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Full Itinerary
Extras
6:00 AM: Early Departure From San Jose
Mode of Transportation
Travel Method: Private vehicle or carpool
Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (depending on traffic)
Cost: Around $40-$60
Pro Tip: Pack breakfast or grab something from a local café from your departure point to enjoy on the way.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Arrive in South Lake Tahoe
Location: South Lake Tahoe Visitor Center.
Overview: Take a moment to stretch your legs and head over to the Visitor Center. Here, you can grab a detailed map that will guide you through the wonders of Lake Tahoe. The Visitor Center staff may also offer insider tips to make your experience even more special, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations!
Pro Tip: You can opt for another convenient entry point depending on your focus area, such as Emerald Bay or Heavenly Village.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Explore Heavenly Village
Location: Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe.
Main Entrance: 1001 Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Direction: 15-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe Visitor Center to Heavenly Village.
Overview: Heavenly Village is a vibrant, lively destination nestled at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort. It is popular for offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor excitement, and resort-town charm. It is a must-visit place, whether you're seeking adventure on the mountain or a relaxing stroll through the village, this place has a picturesque setting for every mood.
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List of Activities:
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
Enjoy the majestic views of Lake Tahoe via Skiing and Snowboarding.
Location: Heavenly Mountain Resort
Cost: $140-$200 (depends on the season)
2. Gondola Ride
This scenic ride offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas.
Location: Heavenly Mountain Resort
Cost: $49–$59 (for a round-trip)
3. Ziplining
Get pumped up from adrenaline by experiencing this thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Location: Heavenly Mountain Resort
Cost: Around $150 (Per person)
Pro Tip: Parking your car can be a challenging task here, especially during peak seasons. So, try to arrive early to reserve a spot.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Visit the Lake Tahoe Shoreline
Location: Lakeside Beach or El Dorado Beach
Direction: Just a 3-5 minute ride from Heavenly Village
Overview: The shoreline of Lake Tahoe is one of the most breathtaking natural features of the area, stretching over 72 miles and offering a perfect blend of pristine beauty and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the lake’s crystal-clear waters and scenic shoreline offer an array of activities throughout the year.
List of Activities:
Beach Activities
You can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear water or just relax on the beach, and can even play beach volleyball for extra fun.
Water Sports
Some of the popular water sports include- Kayaking and Canoeing, Jet Skiing, Boating and Sailing, and Fishing.
Sightseeing and Historical Sites
- Emerald Bay State Park: Known for its incredible beauty, Emerald Bay offers scenic hiking trails, boat tours, and the historic Vikingsholm mansion.
- Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum: Located in South Lake Tahoe, this museum provides insight into the history and development of the region.
- Fannette Island: Located in the center of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island is home to a historic stone castle “Vikingsholm”.
Cost: Free to walk; rentals for kayaks or paddleboards are around $20–$30 per hour.
Pro Tip: The shoreline’s stunning vistas are perfect for photography. Capture the beauty of the lake, its beaches, and the surrounding forests and mountains.
1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Lunch at Base Camp Pizza Co.
Location: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Direction: Just a 3-minute drive from the Lakeside Beach
Overview: Base Camp Pizza Co. is a lively and family-friendly pizzeria located in the heart of Heavenly Village. It is popular for its warm ambiance, live music, and delicious wood-fired pizzas.
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Recommended Dishes: Thai Chicken Curry Pizza, Mediterranean Pizza, Pasta, and Craft Beers.
Cost: $15–$25 (Per person)
Other Options for Lunch: The Beacon Bar & Grill and The Red Hut Cafe
2:00 PM-2:30 PM: Take a Scenic Drive at the Lake Tahoe Loop
Starting Point: The common starting point is South Lake Tahoe, but the loop can start at any point along the shoreline.
Overview: The Lake Tahoe Loop is an iconic scenic drive that takes you around the entirety of Lake Tahoe, offering 72 miles of breathtaking vistas, diverse attractions, and opportunities to explore its unique geography.
Top Highlights: Popular tourist places include- Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, Meeks Bay, and Kings Beach.
Pro Tip: Gas stations are available but can be sparse along certain stretches.
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Visit Emerald Bay State Park
Location: About 10 miles north of South Lake Tahoe
Overview: Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most iconic destinations at Lake Tahoe, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The park offers unparalleled views of Emerald Bay, a glacier-carved inlet with deep blue and turquoise waters surrounded by forested slopes and rugged granite peaks. Click here! for more information.
List of Activities:
1. Hiking
Rubicon Trail, Eagle Falls, and Eagle Lake Trail offer a scenic hike and beautiful views of the Emerald Bay.
2. Touring Vikingsholm Castle
Explore the historic Scandinavian-style mansion. A scenic trail descends from the parking lot to Vikingsholm Mansion and the lakeshore.
Cost: Around $15
3. Water Activities
Popular activities involve Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, and Swimming
Cost: Around $30–$50 for half-day rentals.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Scenic Sunset at Stateline
Location: Situated along Highway 50
Direction: A 20-minute drive from Emerald Bay State Park
Overview: Stateline is a vibrant town situated on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, just across the California border. Known for its dynamic energy, this small yet bustling area is a hub for entertainment, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty. Click here! For further information.
List of Activities:
1. Lake Tahoe Activities
Popular activities include- Boating, Kayaking, Swimming, and Fishing. Marinas close to Stateline rent out kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats.
2. Winter Sports
Skiing and Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing are the most explored activities in winter. The Heavenly Mountain Resort provides some of the best slopes in the region, with easy access from Stateline.
3. Casinos
- Harrah’s Lake Tahoe: Known for its luxury accommodations and upscale dining.
- Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: Blends rock memorabilia with exciting nightlife and gaming
Bally’s Lake Tahoe: Offers a more relaxed casino experience.
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Return to San Jose
Travel Method: Drive back to San Jose
Take a leisurely drive back, reflecting on the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe
Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (depending on traffic)
Cost: Around $40-$60
Pro Tip: Stop for dinner on the way if you are hungry. Towns like Placerville offer nice dinner options along the way.
Trip Summary
6:00 AM: Early Departure From San Jose
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Arrive in South Lake Tahoe
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Explore Heavenly Village
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Visit the Lake Tahoe Shoreline
1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Lunch at Base Camp Pizza Co.
2:00 PM-2:30 PM: Take a Scenic Drive at the Lake Tahoe Loop
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Visit Emerald Bay State Park
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Scenic Sunset at Stateline
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Return to San Jose
Packing Checklist
Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, camera, hat, and sunglasses.
Optional: A jacket (even in summer, temperatures can dip), swimwear (if you plan to swim), and cash for food or activities.
Seasonal Tips:
- Summer: Dress in layers and bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim or rent water equipment.
Winter: If visiting in winter, check road conditions and be prepared for snow in higher elevations. Wear warm clothing and bring boots.