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Visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer is fabulous! Whether you want to explore Lake Tahoe by taking to the hiking trails, enjoying adrenaline activities, or indulging in a more relaxing Lake Tahoe summer vacation, this is the best season to visit.
There is no shortage of things to do here – especially when it comes to summer activities at Lake Tahoe. On the Nevada side, there are casinos and bars galore. Not to mention the many restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops in the region.
By contrast, all around the lake, there is abundant stunning natural beauty. Lake Tahoe offers loads of amazing hiking trails. There are also beaches (there are several sandy beaches on the lake), plus lots of fun to be had by thrill-seekers.
If you want to know about all the things to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer, this complete guide to the area is for you. Covered here is how busy you can expect Lake Tahoe in July and August to be, where to stay and eat, and all the top Lake Tahoe in summer activities to get involved in.
Also addressed in this article are all the frequently asked questions you’ll want to know the answers to before you go. From what we made of the Lake Tahoe temperature in summer and our experience of the hiking trails to getting there and around and what to pack, this is the ultimate guide to taking Lake Tahoe vacations in summer!
What makes me the expert?
My husband and I spent a nice, long vacation in this area, and we made the most of it! We fit in as much of the fun that Lake Tahoe has to offer – visiting excellent restaurants, doing some serious hiking, dipping our toes in the lake while on trail & at the beach, taking in a sunset cruise and so much more!
In addition, I often create custom itineraries for my travel planning clients, and I constantly research the best places to stay, for my travel blog and for my Facebook Group, where I share an amazing vacation property every day! This guide combines our personal experiences and loads of additional research to provide you with the most complete guide to Lake Tahoe around!
Before moving on to all the activities at Lake Tahoe in the summer, let’s take a look at the weather you can expect for a Lake Tahoe vacation in the summer.
Lake Tahoe Summer Weather
Before planning your summer activities in Lake Tahoe, you need to know what to expect weather-wise! Here’s all you need to know about the average temperatures and rainfall levels.
June
- Average high: 73°F (23°C)
- Average low: 45°F (7°C)
- Average days of rain: 2
If you’re concerned about it being too hot for activities in Lake Tahoe in summer like hiking, then don’t be. Lake Tahoe in June is slightly cooler than the peak months of July and August, with average daily highs of about 73°F. With only two days of rain, June is almost as dry as the following two months.
July
- Average high: 81°F (27°C)
- Average low: 50°F (10°C)
- Average days of rain: 1
In July, Lake Tahoe hits its peak in terms of temperature. Any Lake Tahoe activities in summer are unlikely to be rained off, as there’s only normally one rainy day in the whole 31 days. The average daily high is 81°F in July.
August
- Average high: 79°F (26°C)
- Average low: 50°F (10°C)
- Average days of rain: 1
All the things to do in Tahoe in summer during dry weather should be available at Lake Tahoe in August. One day of rain is usual. At 79°F, the average daily high is a couple of degrees less than in July, as the weather starts to cool off very slightly from the summer peak.
Water temperature
So how cold is Lake Tahoe in the summer, in terms of the water temperature? According to the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, the water can reach highs of over 70°F in summer. Sometimes, if the north or south Lake Tahoe summer is especially warm!
However, cold water is defined by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) as 70 degrees Fahrenheit and below. For all of the year, they say that Lake Tahoe’s water does feel cold. Wearing a life jacket is thus recommended by NLTFPD, even in summer.
We’ll say it again. Even the Lake Tahoe summer water temperature is chilly. Only toe-dipping for us during August, that’s for sure.
✔PRO TIP: Make sure you grab your free packing checklist! It has everything you'll need in an easy-to-use PDF checklist that you can use over & over!
When Is the Best Time to Go to Lake Tahoe: Our Experience
We were there in August. Although this is one of the busiest times of year to go, there are so many Lake Tahoe activities in summer that we were still able to have a great time. Just be aware that there will be crowds, so you will want to get an early start when heading to the touristy spots (more on that later).
