Summer is when South Lake Tahoe shows off. The water turns that impossible shade of blue, the afternoons run warm and dry, and everything worth doing sits within a few walkable blocks or a short drive. Whether you want a full-throttle day on the lake or a slow one that ends with your feet in the sand, the South Shore delivers.
These are the recommendations we actually give guests at the front desk — the ones that hold up when you’ve only got a couple of days and want to make them count. We’ve kept the practical details in (distances, timing, what to expect) so your trip runs smooth from the first swim to the last s’more.
Start where everyone starts: the beach
Everything in Tahoe circles back to the water, so plant your flag there first. Lakeside Beach is a 10-minute, four-block walk from Station House Inn — soft sand, calm shallows, and that famously clear water. It’s a private beach, so you do need to pay an entrance fee, but when you stay with us, daily beach passes are 50% off — available when you book direct or at the front desk. Station House guests also get 50% off beach furniture rentals (chairs, loungers, and umbrellas rent right there from 11am to 6pm). If you’d rather not walk back with wet towels and tired kids, the LPA shuttle runs daily 11am to 6pm.
Prefer a wilder, free-to-enter stretch of sand? Locals also love the beaches around Lakeview Commons and the day-use beaches out toward Emerald Bay — just plan for parking to fill early on warm weekends.
Local tip: mornings are calmest and the water is glassiest before the afternoon breeze rolls in. Claim your spot early — the sun is intense at altitude and the best shade goes fast. See what’s included at Lakeside Beach.
Get out on the water — paddleboard, kayak, or jet ski
If the beach is the appetizer, the lake itself is the main course. Lakeside Marina is a five-minute walk from the inn — the closest marina to town — and it’s your one-stop shop for getting out on the water. Rent a paddleboard or kayak for a mellow morning float, grab a pedal boat with the family, or open up the throttle on a jet ski. They also run parasailing and a water taxi if you want to turn a half-day into a whole adventure.
Want something you’ll be telling people about for years? A few tour operators in the area run clear-bottom kayak tours along the rocky shoreline, where the water is so transparent you can see dozens of feet straight down. It’s the kind of Tahoe-blue moment that photos never quite capture.
Local tip: first-timers should paddle in the morning when the surface is flat. Wind and boat wakes build in the afternoon, and Tahoe’s water stays cold all summer — a spill is refreshing, but wear a life jacket and stay close to shore. Browse more on-the-water options on our activities page.
Hike the trails — easy to moderate
You don’t need a hardcore trek to feel like you earned the view. Van Sickle Bi-State Park starts right behind Heavenly Village, so you can hit the trail without moving your car. The main Van Sickle Trail delivers big lake views within the first mile; push on to the seasonal waterfall (about three-quarters of a mile one-way) or keep climbing toward the Tahoe Rim Trail junction if you’ve got the legs. Do it as an out-and-back so you get the views twice.
For a gentler, family-friendly option, the trails around Fallen Leaf Lake (roughly 15 minutes from town) contour past aspens and creeks with Mt. Tallac towering behind — flat enough for most ability levels, pretty enough to feel like a real outing.
Local tip: Tahoe sits at about 6,225 feet, and the altitude sneaks up on you. Pack more water than you think you need, wear real sunscreen, and give yourself the first day to acclimate before anything ambitious.
Make the drive to Emerald Bay
If you do one drive this trip, make it Emerald Bay — about 25 minutes from the inn along Highway 89, past some of the most photographed water in the country. The roadside overlooks are worth the stop on their own (mind the drop-offs; they’re real).
If you want to earn it, the trail down to Vikingsholm — a century-old Scandinavian-style mansion at the water’s edge — is under a mile each way but steep on the return, so it’s more of a workout than the distance suggests. Bring water and take the climb back slow.
Local tip: parking at Emerald Bay fills by mid-morning in summer. Go early, or aim for late afternoon when the light gets golden and the lot starts to empty.
Ride the Heavenly Gondola
The Heavenly Gondola is the South Shore’s showstopper, and it launches from Heavenly Village — an easy walk from the heart of town. In summer you trade snow for wildflowers, gentle high-country trails, and an observation deck with a jaw-dropping view of the entire lake spread out below.
Lift-accessed hiking means you skip the grueling climb and go straight to the payoff, and the ride itself is a highlight for kids and view-chasers alike.
Local tip: buy tickets online in advance to skip the window line, and ride earlier in the day — mountain-top afternoons can turn breezy or hazy, and morning light is best for photos.
Bike the town and the lakefront
South Lake Tahoe is made for two wheels in summer. Cruise the paved path along the lakefront near Lakeview Commons, roll into Heavenly Village for lunch, or point yourself toward the trails if you want to log real miles.
Several shops in town rent everything from beach cruisers to full-suspension mountain bikes and e-bikes, so you can match the ride to your energy. Because Station House Inn sits in the walkable core, you can often skip the car entirely and let the bike do the getting-around.
Local tip: a cruiser is plenty for the flat lakefront path; save the mountain bike for the trails. Confirm rental hours and reserve ahead on busy summer weekends.
End the day back at the inn — pool, cabanas, and s’mores
After a full day in the sun, the best thing to do is nothing at all. Back at Station House Inn, cool off in the seasonal heated pool, then let the day melt away in the hot tub with the mountains all around.
Don’t want to fight for a lounger? Reserve a poolside cabana for a guaranteed shaded spot and a drink within reach — the easiest upgrade to a Tahoe summer day.
When the sun drops, the fire pits come alive with complimentary s’mores kits — warm chocolate, gooey marshmallows, that unbeatable campfire feeling. Add lawn games, cornhole, and Toulouse right next door for dinner, and you’ve got a basecamp that’s basically a bonus activity. Our spacious rooms and suites give the whole crew room to spread out and reset for tomorrow.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe in summer?
Beach days at Lakeside Beach, paddleboarding or jet skiing from Lakeside Marina, the drive to Emerald Bay, and a ride up the Heavenly Gondola top most lists. Add an easy hike like Van Sickle, some lakefront biking, and lazy pool afternoons, and you’ve got a full, everyone’s-happy trip.
How far is Station House Inn from the beach and the water?
Lakeside Beach is a 10-minute, four-block walk from the inn, with an LPA shuttle running daily 11am to 6pm. Lakeside Marina — for paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis — is about a five-minute walk.
Is the water warm enough to swim in summer?
Lake Tahoe is famously clear and famously cold. By mid- to late summer the shallows and swim beaches warm up enough for a great swim, especially in the afternoon, but the water stays brisk year-round — perfect for cooling off after a hot day on the sand.
Written for Station House Inn — a boutique, family- and dog-friendly hotel at 901 Park Avenue in South Lake Tahoe. Ready to plan your summer? Explore our current offers.
