7 Unbelievable Sights in Lake Tahoe that Everyone Needs to Know About

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This post is all about Lake Tahoe.

Having just moved to LA, the last thing I was expecting was to pack my bags again so soon. For two months I had the opportunity to work in South Lake Tahoe. While the work was amazing and one of the best times I’ve ever had, the backdrop of it all had me itching to explore more.

Lake Tahoe is a year-round attraction for tourists. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding while summer brings watersports. In whatever season you plan to visit, there is plenty to do and see. Living right on the California/Nevada border, you will also find plenty of casinos and bars to chance your luck with!

Driving Lake Tahoe

To drive around the entire lake, it’s 72 miles and without any stops, should take you around three hours. But of course, there are too many things to see for you not to stop at least a few times.

Also, a warning if you plan to drive around in winter, the roads surrounding the lake require chains for your tires or four-wheel drive when it snows. I did my trip in March, and there was still plenty of snow laying around.

I began in South Lake Tahoe since that was where the crew was staying. I decided to start on the east side of the lake since I would be headed back to LA at the end. There is a lot of back and forth on which way you should drive around the lake, and I will say that starting on the west coast give you easier access to the lookout pull offs along the route. But I was able to manage just fine and still see everything I planned to see and more!

South Lake Tahoe:

Having spent two months in this little town, I saw everything you could ever want to see. I recommend breakfast at Driftwood Cafe as your first stop, but make sure to make a reservation or order ahead as they are quite popular.

They also have a whole bunch of little shops filled with boutique clothes, souvenirs, ski rentals, and more. Here are some more foodie places I recommend if you need any lunch or dinner options!

• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Vinny’s Pizza
• California Burger Company
• Artemis Mediterranean Grill

Some other activities in South Lake Tahoe include:

• Taking a ride on the Heavenly Gondola 
• Lacing up your skates at the Heavenly Village Ice Rink
• Walking across the California/Nevada border in Van Sickle Bi-State Park
• Relaxing by Lakeside Beach (the free hidden gem of South Lake Tahoe!)

Lake Tahoe State Park- Nevada

Here is where you’ll get your look at Cave Rock. Even if you don’t stop for Cave Rock, the other lookouts are stunning!

Logan Shoals Vista Point

This was the first little trail I did, and wow did it not disappoint! 

Tahoe Vista (lunch!)

Stopping along the way at whatever random pull offs I could find, I finally parked at Tahoe Vista for a lunch break. I highly recommend whether you drive west or east, you stop nearby for lunch. Right near Incline village, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops to break up your drive!

Carnelian Bay

It’s incredible to me that no matter how many beaches I stopped at, the view just kept getting better and better!

DL Bliss State Park

This was probably my favorite place along the drive. Again, no real rhyme or reason to my stopping, I just hopped out of the car and started walking until I found a view to die for. There was nobody around for miles to disrupt the peace I found on that snowy cliffside.

Emerald Bay State Park

Here’s where all the people flock to but for good reason. The views and trails in this park almost need a whole day to themselves to fully explore. I recommend the main viewpoint as well as inspiration point vista. Both will give you amazing views of Fannette Island—the only island in Lake Tahoe! You will probably have trouble finding parking, so I suggest snagging the first spot you see even if it means you have to walk a bit.

Enjoy your trip around one of the most scenic drives in the US! Check out my pit stop in Placerville on my way home to LA!

This post is all about Lake Tahoe.