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Maybe you grew up hearing about it, or maybe it’s your first time seeing the name and you’re thinking, Lake Tahoe? Is that a brand of bottled water? I get it, and Ironically, it actually is a brand of water. I’d never heard of Lake Tahoe either until 2022, when I drove across the entire country and accidentally ended up living next door to it for a year.
My first visit to Lake Tahoe left me confused about how no one had ever pulled me aside earlier in life to say, “Hey, there’s this giant dream destination lake sitting on the California-Nevada line. You should probably know it exists and go there one day.” It still surprises me that it’s not a national park. But honestly, I’m glad it isn’t. The quiet, quaint feeling of Lake Tahoe is a big part of why people fall for it, me included.
When I lived in Reno, NV (~40 minutes away), I found myself spending as much time on the lake as possible. Generally, people visit Lake Tahoe during its most popular season, summer. But contrary to beach days and paddle boarding, winter completely transforms the area into something that looks like it was built for a Christmas Hallmark movie. It’s incredible, and somehow overlooked unless you’re a local.
SNOW CHAINS: Let’s just address this now, please read up on the snow chains laws. California and Nevada have laws about snow chains that you can read more about here: California Laws, Nevada Laws
For anyone who has never used snow chains, it’s really not as intimidating as it sounds. The first time we had to put ours on, it took just a few minutes and a quick how-to video on YouTube. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. If you decide to get some, you can grab a solid pair here: Snow Chains Link
1. Scenic Drive Around Lake Tahoe
Drive around Lake Tahoe. This should be your very first activity, especially if it’s your first time here. The full loop is about 72 miles, but I would just stick to driving from Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe (you get some of the best views and a good taste of Tahoe). Popular stops include:
- Crystal Bay/Incline Village lookout
- Sand Harbor
- Emerald Bay
Driving the loop in winter does come with a few caveats, but don’t let that stop you. You’ll need to check road conditions beforehand. Caltrans QuickMap and live cams are great for up-to-date info.
Did you know? Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States at 1,636 feet, just behind Crater Lake. There’s also a trail that follows the entire shoreline, and most people take three to five days to hike the full loop.
2. Cozy Winter Cabin With a View
Book a cozy cabin with a lakeside view. This winter activity is non-negotiable. Book one with a balcony, so you’ll have somewhere to enjoy your morning coffee, take photos, and relax with a view.
Book somewhere on the east side of the lake. That way, you’re facing the mountains on the west, which look incredible in the morning light. Stateline, Heavenly, and the surrounding areas are good options to book.
3. Real Life Christmas Village: Heavenly
Feel like you stepped straight into a Christmas Hallmark movie: head over to Heavenly in Stateline. Their outdoor shopping center goes all out during the holidays. Twinkling lights, festive decor everywhere, and even an ice-skating rink. And surrounding you are the snow-dusted mountains and a distant view of the lake.
There’s plenty of for food while you’re here. Some of my favorites: Coffee & Pastries at Heaven’s Little Café, South Lake Brewing Co. for Lunch/Dinner. For shopping, the Patagonia Outlet is an obvious go-to. And for the proper Lake Tahoe souvenir, check out one of my favorites, On Tahoe Time.
If you want to plan your route, here is a link to the shopping area so you can see all the stores:
4. Visit Emerald Bay, Tahoe’s Most Iconic Viewpoint
Emerald Bay is one spot in Lake Tahoe that everyone should see at least once. It sits on the southwest side of the lake. The lookout here sits high above the water with a clear view of Fannette Island, which is the tiny island in the middle. There’s actually a small stone structure on top of the island that used to be a tea house.
Emerald Bay is the best place on Lake Tahoe to watch sunrise. But one thing to know before you go is that the road leading to Emerald Bay sometimes closes in winter. Before you make the drive, check the current road status here. It updates in real time so you know what you’re getting into. Emerald Bay is a State Park, at the time of writing this, parking is $3/hour.
5. Winter Skiing at Lake Tahoe; Heavenly Ski Resort
The Lake Tahoe area is home to several ski resorts, but the closest and most popular one near South Lake Tahoe is Heavenly Mountain Resort. It has a mix of beginner and advanced runs. Heavenly’s trails run right along the mountainside with open views of Lake Tahoe. They have rental gear available, so you don’t have to show up already geared out. Skis, boards, boots, helmets, all of it. The full list of their rental options and prices is on their site here.
Even if you’re not a big skier, Heavenly is still a beautiful place to spend a winter day. You can ride the gondola, wander around the village, or just enjoy the views. But if you’ve ever wanted to try skiing, this is the place to do it.
6. Dinner at Lone Eagle Grille, One of Tahoe’s Best Lakefront Restaurants
As the sun sets and the air gets cold, you don’t care because you’re sitting inside one of Lake Tahoe’s coziest, most elevated restaurants, the Lone Eagle Grille. It was known for its signature cocktails, welcoming hospitality, and exceptional dining experience. Unfortunately, as of March 2024, the Lone Eagle Grille officially closed for renovations, and there is no word yet on when or if it will reopen.
I used to recommend Lone Eagle Grille all the time, but with it temporarily closed, I’ve shifted to a few other spots that offer a similar mix of good food and lake views:
7. Go Stargazing Over Tahoe’s Winter Sky
Winter is the best time of year to stargaze over Lake Tahoe. The air gets colder and drier, which makes the stars look sharper and brighter. When there aren’t any clouds, the whole sky opens up over the lake and it feels like you can see twice as many stars as usual. The reflection off the water makes it even better.
And if you like photography, you’ll definitely want to bring your tripod for some long exposure shots. I’ve even seen a few shooting stars out here on the right night. This activity is another reason you’ll want to book somewhere with a balcony that faces the lake.
8. Polar Plunge in Tahoe
Warning, this activity is dangerous. Lake Tahoe’s water can drop into the low 40s Fahrenheit or lower. Jumping in carries real risks, including cold shock, hypothermia, heart attack, loss of consciousness, or worse.
But… I couldn’t resist listing this activity because when my family visited, I spontaneously took a polar plunge with my brother-in-law. It was completely unplanned and honestly one of the most memorable moments from their visit. I have no regrets. If you’ve never jumped into icy water before, think twice and make sure you’re prepared.
If you do go for it, have towels and warm clothes ready. I also just feel like this activity is a Lake Tahoe rite of passage.
Is Winter in Lake Tahoe Worth It?
Skip the typical summer vacation and opt for the ultimate Lake Tahoe winter get away. Be sure to save this page for later if you plan to visit. And if you have questions about Lake Tahoe, just message me on Instagram @miles.wandrd and I’ll help you out. In the meantime, check out some of my other travel guides below.
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