We enjoyed great weather, with highs around 80 degrees and lows of about 50 degrees. This time, we wanted an adult trip. As we planned to do a fair amount of hiking, we left the kiddo at home.
When we were there, there were wildfires in other parts of California. Although the fires were many miles away, we saw and smelt a good bit of smoke on certain days (the foggy pictures featured here actually look that way due to the smoke).
If you don’t like crowds and are wondering what’s the best time to visit Lake Tahoe in summer, June can be a little quieter.
How To Get to Lake Tahoe
Where Is Lake Tahoe?
South Lake Tahoe is located RIGHT on the border between Nevada and California. About a third of it is in Nevada, and two-thirds in California. South Lake Tahoe is thus where gaming is legalized.
Lake Tahoe is in the Sierra Nevada mountains of western US. Though the southern part of the lake is in Nevada, north Lake Tahoe is in California. It’s a freshwater lake occupying close to 200 square miles.
Though the lake is not a national park, D. L. Bliss State Park can be found on the lake’s western shores. Bliss is north of Emerald Bay State Park too. The lake is known for its intense blue water, and the name comes from a Washoe word that translates as ‘big water’.
Getting to Lake Tahoe
✈️ Flying
Reno is the closest to the north and south areas. It takes around 50 minutes to drive from Reno to north Lake Tahoe, or an hour and 10 minutes to reach the south. American, Delta, United, and more all use Reno.
If you’re wondering what to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer about getting around, you can also rent a car in Reno. All the major hire companies like Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty are represented at the airport. To get the best deal, we recommend booking in advance via DiscoverCars.
An alternative to Reno is Sacramento (just over two hours' drive). You could also use San Francisco, Oakland, or Mammoth Yosemite, but driving times to the lake from these airports are more like three or four hours.
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Getting Around the Lake Tahoe Area
When planning which Lake Tahoe things to do during a summer stay, you need to think about getting from your accommodation to the activity. Fortunately, there are a bunch of ways to explore the area – even without a car.
As well as many miles of walking and cycling trails, you can use the local trolley service from June through September. You can also hop on a Lakeside Water Taxi at Camp Richardson, Round Hill Pines, Lakeside, or Timber Cove.
Other options include sightseeing boat tours and even scenic helicopter flights. There are also some local bus services you might be able to use. Ask at your hotel in advance or when you’re there for more guidance on stops close by.
Another option is Lime Scooters. When we visited South Lake Tahoe in the summer, we fell in love with this local mode of transport.
🛵 Lime Scooters
My husband and I LOVED zooming all over town on Lime scooters – they were so much fun! You will feel like a kid again. If you are unfamiliar with how this works, here are the basics:
- You get the Lime app on your phone and add payment info.
- Each morning (early) magical fairies (or possibly the people that work for Lime) drop off a bunch of Lime electric scooters all over town.
- Use the app to locate a scooter parked near you.
- Get on the app and enter the info on the scooter to unlock it. Lime will charge you $1 to unlock the scooter, plus $.15 per minute after that.
- Put one foot on and give it a push or two (like a skateboard) while giving it some “gas.” Then just take off with the wind in your hair and go where you please. (Just watch out for traffic and people).
- Whenever you stop and get off, you’re done, and your scooter can be claimed by another person. So maybe don’t go so far from your base that you wouldn’t be willing to walk back. There were a bunch of scooters all over town, so we really never had a hard time finding another one.
🚗 Car rental
The easiest way to access all the things to do in South Lake Tahoe in summer is to rent a car. You can rent vehicles from Reno, Sacramento, and other airports. For the best rates, make sure you book ahead via DiscoverCars, which compares deals with big names like Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt, and more.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
As it’s 12 miles across and 22 miles from north to south, there are several areas you can stay in at Lake Tahoe. We stayed in South Lake Tahoe. Stateline to the southeast is popular choice as well. You can also book accommodation at Incline Village or Kings Beach in the north, or at Tahoe City in the west.
