3-Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

6 cities | 8 attraction(s) | total distance 445 km

TIPS

3-Day Lake Tahoe Tour: Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe, a pristine alpine gem located between California and Nevada. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through highlights of South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, and some captivating spots along the way. Day 1: South Lake Tahoe: Start your adventure at Heavenly Mountain Resort where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from the Heavenly Gondola. Whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer, this resort offers year-round outdoor activities. Then head to Emerald Bay State Park known for its turquoise waters and iconic Fannette Island. Day 2: North Lake Tahoe: In Incline Village, a charming town on the north shore with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relax on the beach, swim or rent a kayak to explore the lake from a different perspective. Next visit Sand Harbor, one of Lake Tahoe's most picturesque beaches. Day 3: Donner Lake and Truckee: Drive to Donner Lake near the historic town of Truckee. Enjoy panoramic views from Donner Lake Lookout and engage in water activities like paddleboarding or fishing in a serene setting. End your tour with a visit to historic downtown Truckee where you can stroll through picturesque streets and enjoy delicious food before heading home.

Day1: South Lake Tahoe > El Dorado County

3 attraction(s) · 12 km

Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe at Heavenly Mountain Resort and explore the natural beauty of Emerald Bay State Park. An adventure-filled trip in South Lake Tahoe!

South Lake Tahoe

12 km

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park includes Eagle Falls and the Vikingsholm mansion, designed and built by architect Leonard Palme, with a total of 38 rooms and was once the private residence of his aunt Laura Knight. Fannette Island in Emerald Bay is the only island in Lake Tahoe with a preserved tea room left behind by the former owner. Emerald Bay is one of the famous scenic spots in Lake Tahoe, and visitors can reach the Emerald Bay area by boat from various ports or hike down to it from the Emerald Bay overlook on Highway 89 in the south of Lake Tahoe.

1 km

Fannette Island

Day2: Reno > Mariposa > Washoe County

3 attraction(s) · 332 km

Spend your second day in Incline Village, a charming town on the north shore with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relax on the beach, swim or rent a kayak to explore the lake from another perspective. Then visit Sand Harbor, one of Lake Tahoe's most picturesque beaches, famous for its clear waters and smooth granite rocks, perfect for swimming, picnicking, and taking stunning photos.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the northwest United States, with an elevation of 6,225 feet. It is the second-largest lake in the US in terms of water volume (with a depth of 1,645 feet), second only to Crater Lake in Oregon (with a depth of 1,945 feet). The lake was formed approximately 2 million years ago and is part of the Lake Tahoe Basin, with its modern features formed during the glacial period. Surrounded by mountains, the lake has clear water and stunning scenery. The area around the lake is also known as Lake Tahoe or simply Tahoe, with over 75% of the lake basin managed by the US Forest Service as national forest land. Lake Tahoe is a major tourist destination in Nevada and California and offers winter sports, outdoor recreation during the summer, and year-round scenery. Snow and skiing are important components of the local economy and reputation. The large casinos on the Nevada side also attract many visitors, and the highways provide year-round access to the area.

161 km

Incline

171 km

Sand Harbor

Popular Lake Tahoe site for swimming, boating & seasonal open-air entertainment with mountain views.

Day3: South Lake Tahoe > Truckee

3 attraction(s) · 56 km

On the last day, visit beautiful Donner Lake and enjoy panoramic views from the lookout. Then explore the charming historic downtown Truckee where you can stroll through streets filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Enjoy history and delicious food before heading home.