6 Must-Visit Towns Near Lake Tahoe

Located on the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe sits two-thirds of the way into California and one-third into Nevada. This stunning and enormous freshwater lake is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where it’s famous for its lake beaches, ski resorts, and charming towns. Summer and winter are the busiest times to visit most areas around the lake, while spring and fall offer fewer crowds. If you want to experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada, check out these six must-visit towns near Lake Tahoe!

1. Incline Village

Located at the northern tip of Lake Tahoe along Crystal Bay in Nevada, Incline Village is a small town with a population of just over 9,000. Staying in Incline Village is like stepping into one giant country club. Visitors and residents can benefit from the ski trails, golf courses, tennis courts, spas, biking trails, and more. Its many amenities also include the bay and all its activities, like water sports and lounging on the beautiful beaches. In the winter, when the weather turns chilly, you can check out the indoor spas, ski resorts, and casinos. Incline Village also offers annual events, like the Shakespeare Festival and the Fourth of July weekend celebration.

2. South Lake Tahoe

If ever there was a place that perfectly embodied the spirit of Lake Tahoe, it’s South Lake Tahoe. This California resort city is known for its lush ski resorts, beaches, restaurants, bars, and endless activities. South Lake Tahoe is surrounded by immense natural beauty, which is enhanced by non-stop nightlife, beach concerts, and plentiful outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy the changing fall leaves, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, boating, and more. There are abundant inclusive and scenic resorts and lodges within the community, where guests can find everything they need on the property. If you venture into town, you will find breweries, nightlife, and many family fun activities.

3. Truckee

The town of Truckee is around 17,000 people in Nevada City, California. While it doesn’t have Lake Tahoe access, it is a short drive away. However, the town is situated on Donner Lake, where you can also participate in water activities. The town is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with its towering pine trees and majestic peaks that surround the town. You can spend your stay skiing, biking, hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. There are also a plethora of plush resorts and lodges, and downtown offers mountain cuisine, bars, live music, and annual festivals. Whether you’re leaf-peeping in the fall, relaxing on the beach in the summer, or skiing down a mountain slope in the winter, this community has something fun to do any time of the year.

4. Tahoe City

Located in Placer County, California, Tahoe City is a town on the shore of Lake Tahoe near the Truckee River outlet. Tahoe City is the ultimate small-town shop and stroll experience, where visitors can walk down charming streets, sit at open-air restaurants, and pick up some trinkets from quaint boutiques. Thai vibrant community has a lively culture, endless natural beauty, and plentiful outdoor recreation for the whole family. Not only do Tahoe City visitors have access to Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, but they can also enjoy the Truckee River as it flows out of the lake. From tubing down the lazy river to hitting the nearby slopes, there is always something to do at any season.

5. Kings Beach

The quirky little town of Kings Beach is in Placer County, California, on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. It sits along Agate Bay and is popular for its endless water and other outdoor recreational activities. The public beach in this town is an excellent spot for swimming, picnics, and kayaking. With 1,700 feet of lakefront, Kings Beach has the largest public sandy beach access on the north shore. The downtown area of Kings Beach offers visitors a very walkable district, where you will find hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants.

6. Stateline

While technically in California, Stateline sits on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe, right next to the Nevada border. It’s a popular spot for those wanting to experience the casinos on this side of the lake while staying in a posh resort area. With a spectacular view of all four seasons, Stateline is an excellent place to hike during the fall, swim during the summer, and ski in the winter. Plus, there are excellent golf courses, a state park, and a walkable downtown area with shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

A Recap of the 6 Must-Visit Towns Near Lake Tahoe