Which is the best resort at Lake Tahoe in summer is a personal choice. Lake Tahoe rentals on the lake are very popular picks, though!
In all areas, there are plenty of vacation rentals to stay at as well as hotels. Or pitch a tent at campgrounds in the area if you prefer. When it comes to Lake Tahoe in the summer and where to stay, there are lots of options! Here are some of the best in the three key areas:
- South Lake Tahoe
- North Lake Tahoe
- Tahoe City
🏠If you are planning a romatic trip, you may also consider these romantic cabins in Lake Tahoe – they are cute, cozy, and have excellent reviews! Want to make sure you have a great lake view? Try one these Lake Tahoe hotels on the lake.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
⭐ Coachman Hotel – My top pick in South Lake Tahoe
If you are looking for the best place to stay in Lake Tahoe in summer, this is my top recommendation! The Coachman Hotel has a gym, an outdoor pool, and a bar and restaurant. We loved the chill vibe here – See more about our personal stay at The Coachman Hotel below.
Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge
If it’s Lake Tahoe hotels with a lake view you want, Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge can go better with its own private beach. There’s also an outdoor pool, a spa, and even a program of beach concerts here to enjoy. You can also get beach access when booking a massage at Elements Spa (see below under things to do).
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel could be where to stay in Lake Tahoe in the summer when you’re traveling as a family, as it has bigger two-bedroom suites. Rooms also come with a wet bar, fridge, microwave, and coffee machine. The hotel also offers a gym, gardens, a heated indoor pool, and a hot tub.
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino – my top pick in the North
In Incline Village you’ll find another of the best places to stay in Lake Tahoe in the summer. The Hyatt Regency has a full spa and a 24-hour casino, plus a pool, bars, restaurants, and a fitness center. It’s a beautiful resort with great lake access.
Club Tahoe Resort
Also in Incline is Club Tahoe Resort. This is a sociable place to stay, and the mountain views make a change from hotels in Lake Tahoe with a lake view. The two-bedroom lofts sleep six to ten, and there’s an outdoor pool, BBQ area, bar, games room, and guest lounge.
Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Lodge
Our third recommended option in Incline Village is the Hyatt Residence Club High Sierra Lodge. This property is ideal for Lake Tahoe summer vacations with a family, as the two-bedroom condos are spacious. There’s also a pool for the kids to play in.
TAHOE CITY
Sunnyside Resort and Lodge
Access Lake Tahoe attractions in summer as well as local amenities by staying in Tahoe City. Sunnyside Resort and Lodge has a couple of restaurants and bars. All accommodations here have full or partial lake views or garden views.
Cottage Inn – my top pick in Tahoe City
I mean…look at this place! This is an adults-only bed and breakfast property offering studios with lake or garden views. Each is styled like a log cabin and has a cozy fireplace. Inn guests have access to a private beach, and the breakfasts here are highly rated.
Basecamp Tahoe City
With a modern yet rustic look, Basecamp Tahoe City has a bar, a guest lounge, a sunny terrace, a concierge service, and parking. It’s also just over 5oo yards from Commons Beach. There are rooms with one King or two Queen beds here.
⭐ Staying at Lake Tahoe: Our Experience at The Coachman Hotel
We absolutely loved the place we stayed. We got a room at the Coachman Hotel, a cozy little boutique hotel near South Lake Tahoe. The vibe of the hotel is cool & relaxed, and the staff is super friendly. There are several nice spots to sit and enjoy the weather, including the outdoor space where they have two fire pits.
Every evening they provide everything you need to roast marshmallows. It’s a great way to end the day, and get to know some of your fellow travelers at the same time. As an added bonus, they even have heated toilet seats there! What more could you ask for?
