Destination Guides: South Lake Tahoe, United States - City Information

Population:  21,600

Elevation: 

Tahoe City:  6302 feet

Truckee:  5820 feet

Average Temperatures:

If the weather is questionable, call (530) 583-6985 to check cable car operation schedules and weather conditions. In every season, sunscreen is a must because of the greater intensity of the sun’s rays at higher elevations.   A jacket is also recommended, because the temperature is much cooler at Lake Tahoe’s elevation than in the valley.

The Area

North Lake Tahoe (North Shore)  is less developed, and is where most of the large, expensive vacation homes are located. It has more of a wilderness feel  than the South Shore and more opportunities for outdoor recreation, including things like mountain biking in addition to traditional outdoor sports.

North Lake Tahoe is a seasonally inhabited area that stretches along 40 miles of shoreline.  It contains  three residential communities as well as the Tahoe and Toiyabe National Forests and a number of state parks.  The resort communities are known as the West shore; the North shore, and the Truckee River Canyon area. 

South Lake Tahoe (South Shore)  is much more populated and developed,  with a concentration of casinos, miles of motels, shops, restaurants, etc. There is always lots to do in and around this area.  It is also well known for its clubs, restaurants and night life.

If you're going in the summer, plan to jet-ski, parasail, and take a hot air balloon ride right off the lake!

The Lake Tahoe area straddles the Nevada/California border. The state line cuts through the lake lengthwise, so that the western shore is in California; the eastern shore in Nevada and some properties situated north and south of the Lake are in both States.  One such hotel even has a dotted line running through its rooms to indicate in which State occupants are located.

The drive entirely around Lake Tahoe is 72 miles in length and takes about three hours.  It is recommended during the summer months only.   During the winter, Highway 89, which runs along the west shore and connects South Tahoe and Tahoe City closes when there is too much snow.  There is good public transportation to all points of interest.  Summer and winter are the optimal times to visit the Lake Tahoe area. 

Remember that there is the possibility of snow in the higher elevations throughout the year.  Always check the weather forecast before driving into the mountains in order to be prepared.

Lake Tahoe, South Shore and North Shore Casinos

South Lake Tahoe casinos include  Caesars, Harrah’s, Harvey’s, Horizon, and the Lakeside Inn. 

North Lake Tahoe casinos include the  Hyatt Regency in Incline Village and the  Cal-Neva and Biltmore in Crystal Bay!.

Gambling Age:  Persons under 21 years of age are not permitted by law to gamble.  They can walk through the casinos, but cannot stop at any of the games.  They are allowed to wait in line for a show or a restaurant table with their parents.

Getting There

Airport:  The South Lake Tahoe airport has flights to and from the  major airports in California.   The airport is located just south of the city on Highway 50.  Several airlines fly into Reno International Airport.  The Tahoe casino express operates a shuttle service between  Reno International Airport and Lake Tahoe. 

Airport:  Tahoe-Truckee is a non-commercial airport for small private planes.  It is located southeast of Truckee.

Road Conditions:  Telephone 1-800-427-7623 for information on winter driving conditions and road closures. 

Bus:  South Lake Tahoe is serviced by greyhound on a regular, daily basis from all major cities.  The terminal is located inside Harrah’s  Hotel-Casino on Lake Tahoe Blvd.  For information telephone (702) 588-4645.

Travel in the area:  Van shuttles go back and forth between the hotels and the casinos daily at 1/2 hour intervals

California side trip: San Francisco is an easy 3.5 hour drive from Lake Tahoe. Take Hwy 50 west to Sacramento and then I-80 to San Francisco. This would be the best route from South Lake Tahoe. (You can also take I-80 all the way which would be the best from North Lake Tahoe.