Lake Tahoe is a place that truly captures your soul. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the beauty and energy of this beautiful alpine paradise never get old. Even though we travel here at least twice a year, Lake Tahoe still surprises us with its vastness and serenity. It’s not just a lake; it’s an experience. Depending on the season, there are countless things do do in Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. After you are done exploring Lake Tahoe, be sure to check out our Reno Tahoe Area Travel Guide and Road Trip info on Reno, Virginia City, and Truckee. Lake Tahoe Best Road Trips and Walking Tours Lake Tahoe is a magical place, the energy here is like no other location that we have visited. See the top stops around the Lake below. There’s something almost magical about Lake Tahoe and the areas around it. See our complete Travel guide on what this area has to offer! When you’re out on the water, it feels like the horizon stretches forever, almost like floating in the ocean. Words barely do justice to how incredible this place is. When you’re out in the middle of the lake, it feels so big, it’s like you’re floating in the ocean. It’s hard to put into words just how incredible it really is. What Makes Lake Tahoe So Special? Lake Tahoe is Located on the Border of California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, 30 minutes outside of Reno, NV, and Carson City, NV (Capital of Nevada). Just under 2 hours away from Sacramento, CA (Capital of California. It is actually really close proximity to both the capital cities of Nevada and California. How Big is Lake Tahoe? Is it the Biggest and Deepest Lake in America? According to Keep Tahoe Blue’s Website: Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America. It is 1,645 feet deep, 22 miles long, 12 miles wide with 75 miles of shoreline. It is the second deepest lake in America, next to Oregon’s Crater Lake. Eight million people live less than a half day’s drive from the Basin. Did you know Lake Tahoe is in both California and Nevada? California is on the Left/West Side of the Lake, and Nevada is on the Right/East side. The border of the two states is in the lake. This is the map of our 2-hour drive around Lake Tahoe 4K Video. Check out the Interactive map we created below, click on the location to see the associated video tour! Use our map of Lake Tahoe trip itinerary to all the best locations, follow the link here. Lake Tahoe area is one of the best places for road trips. How many miles is it around Lake Tahoe by car? Lake Tahoe is a 72 Mile Drive around the lake and will take you 2-3 hours to drive around the full lake (not including stops along the way). Featured Lake Tahoe Road Trips- Be forewarned, Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas are some of the most beautiful places on this earth, prepare to stop and stop often to experience all that Lake Tahoe has to offer 🙂 Starting on the border of California and Nevada in South Lake Tahoe, CA/Stateline, NV, Watch our 4K Videos highlighting both directions around the lake, 2 hours per drive, totaling 4 hours. All Videos and Pictures Below were created by us, Sandtastic Travels, all Videos are available on our YouTube Channel! Best time to Visit Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking to do. Whether you’re chasing snowy peaks for winter sports or crystal-clear waters for summer fun, Tahoe has something special in every season. Winter Season: A Snow Lover’s Dream 🏔️ (Video: Scenic Winter Drive through South Lake Tahoe) For those who love winter sports, December through February is prime time. Lake Tahoe boasts 13 to 15 ski resorts (depending on who you ask), and with almost 300 inches of annual snowfall, it transforms into a snowy wonderland. Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or simply sipping hot cocoa by the fire, Tahoe’s winter magic doesn’t disappoint. Top resorts like Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Northstar offer something for all levels. Not a skier? No worries! There’s plenty of snowmobiling and ice skating to enjoy, too. It’s the perfect spot for a cozy winter getaway. Spring, Summer, and Fall: The Outdoors at its Best 🌞 If snow isn’t your thing, Lake Tahoe’s warmer months—from May through October—are perfect for outdoor adventurers. As the snow melts, Tahoe’s hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and beaches take center stage. The water may be cool, but it’s crystal clear and perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just lounging by the shore. Popular spots like Kings Beach, Zephyr Cove, and Sand Harbor are great for family picnics or beach days. And if you’re into hiking, trails like the Rubicon Trail or Eagle Falls offer stunning views and a true taste of Tahoe’s natural beauty. Whether you want to soak in the sun or enjoy the colors of fall, Tahoe’s got you covered. When’s the Best Time for You? If you’re into winter sports, plan your visit between December and February. But if hiking, swimming, and soaking up mountain views are more your style, late spring through early fall is your window. No matter where you go, Tahoe’s beauty is bound to impress. Lake Tahoe’s Top Locations Explore Both California and Nevada’s Lake Tahoe’s best Road Trips, Walking Tours, and Hidden Gems with us as we drive all the way around the lake highlighting the top locations in stunning 4K Video. Also, see beautiful images in the posts below highlighting each location separatley. Lake Tahoe offers some of the most spectacular scenery and diverse activities. Join us on Lake Tahoe scenic road trips and walking tours. Begin your Lake Tahoe adventure in South Lake Tahoe, known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Explore Stateline, Nevada, home