The hotel is easily within walking distance of the Heavenly Gondola, Lakeside Beach, the casinos, and tons of restaurants and shops. They also allow pets in certain rooms if you plan to bring your furry friend along. Breakfast is included in your stay as well, and yes, there is a waffle maker.
One thing to be aware of – if you are from a hot area of the world like we are (Texas), you may be surprised to find that the hotel has no air conditioning. Many hotels in the area don’t.
Although we were a little panicked when we first saw this, it really didn’t end up being a big deal at all. The weather is nice enough that you don’t need it, and there is usually a cool breeze. Check for availability at the Coachman Hotel HERE.
Want more lodging options?
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Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe In The Summer
If you want inspiration regarding what to do in North Lake Tahoe, the west, or the south in summer, here are the top ten things to do at Lake Tahoe in summer. You will likely want to fit in some hiking while in the area…make sure you have a quality pair of hiking shoes before your trip!
1. Hiking at Lake Tahoe
There are tons of hiking trails in the area. It is such a beautiful place to hike with the lake, mountains, rocks, and trees. We only did a couple of hikes on our short trip, but I highly recommend getting out there.
You can get the “best easy day hikes guide and trail maps” 👉 HERE.
Hiking is definitely one for your Lake Tahoe to-do summer list! It was one of our favorites of the South Lake Tahoe activities for summer, for sure. Make sure you have the AllTrails app & download trail maps ahead of time so you don't get lost!
Our #1 Trail Map App Recommendation
- Download offline maps so you can follow along in real-time, even if with no cell service.
- Off-route alerts
- ‘Lifeline' option to keep loved ones informed of where you are while on the trail.
Mount Tallac Trail
When we headed to Lake Tahoe, I thought we would do a fair amount of hiking. Then came Mount Tallac Trail. My husband chose this particular trail. I tried to talk him out of it, but he was insistent that we could do it, and we should because it was supposed to be one of the most scenic & beautiful trails in the area. So off we went – and here’s how it was!
✔️ The Pros:
It isn't very crowded (perhaps as not many people are crazy enough to do the whole thing) and the views are seriously breathtaking. Plus, when you make it down and you are still alive, you will feel quite accomplished and have some amazing photos to prove it. If you’ll be in Lake Tahoe during the summer, you might not want to miss this!
En route, you will pass by two small lakes, where you can pause for a swim (the water was way too cold for us, though). Or just dip your feet in, which felt heavenly on the way down. At the top, you will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views. There are cute chipmunks everywhere too (but do watch out, as they will try to steal your food).
👎 The Cons:
This trail is no joke, and not for beginners. It is rated as “Hard” – and with good reason. It is a 10.2-mile trail out and back (which is really up and down) with an elevation change of 3,290 feet. This trail took us 7 and 1/2 hours from start to finish, so do start early. As one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer, it’s busy as well as time-consuming.
We did need several breaks along the way. We took a long break at the top. Also, we mistakenly got off track a bit on our way down and had to backtrack (I don’t recommend that).
Ladies…do you need a good hiking backpack? Check out The BEST Hiking Backpacks For Women. My team and I researched, compared, and reviewed all of the top packs to help you make the perfect decision for you!
Is it worth it?
Yes – if you are in good shape and have the time. The views are like nothing you will see anywhere else in the area. Make sure you take a LOT of water along with you.
I think we each had 4 bottles for this hike and we still ran out (due to the fact that we didn’t realize it would take us so darned long)! Make sure you wear a good pair of hiking boots with ankle support. Check out my 14 Hiking Essentials post to find out the exact boots I have – and highly recommend them.
Emerald Point Trail
After our first hike, we were worn out and pretty sore, so we took a break from hiking the next day. Emerald Point Trail was the only other hike we did. It is a beautiful trail around Emerald Bay in Emerald Bay State Park.
This is a 4.4 mile out and back trail (though we did choose to keep going through the wilderness a bit further). There’s only a 521-foot elevation change with this one.
