About Lake Tahoe

About Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe region has endless activities for the weekend warrior, your family, or a large group, in any season!

Whether you are participating in one of the many outdoor activities offered in the area, searching for your Lake Tahoe wedding venue, sitting down for a bite to eat, exploring one of the many walking-friendly towns, or immersing yourself in the rich history of this territory, you will never be disappointed!

You can always check out our blog, where we often post useful information about things to do in the Lake Tahoe area as well as around our mountain.

Looking for things to do in Lake Tahoe? Check out our calendar list of all the Lake Tahoe events happening at Palisades Tahoe this year!

Tahoe Fun Facts

What is Lake Tahoe's elevation?

Lake Tahoe sits 6,223 feet above sea level.

How old is Lake Tahoe?

Tahoe is two million years old! It is one of the oldest lakes on Earth.

Do any rivers flow in or out of Lake Tahoe?

The Truckee River is the only water source that flows out of Lake Tahoe. The rate at which water leaves Tahoe is managed by a dam in Tahoe City. There are, however, 63 streams that flow into Lake Tahoe!

How deep is Lake Tahoe?

Tahoe ranges in depth, but the deepest point is in Crystal Bay, Nevada, where the lake is 1,645 feet deep.

What is the size of Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is 21.75 miles long and 11.81 miles wide. There are 72 miles of shorelines around Lake Tahoe.
North Shore Towns

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Truckee

Truckee is the largest town in the Lake Tahoe area. While it doesn't sit lakeside, Truckee offers spectacular architecture that gives a glimpse of what a gold-rush-era town looked like. The lively town now boasts ample options for shopping, dining, lodging, & exploring for everyone.

Truckee has a rich history, from the devastating fate of the Donner Party to its status as a stop on the Emigrant Trail. Today, Truckee is a popular destination for locals & visitors alike, acting as the creative & vibrant hub of North Tahoe life.

In Truckee, folks love powder days & backcountry skiing, their majestic mountain views over the train tracks, local eateries & nightlife, and their dogs.

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Tahoe City

Tahoe City sits at the confluence of the Truckee River & Lake Tahoe, offering remarkable lake views from its many restaurants, lodging options, & dining destinations. Tahoe City is a tight-knit community with a wonderfully walkable area that has won several accolades for its beauty & accessibility, including being named one of the Best Ski Towns in America, one of the Top 28 Best Trips, & one of America's Best 4th of July Fireworks displays.

In Tahoe City, folks love community events, eclectic food, an active bar scene, & spectacular beaches. Only a 10-15 minute drive from Palisades Tahoe, Tahoe City is one of the more popular places for our guests to explore.

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Kings Beach

Kings Beach is one of the northernmost lakeside towns along Lake Tahoe. Interestingly enough, Kings Beach was given its name after the area was won in a poker game by a man named Joe King nearly a century ago. The town is lined with pristine beaches that are a part of the Kings Beach State Recreation Area as well as a downtown strip of vendors, funky shops, restaurants, & local organizations. A colorful town that still has an old-time feel, Kings Beach always has something going on.

In Kings Beach, locals love morning paddles, Mexican food, creative shops, & golf.

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Crystal Bay

In Crystal Bay, you can be in both California and Nevada at the same time! Crystal Bay is largely a residential town, but it is home to four of north Lake Tahoe's casinos, as it sits directly on the Stateline.

A large area of Crystal Bay is being developed into a destination resort with more than 400 hotel rooms and condominiums. In Crystal Bay, folks enjoy pristine lake views, gambling in small casinos, and live music at the Crystal Bay Casino year-round.

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Incline Village

Some of North Lake Tahoe's most stunning homes are located in Incline Village, Nevada. Incline Village is also home to Sierra Nevada College, Lake Tahoe's only accredited four-year university. In the winter, enjoy excellent food, the local movie theater, & the ever-popular bowling alley. In the summer, visit the numerous nearby state parks, walk on the brand-new East Shore Trail, & mountain bike on the Flume Trail.

In Incline Village, folks love their proximity to Sand Harbor, their variety of food options, & the privacy of their beaches.
State Parks & Rec Areas

North Lake Tahoe (California side)

Tahoe State Recreation Area
A campground on the lake that offers picnic tables, benches, a bike path, and a pier off of which you can fish.

Commons Beach
A community park on the lake that often hosts family-friendly events and a summer farmers market, as well as beautiful public beach areas.

Burton Creek State Park
Just beyond Tahoe City, Burton Creek State Park has 6 miles of trails that are ideal for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

Skylandia State Park & Beach
Skylandia is a small but beautiful beach with a roped-off swimming area.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area
A pristine stretch of public beaches with beach-side parking, restrooms, and proximity to the main business strip in King's Beach.

Truckee Area

Donner Memorial State Park
This state park preserves the Donner Camp area, where in the winter of 1846, a group of emigrants became trapped in the area and resorted to cannibalism to survive.

Truckee River Regional Park
A multi-use riverside park that has a playground, hiking paths, a nearby basketball court (which is an ice rink in the winter), a skatepark, and a disc-golf course.

North Lake Tahoe (Nevada side)

Hidden Beach
A secluded, dog-friendly beach on the east shore that is a part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.

Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is one of the most popular Lake Tahoe sites for photography, known for its spectacular views.
Seasonal Weather & Tips

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Winter

Tahoe is known for its powerful winters, bringing both epic blizzards and bluebird days perfect for skiing and riding. First time experiencing a Tahoe winter? Here are a few things you might want to bring:

Base Layer: Long underwear to keep you well insulated. Temperatures fluctuate constantly.
Sunglasses: Brightness snow can cause sudden blindness. Protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Ice Scraper: Our mornings are cold! This will help you clear your windshield quickly.
Reusable water bottle: The Tahoe basin sits at over 6,000 feet. It's easy to get dehydrated up here, so help us do our part by using a reusable water bottle.

Curious about the levels of snow we get on average? Check out our Palisades Tahoe snowfall tracker!

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Spring

Spring brings warmer temperatures that provide for awesome spring skiing, but don't be surprised if you get caught in a storm here in April!
Other than skiing, some of the best spring activities in our area include:

Tahoe Truckee Earth Day! This free environmental education event is a community tradition held in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. It allows kids and adults to learn about recycling, composting, alternative energy, and sustainability through hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy. The event provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn about the various environmental issues affecting the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region. Plus, don't miss hours of free live music by local bands!

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Summer

There's a saying here that folks come for the winters and stay for the spectacular summers. There's always plenty to do here during the warmer months!

Farmer's Markets in our area take place weekly in Truckee, Tahoe City, and Incline Village.
Every summer, the Truckee Thursdays street festival transforms downtown Truckee. 11 times throughout the summer, Historic Downtown Truckee closes down the roads and hosts live music, food trucks, local artists, regional businesses, and a beer garden for all to enjoy.

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Fall

Fall is a lovely, quiet, transitional time for the Tahoe community. Come to enjoy the incredible autumn scenery and find our towns less crowded.

Take a hike on one of our area's many trails, such as the popular Shirley Canyon Trail at Palisades or the Five Lakes Trail at Alpine.
Our fall colors in Tahoe are spectacular, especially with the constant pine tree backdrop our area boasts. Visit Tahoe City, Spooner Lake, or The Village at Palisades Tahoe for some of the best views in the area.