Welcome to the Lake Tahoe Tour
Explore Lake Tahoe’s dazzlingly blue waters and stunning mountainous backdrop with this self-guided audio tour! Drive around the entirety of the lake as you learn about its origins, admire its breathtaking vistas, and dive into its Gilded Age history. Explore hikes, historic homes, and waterfall views along the Lake Tahoe tour.
About the Lake Tahoe Tour
Our circuit of Lake Tahoe Tour begins in Stateline on the southern shore. From there, we’ll make an easy clockwise loop around the lake.
As we drive, we’ll learn about the heated debate between California and Nevada over who technically owns the lake, and visit the wild summer home of a man who insisted people called his cabin the Vatican.
Next up, we’ll see a few more impressive homes along the shore, including more than one inspired by viking longhouses! Then we’ll visit Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel. This bay offers stunning views of the water and the mountains beyond, as well as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and any other water activities you could want.
If you’re in the mood for a waterfall, stop by the Eagle Falls trailhead to see the only waterfall which flows into the lake. Then hear the spooky tale of how Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette, is supposedly haunted! As we continue on the Lake Tahoe tour, we’ll fill you in on the Washoe tribe, who lived here long before any European explorers put it on a map.
Hankering for a white sand beach? That’s up next at Meeks Bay, a perfect spot to catch some sun. When you’ve had enough of that, get the scoop on a presidential visit to the lake, famous residents who occupy the houses along the shore, and turn back the clock to learn about the lake’s origins.
Pay a visit to Carnelian Bay after that, where boat racing used to be a seriously big deal in the ‘30s and ‘40s. Then say hello to Kings Beach on the north shore, a perfect picnic spot with views that will make you feel like you’re actually a king. We’ll pass by the Cal Neva casino next, which straddles the border between California and Nevada and was once owned by Frank Sinatra!
As you pass by a few more stunning estates, we’ll help you identify some of the area’s wildlife and point you to the Secret Cove–a perfect spot for those looking for some secluded serenity. Finally, we’ll visit a 300-foot-high vista point for that perfect photo op and end up by Cave Rock, a remnant of the lake’s most ancient history. Our tour concludes here.
2025 Update: Construction will continue until summer 2025, causing traffic delays but no closures. Click here for more.
Download the Lake Tahoe National Park Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Lake Tahoe Map
Where To Start?
The tour begins on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near the Explore Tahoe Visitor Center. As you drive south in a clockwise direction, you’ll see Heavenly Sports and the Visitor Center on your left. Please note, this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with any of the businesses here, so their staff won’t have information about this tour.
The tour begins on Highway 28, near the Safeway parking lot. As you drive counter-clockwise on Highway 28, the Safeway parking lot on your right and North Tahoe Beach on your left. Please note, this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with any of the businesses here, so their staff won’t have information about this tour.
The tour begins on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near the Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe. As you drive northbound, the Heavenly Gondola and Explore Tahoe Visitor Center will be on your right. Please note, this is a suggested starting point. We are not affiliated with any nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour.
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome! Tahoe South Visitor Center
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America's Most Beautiful Lake
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California vs. Nevada
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Pope Cabin at Tallac Historic Site
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Baldwin Estate at Tallac Historic Site
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Valhalla at Tallac Historic Site
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Pope Beach
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Mount Tallac
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Coming up: Vikingsholm
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Emerald Bay State Park
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Fannette Island
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Eagle Falls Trailhead
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Vikingsholm Parking
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Emerald Bay's Hidden Secret
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Ghosts of Fannette
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History to Remember
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Fremont's Adventures
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Meeks Bay
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Detour: Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
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Presidential Visit to Lake Tahoe
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Lake View
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Famous Residents
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Tahoe Pines
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It's HOW Old?
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Detour: Olympic Valley
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Welcome! Tahoe City Visitor Information Center
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Too Big to See Across
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Alpine Weather
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Carnelian Bay
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Kings Beach State Recreation Area
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Cal Neva Lodge & Casino
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Sinatra's Relation with Cal Neva
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Cal Neva's Fading Glory
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Not Your Average Skiing
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Animals of Lake Tahoe
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Memorial Point
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Sand Harbor
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The Ong
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Tahoe Tessie
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Hauntings of Tahoe
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Logan Shoals Vista Point
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Lady of the Lake or Cave Rock
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Lake Tahoe has been named the most beautiful lake in the United States, and for good reason! Because Lake Tahoe is a glacial lake, it’s unbelievably clear and clean, making it a truly special body of water.
Lake Tahoe actually sits directly on the border between California and Nevada. The lake’s western half is in California, while the eastern half is in Nevada.
Lake Tahoe has year-round appeal. In the summers, visitors can swim, fish, boat, and plenty more. Winters mean skiing, snow-shoeing, and skating. There’s something for everyone here!
Lake Tahoe formed about two million years ago, thanks to a combination of tectonic, volcanic, and glacial activity. It was home to the Washoe tribe for hundreds of years, became an important hub during the Gold Rush, and is now one of America’s top vacation destinations.
Lake Tahoe didn’t become one of the country’s top tourist destinations by accident. The incredible hikes, crystal-clear water, and extravagant, historic vacation homes lining the shore make for an unforgettable place people come back to year after year.
Lake Tahoe gets its name from the Washoe people, though theories vary as to the exact origin. One theory is that it comes from the Washoe phrase “Da ow a ga,” meaning “edge of the lake.” Early explorers misheard the first syllables of this as “Tahoe” and used that for the lake’s name!
Absolutely! Frequent heavy snows in the winter make this alpine locale one of the best places in the country for skiing and other winter sports.
The best month to visit Lake Tahoe depends entirely on what activities you’re looking for. Stick to the warmer months if you’d like to lounge shoreside, go kayaking, or take a swim (June tends to be less crowded than July). Visit in the winter for amazing skiing and other winter sports. There’s really never a bad time to go!
Lake Tahoe is home to the lavish estate where scenes from The Godfather: Part II were filmed! It’s also the largest alpine lake in North America!
Lake Tahoe is sometimes called “Lake of the Sky” thanks to its altitude: A staggering 6,225 feet! Because Lake Tahoe’s water is so clear, and often very still, its surface also often reflects the clouds quite clearly, adding an extra meaning to the nickname.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
