10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Summer

The M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler is often named among the top Tahoe attractions. You can take in some of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe from atop the paddle wheeler as it steadily cruises over the sparkling blue waters.

The M.S. Dixie II is one of the oldest and most popular vessels on the lake. It’s outfitted Mississippi-style with 3 decks, including an outside seating area at the top. Operated by the Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, it’s been voted “Best Boat Cruise” at Tahoe by many. You can choose from sightseeing cruises or sunset dinner cruises with live entertainment and dancing.

Heavenly Mountain Gondola offers a ride with stunning views over one of Tahoe’s top ski resorts. Those who come when the slopes aren’t blanketed in snow can enjoy spectacular views on the ride. During the warmer months of the year, you’ll be able to soak up panoramic views of the lake, Carson Valley, and Desolation Wilderness under typically brilliant blue skies.

On the way up, you can stop to pick up a beverage at Café Blue and capture a photo of the lake from the Observation Deck. Once at the top, take the Tamarack Express chairlift for even better views of the lake and access to multiple hiking trails.

Ridge Rider Coaster offers big mountain thrills when skiing may not be a possibility in the summer. The exhilarating ride takes you soaring down in an alpine coaster, through cool rock formations and forest.

On Ridge Rider Coaster, you’ll fly along 3,400 ft of track for more than a half-mile with 2 exciting lateral loops – taking in epic panoramic views of the lake throughout the joyride. As each car fits up to 2 riders, you can share the heart-pounding experience with your date.

The Lake Tahoe region offers miles and miles of trails for hiking with some of the world’s most impressive views. Tahoe Rim is a 165-mile loop with 8 official trailheads creating segments ranging from 12 to 33 miles. Mount Tallac is an easily doable day hike, 10.5 miles out and back climbing to the top of one of the highest peaks surrounding the lake.

The 4.1-mile Emerald Point Trail is a popular shorter option with fantasy-like views contouring the north side of picturesque Emerald Bay in Emerald Bay State Park. For a short family-friendly nature walk, the half-mile Glacier Meadow Loop features lake views and informational signs explaining how glacial action carved and polished the landscape.

Tahoe features several summer concert series that takes place around North and South Lake Tahoe, but the Concerts at Commons Beach highlight is North Lake Tahoe’s largest live music event series. Hosted at the 4-acre park in Tahoe City, it also offers what many call the best setting for free concerts there.

The concert venue is right on the beach with a vast lawn for tossing down a blanket and enjoying a picnic with good tunes, or you can buy tasty food and drink (including beer and wine) from the local on-site vendors. A family-friendly event, kids’ activities are available too.

SUP yoga (stand-up paddleboard yoga) is one of the newer twists on yoga, offering a unique practice in the middle of water that’s become increasingly popular among yogis who already enjoy paddleboarding. Even so, anyone can give it a try. It’s best done on a calm body of water like a lake, and Tahoe is ideal.

Tahoe City Kayak was the first to offer lessons on the lake, requiring only an easy-to-moderate level of fitness. All you need is to be comfortable in the water – it’s a great activity providing a good mix of exercise, relaxation and nature. Just imagine practising your downward dog while gazing at the endless blue of the lake.

A hot summer day is ideal for waterfall-hopping in Tahoe. Particularly in early summer, the many waterfalls gracing the area will have massive amounts of water plunging over shelves of granite and ancient stone, thanks to the snowmelt.

You can make a day out of visiting the top falls, like Lower Eagle Falls which requires only about a 1-mile trek while bringing views of 60- and 90-ft cascades. Just off Highway 50 is Horsetail Falls, with an 800-ft drop as Tahoe’s tallest, while Glen Alpine Falls at Fallen Leaf Lake spills about 80 ft over multiple outcroppings and rocks before flowing into a river below.

Paddling out in a kayak is a great way to discover Lake Tahoe’s more hidden treasures. The lake offers around 75 miles of shoreline to explore. The eastern shores are especially impressive, scattered with huge boulders that are reflected in the water on calm mornings. If you don’t have your own, kayaks are available for rent through multiple outfitters like Tahoe Adventure Company which provides delivery service.

The 2 most popular routes include the 13-mile paddle between Sand Harbor and Cave Rock and the 6-mile paddle between Nevada Beach and Cave Rock. You can also paddle over to the lake’s only island, Fannette. This granite islet rises 150 ft above the water and is topped by the “Tea House” that looks like a mini castle.

Vikingsholm Castle is a magnificent 38-room mansion that was originally built as the summer residence for Mrs Lora Josephine Knight. She had been impressed by her architect nephew’s Nordic-inspired home and travelled to Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway to research ideas, viewing ancient stone castles and old wooden churches to build her own version on Tahoe’s shores.

Vikingsholm Castle was constructed in 1929, and nearly a century later, as a visitor you can take tours for a closeup look at its hand-forged metalwork, detailed stonework, dragon heads, and intricately carved wooden beams. It also displays rare Scandinavian antiques Knight brought back from her travels.

Sand Harbor is one of the most popular beach parks along the shores of Lake Tahoe, part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. You can’t visit Lake Tahoe in the summer and not enjoy at least one day at the beach. It’s a gorgeous crescent of golden sands that stretch for several miles and includes several secluded bays perfect for spending an entire day out.

There are showers, bathrooms, a bar and grill, store, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and plenty of room to put down a blanket for sunbathing. The clear aquamarine water is some of the best for swimming, and there are even some areas with rocks for leaping in.