like a cocktail or meal right on the sand, there’s a restaurant on the lake. And take a walk through the forest along the water to check out the log cabins.
From Camp Richardson’s pier, you can even hop aboard a Rum Runner cruise on the lake if you make a reservation.
9. Tallac Historic Site
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Just two driveways past Camp Richardson is the Tallac Historic Site. This is definitely worth the stop! Park your car (free of charge), then meander the trails through the old summer estates of the past.
The Baldwin Museum, if open, is a log cabin that allows you inside. Some of the other historic log cabin mansions on the water are just super cool to see — all in an enchanting forest along the lake.
10. Taylor Creek Nature Trails & Visitor Center
Image from Flickr by Jonathan Cook-Fisher
The next road from Tallac leads to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center and nature trails.
If you’re here in the fall during salmon spawning season, by all means, walk along the Rainbow Trail, featuring a boardwalk above the creek where you can watch the bright orange salmon swimming upstream!
This is actually a pretty (and easy) trail in any season — just give the black bears their space if you see any.
11. Inspiration Point
Image from Flickr by Jeff Wiles
Once you leave Taylor Creek, you’ll start climbing to about 8,000 feet above sea level.
Keep your eyes on the road and your wheels steady—there are no guardrails, and if you glance over the edge, you’ll see just how far the lake lies below.
But the payoff is a must! Inspiration Point is an overlook that beats the band!
This jaw-dropping view of Emerald Bay certainly lives up to its name, and you’ll spot Fannette Island in the middle of it.
That’s the only island on Lake Tahoe, by the way.
12. Eagle Falls
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If you’re taking the Shaka Guide tour in the spring or early summer, the waterfall on the Eagle Falls hike is flowing at its strongest since the snow is melting off the mountains above it.
The view from the summit of this hike is striking regardless of the season.
Just know that by the end of summer, the waterfall will be down to a trickle. By the way, this is one of the few stops that’s on the left side of the road.
It’s got its own parking lot, although in the summer it may fill up early.
13. Emerald Bay & Vikingsholm Castle
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Across a bend in the road from Eagle Falls, you’ll find the parking lot for Vikingsholm Castle on Emerald Bay.
This is a highly recommended stop and the chance to explore a hidden castle in the sand (not a sandcastle — but a real-life castle!). Suppose you can, plan to get there as early as possible to nab a parking space.
Otherwise, you may have to drive around the lot for a while waiting for someone to exit so you can grab their parking space. (You may also have better luck later in the day when more folks have left this popular spot.)
So, how do you get down to the beachfront from this high up? Well, by hiking down, of course! (You’re not allowed to drive down there, which keeps the shoreline pristine!)
Even though it’s about a 500-foot elevation change, the switchbacks on this wide, well-worn trail make it relatively easy to reach the bottom.
It’ll take you about 20 minutes. But, of course, what goes down must come back up. So save your energy and take it slow on the trek uphill, because if you’re not used to Tahoe’s altitude, you may find yourself a bit breathless heading back up the mountain.
What makes this hike worthwhile? Well, first of all, getting there is beautiful in its own right, with peek-a-boo glimpses of that iconic Emerald Bay, miniature trickling waterfalls, rugged mountain cliffs surrounding you, and soaring trees touching the clouds.
Vikingsholm Castle
Once you reach the lake, you’re as close as you can get to Fannette Island without paddling there — close enough to notice the tea house that was built at the top of it. But the real star of the show is Vikingsholm Castle.
Tours inside the castle run every half hour, no reservations required. Just walk past Vikingsholm to the next building (a small museum and gift shop) to purchase a ticket during the hours they’re open (which vary).
However, even if you don’t take the tour of the castle’s interior, you’ll enjoy snapping photos as you walk around the exterior of this enchanting castle on the bay!
By the way, once you pay for your parking at the Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm lot, hang onto your receipt.
Because you may be able to use it again at some of the other state parks along the tour route in California that are coming up if you are stopping by on the same day.
14. D.L. Bliss State Park
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On your way into this beautiful park, there’s a sweet little visitor center that you should stop into. You can pick up a souvenir, ask for helpful guidance to the stops you want to visit, or grab a map.
Although Shaka Guide’s got you covered on directions, it always helps to have a park ranger describe the conditions of the Rubicon Trail and where to park for Balancing Rock.
Once you drive along the winding road into the heart of the park, the next three sites on this list are so worth seeing!
15. Balancing Rock
Follow Shaka Guide’s directions to find the park road and signs that lead to Balancing Rock.