You start off on a really wide trail heading downhill (which means you’ll be coming uphill on the way back). The trail eventually narrows, and it takes you right along the lake. And seeing Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe in summer up close is awesome!
You can get tons of great pictures of the crystal-clear water, and you’ll have an awesome view of Fannette Island. There are several places where you can get in the water and take a dip (well some were, but it was actually way too cold for us Texans). It’s listed as “moderate” difficulty, but I think that is just because of the last little uphill bit (it IS a climb, so do pace yourself).
There is a little parking lot at the trailhead, and this fills up fast. So, you will need to get there early if you want to park there. We arrived a little before 6:30 am and took our time. There were tons of people starting as we were finishing up at around 8:30 am. By then, the parking lot was full.
2. Get A Massage
There’s nothing quite like a nice, relaxing couples’ massage to soothe those sore muscles after a long hike. We had ours at Elements Spa and it was excellent. At first glance, it looked a little, well, shady to be honest.
The spa is in a hotel (Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge). When you pull up, it just looks like a below-average hotel. Though many in the area give this impression since there are a lot of older hotels in town.
Then, as you make your way to the spa, it LOOKS like you are about to walk into one of their hotel rooms for your massage (not really the norm, in my experience). But do hang in there. There is actually a nice, cozy spa here that definitely takes up more space than a hotel room.
Our massage therapists were wonderful, and it was everything we could have asked for. After the massage, you are granted access to the hotel's private lakeside beach. It was a great place to take a stroll and to dip our toes into the water.
A massage is definitely what to do in Tahoe in summer if you’ve overdone it on the trails!
3. Go to Sand Harbor– A MUST-SEE!
This is truly the jewel of the area, as far as I am concerned. DO NOT MISS IT when you’re spending summer at Lake Tahoe! This is one place where you can see the beautiful clear blue water, with the gorgeous giant rocks, surrounded by cedar and Jeffrey pine trees.
There are several beaches too, where you can lie in the sand and swim. Plus you can find many picnic areas throughout the park. There are also some short hiking trails fit for any age or experience level.
Because the area is so popular, GET THERE EARLY! I can’t stress this enough. We thought we would just swing by one day, only to find the parking lot absolutely packed. That’s because it’s undoubtedly among the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer.
Instead, we chose to come back the next day. We arrived super early (like 6:30 am early) and we still had to wait in line for the entrance. (That’s right, there was already a short line of cars at that time.)
Large family groups enjoy coming here for the day and will bring coolers, lawn chairs, and beach blankets. If you want a good spot, great photos (that is where the cover photo was taken), and/or an uncrowded walk along the trails, you will want to get an early start. Trust me – it’s totally worth it.
4. Drive Around the Lake
This lake is big and it takes about 3 hours to drive all the way around it, but if you have the time, you should do it. It’s a beautiful drive, much of it along the coastline. There are so many lovely – and very photogenic – areas to see along the way. If you like road trips, this is one of the most relaxed things to do in Lake Tahoe in June, July, or August.
5. Take a Sunset Cruise
We booked a two-hour sunset champagne cruise with Tahoe Cruises. The staff was friendly, and it was a nice ride around the lake. However, the food was just okay, it was REALLY windy and cold (bring layers) and the seating was not very comfortable.
It’s one to add to any Lake Tahoe what to do in the summer list though. You definitely don't want to miss seeing the sights – and sunset – from the water.
The tour took us around Emerald Bay, and we got a good look at Fannette Island. We also heard all about that and Vikingsholm. To be fair, we did this cruise immediately after our Mount Tallac hike, so we were completely worn out and starving by then.
Since our trip, I've done a bit more research. If I had it to do over again, I'd book this sunset cruise instead. The reviews are awesome. You can check out my top recommended boat tours of Lake Tahoe here!
Recent review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This tour was excellent. The views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area were amazing, and we caught a beautiful sunset. The captain was very friendly & informative, and the beverage service was a nice plus. Will definitely do this tour again if/when I return to Lake Tahoe” Read more reviews.