There’s something uniquely enchanting about strolling through historic downtowns, where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Join us as we explore the captivating streets of Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Truckee walk and road trips, three towns rich in history and character. Lake Tahoe and its surrounding towns are marvels and truly one of our favorite places on this beautiful earth. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone seeking a leisurely walk, these tours promise an enriching experience. Related Posts: Lake Tahoe Ultimate Guide HERE . Also see Reno Tahoe Area Guide and full posts on Lake Tahoe, Reno, Virginia City, and Truckee. See the Walking, Road Trip Drives, Hotel (Reno, Lake Tahoe), and Boat Ride Videos! The Reno-Tahoe Territory | Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Truckee Ultimate Guide Interesting Facts: FAQ Historic Downtowns: Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Truckee Historic Downtowns Walk & Road Trips General Historic Downtowns What are the top historic sites to visit in downtown Reno? Downtown Reno’s top historic attractions include the iconic Reno Arch (erected in 1926), the National Automobile Museum housing William F. Harrah’s vintage car collection, the Art Deco–style Pioneer Theater Auditorium, Powning Veterans Park and the WWII Memorial along the Truckee River Walk, as well as architectural landmarks like the Washoe County Courthouse, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and scenic Wingfield Park. What historic attractions can I find in Virginia City? In Virginia City you can stroll its original wooden sidewalks along C Street, tour the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Depot, visit the Mark Twain Museum at the Territorial Enterprise, explore a historic silver mine, and experience annual events like Hot August Nights, camel and ostrich races, and period parades that celebrate the town’s silver‐rush heritage. What unique historic landmarks are in downtown Truckee? Downtown Truckee’s historic landmarks include the Truckee Railroad Museum, the 1873 Truckee Hotel, and the Old Jail Museum; walking along Donner Pass Road you’ll also see preserved 19th-century buildings, antique storefronts, art galleries, and rustic cafés that embody the town’s railway and mountain-town legacy. Are there historic sites to see around Lake Tahoe? Yes—around Lake Tahoe, must-see historic sites include Vikingsholm Castle and the Fannette Island Tea House in Emerald Bay, the century-old lodges at Harrah’s and Harveys in Stateline, and the pioneer-era charm of Kings Beach with its lakeside cabins and early 20th-century waterfront businesses. Walk & Road Trips What is the best route to combine walking tours and scenic drives through these destinations? A great loop starts with a walking tour of Reno’s downtown—begin at the Reno Arch and follow the Truckee River Walk—then drive 30 minutes to Virginia City via Highway 341 to explore C Street’s wooden sidewalks and saloons, continue on Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe for Emerald Bay and Zephyr Cove, circle the lake via Route 89 to Kings Beach, then head north on the Lake Tahoe Loop into Truckee to stroll Donner Pass Road. General What is the best time of year to visit these historic downtowns? Late spring to early fall (May through October) offers mild weather, open attractions, and fewer crowds, with summer festivals like Reno’s Artown and Virginia City’s Hot August Nights in July, plus fall foliage around Lake Tahoe in September and October making autumn especially picturesque. How many days should I plan for a road trip covering Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Truckee? We recommend a four- to five-day itinerary: one day in Reno for its walking tour and museums, one day in Virginia City, two days around Lake Tahoe to drive, hike, and boat, and one day in Truckee for the Railroad Museum and Donner Pass Road, with travel time factored between each stop. Still need help? Contact us. Pro Tip: lock in the cheapest wheels, rooms & tours with our partner deals (paid links). Join us on this ultimate road trip through Northern Nevada and California. Enjoy our 4K Road Trip Driving Videos and Walking Tours of Reno, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Truckee. Each town offers unique glimpses into the past, from the historic streets of Virginia City to the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe. Perfect for day trips, weekend getaways, or extended vacations, these destinations offer something for everyone – hikers, skiers, snowboarders, beach lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. All within an hour of the majestic Lake Tahoe! Virginia City: A Step Back in Time to an Old West Mining Town See our Walking Tour Video down wooden sidewalks through rustic Virginia City ^^^ Travel back to the 19th century with a visit to Virginia City, located 30 minutes outside of Reno. Once a booming mining town, Virginia City has preserved much of its original charm with wooden sidewalks and no commercial businesses in the city limits. Start at the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Depot, where you can imagine the hustle and bustle of a bygone era. Stroll along C Street, the main thoroughfare, lined with historic saloons, shops, and museums. Visit the Mark Twain Museum at the Territorial Enterprise, where the famed author began his writing career. The wooden sidewalks and period architecture transport you to a time when Virginia City was at the heart of the Silver Rush.  Take a tour of an old Silver Mine.  There are year-round attractions in Virginia City including 8 Annual Parades, Hot August Nights, Camel and Ostrich Races, and so many more, see the event brochure here > I think Dr. Who might be visiting Virginia City 🙂 All 4K Virginia City Videos – Walking and Driving > Reno: The Biggest Little City in the World Start your adventure in Reno, Nevada – often called “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Reno’s historic downtown is a vibrant mix of old and new.  Reno is beautiful!  I remember visiting Reno back in 2008 and it had some sad neighborhoods.  While some areas have a way to go, overall there have been a lot of improvements and revitalization.  See some of the epic sites covered in our