From soaring above the sapphire-blue water on a parasail to hiking alpine trails, witnessing salmon spawning in crystal-clear streams, or racing through snow-covered forests on a snowmobile, Lake Tahoe delivers unforgettable moments in every direction. Whether you crave adrenaline, wildlife encounters, or peaceful high-altitude views, these experiences capture the very best of Tahoe in 2026.
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is an enjoyable way to explore Lake Tahoe’s winter trails and backcountry, with routes ranging from flat and easy to steep and strenuous.
Hiking: As one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular outdoor adventures, hiking to the summit of Mount Tallac, the tallest mountain on the lake’s immediate shoreline, is a bucket-list experience. The 10-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with views of the basin, the Crystal Range, and Pyramid Peak in Desolation Wilderness.
Parasailing: Parasailing in Lake Tahoe is a fun, adrenaline-filled activity for all ages, offering breathtaking aerial views of the lake’s crystal-blue waters, with several operators providing a range of packages.
Cross-Country Skiing: Cross-country skiing here dates back to the mid-1850s when famed skier Snowshoe Thompson carried mail across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over 160 years later, it still thrives in Lake Tahoe, with places like Camp Richardson offering cross-country skiing across the area’s shores and beyond in the backdrop of snow-clad mountain views.
Boating: Boating is a popular summer sport in Lake Tahoe, ranging from small water toys like kayaks and paddleboards to pontoon boats, jet skis, and powerboats, perfect for exploring the lake’s vibrant waters, aquatic life, and endless scenic views.
Salmon Spawning Season: Every fall, schools of mature Kokanee salmon swim into the lake’s crystal-clear waters through one of the many tributaries, with Taylor Creek being one of the biggest spawning destinations on the 72-mile shoreline.
Cruising on the MS Dixie II: Departing from Zephyr Cove, the M.S. Dixie II cruises past Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle, offering scenic sightseeing, dinner, refreshments, drinks and dance.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort: With 2,000 acres and 2,212 vertical feet of skiable terrain, Sierra-at-Tahoe offers the freedom to endlessly explore the mountain, with some of the most adventurous skiing and snowboarding routes across the Huckleberry Canyon Gates, West Bowl, and Sierra’s Sculpted Learning Terrain, for all skill levels.
Mountain Biking: While biking is popular throughout Lake Tahoe, an exhilarating ride on Mr Toad’s Wild Ride is an unmissable experience for mountain bikers. This iconic rocky, technical, and fun descent provides advanced riders a challenging 6-mile downhill ride.
Diving into History at Emerald Bay Heritage Trail: The waters off Emerald Bay State Park are home to an underwater maritime heritage trail, a hotspot for history and culture enthusiasts. Divers can explore barges and watercraft used before the turn of the century, forming the USA’s largest and most diverse collection of sunken small craft still in their original locations, some over 100 years old.
Visiting the Highest Lighthouse in North America: Just a few miles north of Emerald Bay in the D.L. Bliss State Park, you will find the highest elevation lighthouse in the US, Rubicon Point, providing a great vantage point to take in views of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Nevada’s distant shore, and a close view of the deepest point in all of Lake Tahoe.
Riding Heavenly’s Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster: This gravity-powered alpine coaster at Heavenly will exhilarate you and your family as it moves through forest, natural rock formations, and breathtaking views of the lake.
Hopping on the Heavenly Gondola: Enjoy a gorgeous gondola ride to the top of Heavenly Mountain, accompanied by the views of the lake, before disembarking for your next adventure.
Enjoying the Fall Colours: In autumn, the countryside comes alive with the colours of aspen, black cottonwood, and willow, with Hope Valley offering some of the most stunning fall hues.
Walking through the Wildflowers: Spring and early summer are when wildflowers are in full bloom, offering a carpet of vibrant colours across Lake Tahoe.
Snowmobile Tour: Be a part of a unique winter adventure with a guided snowmobile tour with incredible views of Hope Valley and the surrounding mountains through scenic trails.
Yoga on the Paddleboard: Try Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga this summer in Lake Tahoe for a unique and energising wellness experience.
Golfing: Golfing on the iconic Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is a rare and unique moment, offering picture-postcard scenery at the only golf course on the shoreline featuring three holes and lake views.
Exploring Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Endless Trails: Heavenly Mountain Resort offers 4,800 acres of skiable trails, the biggest vertical drop for skiers and snowboarders, and the opportunity to ski in two states.
Spending a Day at the Beach: A Lake Tahoe summer is incomplete without a trip to the beach, and the stunning views of Sand Harbor filled with aqua-coloured water are an absolute must-see.
Visiting Eagle Falls: The Eagle Falls trail offers a beautiful hiking trail with Cascading waterfalls, large granite peaks, and lush vegetation.
Timber Cove during Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise or sunset by the beach is an enriching experience, and Timber Cove’s convenient location makes it an ideal spot to soak in the views.
Fishing: From full-blown fishing adventures on the waters of the lake for mackinaw, rainbow trout, and kokanee to relaxing trout fishing at local farms, Lake Tahoe offers endless options for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Catch a bird’s-eye view of the lake from a hot air balloon at over 10,000 feet, as well as attractions like Desolation Wilderness.
Plan a Trip to Emerald Bay: Plan a trip to Emerald Bay and immerse yourself in one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic spots. Explore its stunning turquoise waters, scenic vistas, and hidden gems, from hiking trails to historic landmarks, for an unforgettable adventure.
Follow BOTT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Subscribe BOTT Channels on WhatsApp & Telegram to receive real time updates
