Embracing Lake Tahoe at a Slower Pace
When most people think of South Lake Tahoe, they think of skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and more. But what do you do in South Lake Tahoe if you’re not the biggest outdoor sports enthusiast? You can definitely enjoy South Lake Tahoe without the sports; however, you’ll still need to enjoy nature at least a little!
Leisurely Lake Views: Cruises and Piers
Enjoying the Water from Zephyr Cove Resort Pier
You can catch scenic cruises from Zephyr Cove Resort Pier for a leisurely boat ride with lots of stunning views. If that’s out of your price range or the weather isn’t cooperating, the pier is still a great place to enjoy scenic lake views and maybe a picnic lunch.
Shopping and Strolling: Heavenly Village & Village Center
Local Boutiques and Souvenir Finds
Exploring Heavenly Village and Village Center (right across the street) can be a lot of fun if you’re looking for shopping options, indoor activities, and something a little more laidback. There’s a large mix of shops, from major athletic and outdoor apparel brands to smaller local boutiques, fun finds, and lots of souvenir options, from artwork to jewelry and everything in between. My favorite spot was L.A.K.E. Gift Shop, a small local business selling all kinds of unique souvenirs. I found some fantastic local spa products, stickers, and so much more at this fantastic shop. Dog Dog Cat was also a wonderful place to grab some goodies to bring home to our puppers.
Rainy Days and Indoor Entertainment
Arcades, Mini-Golf, and Escape Rooms
If you’re in the mood for indoor activities, there are plenty of options (especially helpful on rainy days). Tipsy Putt provides an adults-only atmosphere after 7 PM but is kid-friendly during the day, with mini golf, cornhole, board games, and more. Retroactive Arcade provides an old-school arcade experience for the masses. Meanwhile, Puzzle Room Tahoe, located at Bally’s Lake Tahoe, provides a fun escape room experience for groups looking to challenge their minds instead of their bodies.
Art Galleries and Whimsical Discoveries
Exploring Tahoe’s Creative Scene
South Lake Tahoe has plenty of art galleries, and you’ll find them all over town. In Heavenly Village, my bestie found an amazing mapped art piece at On Tahoe Time that was shipped home for under $50 (about the cost of a checked bag these days and much larger). Pacific Crest Gallery has gorgeous Tahoe-themed pieces that make wonderful souvenirs. Across the way at Village Center, the Wyland Gallery offers classic nature pieces that are a hit with everyone, while the Marcus Ashley Gallery is a favorite—it’s home to a wide range of Dr. Seuss art, from paintings to sculptures and more. You won’t want to miss this whimsical display!
Aerial Views: The Heavenly Mountain Scenic Gondola
Riding Up for Panoramic Lake Scenery
The one activity I’ve missed on every South Lake Tahoe trip is riding the Heavenly Mountain Scenic Gondola. During ski season, it takes you to the top of the slopes. Still, during the warmer months (usually opening around Memorial Day weekend), it’s a scenic ride straight to the top with epic views of the lake and the surrounding area. I’ve skied Heavenly Valley once, about three decades ago, so one of these days, I will make it back up that gondola!
Effortless Overlooks: Light Walks on the Nevada Side
Taking in Cave Rock Trailhead
For a touch of outdoor activity, you can head up to hiking trailheads on the Nevada side. From here, you won’t have to go far, and the hills are high enough to offer a spectacular view without the added physical activity! We ventured to the Cave Rock Trailhead and got some gorgeous lake views as a reward!
