"Lake Tahoe 101" : See The Whole Lake! 6 HR Shared Tour by Van.

Lake Tahoe , United States

"Lake Tahoe 101" : See The Whole Lake! 6 HR Shared Tour by Van.

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(135 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See the “Seven Sacred Sights of Tahoe” in our comfortable van. Learn all the stories, legends, folklore, statistics, geology, and music about the world’s most beautiful lake from “Mr. Tahoe’s” award winning, best selling Tour CD ‘Around Tahoe’. Learn about the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley. The story of Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) from the master impersonator himself, McAvoy Lane. The amazing story of Snowshoe Thompson, The Skiing Mailman. See the Godfather II Movie House and Frank Sinatra’s Cal Neva plus the Ponderosa Ranch (from the TV show Bonanza). See and learn the story of real estate magnate George Whittell and the infamous Thunderbird Lodge. Learn about Captain Dick and see beautiful Emerald Bay.

There is a one hour stop for lunch at the locals favorite! ( Not included in price) The Tahoe House

Adventure Tours For Every Season

“The Most Beautiful Drive in America” through the minds of two brothers, Chris and Darin Talbot locals from 1977. We are rated 5-star on Tripadvisor.

Available options

"Lake Tahoe 101" : See The Whole Lake! 6 HR Shared Tour by Van.

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Small snacks and bottled water and soft drinks are available in the cooler for anybody that needs one

Very experienced guide who knows Lake Tahoe better than anybody around you

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Emerald Bay the second most photographed place in the United States. This is a beautiful stop. In the winter time it can be closed due to avalanches. But most of the year, Around Tahoe Tours puts you right in the perfect spots at Emerald Bay. Take photographs, hear the stories and see the Bay. No parking and Walking, just enjoying Emerald Bay. We will see Inspiration Point, Eagle Falls, Fannett Island, and the Vikingsholm.

This is seasonal stop. Open from May 15th through October 15th. This is a beautiful little white sand beach. Great swimming spot on Lake Tahoe and a wonderful little resort with cabins and houses for rent as well as RV camping and tent camping. There's a general store here and good bathrooms.

Oscar award-winning film "The Godfather Part II" was filmed on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The mafia spent quite a bit of time in Lake Tahoe. The casinos in Reno and on the North Shore brought the mafia to the shores of Lake Tahoe. Anywhere there's money they would be there. Plus the lake is very deep. Ask Fredo

We park at the Tahoe City visitor Center and walk over to Fanny Bridge. Below the dam we can see some incredibly large and beautiful Rainbow and Brown Trout. This is where the Truckee River comes out of Lake Tahoe. The dam is only 6 ft tall and isn't there to hold water in but to help it get out.

This is a wonderful stop at the famous Gar Wood's Restaurant and Bar. Have a wet woody and walk on the pier. Great photographs see how clear the water really is. In the summertime we could see that Woody's out on the lake. Gar Woods, Chris-Crafts, Rivas and Hackers. Beautiful old wood boats.

Stop 6

Around Tahoe Tours makes a stop at the most beautiful place in Lake Tahoe. Sand Harbor State Park Nevada. Home of massive big boulders surrounded by every color of blue. Seems tropical at certain times. Great place for swimming lots of history, and probably our best stop. Get out stretch your legs and take lots of photographs You won't want to leave.

Around Tahoe stops at Logan Shoals Vista Trail as this is the best place to see Cave Rock. Cave Rock is Lake Tahoe's most famous sacred site. Home to the spirits of the Paiute and Washoe Indians. Cave Rock is not a rock at all it's a volcanic stem left over from long ago.

What's not included

Lunch and Any cocktails or beverages are not included at any of our stops. We have bottled water soft drinks and small snacks available in the cooler in the back of the van

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

78 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

57 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travel time is included on the total tour duration and 45 minutes - 1 hour at The Tahoe House

Meeting point

This is our NORTH LAKE TAHOE Meeting point. The meeting point is directly in front of the Around Tahoe Tours office. Also known as Talbot Fine Art Gallery. Look for our Blue vehicle. THIS IS A FREE PICKUP

Important notes

Upon pickup the guide will check your ticket. Make sure the right people on the right tour. Please have your ticket ready

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.