Do you need a car at Lake Tahoe?

Because of Lake Tahoe's size and somewhat limited public transportation, you'll find that having a car will allow for better exploration. To get a real feel for the region, take a ride along Highway 89 (also marked Highway 50 and Highway 28 in some sections). This 72-mile-long road runs all the way around the lake.



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Lake Tahoe can be very crowded during peak tourist season. The best time to visit for fewer crowds is during the spring and fall months, from April to May and September to November. During this time, the crowds are much smaller, and you can enjoy the area's natural beauty without feeling crowded.

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North Lake Tahoe is well known for its quieter, more laid-back atmosphere and appeals to those looking for a more modest vacation experience. The difference is the towns are smaller in size and most businesses have earlier closing hours. This gives visitors a quaint community feel.

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(AP) — Lake Tahoe tourism officials were surprised, and a bit miffed, when a respected international travel guide put the iconic alpine lake straddling the California-Nevada line on its list of places to stay away from this year because of the harmful ecological effects of overtourism.

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Tourism officials at Lake Tahoe were surprised, and a bit standoffish, when a respected international travel guide included the iconic alpine lake straddling the California line on a list of places to stay away from this year because of the harmful ecological effects of overtourism.

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From the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Bay (our favorite destination) to the charming town of Tahoe City, there is so much to see and explore around the lake. The 72-mile scenic drive around the lake offers stunning views of the crystal-clear lake waters, surrounded by the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains.

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And if you're looking for a budget stay for your Lake Tahoe vacation, you'll find more affordable accommodation options along the south shore compared to the north shore (although there are still plenty of fancy places to stay too).

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With that said, I find the beaches to be more scenic in North Lake Tahoe (like Sand Harbor State Beach) and there are plenty of less popular hiking trails nearby that are beautiful for a day hike.

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If you're looking for a getaway with a lively social atmosphere (think: all night parties, gambling, daytime golf, shopping galore), then go to the Nevada side. If you're seeking a more quiet, relaxed, back-to-nature experience, the California side may be your best bet.

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Lake Tahoe is a hub for outdoor recreation in every season, from hiking and camping in the summer to skiing in the winter. With the popularity of Lake Tahoe, you'll find lots of nightlife for wild parties and even casinos.

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Airports. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the closest commercial airport (just a 45 minute drive) to North Lake Tahoe offering 23 non-stop flights serviced by 9 airlines, with convenient connections from virtually any city in the US and abroad.

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Outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe If you are visiting in summer, be sure to check out the beach against the blue Tahoe water. Even if it's not ski season, you can still take in the scenery from the top of the mountain — ride the gondola at Heavenly up to sightsee, hike, mountain bike, or even do a zip-line tour.

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Around Lake Tahoe It's been called the “Most Beautiful Drive in America” and designated one of the Federal Highway Administration's National Scenic Byways. Download the full itinerary with a map. Read on for a few of the highlights.

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The 72-mile America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride circumnavigates the highways clockwise around Lake Tahoe in both Nevada and California. It includes a challenging 800-foot climb to a rest stop overlooking Emerald Bay and a 1,000-foot climb to Spooner Junction.

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