Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City
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Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City

Active
(19 reviews)
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the mineral-rich towns that were at the center of Nevada‘s Silver Rush at your own pace. On this self-guided driving tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, you’ll travel back in time to the second half of the 1800s to find out how silver changed these towns’ fortunes forever.

Starting in California, a short drive from the state line, this tour crosses high over Kingsbury Grade, and drops down into Douglas County, Nevada. Dramatically framed by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada, this county is home to the quaint town of Genoa, one of Nevada‘s first permanent settlements. From Genoa, you‘ll drive through Carson City, the state‘s capital, and pass one of Nevada‘s oldest towns, Silver City, before finishing our tour in the charming silver rush town of Virginia City.

By the end of this tour, you‘ll have gained an understanding of the historical moments that shaped this industry and Nevada’s Silver Rush while driving through the sparkling landscape of the Silver State.

Available options

Self-Guided Driving Tour from Lake Tahoe to Virginia City

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of the the virtual tour option
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

1

As you start this driving tour, you'll begin in the picturesque surroundings of South Lake Tahoe, nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

2

Pass by the Carson Valley Monument, a landmark that commemorates the natural beauty and historical significance of the Carson Valley region.

3

Cruise through the charming Town of Genoa, one of Nevada's earliest settlements, and soak in its historic ambiance as you journey through.

4

See the Mormon Station State Historic Park from the road, a site that preserves the rich history of early Mormon settlers in the region.

5

Drive by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, where vintage locomotives and railroad artifacts tell the story of Nevada's railway history.

6

Pass through Carson City, the vibrant state capital of Nevada, and catch glimpses of its historic landmarks and cultural attractions from the road.

7

Drive past the Nevada State Capitol Building, symbolising Nevada's governance and political heritage.

8

Admire the Sears-Ferris House, an architectural gem that reflects Carson City's Victorian-era elegance.

9

Pass by Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, a historic place of worship that adds to the cultural tapestry of Carson City.

10

Catch a glimpse of the Orion Clemens House, associated with the famous Clemens family, including Mark Twain.

11

Drive by the Krebs-Peterson Mansion, a stately home that embodies Carson City's affluent past.

12

Drive past the Nevada Governor's Mansion, a grand residence that has housed the state's governors throughout history.

13

See the Bliss Mansion Historic Marker, which commemorates the historical significance of the Bliss Mansion in Carson City.

14

Drive past the Nevada State Museum, where exhibits showcase the diverse cultural and natural history of Nevada.

15

Catch a glimpse of Donovan Mill, a historic industrial site that played a vital role in Nevada's mining heritage.

16

Drive through Silver City, a historic mining town that bears testimony to Nevada's silver mining legacy.

17

Pass by Devil's Gate, a geological formation that adds intrigue to the landscape along your driving route.

18

Drive through Gold Hill, another historic mining town that contributes to the rich tapestry of Nevada's mining history.

19

Drive through Virginia City, a charming silver rush town that transports you back in time to the heyday of the Comstock Lode.

20

Pass by Chollar Mansion, a historic residence that reflects the opulence of Virginia City's prosperous era.

21

Catch a glimpse of Chollar Mine, an iconic mining operation that played a significant role in Virginia City's mining industry.

22

Drive past the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, a well-preserved schoolhouse that offers insights into Nevada's educational history.

23

Drive by the Mackay Mansion Museum, a historic landmark associated with one of Nevada's prominent mining magnates.

24

Pass by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company, a historic railroad that once connected Virginia City to the rest of Nevada.

25

See Saint Mary In the Mountains, a historic church that stands as a testament to Virginia City's religious heritage.

26
Stop 26 Pass by

End your tour at the Virginia City Visitor Center, a hub of information and resources for visitors exploring the historic town.

What's not included

As this is a self-guided driving tour, transport isn't included
Food and drink
Smartphone and headphones
Parking Fees

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
6 reviews
5★
4
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 3.7
13 reviews
5★
6
4★
2
3★
2
2★
1
1★
2

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This 50-mile driving tour can be completed in about 2 hours without any stops.
You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want.
You can take this tour at any time, but daytime hours are best for this tour.

