Lake Tahoe has the best autumn season in the United States. Hear me out.

Perhaps it’s just me. Fall has always been my favorite season. It’s a feeling that has transcended wherever I live. Growing up in Michigan and later living on the East Coast, fall meant beautiful color changes in the trees and the arrival of refreshingly crisp air after hot, humid summers. Living in the Bay Area, fall easily provided the best weather of the year as the summer fog subsided and gave way to beautiful blue skies and 70 degree days.

But, autumn in South Lake Tahoe may be my favorite version yet. Fall in Lake Tahoe is unique. The season touches on all of the things that make Lake Tahoe an amazing place. The season begins in September when daily temperatures are often still in the mid-70s, beaches are less crowded, there is less boat traffic on the lake and the water is still swimmable as the temperature hasn’t yet plummeted into winter mode. In October, the crisp air arrives, pine trees begin dropping their cones and needles and Aspen trees turn bright yellow. Finally, the excitement grows as snow begins to arrive. By late November, the ski resorts are buzzing and the chair lifts loaded with skiers and snowboarders excited to see which version of Tahoe winter will show up. Fall in Lake Tahoe is the perfect season.

There are plenty of fall activities all around the 72 miles of Lake Tahoe. In this post, I’m focusing more on the south shore of the lake due to all the family friendly fall activities located in and around South Lake Tahoe, California. So, if you’re planning a visit to Lake Tahoe to get your fall fix, read on for 22 of the best fall activities in Lake Tahoe!

About South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the largest “city” in the Tahoe basin. I use quotes because it’s not a city in the sense you might think of cities. However, with over 21,000 residents it’s the largest of the lake towns in the region and has a lot more to offer when it comes to diversity of restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals, shopping and activities. It’s also adjacent to the Nevada state line, where simply crossing the street leads you to a few easily recognizable Nevada casinos.

Respecting Lake Tahoe

With the crystal clear waters of the lake, secluded hike-in beach coves nearby, world class hiking and some of the west coast’s best skiing and snowboarding, we feel very fortunate to call South Lake Tahoe home. But, I’d be doing a disservice to myself and all Tahoe locals if I didn’t mention the most important aspect of spending time in Lake Tahoe. For everyone that lives here, there is a reverence for nature and yearning for the protection of the natural environment. There is no denying that the more popular a destination becomes, the bigger the challenge is to protect the environment from the downsides of tourism. From the crystal clear lake, to the beautiful beaches, the panoramic hiking trails and desolate forest land, Tahoe is full of natural gems. Lake Tahoe isn’t just another place. It’s a sacred region teeming with natural beauty. Please, if you’re planning a visit, be a respectful steward of the natural environment. Enjoy all that Tahoe offers, but pick up after yourself (and others), pack it in-pack it out and leave no trace to help support the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan.

22 Best Fall Activities in Lake Tahoe

Outdoor Activities

Getting outdoors to connect with nature is why most people come to Lake Tahoe. Here are a few of our favorite outdoorsy fall activities to enjoy in Lake Tahoe.

• Stroll an empty beach. Bring a blanket, some light jackets and a picnic to one of the many beautiful beaches. Some of our favorite places to pop in for an afternoon beach stroll or sunset (definitely bring jackets and a blanket!) are Nevada Beach, Baldwin Beach and Zephyr Cove. And please remember what I said earlier about taking care of the environment. Please leave no trace to support the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan.

• Take a quick dip in the lake! Depending on the timing of your fall visit, you may even be able to take a swim in the lake. The water temperatures are generally still tolerable until the end of September, but often cool down quickly once the overnight temperatures begin to drop in October. Please use caution and common sense. See above for some of our favorite spots to enjoy the lake.

• Take a hike on a crisp, fall day! There is no shortage of hiking trails throughout the Lake Tahoe region, but here are a few easy to moderate trails near South Lake Tahoe to get your steps in while taking in the scenic views! The Lam Watah Nature Trail is rated as easy on All Trails. It’s just over the state line into Nevada and is a flat, 2.8 mile out and back trail through meadow and forest and as a bonus loops through Nevada Beach (see above). The Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek is another easy stroll for the kiddos near South Lake Tahoe. Just a bit outside of town as you head up HWY 89, the Vikingsholm Trail is moderate and offers fantastic views of Emerald Bay. Also nearby, both the Cascade Falls Trail and Eagle Lake Trail offer a bit more adventure while still maintaining a moderate rating on All Trails.

• Rent a bike (or bring yours) and explore! Stop by Anderson’s Bike Rental and and cruise through the forest on the Pope-Baldwin bike path (south shore). Anderson’s is located near the start of the Pope-Baldwin bike path and offers a variety of bike styles and sizes for the whole family. On your ride, pop into The Beacon Gar & Grill in Camp Richardson for a bite.

