How long does it take to drive all around Lake Tahoe?

Driving around Lake Tahoe is a 72-mile drive and will take you about three hours to complete without any stops, but scenic drives are better when you take your time and stop to take in the views, so read up on the most beautiful stops around Lake Tahoe, and don't forget to snap a few pictures.



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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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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 Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive is a ~70-mile loop that runs all the way around the lake. It takes about three hours if you don't make any stops, but we recommend taking your time and checking out all the beautiful views along the way.

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The Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe distance is approximately 543 miles, and the route north is wedged between lush mountain ranges and sand-swept desert as far as the eyes can see.

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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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So, a trip to South Lake Tahoe for two people costs around $1,652 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $3,305 in South Lake Tahoe. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared.

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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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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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Famous for its stunning blue waters and massive footprint, Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination that straddles the state line between California and Nevada. Set high in the Sierra Nevada, this 191-square-mile freshwater body is the biggest alpine lake in North America.

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– 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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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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Here's an oft-asked question: Can you swim in Lake Tahoe? The answer is yes, especially if cool/cold water is your thing! And, if you look at all the water sports outfitters and popular beaches in the area, it's clear that it's absolutely a preferred thing to do in Tahoe for a lot of people.

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