Once you park near it, hike the short trail to the top of this unique formation that looks like it’s going to topple at any second!
Ya gotta see while you can — it’s wild and worth the little climb. Be sure to take a picture!
16. Lester Beach
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Next inside the park is Lester Beach. Shaka Guide will direct you to the parking lot of this sweet shoreline in case you’d like to take a walk among the boulder formations on the beach.
17. The Rubicon Trail
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Just past Lester Beach, still inside D.L. Bliss State Park, you’ll drive up a hill to park at the trailhead of the very popular Rubicon Trail.
This is a super long trail (that goes all the way to Vikingsholm Castle), so unless you have hours to spare and are a seasoned hiker, you don’t need to tackle the whole trail.
However, I’d recommend you walk along at least the first ten minutes of the trail, simply to experience a view of Lake Tahoe from high up along the forested cliffs.
There’s also an abandoned lighthouse trail off of the Rubicon Trailhead, but that’s also a more challenging hike that would take some time.
So again, these hikes depend on your ability level and the amount of time you have to spend hiking in Tahoe.
18. Sugar Pine Point State Park & Hellman Ehrman Mansion
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Once you exit D.L. Bliss, you’ll be continuing clockwise around the lake, now driving downhill back to lake-level (which is still 6,225 feet above sea level, though!).
Reminder — keep that parking/CA state park entrance receipt because you may be able to use it again once you reach the next stop — Sugar Pine Point State Park.
This park is totally different from the last. Once you pull into the main lot, you’ll see the tall fire-lookout-type building. If it’s open, you can stop inside this nature center to see the exhibits.
But save some time to meander the estate grounds and maybe even take a tour inside the Hellman Ehrman mansion.
Definitely at least step foot on the back porch of the mansion, where there’s a wonderfully framed view of the lake.
Head down the massive lawn and walk out along the long pier over Lake Tahoe.
And finally, follow the path along the lake heading south (with the lake to your left) for just a couple of minutes, until you come upon the railroad tracks that go right into the lake!
This is an Instagram-worthy photo if ever there was one. Especially with the clarity of the water, because you can see the tracks go almost to the bottom of the lake floor!
19. Olympic Valley & The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Image from Flickr by the_tahoe_guy
It’s totally worth veering off the Lake Tahoe loop for the short drive to Olympic Valley and Palisades Tahoe, if you have the time.
The mountain and valley views are amazing — especially knowing the ski slopes on those mountains are where the Olympics once took place!
In the summer and early fall, when everything in the valley is green and lush, the verdant views are just as spectacular as the snow-covered peaks are during the snowy season.
Take the gondola ride up the mountain (if it’s running while you’re there) for views of Lake Tahoe and for the Olympic museum exhibit and Washoe tribe displays at the summit!
Once you come back down from the gondola, stroll through Olympic Village for the shops, cafes, and restaurants if you have extra time on your hands.
Then head back to the lakeside loop to continue the Shaka Guide tour clockwise around Lake Tahoe, because there’s still so much more to see!
20. North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center
Although some of the signs you’ll see as you head into Tahoe City might advise you to turn left, you should instead stick to the Shaka Guide route so that you come out on the right side of the road that leads to the North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
There’s free parking in front of the visitor center, or you can turn right just past the visitor center to follow the signs to Commons Beach public parking.
There’s also free parking along the main street in town — North Lake Blvd. — so you have plenty of options for parking. In any case, make it a point to stop inside this visitor center.
It’s a big place with lots to see, and the volunteers will be happy to offer you suggestions on places to dine or events that may be taking place while you’re in town.
For breakfast or lunch on this side of town, I recommend the Dam Cafe!
21. Tahoe City: Beach, Museum, Dam, Bridge, River, and more!
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Hopefully, you’ll have enough time on your hands to walk around Tahoe City. It’s a small enough town to walk from one end to the other, but there’s a lot to see while you’re here.
Walk the lakeside path from one end of town to the other down by the lake and beachfront — it’s just so lovely and picturesque.
On the side of town near the visitor center, go see the Lake Tahoe Dam and Fanny Bridge (check out the trout swimming beneath the bridge!), and, if you have extra time on your hands, visit the Gatekeepers and Basketmakers Museum for their wonderful exhibits.
If you don’t have too much time to spend in Tahoe City, then once you see the sites on this side of town, you can get back in the car and drive along North Lake Blvd. to the parking lot at the other end of town to see a few more sites before continuing around the lake.
