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Beaches, trails and time on the water, all a short drive from the house.
Lake Tahoe's south shore has some of the best beaches on the lake, from long stretches of sand under the pines to small coves with turquoise water. The water is clear and cold, even in August. Most beaches are a short drive from the house.
About three-quarters of a mile of sandy shoreline under tall pines, with shallow water near shore that is great for kids. Kayak rentals and a snack bar are usually on site in summer. Day-use parking fee; no dogs. You can also bike here on the Pope-Baldwin bike path.
A big sandy beach with picnic areas, BBQs, shallow clear water and mountain views. Next to the Tallac Historic Site.
A quieter, semi-hidden beach near the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Dogs are allowed on a leash, which makes it the go-to beach if you are traveling with one.
The most famous view on the lake. A short but steep trail from Highway 89 leads down to Vikingsholm Castle and a rocky beach with turquoise water. Parking fills early in summer.
Wide open lawn and beach right in town, with paddleboard and kayak rentals, a boat launch, and live music and community events in summer.
A city beach with a playground, close to the city bike path.
Some of the finest sand on the lake and gentle, shallow water. Privately managed, open to the public with a day pass, with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
A long sandy beach with views back across the lake to the mountains. You can also reach it on the Lam Watah nature trail from Stateline.
A lively resort beach with volleyball, kayak, paddleboard and powerboat rentals, parasailing, and cruises on the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler.
More beaches and current rules: Visit Lake Tahoe beach guide.
Some of the best hiking in the Sierra starts within half an hour of the house, from easy walks along Taylor Creek to big days in Desolation Wilderness. Our favorite places to plan a hike:
Classic south shore hikes to look up: Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake, Cascade Falls, the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek, and Mount Tallac for a big day with a huge view.
South Lake Tahoe is a mountain biking town, with trails for every level. TAMBA (Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association) maintains many of them and keeps an up-to-date trail list and conditions; Trailforks has detailed maps.
A smooth, rolling trail that climbs gently from town along the forest. Good for beginners and families, and it connects to the Corral and Cedar trail networks.
One of the most popular rides in town. Corral has optional jumps, rock features and logs; the parallel Sidewinder line is smoother and beginner friendly.
A legendary, rocky, technical descent of about 1,500 feet through the forest from the Tahoe Rim Trail at Big Meadow. For experienced riders.
On the Nevada side: a single-track cut into the mountainside high above the lake, with some of the most famous views in mountain biking. About 22 miles from Spooner Lake.
Mountain bike rentals: South Shore Bikes, Shoreline of Tahoe (also runs shuttles) and Ride Tahoe Rentals in Meyers, close to the Corral and Mr. Toad's trailheads.
Paved paths make it easy to explore with kids.
Right at the start of the Pope-Baldwin path near Camp Richardson.
E-bikes, cruisers, tandems, kids' bikes and surreys (the pedal carts kids love).
Kids' bikes, cruisers, comfort bikes and kids' trailers.
Calm summer mornings are the best time to paddle, before the afternoon wind picks up. Many beaches have rentals right on the sand.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals at Timber Cove Marina and at several beaches, including Pope, Baldwin and Nevada Beach, plus guided tours to Emerald Bay.
All have kayak and paddleboard rentals on or next to the beach (see Beaches above).
A day on a boat is the best way to see Emerald Bay and the clear water of the lake.
Powerboats, pontoons, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards from Tahoe Keys Marina and the Ski Run Boat Company at Ski Run Marina. Also parasailing.
Boat rentals at Timber Cove Marina and Camp Richardson Marina.
Boat rentals on the Nevada side, and the departure point for M.S. Dixie II cruises to Emerald Bay.
A modern 3-bedroom home that sleeps 8, with a game loft, gourmet kitchen and double garage.