Celebrate Summer on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe

Summers on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe are simply incredible. Warm days stretch into cool, golden evenings, the lake sparkles in every shade of blue, and outdoor adventures are followed by nighttime entertainment in town. Whether you're traveling with your partner, friends, or on your own, the region provides myriad ways to connect, recharge, and celebrate summer. Brunch opportunities abound, from elevated lakefront at The Bistro at Edgewood Tahoe to Primo's innovative Italian menu to hearty Latin-fusion fare at Elements Eatery, which also has lake views. For the daybreakers type, start your morning with a sunrise paddle at Kiva Beach. Afterward, take the scenic gondola ride up Heavenly Mountain Resort for panoramic lake views, then challenge yourself with the ropes course or zoom down the mountain coaster—both ideal for thrill-seeking travelers. Once you return from the mountaintops, peruse the Shops at Heavenly Village for boutique shopping, followed by a wine flight at Elevated Wine Experience across the street. 

When choosing where to stay, Lake Tahoe has something for every type of traveler, from classic cabins to luxe casino resorts with all the amenities. Be among the first to stay in Caesars Republic's gorgeous newly renovated rooms, or soak in your private balcony tub at Desolation Hotel. Looking for cottage quaint with a mountain twist? Check out Black Bear Lodge. 

On hot days, cool off on a sailboat with Sail Tahoe Blue or take a sunset cruise on board the M.S. Dixie II from Zephyr Cove—either way, the shimmering lake and golden-hour light are pure magic. Prefer staying on land? Rent e-bikes and cruise the Pope-Baldwin bike path to Baldwin Beach, a quieter local favorite with postcard-perfect views. Want to really take your visit to the next level? Soar to new heights with Lake Tahoe Balloons - undeniably one of the best ways to appreciate the Lake Tahoe basin. In the evening, visit Noel's Apothecary, a unique bar with Victorian vibes and artisanal mixed drinks. Toulouse or Jimmy's Restaurant at the Landing are both excellent choices for dinner. The downtown area has so many dining options, make sure you take a little time to dive into the restaurant scene and find the spot that's perfectly suited to you. The best part is that this whole area is walkable. Inside tip: if you're staying outside the downtown area, the South Shore has its own free, app-based public micro-transit system called Lake Link. Don't sleep on it! 

Finish the day by a firepit with a lakeview or on a balcony, stargazing with your favorite people and soaking in the mountain air. Check out Lake Tahoe Pride's Instagram or Visit Lake Tahoe's event calendar to find more ways to enhance your itinerary. Wherever your Tahoe time takes you, it’s sure to be awe and then some.

Photos: Caesar's Republic Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Pride Month Commemoration, and Lake Tahoe Balloons