Are you considering planning a summer trip to Lake Tahoe? This is a perfect family friendly destination. We traveled to South Lake Tahoe in the summer of 2024. We found it to be a very easy place to take our little one. 

Geography

Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range between Nevada and California. This Lake is known for its pristine blue water, outdoor recreation (watersports, hiking, camping) and winter sports. Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of beautiful shoreline. If you plan to drive around Lake Tahoe it could take between 3-4 hours without stops. Since Lake Tahoe is so large it is often referred to as South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe. 

South Lake Tahoe offers more restaurants, casinos, grocery stores. Where North Lake Tahoe is quieter and less commercialized. 

This article will discuss the logistics of traveling to South Lake Tahoe with children: how to get there, how to travel on a budget, activities to enjoy, and what to expect. 

Getting There

Arriving in Tahoe depends mostly on where you are traveling from. We drove 8 hours to Lake Tahoe, so we could bring our paddleboards, boat, and other outdoor gear. The closest international airport to Lake Tahoe is located in Reno, Nevada which is less than 60 miles away from Lake Tahoe. The next closest airport is Sacramento, California which is 120 miles away. If you are flying to either airport we recommend renting a car as you will need transportation to Tahoe and most likely around the Lake. 

There is a Costco and other larger grocery stores located in Reno which we stopped at before driving into Tahoe. This is also a great spot to pick up any forgotten items: sunscreen, diapers, outdoor equipment as the prices in Tahoe can be higher. 

What You Should Know

• Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It’s possible to have run- ins with wildlife such as bears, coyotes, and other forest animals. While we were there we saw a black bear from our patio and a coyote on a walk. 
• Most of the beaches in South Lake Tahoe require an entrance/parking fee. Be prepared to pay and/or plan to park outside of the fee area, if possible.
• The logistics of bringing your own motor boat can be complicated. You will want to factor in these costs: boat inspection, a mooring fee/boat storage, and launching fee.
• Boating is a great way to see Lake Tahoe but it can be costly.
• Keep Tahoe Blue! Tahoe is a truly magical place and because of this it is becoming more of a popular travel destination. Clean up your surroundings (don’t litter), if you are bringing any small or large water crafts check rules and regulations to prevent from bringing an invasive aquatic species. 

What We Loved

We love Tahoe for its crystal clear blue water. The Lake is truly magical and reminds us of being in the Caribbean-except the temperature of the water is much colder. 

What to Explore

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is a beautiful beach located on the Eastern Shore of Lake Tahoe. This beach is popular for swimming and paddle boarding as it has interesting rock formations. Clear kayak rentals and paddle board rentals are available. Sand Harbor has restrooms, picnic tables as well as a restaurant. Sand Harbor charges $15 entrance fee, $10 for Nevada residents. There is no other nearby parking as there is no parking allowed on highway 28. This beach is incredibly popular as are many Lake Tahoe beaches, if you want to get a parking spot or nice beach spot we recommend starting your day early. For family friendly fun, pack a picnic for a day at the beach. Sand Harbor does not allow dogs.

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is located 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. This stunning bay has blue, green and turquoise water against pine tree covered mountains. The water is so beautiful if it weren’t for the forest backdrop you might think you are in the Caribbean. Emerald Bay is home to Fannette Island. Fannette island is a small brush covered island with a stone structure (the teahouse) built in the 1920s. You can access the small island by boat, kayak or paddle board. There are paddle board and kayak rentals. No dogs allowed in this area.

Vikingsholm is a Scandinavian architecture castle built in the 1920s that sits near the water of Emerald Bay. Guided tours cost $15 adult $12 per child and take about 30-45 minutes. Vikingsholm can be accessed through the Vikingsholm parking lot, which costs $10 per vehicle and then requires a steep 1 mile walk to the waterfront and castle. You can also access Vikingsholm by hiking the Rubicon Trail.

Hike the Rubicon Trail along Emerald Bay

The Rubicon trail is well known for its spectacular views of Emerald Bay. This 16.4 mile out and back trail extends from DL Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park. We chose to hike this trail starting at Upper Eagle Campground (day pass $10) on the East part of Emerald Bay. Starting from the Eagle Campground parking lot the Rubicon Trail will decline for the first mile or so, at this height you still have amazing views looking down at Emerald Bay. As you reach the cove there are plenty of spots to turn off the trail to enjoy a swim in the lovely water. If you continue to follow the trail you will reach a sign for Lower Eagle Falls which is only .25 miles off of the Rubicon trail. If you continue on the Rubicon Trail you will eventually reach Vikingsholm Castle. As this is an out and back trail you will follow the same trail back, meaning you will be heading uphill on your return. 

Overview:

Hike Rating: Moderate

Length: up to 16.4 miles out and back (but you can turn around when you choose)

Terrain: walkable trail with some rocks and tree roots

Cost: $10-$15 depending on where you park

Where to Stay

Tahoe offers many options for lodging. Airbnbs range from $350-$900 a night, hotels average around $300 per night (of course you can find prices below and above this). Camping is also a more affordable option in Lake Tahoe there are plenty of campgrounds that average around $35 per night. We chose to stay at the Worldmark South Shore close to Nevada Beach.The Worldmark South Shore is walking distance to Nevada Beach. Our unit had a kitchen which helped us save money by cooking our own meals.

How to Save Money and Enjoy your Trip

Skip Restaurants

Meals at restaurants can range from $30-$100 in Tahoe, of course you can find some cheaper options. We had accomodations with a kitchen which helped us save money on dining. When booking your accommodations consider if you would like to cook your own meals and save.

Bring Your Gear

If possible, bringing your own outdoor gear can save you a lot of money. We chose to drive to Tahoe so we wouldn’t have to pay for a rental car and so we could pack our outdoor equipment (paddle boards and hiking pack for our toddler). Bringing your own gear can save you a good amount of money.

Camp

If you enjoy being outdoors, camping is a great option for staying in Tahoe. This can save you a considerable amount of money and offers such a great experience. We plan to return and camp in the future.

Attire and What to Pack

• Since you are in the mountains you can expect mosquitos in the evening. Bring bug spray. 
• Even in the summer Tahoe evenings can be cold. Bring a pair of warm clothes (jacket and pants)
• Sunscreen- of course! 
• Adequate hiking or walking shoes. 
• Packable beach toys for your children make for a great day at the beach. We love this packable set from Amazon.  ** link