Awesome and Affordable Adventures in South Lake Tahoe

POSTED ON JUNE 6, 2017

Lake Tahoe has become one of our favorite places to visit year-round. There are countless things to do and the beauty of this place is simply magical. Here are some cool things to do and a few tips to consider that will save you money.

 

Cabins

Renting cabins in Tahoe is the way to go! Hotels are overpriced and not as warm and welcoming as cabins tend to be. There are beautiful cabins in quiet areas throughout Tahoe that we’re sure you’ll love! If you have a large group, you can always split the cost and save even more money. We recently rented through Airbnb and got a cute two story cabin fully equipped with a kitchen as well as a washer and dryer. Our cabin also had a fireplace that made our snowy winter stay a lot more cozy! Having a kitchen will help you make healthier options when creating meals, and it will save you lots of money because you won’t have to eat out.

 

Emerald Bay State Park

Once you become situated with your area, plan on visiting this National Natural Landmark in South Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay is a must for the whole family. From Heavenly, take highway 89. This uphill drive is so beautiful but it can be a bit scary to drive to as it is narrow and full of curves. The elevation is high too so there are parts of the road that can be scary to look down from. On the bright side, the views of the lake are amazing regardless of the time of year you visit. There are areas where you can park to take pictures and admire the lake.

 

Waterfalls

The beauty of Lake Tahoe is defined by its impressive and gorgeous waterfalls. Don’t forget to bring your camera as the falls are postcard ready! Eagle Falls is just off highway 89 so you can stop by on your way to Emerald Bay State Park. These falls are easy to access and you’ll know where they are as many visitors stop by to admire them. There are other falls that are not as accessible and you’ll have to hike a few miles to see them but are definitely worth it.

 

Hiking

If you enjoy hiking, there are lots of trails to choose from in the South Lake Tahoe area. Spring and summer are the best times to go hiking as the weather is warmer and the conditions are safer. Off highway 89, there are trails that take you on awesome and scenic hikes and some might just end in a beautiful blue lake. The trails can be a bit challenging as it is mostly uphill but if you take constant breaks and bring water, you should be fine.

 

Beaches

Most beaches in South Lake Tahoe are free and easy to get to. What better way to relax and enjoy the sun than to be surrounded by mountains and the blue lake? There are plenty of beaches to choose from including hidden coves and public beaches.

 

Snowboarding and Skiing in South Lake Tahoe

Sierra at Tahoe is about 20 minutes from Heavenly and it offers much cheaper rates for lift tickets than Heavenly. Tip: If you purchase your lift tickets through Costco, you can sometimes get two for the price of one person deals. It is a good idea to check the prices through the resort’s website as they likely have discounted lift tickets depending if it’s peak and non-peak season. At Sierra at Tahoe, you will also find more beginner friendly hills. We recently went snowboarding for the first time and were so happy to go to Sierra at Tahoe as the hills were perfect and gave us confidence to progress.

 

Restaurants

South Lake Tahoe has great restaurants too. Sushi lovers, make sure you check out Naked Fish Sushi. The fish is so fresh and they have lots of choices for sushi and sashimi. Another favorite of ours is Heidi’s Pancake House. This is a family-friendly place that has great breakfast and brunch options for all. We are always satisfied walking out of this amazing place. Big Daddy’s Burger has the best burgers in Tahoe. The burgers are big and juicy. Grab some fries and beers and you are set. You cannot miss this delicious burger place! The Hard Rock Cafe has pretty decent food and great drinks. We shared chicken nachos which were big and filling. But most importantly, they were tasty! We hope you love these restaurants as much as we did!

 

Biking

Biking trails are accessible and safe. There are currently 8 exciting miles of class one bike trails in South Lake Tahoe. These are family and kid-friendly. You can either bring your own bike or rent in Heavenly. Tip: We recommend you bring your own bikes as you won’t have to pay daily rates. The city is looking to extend the trails so stay tuned for more exciting trails.

 

Kayaking

Kayaking and other boat activities are available at an affordable rate. Be sure to compare rates online to save. Check out group deals as well.