The 5 Best Day Trips Around Lake Tahoe Region

Some places — looking at you, South Tahoe — are too beautiful to rush through. Day tripping isn’t just about passing time, but slowing down to soak in jaw-dropping alpine views, and find quiet corners that feel a world away from the daily grind. Whether you’re after a swim in clear water, a hike through pine-draped trails or a lakeside lunch with a backdrop that belongs on a postcard, this corner of the Sierra delivers. The destinations highlighted in the Best of Tahoe reflect the best kind of day trip: the kind that makes you wish you’d stayed longer.

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay doesn’t just show up on postcards — it defines them. Framed by steep granite cliffs and ringed in emerald-green water, this state park at the southwest end of Lake Tahoe draws visitors with its striking beauty and layered history. Fannette Island rises in the center of the bay like a punctuation mark, home to the ruins of a stone tea house that’s as photogenic as it is mysterious. Above the shoreline sits Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-inspired castle built in the 1920s, now open for tours. Trails wind around the bay, including the Rubicon Trail, offering views that make the incline worth the effort.

Fallen Leaf Lake

Just a few miles from the bustle of South Lake Tahoe lies a more subdued gem — Fallen Leaf Lake. Tucked into the base of Mount Tallac, this glacier-carved lake offers serenity without sacrificing scenery. The shoreline is ringed with cabins and quiet walking trails, while the water remains clear and calm, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. On a still day, the reflection of the surrounding peaks can make the lake look like a mirror. There's no large marina, no sprawling beach club, no crowds competing for attention — just tall trees, cool water and space to breathe.

Camp Richardson Resort

Part historic landmark, part summertime headquarters, Camp Richardson Resort brings together all the best ingredients for a classic Tahoe day trip. Founded over a century ago, the resort has evolved into a hub for lakeside recreation while retaining its rustic charm. Families can rent bikes, launch paddleboards, grab ice cream from the old-fashioned general store or pull up a chair at the lakeside restaurant. It’s the kind of place where one plan turns into several: take a walk on the beach, rent a boat, then linger for the sunset.

Thanks, ChatGPT.