The turquoise blue waters and mountain landscape of Lake Tahoe make for an idyllic and rejuvenating vacation all year round. Summer Lake Tahoe activities are endless — from boating to sunbathing to hiking to everything in between.
South Lake Tahoe, the gorgeous lakeside town where our very own Marcus Ashley Gallery is located, is also packed with fun in summer. South Lake Tahoe summer activities include live music, fine dining, boating experiences, tours, and much more.
There’s so much to do in summer you might just have to come back year after year! Read our favorite ideas and get inspired to make your vacation itinerary.
- Kayaking or trekking to a secret beach
One of the top things to do for leisure around South Lake Tahoe is to find the hidden nooks and crannies around the lake, including the hidden beach. Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are essential summer Lake Tahoe activities anyways, but you should also try to reach new shores with your vessels!
The famous Hidden Beach is tucked away on the beautiful East Shore, and can be accessed by a mile-long trail or a boat. This popular beach is also the only place in Lake Tahoe that allows nude sunbathing and swimming, so if that doesn’t float your boat (or kayak), just be aware.
- Hiking the mountain trails
We can’t imagine how you could pack a summer in Lake Tahoe with activities but not include a hiking trail! There are so many gorgeous state parks and lakeside paths to hike that outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice.
We love the famous Rubicon Trail that has an end in our own South Lake Tahoe. A popular summer activity, hiking this trail will connect you with both D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. It’s almost seven miles one way, so you’ll need to pack a lunch, and consider parking two cars on each end of the park if you can.
Make sure you follow dog guidelines (on some trails, a dog must be kept on a leash), and make sure a hike isn’t too strenuous for everyone involved in advance. Hiking is one of the best ways you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe and truly immerse yourself in the gorgeous, serene wild.
- Zip lining and ropes courses
Monkeying around on zip lines and ropes courses is a fun thing to do in a South Lake Tahoe summer! There are plenty of courses and guided zip line tours that let you see the beautiful scenery from above.
The Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park, for example, is full of courses that have you interacting and exploring up in the air for about two hours each. People of all ages can do these courses, so they’re great for a family. This is not a passive zip lining tour where you glide over the canopy; this is an interactive obstacle course you have to make your way through.
Heavenly Mountain Resort also has a range of rock climbing walls, zip lines, and ropes courses to enjoy, making visiting it a very popular South Lake Tahoe summer activity. We also love the dining and views at this resort!
- Cycling and mountain biking
Lake Tahoe is a biker’s paradise. Whether you like adventurous mountain biking or simply a roll around a flat path, you’re in the right place. Cycling is a very popular summer Lake Tahoe activity, and for good reason.
One of our favorite cycling destinations is the Pope-Baldwin bike path. This path is conveniently paved, so you won’t need a mountain bike or rough terrain biking skills. It takes you through old growth forests and to several gorgeous beaches, including Kiva Beach. This is also a great activity for kids, as it has plenty of stops and a breezy terrain.
- Indulging in fine dining and live music lakeside
There’s no better place for dining and events than in South Lake Tahoe! You will never run out of dining options, whether you like Asian fusion, Irish pubs, or anything in between. You can find casual fare as well as gourmet, 5-star dining, so vacationers on every budget can find something delicious.
Check out our article on our local dining recommendations to grab some more ideas for fun things to do in South Lake Tahoe summer.
- Visit our art gallery in South Lake Tahoe
When you’re planning your summer Lake Tahoe activities, don’t forget to include a visit to Marcus Ashley Gallery. Our world-renowned gallery is a feast for the imagination, and visitors of all ages will appreciate the variety, skill, and creativity we have on display.
Come explore 4400 square feet of paintings, sculptures, books, gifts, and even a rare and exclusive Dr. Seuss collection. You might even want to pick up a souvenir of your vacation in the form of local Lake Tahoe artwork inspired by the beautiful landscape. We have fully-insured international shipping, custom framing, and every service a collector could need. Come check us out year-round. We’d be happy to welcome you into our gallery.
