South Lake Tahoe for Every Type of Traveler

Which type of traveler are you?

As a journalist, I’ve covered pet-friendly travel, solo journeys, family-friendly getaways, along with romantic couples escapes. South Lake Tahoe, home to the largest alpine lake in North America, is one of  my favorite destinations that checks all the boxes for every type of traveler. Here’s a guide so you can choose your own adventure.

It’s fully possible to stay in South Lake Tahoe without a rental car. The South Tahoe Airporter conveniently picks you up from the Reno/Tahoe International Airport and makes six stops within South Lake Tahoe. Depending on where your stop is, it takes anywhere between one hour to one and a half hours to get to your destination. Best of all, tickets start at just $32.75 one-way. 

Once in Tahoe, you can take Lake Link Microtransit, a free shuttle service, to get from place to place within the city limits. Simply download the app, create an account, and book your pickup and drop off locations on-demand. Not only does it save you money, it also saves you time trying to find parking during high season. 

Family-friendly 

For families looking to spread out, the newly-opened Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe offers top-notch accommodations and facilities. With over 400 suites available across nine stories, you’ll find coastal-themed rooms featuring large sitting areas, dining spaces, and roomy bathrooms. There are five dining options on-site, so parents with little ones are sure to find a place that satisfies everyone. Come Monday Cafe & Bar offers a sumptuous breakfast buffet, with price offerings for kids. Children under five years old dine for free. Landshark Bar & Grill serves classic American plates such as burgers and fries, in addition to tacos and hearty salads. They also offer a kids menu. 

Heavenly Mountain Resort is a must-visit for everyone visiting the area, but kids will especially enjoy the gondola and coaster rides. There’s also tubing and zip lining for both adults and kids. If heart pounding adventure is not on your radar, stroll through the many shops that line the streets. Prep for your next family holiday card at Old Time Photo. Choose from three different time periods including the Wild West, 1920’s Gangster, and the Victorian age, get dressed in period costumes, and say cheese! 

Primo’s is another wonderful option for families. They now have two locations, but we love the Pizzeria on Lake Tahoe Boulevard for their wood-fired pizzas. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal for the entire family at a great price point. 

Dog-friendly

For those traveling with their pups, RnR Vacation Rental has so many great options. Upon researching for our trip, this rental was our favorite because of its quiet location and its close proximity to The Shops at Heavenly Village. We loved the spacious bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, and fenced yard for our dogs. The kitchen was great for preparing meals because not all restaurants are dog-friendly. When taking vacations with our pets, we find rentals to be the most convenient because they offer space for them to roam. 

There are many dog-friendly hikes in the area. Hiking Van Sickle Bi-State Park with your four-legged pup is a must when visiting. The 725 acre park borders two states, California and Nevada, offering panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Although moderately strenuous, the Waterfall Hike offered rewarding vistas of the city.

Head over to Kiva Beach for some fun near the water; it’s about a 20-minute drive from Heavenly. Also known as Tallac Point, it’s a sandy beach with scenic views and lots of space to roam. Dogs must be leashed at all times and aren’t allowed west of Tallac Point, which is federally protected marshland. 

For casual pub fare, MacDuff’s Public House is the place to go. They have plenty of outdoor seating in the summer for both you and your four-legged friend. Enjoy their full menu of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and classics like chicken pot pie and shrimp and chips. You can also place your order to go and bring it back to your rental. If you happen to find yourself needing pet food or supplies while visiting, DogDogCat is definitely worth a visit. Owners George and Mary Kay Richter have been serving the community for 20 years with high-quality pet products.

Couples

Couples will love the option of renting one of RnR Vacation Rental’s smaller properties because it allows more privacy. If you’re on a budget or want to be closer to Heavenly, the Coachman Hotel is a popular trendy motel that offers modernized rooms and suites. Their lobby has a cool coffee shop that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Head there for brunch and split their famous Belgian waffle plate, with berries and maple syrup smothered on top. 

Don’t miss the Lam Watah Nature Trail, an easy 2.6-mile hike that takes you to Nevada Beach, where you can take a romantic stroll along the sandy shore with stunning views of Lake Tahoe.  If you’re both feeling adventurous, book a kayak tour with Clearly Tahoe Kayak, which has several locations throughout. They offer all sorts of fun water activities. Head out on a guided 3-hour charter on clear kayaks, where you’ll paddle and view indigenous plants and wildlife or go on a night-time LED stargazing tour.

Check out Tahoe Blue Event Center’s schedule to see if what’s going on while you’re visiting. The newly-opened state-of-the-arts facility hosts live performances, expos, hockey games, and much more. Boasting a capacity of 5,000 people, with numerous concession stands, you’ll feel the energy in the air no matter which event you attend.

Don’t miss a chance to experience the M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a special evening with your sweetheart aboard a paddle wheeler. You’ll be treated to a deliciously prepared meal and live music set against spectacular views. For those that favor a hip scene, the newly-opened Wolf by Vanderpump is right up your alley. It’s a fun place to go for date night as you indulge in crafty cocktails, tapas plates, and palatable entrees. For something filling, yet healthy, I highly recommend Lisa’s Lobster Cobb salad.

Solo

If traveling alone, you’ll find tons of activities and sights to see. When dining alone, restaurants are easier to get into and oftentimes don’t require reservations. Sometimes sitting at the bar is a great place to people-watch and get to know other folks who are also trekking by themselves. 

As a solo traveler, you’ll discover the city’s free transportation, Lake Link, especially convenient. Use it to visit the many beaches the city has to offer. Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach, formerly Lakeshore Park Beach, is one of my favorites because it offers some of the best views in the area. It’s also a great spot for kayaking and water activities. 

Head to Zephyr Cove Marina where you can rent standup paddle boards, go parasailing, or swim in calm waters. Wellness is also on the top of my list when traveling by myself. Tahoe Forest Baths offers a unique experience where you’re immersed in Japanese cedar, which has therapeutic benefits for your lymphatic system, promotes circulation, and reduces stress. 

Grab a delicious lunch at Bruschetta, where the Caprese salad and many pizza options are sure to please. They also have amazing dinner options, including mac and cheese croquettes, a 20-layer lasagna, filet mignon, and more. Elements Eatery and Bar doesn’t accept reservations, so you might try for a spot at the bar. The menu is diverse, offering sandwiches, salads, fajitas, and even ramen. They’re also a great brunch option with the tacos being one of my favorites.