Secret Lake Tahoe: The Insider’s Guide to the Underexplored Side of the Epic Mountain Getaway

You may think you know Lake Tahoe, that stunning cobalt blue beauty that draws so many eager visitors to its shores, towns, trails, and slopes. But there’s a secret side to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe that’s less traveled and allows savvy visitors to partake in activities that are true-to-place, sometimes undiscovered, and satisfying to travelers of every taste, no matter the time of year, from the region’s sought-after snow season to when the lupine wildflower blooms in spring. The key to unlocking lesser-known Lake Tahoe? Get in touch with your inner explorer—whether it’s outdoorsy, culinary, cultural, or a combination of them all—and forge new paths through this iconic getaway. Whether you want to chill with a craft beverage, immerse yourself in nature in new ways, or book a table or room for a restorative evening in this iconic Western destination, here are our top tips for sophisticated and sustainable ways to explore the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Hiking Trail, Then Beer Trail

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

While we’re huge proponents of forest bathing and marveling at the views from a trail, give yourself—and the trails!—a break and traverse the South Shore of the Lake on the official South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail. It’s a fresh way to take in the full breadth of the region while sipping hazy IPAS and seasonal exotics like mango habanero white ale.

Start at South Lake Brewing Co. where husband-and-wife owners Chris and Nicole Smith highlight the beauty and adventure of their Tahoe hometown with craft brews like the South Lake Snow Pils aged in snow-covered wine barrels. There are typically food trucks on site, and if you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Thursday, join the locals for trivia night. Then make your way over to Lake Tahoe AleWorX, where they’re unabashedly all about “pizza, beer, salad, and scenery.” Peruse their self-serve beer wall, then perch by one of the fire pits outside for the ultimate mountain-town afternoon. Other worthwhile stops along the trail include The Hangar Taproom and Bottle Shop and Sidellis, known for the oversize homemade Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese and their famous French dip. Stop into Cold Water Brewery & Grill, where there’s something for everyone, from craft cocktails and wine to their all-grain beer and California comfort fare. Or, better yet, experience it all at one of South Lake’s many beer festivals, like the Tahoe Brewfest.

Get Some Clarity on the Lake

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

Clearly Tahoe Kayak Tours & Rentals unlocks a true 360-degree view of the lake with its transparent kayaks that not only give paddlers unparalleled views of the shoreline and the famously glass-like clarity of the water and the depths below, but also a view on the ecosystem and best practices of sustainability. Each paddle-out allows guides to monitor the spread of invasive plant and animal species, and plan and implement trash removal.

Explore the Depths

In the warmer summer months, thousands flock to the shores of Emerald Bay. But you can see a different side of this iconic location—underwater. Certified SCUBA divers can access the enchanting underwater universe of the Emerald Bay Underwater State Park by using a local dive operator like Tahoe Dive Center. From the geologic formations at the world class Sand Harbor dive site to the underwater trees of the Emerald Forest, diving the largest alpine lake in North America is a warm-weather, cold-water experience not to be missed.

Take the Slow Boat

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

If the lake beckons, but you want to make time for all your other activities, the M.S. Dixie is the most convenient way to get the overview and see many of the lake’s sights in a single activity. This 500-passenger Lake Tahoe paddle wheeler is the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe, offering both daytime and dinner cruises, as well as private charters.

Take a Delightful Detour

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

Give Big Blue a break and opt for more relaxed hiking or kayaking on the other lake in Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake. Just a 15-minute drive from its more famous sister, Fallen Leaf offers a smaller, but no less satisfying, quintessential Lake Tahoe experience. As the name suggests, this is a prime spot for fall leaf peeping in the autumn. There are hikes and walks for travelers of all skill and accessibility levels. And parking is readily available on the shoulder of the road as you drive in.

Mix up Your Evening with Mixology

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

Most folks picture people throwing back pints après ski (or après kayak), but the region is experiencing a craft cocktail boom that raises the bar on beverages. You can sip the top of the top-shelf creations at the likes of Tahoe Cocktail Corner, where you’ll find perfectly prepared classics like a Manhattan, plus a variety of martinis. If you’re into espresso martinis (and who isn’t these days), drop by Noel’s Coffee and Apothecary, where you’ll find a version made with Tahoe Blue vodka and the house-roasted beans.Their sister restaurant Community Speakeasy is another worthwhile visit, too.

Make It an Eventful Trip

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

While winter gets all the love and summer sizzles, the bridge seasons beckon too, thanks to a year-round calendar of festivals, events, and concerts that can anchor any trip, any time of year. Big Blue Music and Brews Festival, Tahoe Brewfest, and the Summer Concert Series at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys are all worth bookmarking. Plus, there are always great live acts coming through during the summertime at Local Aleworks. If food fests are your jam, be sure to book around Sample the Sierra, where the area’s best distilleries, wineries, breweries, and restaurants gather for a full-blown gastronomic fete.

Upgrade Your Stay

Courtesy of Visit Lake Tahoe

Lodging hotels are diverse and plentiful, but refined rooms at high design and upscale hotels and resorts can take your high-altitude hotel experience to even greater heights. At the Desolation Hotel, you’ll find a micro-resort with touches of Scandinavian and Japanese design. Stocked with eco-conscious conveniences, the property is inspired by John Muir, and makes a great home base for exploring and s’mores roasting. For a polished, upscale experience, opt to stay at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort or the Landing, which boast beach access and exquisite lakeside views. Or if you’re after a one-stop-shop for entertainment, you won’t be let down by the casinos like Bally’s and Hard Rock, where top-notch restaurants, nightclubs, and gaming bring the glitz of the big city to you, lending that perfect combo of nature and neon.