Top 8 Outdoor Activities in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is one of California’s top spots for year-round outdoor adventure. From skiing in winter to kayaking and horseback riding in the warmer months, the area offers plenty of ways to enjoy its natural beauty.

To help you make the most of the area, we wanted to provide you with some ideas for your next South Lake Tahoe getaway. Use this guide to discover some of the best outdoor activities in South Lake Tahoe and start planning your next mountain escape.

Get Out on the Water

Something about simply being in the presence of water sparks automatic relaxation. Adding to the atmosphere is Lake Tahoe's depth, with a reported visibility reading of 71.7 feet. You can enjoy a swim or explore the lake on a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski. All the water sports equipment you’ll need is readily available in nearly every town. Don’t forget to take time to stretch out on one of the many golden-sand beaches in summer.  

Try Paddle Board Yoga 

Get three workouts in one with this unique experience that combines paddleboarding, vinyasa yoga, and general core fitness. From June through September, you can enjoy a new perspective on yoga while being surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. While a board is not required for the class, those who bring a paddleboard will pay only $45 instead of the standard $65. Find out more at the link here.

For even more time on the water, South Lake Tahoe offers endless ways to enjoy the lake. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful morning along the shoreline, book a guided paddle tour to explore hidden coves and crystal-clear water, or head out on a jet ski for a faster-paced adventure. Families can spend the day boating, tubing, or floating near one of Tahoe’s sandy beaches, while anglers can cast a line for a relaxing day of fishing. Whether you are looking for a calm sunrise paddle, an active afternoon on the lake, or a full day of boating with mountain views in every direction, Lake Tahoe makes it easy to turn any summer day into a water-filled adventure.

Giddy up!: Live a Dream of Bygone Eras

Take a scenic guided ride from Camp Richardson’s Corral, featuring trail rides and pony rides for kids through the breathtaking National Forest. If you're looking for dinner along with your ride, head over to Kirkwood Sierra Outfitters, which offers several riding packages, including a dinner ride from 5 to 7:30 PM, with options like tri-tip steak, teriyaki chicken, and more!

If you love horses, but aren’t so keen on riding one, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh at Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides in South Tahoe.

Explore Stunning Mountain Bike Trails

Hit a paved path for a leisurely day with the family, or pursue a seriously rough ride on rugged mountain trails. South Tahoe’s terrain accommodates riders of all ages and experience levels. A ride through the area’s lush forests and mountain ridges, alongside rushing streams or around the lake, is an experience not to be missed. Here in Tahoe, bike paths crisscross the area, offering majestic views of alpine lakes, the towering Sierra Nevadas, and miles of pristine wilderness. 

Up for a challenge? Get in on the competition at some of the area’s cycling events, including the famous America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride that circumnavigates the lake!

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Ride With the Local Trail Community

For riders looking to experience Tahoe’s mountain biking scene beyond the trail map, the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, better known as TAMBA, is a great place to start. This volunteer-driven nonprofit helps build, maintain, and advocate for multi-use trails throughout the Tahoe Basin, maintaining more than 100 miles of trail each year in partnership with local land managers. (TAMBA)

TAMBA also hosts a variety of community events throughout the season, from trail work days and maintenance meetups to social rides, skills clinics, and the annual Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival. Their events are a great way to meet local riders, give back to the trails, and experience the energy of Tahoe’s mountain biking community firsthand. Before heading out, riders can also check TAMBA’s trail condition updates, which are regularly updated through Trailforks by local riders and trail crews. (TAMBA)

For anyone who loves riding, volunteering, or simply wants to support the trails that make Tahoe so special, TAMBA is an essential part of the South Lake Tahoe biking experience.

Climb Up and Ski Down a Mountain & Summer Heavenly Activities

It’s impossible not to link Tahoe with downhill skiing. And if you’re looking for an unforgettable ski holiday, South Lake Tahoe’s definitely got you covered. Three world-class ski resorts await at Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe. And with Sierra snowfall averaging 125 inches of perfect powder each year, you can enjoy amazing alpine adventures for months. Plus, Tahoe enjoys around 300 days of sun, keeping temperatures comfortable for all kinds of winter action.

Whether you’re on skis or not, you’ll feel you’ve literally arrived at the top of the world after riding the Heavenly Mountain gondola! Open year-round, this family-friendly adventure ride departs from the Heavenly Village in South Tahoe.

Once the snow melts, Heavenly transforms into a summer adventure park high above Lake Tahoe. The scenic gondola ride alone is worth the trip, with a stop at the Observation Deck for sweeping views of the lake, mountains, and surrounding forest. At the top, guests can explore hiking trails, grab food and drinks at Tamarack Lodge, or make a full day of it with family-friendly mountain activities.

During the summer season, Heavenly’s mountaintop activities may include the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, Hot Shot Zipline, gemstone panning, hiking, and the Granite Peak Climbing Wall. Activity availability can vary by date and weather, with some attractions opening later in the season, so it is always a good idea to check Heavenly’s current schedule before heading up.

For families, couples, and groups with mixed interests, the Heavenly Gondola is one of South Lake Tahoe’s easiest ways to enjoy a mountain adventure without needing to ski or snowboard. Whether you are chasing views, thrills, a casual hike, or just lunch with an unforgettable backdrop, summer at the top of Heavenly offers a totally different way to experience the mountain.

Forge a New Trail: Go cross-country, on Skis or Snowshoes

Fun fact: The Lake Tahoe area boasts the most cross-country ski areas in the country, with more than 800 kilometers of groomed trails! While many of Tahoe’s cross-country ski areas are located on the north end of the lake, you can still find great trails on the South Shore. Kirkwood Cross-Country offers 80 kilometers of machine-groomed trails and three interconnected trail systems in a spectacular setting. Grab a full- or half-day pass for a variety of lessons and rental gear. 

See Lake Tahoe's Fall Colors

Every fall, California’s Sierra Nevada mountains offer an otherworldly experience all around Lake Tahoe as the aspen trees change color. Aspen trees in the area typically go from green to furious shades of gold, orange, and red. While on a trip to Tahoe during the Gold Rush, Mark Twain declared Lake Tahoe to be the “fairest picture the whole world affords” — and never is Tahoe more alive than in fall, when the aspens put on their incredible show. Don’t forget your camera!

Plan Your South Lake Tahoe Getaway

Featured Property: Heavenly Forest Fun - Spacious, Pool Table, Hot Tub

Now that you have an exciting list of outdoor adventures, all you need to do is plan your stay. From single-family homes to waterfront rentals, our on-site staff will ensure you get the most out of your South Lake Tahoe getaway! Peruse our South Lake Tahoe vacation rental inventory and book your time in paradise.