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Best time to visit

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The best times to visit Lake Tahoe are from March to May and from September to November, but the summer season also has plenty to offer despite the high temperatures. For example, you can always go on a scenic road trip around the Lake Tahoe area. Another great way to cool off during the hot summer days is to visit the South Yuba River swimming holes or try paddleboarding. From April to June, spend time at Bassi Falls or take a trip to Monitor Pass. From May to October, explore Desolation Wilderness with its dozens of trails and lakes. You can enjoy Lake Tahoe's fall colors from October to early November, and while you're there, check out the Lake Tahoe Marathon. And, of course, the astonishing scenery and a wide range of activities continue to attract visitors to Lake Tahoe each winter.

20 things to do in Lake Tahoe

Scenic Road Trips

all year round Activity

Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan

Paddleboarding (SUP)

May–September Activity

One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline

Skiing at Lake Tahoe

late November–late April (best in February) Activity

Magical sparkling scenery and a wide range of activities attract people to Lake Tahoe each winter

SnowGlobe Music Festival

December 29–31, 2021 Event

Celebrate New Year's Eve with a cold, fresh mountain view, perfect powder, your favorite snow activities, and the world's best musicians—all in one place

Mount Tallac

May–October Activity

Prepare to be stunned by beautiful vistas of Lake Tahoe

Bassi Falls

April–June (best in late April–May) Activity

A beautiful and popular site in El Dorado county

Desolation Wilderness

late May–October Nature

With dozens of trails and lakes, this area is a hiker's paradise

South Yuba River Swimming Holes

March–October Activity

A great way to relax during hot summer days

Truckee River Tubing

mid-May–September Activity

A relaxing and fun weekend activity

Monitor Pass

late April–mid-November Activity

A great outlook at the eastern Sierra Nevada

Loch Leven Lakes

June–November Activity

A beautiful chain of lakes high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

June 28-August 25, 2024 Event

High quality entertainment in the stunning setting

Lake Tahoe 4th of July Events & Fireworks

July 4, 2024 Event

A dazzling celebration of America's independence around the scenic Lake Tahoe

Grouse Lake

mid-June–September Nature

An oasis nestled among rocks and beautiful granite slabs

Freel Peak

July–October Activity

A popular climbing spot in Sierra Nevada Mountains

Lake Tahoe Marathon

October 18–20, 2024 Event

The three-day running festival with multiple options with stunning views

The Great Reno Balloon Race

September 6-8, 2024 Event

The world's largest free hot air balloon festival

Lake Tahoe Fall Colors

October–early November Nature

The perfect time to enjoy the serene beauty of the Eastern Sierra

Lake Tahoe New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

The United State's best year-round playground is exceptionally fabulous on this special night

Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival

June 22, 2024 Event

A unique aviation festival with magnificent Sierra mountains and soaring pines in the backdrop

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