6. Hop on a Heavenly Gondola Ride
Unfortunately, the gondola wasn’t working the day we planned to go up, so we missed out. From everything I have read, it sounds like another must-do when it’s operational. You can ride the gondola up and enjoy the views.
At the top, there are all sorts of activities you can do such as zip-lining, snowless tubing, hiking, etc. I am really bummed that we missed out on one of the top Lake Tahoe attractions in the summer.
7. Rent A Kayak
There are several places all around the lake where you can rent kayaks. It's a great and relatively inexpensive way to explore the lake, and take in the beautiful scenery! If you want things to do in Lake Tahoe in July to escape the crowds, this could be it.
If you'd like to level up your kayaking experience, you might consider taking a guided clear kayak tour. The water in the lake is so clear…it would be awesome to be able to see below you – I wish we had done this! I always love a guided tour because you meet a local & learn so much about the area.
Recent review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Excellent tour with ultra-friendly guidance from Jake 😃. Very safe, lots of fun and the lake looks awesome from a kayak!” Read more reviews
8. Take a Day Trip
There are a few excellent day trip options from Lake Tahoe. It's a great (and super easy) way to add another destination to your trip.
☀️ Wild West Day Trip from Lake Tahoe with Train Ride
Go back in time to the old Wild West on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. It includes a train ride on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad and is among the more unusual Tahoe things to do during summer.
With a guide, you’ll start your day trip by minibus, driving along part of the Pony Express. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a 6.5-mile round-trip train ride before enjoying free time in town to explore at your leisure. Perhaps you could visit museums then or call into a historical saloon.
Recent review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”The tour bus driver was very knowledgeable and fun! The train ride was fun and the perfect length of time for a toddler.” Read more reviews.
☀️ Small Group Day Trip To Yosemite National Park
If Yosemite is on your bucket list, this is the perfect way to mark it off. You'll enjoy a full-day, small-group guided tour from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park with narration throughout. Capture unforgettable images of the park’s rock walls that tower above you.
Hike to either Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls and enjoy a picnic beside Cascade Falls. You may see wildlife or even a climber scaling El Capitan! Having been to Yosemite, I can tell you…you do not want to miss it! It is truly spectacular.
Recent review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great tour to Yosemite NP!!! Our guide, “Snowshoe” John, made it an incredible experience. John’s knowledge of Yosemite is immense! He pointed out many details of the area landscape both to and from Yosemite, and at YNP! He also used videos to enhance our experience. This is a must do, fascinating experience. Everyone on the tour was impressed!!!” Read more reviews.
9. Take A Helicopter Tour
The single best experience I have ever had on a vacation was a scenic helicopter ride. There is nothing like it!
Starting at South Tahoe Airport, this 30-minute tour first takes you over Emerald Bay, then south past Mount Tallac before heading over the shoreline of Fallen Leaf Lake. Next, head west over Glen Alpine Falls below, climbing towards Pyramid Peak.
The area is scattered with myriad lakes and waterfalls. You’ll also fly over Lake Aloha and past Horsetail Falls, dropping nearly 500 feet during the process. For a different view of south and north Lake Tahoe summer activities, why not try a scenic flight?
Recent review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”The ride was amazing, highly recommend. The views are so worth it and our pilot was so helpful and informative!” Read more reviews.
10. Attend A Summer Festival
Another of the top things to do in Tahoe in summer is to attend an event that interests you! There are so many to pick from, making what to do at Lake Tahoe in summer a no-brainer.
How about the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival between mid-July and the end of August, free Sunday night live music concerts at Commons Beach in Tahoe City or Harvey's Summer Concert Series in Stateline featuring big name acts?
Summer in Lake Tahoe also brings plenty of other options. There’s a Sample the Sierra food festival or Concours d’ Elegance boat show in August, or the Valhalla Renaissance Faire in June. Golfers, meanwhile, will love Stateline’s American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament, which is held in July for charity.