  Alternatively, head north and rent an e-bike from Flume Trail Bikes to take in the magnificent views from the East Shore Trail! Experienced mountain bikers can rent a MTB and ride the famous Flume Trail.

• Hit the slopes with some early season skiing or snowboarding! There are plenty of mountain resorts in the Lake Tahoe region, but if you’re based in South Lake Tahoe, it’s easiest get your groomer, tree skiing and terrain park fix at either Heavenly, Kirkwood or Sierra-at-Tahoe. Resorts often open for the season in late November, weather permitting. For the 2023-2024 season, Heavenly plans to open on Friday, November 17th and Kirkwood aims to open by Friday, December 1st.

• Stroll the Shops at Heavenly village! Sometimes grabbing a coffee and just strolling through some shops is all you need to relax. The Shops at Heavenly Village are located near the Nevada state line and at the base of the Heavenly Gondola. There are 40 shops, 10 restaurants/cafes, a cinema, live theater and even an outdoor ice skating rink that opens in October.

Cozy Activities

“Fall” and “Cozy” are two words that belong together. Lake Tahoe has no shortage of cozy, fall activities and here are just a few of our recommendations!

• Grab a drink and warm up by a fire! There isn’t much that says “Fall in Tahoe” more than a warm drink next to a cozy fire. Both Basecamp Hotel and Lakeview Social are fantastic spots to grab a drink, cozy up by the fireplace or show off your skills with a game corn hole bean bag toss. Both spots offer a beer garden style outdoor atmosphere (see Basecamp photo above) and great draft beer selection. For local brewery fans, South of North Brewing is locate on site at Basecamp Hotel. If coffee is more your pace, Revive Coffee & Wine is located on site at Lakeview Social while Trailfolk Coffee is located on site at Basecamp Hotel.

• Enjoy the best German food and bier this side of Munich! That’s my opinion, of course. But being that I have German heritage, have spent months in Germany and have a true appreciation for German food and drink, Himmel Haus wins the day, hands down. Himmel Haus is located adjacent to the California Lodge of Heavenly Resort, so after a day hiking or carving up the mountain, you can refuel yourself with a Bavarian pretzel, schnitzel, käse spaetzle, or wurst platter. If you’re looking for something lighter, their brussels sprouts and roasted cauliflower are amazing. And of course, you can’t mention a German restaurant without mentioning their beer. Himmel Haus has a huge menu of unique draft and bottled beer from Germany and beyond.

• Cozy up in a suite at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe! South Lake Tahoe’s only all-suite hotel, opening in November 2023, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is located right in the action near Heavenly Village and Stateline, NV. This spot is great for families because the beach themed suites feature separate bedroom and living room spaces with a dining table and wet bar. The hotel also features a nine-story lobby with the License to Chill Bar providing ample seating – forming a central hub for guests. The resort’s other restaurants include LandShark Bar & Grill, Joe Merchant’s, perfect shop for coffee, breakfast and snacks; Come Monday Café, a breakfast restaurant; and JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, which is an acclaimed, laid-back yet luxury restaurant serving meat and fresh seafood. Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is a great place to base yourself for a visit to South Lake Tahoe!

• Relax with your own private fireplace and luxurious soaking tub! If you prefer to have your dose of luxury right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, make sure to book a stay at Desolation Hotel. Desolation Hotel is a micro resort, where adventure meets luxury and we can’t recommend it enough! All of their room types (Studio, Townhomes and Suite) offer private balconies with soaking tubs and indoor/outdoor fireplaces. Cozy up!

Scenic View Activities

It’s not hard to find a great view in Lake Tahoe. Sometimes the hard part is deciding which type of view you want! Lakes, mountains, trails, beaches, pine trees oh my! Here are a few suggestions to satisfy your eyes!

• Take a gondola ride! Skiers and snowboarders aren’t the only ones that can enjoy the views from Heavenly Resort. Take a ride on the Heavenly Gondola for some of the most epic views of Lake Tahoe. First, hop off at the observation deck to take in the panoramic scenery. Then hop back on the gondola and end at the Tamarack Lodge for some food and drinks. Note: As of this blog post publish date of September 15th, the Heavenly Gondola has closed early for the fall 2023 season due to scheduled maintenance.

• Visit a State Park! Tahoe is teeming with beauty and what better way to experience it than to visit a state park. Both California and Nevada have plenty to choose from, but a few of our favorite spots around the lake for great views are Emerald Bay State Park, Sugar Pine Point State Park and Cave Rock. To keep everyone safe and to keep traffic flowing, please park only in designated areas.

• Take a cruise on Tahoe’s paddlewheel boat! The M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheel Cruise is an experience not to be missed. The paddlewheel boat is the largest cruising boat on the lake with a capacity of 500 guests and the views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the upper deck of the boat are amazing. There are afternoon and dinner/sunset cruise options throughout the fall season.