22. Tahoe City: Watson Cabin, Penny Bear, Tahoe City Public Pier
As you drive along North Lake Blvd. through the little town of Tahoe City (with the lake on your right), at the far end of town, you’ll come to the Watson Log Cabin and the giant Penny Bear statue (officially named Ursa Mater).
Find a place to park in the public lot on your right (or along the street) because these are must-see sites!
From there, go down the steps from Penny Bear (or through the parking lot next to it) so that you can walk out to the end of Tahoe City’s public pier (next to Za’s Lakefront restaurant).
If you look south allllllll the way across the lake, you’ll see Heavenly Mountain on the opposite shore, 22 miles away (lengthwise across the lake) in South Lake Tahoe!
By the way, Za’s Lakefront is a fantastic place to dine, as is Jake’s on the Lake, a little further down.
Both of these restaurants offer gorgeous lakeside views as well as indoor/outdoor dining on the water and free parking.
Christy Hill is also a fancy restaurant in this area. If you’re staying overnight on this side of town, I also recommend Rosie’s Cafe for breakfast or lunch!
As you head out of Tahoe City, continuing clockwise around the lake on our way to Kings Beach, you’ll soon pass Carnelian Bay.
Although this isn’t a stop on the Shaka Guide tour, you may want to pull over for a photo if the view grabs your attention
23. Kings Beach (an optional stop and not a priority)
Image from Flickr by Chris Yunker
This is a super popular, crowded beach for the locals who vacation here in the summer year after year.
But honestly, it’s not nearly as beautiful as Sand Harbor. So, although it’s popular, you may not want to pay to park here, and you won’t be missing much.
The bottom line is that if you have to choose just one or two beaches to visit around Lake Tahoe, my suggestion is not to miss Sand Harbor.
In my opinion, it is the most picturesque beach in all of Lake Tahoe (with Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm beachfront a close second and Nevada Beach as a runner-up)
Why Visit Kings Beach
One of the biggest draws of Kings Beach is that the water stays shallow (and thereby warmer) longer than at some of the colder, deep-water beaches around the lake, so it’s a good place for families to bring little kids to swim.
The small town of Kings Beach is colorful and has quite a few cafes and shops. But the best towns to walk around, in my opinion, are Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe. (Incline Village, although a pretty town, doesn’t have a main street down by the lake.)
By comparison, though, Kings Beach tends to get super crowded, so you may just want to drive through town, glance at the beachfront, and instead stop for the recommended Fire Lookout hike (read on).
24. Historic Stateline Fire Lookout
Now this is a stop that I’d recommend you do not pass up. It’s a hike at the edge of Kings Beach on the California/Nevada border up to an overlook that will blow your mind.
Once you drive up the steep hill to reach the trailhead, this hike is similar to the one that leads to Vikingsholm Castle.
Except this time it’s uphill on the way to the overlook, and downhill on the way back.
The Historic Stateline Fire Lookout hike is a wide, semi-paved path to an old fire lookout at well above 7,000 feet elevation.
But remember — you’re already pretty high up before you even begin hiking the trail, so the change in elevation is only about 400 feet.
The reward at the top (after about a three-quarter-mile hike) is a view overlooking Lake Tahoe that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
This path takes about 20 minutes to walk in each direction. Just pace yourself and enjoy the views through the forest along the way.
25. Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook
Once you leave the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout and cross the state line back into Nevada, you’ve officially completed your loop around Lake Tahoe — if you began the Shaka Guide tour from Mount Rose Highway through Incline Village.
As you’re driving back up Mount Rose Highway towards Reno, there’s an overlook along a hairpin turn leaving Incline Village that’ll grant you one last memorable view over Lake Tahoe.
26. Bonus
Thunderbird Lodge in Incline Village is a chance to tour a “Castle in the Sky.” This is an extraordinary tour of a fairytale-like castle and its incredible history. But you’ll need to plan this activity in advance. For all the details, check out our Lake Tahoe Know Before You Go article!
Explore Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide
Although there is plenty of detailed information in this article, please make sure you also read Shaka Guide’s “Know Before You Go” article about Lake Tahoe so that you’re fully prepared for this road trip! And hey — I hope to see you in Tahoe one day taking the Shaka Guide Lake Tahoe Tour!
Lizzie lives on the northeast coast but is an explorer at heart whose biggest challenge is staying in one place. She finds fulfillment in discovering the beauty that lives in every nook and cranny throughout the world, and often captures those images in photos.
She's continuously in search of new paths to walk, hidden adventures to uncover, local flavors to taste...and she wants to share it all with you.
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