👉 Here's a list of the best summer events.
Where To Eat In Lake Tahoe
It’s great knowing the best Lake Tahoe resorts for summer, but you can save money by eating elsewhere. And enjoy a different experience! Here are our recommended dining picks.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
📌 Evan’s
Evan’s is a fine dining restaurant located in a repurposed house. It's quaint, cozy, and perfect for a romantic night out. They are only open for dinner, and you will want to make a reservation. The service is excellent and the food is delicious!
📌 Riva Grill
The food is good and they have a fun selection of drinks to sample while you sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view!
📌 Flatstick pub
Mexican specialties, pizza, and American favorites are all served at the Flatstick pub. It’s a run spot with mini golf and beers on tap. The bottomless mimosas and nachos are super popular.
NORTH LAKE TAHOE
📌 Bite
Bite specializes in American fare served tapas style. The mac and cheese, sliders, stuffed peppers and Key Lime pie here come very highly recommended!
📌 Le Bistro
For fusion and French food fine dining style, head to Le Bistro on Country Club Drive. Favorite dishes among diners include lobster bisque, Caesar salad, escargot, and filet mignon.
📌 Tunnel Creek Cafe
Ideal for a quick bite to eat, Tunnel Creek Cafe offers fast, friendly service. There are good sandwiches, great breakfasts and even bison chili. Prices are affordable and there’s outdoor eating too.
TAHOE CITY
📌 River Grill
For a waterside location, go to River Grill. The food, views and service are all excellent. Pasta, pork chops, steaks, strawberry shortcake and more await here.
📌 Christy Hill Restaurant
For contemporary cuisine including tasting menus, diners really rate Christy Hill restaurant in Tahoe City. It’s hard to choose between the likes of black cod, Moroccan lamb and the scallops, but so save space for dessert!
📌 Fire Sign Cafe
Fire Sign offers a great menu for breakfast, brunch and lunch. From huevos rancheros to eggs benedict with homemade Hollandaise, this place is every bit as fabulous as its cakes.
What To Pack For Lake Tahoe In The Summer
When thinking about what to bring, the first question is this. How hot is Lake Tahoe in the summer? Daytime highs can reach between 73°F and 81°F in June, July, and August. Lows can be a cooler 45°F to 50°F, though.
Layering is the way to go! Think summer clothing for warm, dry weather and little to no rain, with cooler evenings, early mornings, and nights. If you’ll be hiking or doing water sports, then don’t forget stuff like hiking boots and wetsuits as well as clothing suitable for the Lake Tahoe summer weather.
Though the air temperature is warm, the water is cold during all seasons here. So make sure you pack appropriately for many things to do at Lake Tahoe in the summer that involves getting into the water!
If, like us, you’ll be hitting the trails, do take a look at my 14 Hiking Essentials guide. Here are a few key items you don't want to forget:
- Sunscreen
- Bugspray
- Layers, Layers, Layers
- Comfortable Shoes for walking in town
- Hiking clothes, shoes, & gear
- A dressy outfit or two for nicer evening meals
- Beachwear & gear (&swimsuit – if you dare 🥶)
Be sure to grab the packing checklist I personally use & my recommendations for specific items here.
Lake Tahoe In The Summer: FAQs
What are the Lake Tahoe lakes?
As well as Lake Tahoe itself, other popular bodies of water in the area include Fallen Leaf Lake which is ideal for boating and camping, Spooner Lake for fishing and camping, Donner Lake for local history and even the Truckee River for thrilling white water rafting.
Is Lake Tahoe fun in the summer?
Is Lake Tahoe nice in the summer? What is Lake Tahoe like in the summer, and what is there to do? Whether it’s an adventure or a relaxed family vacation you seek, summer at Lake Tahoe offers plenty of scopes. What is there to do in Lake Tahoe in summer? You can sunbathe on the beaches, sample water sports, head off hiking and biking and so much more.