Meeting point

This tour starts at the Starbucks parking lot (4000 South Lake Tahoe Blvd).

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. 

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a breathtakingly beautiful alpine lake straddling the border between California and Nevada. Known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain scenery, and year-round outdoor activities, it's a premier destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax in a picturesque setting.

Top Attractions

Emerald Bay State Park

A stunning natural area known for its clear waters, granite cliffs, and the historic Vikingsholm mansion. The park offers hiking, picnicking, and scenic views.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (parking fee in summer)

Heavenly Mountain Resort

One of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities like mountain biking and gondola rides.

Adventure Full day Moderate to Expensive (lift tickets and rentals)

Tahoe City

A charming lakeside town with a historic downtown, shops, restaurants, and waterfront activities. It's a great place to experience the local culture and enjoy the lake.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, costs vary for activities

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

A premier ski resort offering exceptional skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities. It's known for its challenging terrain and beautiful scenery.

Adventure Full day Moderate to Expensive (lift tickets and rentals)

D.L. Bliss State Park

A beautiful state park with sandy beaches, clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. It's a great spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Nature Half day to full day Free (parking fee in summer)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tahoe Trout

A local delicacy, often grilled or pan-seared and served with lemon and herbs. The trout is known for its delicate flavor and is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Dinner Gluten-free, low-carb options available

Gourmet Pizza

Lake Tahoe is famous for its gourmet pizzas, often featuring local ingredients like wild mushrooms, fresh trout, and artisanal cheeses.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Craft Beer

The region is home to several craft breweries, offering a variety of local beers. Many restaurants and bars feature these brews on tap.

Drink Gluten-free options available at some breweries

Sierra Nevada Wine

While not as famous as Napa or Sonoma, the Sierra Nevada region produces excellent wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Drink Vegan and organic options available

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Water sports Beach lounging Spas and wellness retreats Scenic gondola rides

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) and Winter (December to March)

Summer offers ideal weather for water activities, hiking, and sightseeing, while winter brings excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Both seasons are popular for different reasons.

15-30°C (summer), -5-5°C (winter) 59-86°F (summer), 23-41°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, French, German
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

PST (GMT-8) / PDT (GMT-7) (Daylight Saving Time observed)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lake Tahoe is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards and take precautions to stay safe.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be cautious when driving in winter conditions.
  • • Carry a map and compass for hiking, as cell service can be spotty.
  • • Be aware of wildlife and store food properly to avoid attracting animals.

Getting there

By air
  • Reno-Tahoe International Airport • 50 miles (80 km) from South Lake Tahoe
  • Sacramento International Airport • 120 miles (193 km) from South Lake Tahoe
By bus

South Lake Tahoe Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary form of public transportation, with routes connecting major towns and attractions. Services are frequent in summer and winter, but less so in shoulder seasons.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

South Lake Tahoe Tahoe City Incline Village Truckee

Day trips

Virginia City
30 miles (48 km) from South Lake Tahoe • Half day to full day

A historic mining town with a rich past, offering a glimpse into the Old West. Visit museums, shops, and saloons that hark back to the 19th century.

Yosemite National Park
120 miles (193 km) from South Lake Tahoe • Full day or overnight

One of the most iconic national parks in the U.S., known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. A must-visit for nature lovers.

Reno, Nevada
40 miles (64 km) from South Lake Tahoe • Half day to full day

A vibrant city known for its casinos, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Explore museums, art galleries, and enjoy the nightlife.

Festivals

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park Festival • January Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Run • June Tahoe Shakespeare Festival • July to August

Pro tips

  • Visit Emerald Bay State Park for stunning views and hiking trails.
  • Take a gondola ride at Heavenly Mountain Resort for breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
  • Explore Tahoe City's historic downtown and waterfront activities.
  • Try local specialties like Tahoe Trout and gourmet pizzas.
  • Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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