• Experience Tahoe from above in a hot air balloon! Fall is the optimal time to find yourself high above the lake in a hot air balloon with Lake Tahoe Balloons. Light winds in the early part of the season provide the perfect way to experience a bird’s eye view of the entire lake! Trips are dependent on the wind and usually last 4-5 hours total.

• Charter a boat with a captain! Check out Lake Tahoe Boat Rides! This company is one of the best on the lake in providing captain-included boat tours! With an experienced and knowledgeable captain, you will visit some of the most beautiful, boat-in only spots on the lake. This is weather permitting, of course and would be best experienced in September or early October.

Rainy Day Activities

You never know when you might have a rainy day on your hands! Luckily, there are a ton of great indoor options to keep yourself busy should you encounter some precipitation! Here are a few of our favorite rainy day activities for Lake Tahoe!

• Play some indoor mini golf and duffleboard! If you haven’t heard of Flatstick Pub you’re in for a treat! This spot is great for some indoor fun and caters to all ages. Here you’ll find an indoor mini golf course as well as duffleboard. What is duffleboard, you ask? You have to see it for yourself, but imagine table top putting green style shuffleboard. It’s fantastic. They also have tasty food and a huge draft beer list. Kids are allowed until 8pm and dogs are even allowed on their outdoor patio.

• Go to the movies! Located in Heavenly Village is the Heavenly Village Cinema. They usually have six different movies on the list and many showtimes per day.

• Get your magic on! Also located in Heavenly Village, The Loft hosts a nightly magic show, called Magic Fusion. Magic Fusion is a highly rated show that features magicians from all over the world. The show is 75 minutes of high energy entertainment suitable for all ages.

• Enjoy a relaxing spa day! If you’re in the mood to relax, rejuvenate and restore, Elements Spa is your spot. Located at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge, Elements Spa has a full list of services as well as access to the private beach, outdoor pool (seasonal), hot tub and dry sauna.

• Brewery crawl through South Lake Tahoe! Calling all craft beer lovers! South Lake Tahoe has no shortage of tasty brews and a rainy day could make for quite the beer tour. Here are just a few of spots to grab a pint, heading from north to south: Stateline Brewery, South of North Brewery, Sidellis, Cold Water Brewery, The Hangar, Aleworx and one of my personal favorites, South Lake Tahoe Brewing Company. To drink responsibly, make sure to check out Lake Link for free rides around town!

Nearby Activities

Sometimes you find yourself in the mood for a drive! There are some can’t miss fall activities not far from Lake Tahoe, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t share a couple of our favorites!

• Enjoy fall festivities in Apple Hill! Our favorite family friendly spot is Hidden Star Camino. I can’t convey just how amazing this place is for kids. We visited in October and our 2 and 5 year old were in heaven. There was face painting. There were a variety of tasty doughnuts. There was cider (both hard and kid friendly). There was an old fire truck and airplane (yes, airplane) for the kids to climb on, play on, sit in the driver’s seat, etc. There were multiple sand boxes with sand toys. There was a miniature “town” with play houses that the kids were running amongst. It was perfect for the kids and the adults got to enjoy the doughnuts and hard cider. And, we didn’t even get to the pumpkin patch. Definitely visit this spot in the fall if you have kids!

• Stroll through the Aspen forests for some leaf peeping in Hope Valley! Located about 20 minutes south of South Lake Tahoe is Hope Valley. It’s easily one of the best local spots to view the fall foliage. Many times the autumn colors can be enjoyed right from the main road, and a good bet for some vibrant fall colors is along SR 88 between Luther Pass Rd (SR 89) and Blue Lakes Road. There are a few different parking areas but this one near the junction of SR 88 and Blue Lakes Road is decent sized.

So, is there a better fall destination than Lake Tahoe?

Not a chance! Of course, I’m clearly biased. But, if you like variety and the ability to change from one activity to the next as fast as the weather changes, then Lake Tahoe might be your spot. I sincerely hope you found this article helpful in planning your fall activities! Now, excuse me as I go get some beach time, err, hiking, no wait, maybe boating? But then over to Hope Valley when the fall colors pop? It’s a lot to fit in before skiing down the California side of Heavenly and grabbing a beer at Himmel Haus! Fall in Lake Tahoe is the perfect season.

About Ben & The FUNemployed Family

We were just your everyday family slogging through corporate jobs, living in the burbs and loathing our long commutes. When our daughter was 1 year old we realized our status quo wasn’t sustainable. So in 2018, long before the remote work covid boom, we took a chance on ourselves and quit our corporate jobs, sold our house and possessions and packed up a few toddler toys bought a one way ticket to Europe. One year, one world lap and 25 countries later, we were all in on the digital nomad lifestyle. But, our journey was just getting started. We invite you to read more about our story to see what we’re up to now and to come say hi on Instagram.

Note: This post was sponsored by the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, but the recommendations, suggestions and opinions are always my own! To learn more, click here.

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