How cold is Lake Tahoe water in the summer?
Or to put it another way – how warm is Lake Tahoe in the summer? The Lake Tahoe Lake temperature is renowned for being cold all year round.
Can you swim in Lake Tahoe in the summer? Though it can hit 70°F, that’s rare, and the local fire protection district recommends life jackets even in July.
Can you ski at Lake Tahoe in the summer?
The ski regions at Lake Tahoe are generally open between December and March, and sometimes also in November and April. The Lake Tahoe summer temperature is too hot for snow, though the lake water is cold all year long.
Is Lake Tahoe crowded in summer?
Is Lake Tahoe busy in summer? It’s really busy in July and August in particular, so book your hotel, Lake Tahoe summer rental, or campground as soon as you can. Set out early when you want to follow the hiking trails too.
Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting in summer?
With so much to do, the best resorts in Lake Tahoe for summer offers so much choice. You can get back to nature on the lake or trails, or shop, dine out and game at the casinos. Water sports, beach life, fishing, boating, biking and more are also popular.
It’s busy in summer, but if you book ahead, you’ll be fine. Also start out early when hiking in June, July or August. You can have a heavenly summer at Lake Tahoe, so yes, it’s well worth visiting!
Is Lake Tahoe better in summer or winter?
For winter sports, Lake Tahoe is obviously best between December and March. In summer, though, there are so many water sports, festivals, and natural attractions to discover. It really depends on what you want from your visit.
Is North or South Lake Tahoe better in summer?
When deciding what to do in South Lake Tahoe in the summer – or in the north or west – which area is best? We loved visiting the south, and the attractions of this area include hiking trails, water sports, and sandy beaches, plus shops, restaurants, bars and more.
When Will You Visit Lake Tahoe In The Summer?
If you were wondering what to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer, how to get there, or the best area to stay in Lake Tahoe in summer, we hope you've found this post helpful!
South Lake Tahoe really is a fantastic place to visit in the summer. If you love getting outside and enjoying the scenery, Lake Tahoe is hard to beat for the price. Plus, with all the other activities available, there really is something for everyone!
Before you go, be sure to check out the items I think are absolute hiking must-haves. post – it is packed with stuff you’ll want to pack before heading to Tahoe.
If you decide to visit Tahoe in the winter for a ski trip, be sure to check out the skiing essentials you’ll need for your family.
Yosemite is not too far away. Check out my top things to do in Yosemite and things you should know before visiting! Looking for a place to stay in Yosemite? Here are my top recommendations!
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.
My Favorite Travel Booking Apps & Websites
⭐MY TRAVEL OBSESSION:
- Products & Services – My Travel Obsession's travel planning products, services, and freebies!
- What To Pack – See all of my personal favorite travel items.
- Travel Resources – Resources that I use most when planning, booking & traveling.
🏡FOR FINDING GREAT PLACES TO STAY:
- VRBO – My #1 recommendation for family-friendly lodging options.
- Expedia – My favorite for hotel bookings.
🚗FOR CAR & RV RENTALS:
- Discover Cars & Sixt – My favorite sites for rental cars worldwide.
- Turo.com – Rent a car from an individual owner – It's like VRBO for cars!
- RVShare – Rent an RV for your next family road trip!
🚁FOR ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS, & TOURS:
- Viator & Get Your Guide – The best sites to find and book activities & excursions.
- Gypsy Guide – An AWESOME audio tour app. ALWAYS check to see if they have a tour available.
🩺FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- SafetyWing – The lowest-cost travel insurance out there. Several options starting as low as $42 for 4 weeks of coverage.
✈FOR FINDING GREAT FLIGHT DEALS:
- Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) – My #1 recommendation for saving big $$$ on flights. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.
🥾FOR HIKING:
- AllTrails – THE APP for hikers. I recommend paying for the pro version so you can use the navigation feature while hiking.
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