Tahoe is, without a doubt, a beautiful spot for a springtime getaway. With everything from stunning vistas to shimmering ski slopes to sandy beaches, there is something for everyone at Lake Tahoe. Spread across both Nevada and California; the iconic lake has served as a favorite spot for travelers for over 150 years. The lake even hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960.
With so many scenic areas around the famous lake, it’s no wonder several towns are spread around the shores and among the mountains surrounding it. With quiet and low-key beach towns to world-class skiing destinations, travelers have plenty of options for where to spend their springtime vacation. To help you pick, here are 10 charming towns around Lake Tahoe to visit this season!
10 Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove has less than 1,000 full-time residents, but that doesn’t stop it from being a fantastic destination for travelers. The town’s relaxed and laid-back vibes make it ideal for a more low-key vacation on the shore of the lake. The town offers plenty of options for fun, with sunbathing on the beach or camping and hiking in the surrounding forest.
- Accommodation: Zephyr Cove Resort
- Address: 760 U.S. Highway 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
- Amenities: Free toiletries, bar, lounge, free WiFi, parking, beach access, hair dryer, pet friendly
9 Genoa
Genoa is a charming and historic town set on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The town was originally settled in the 1850s and claims the title of the oldest town in Nevada. Genoa is known for an abundance of award-winning dining options spread among the historic inns and quaint homes. There are also plenty of scenic nature walks through the foothills and relaxing hot springs.
- Accommodation: Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort
- Address: 2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, NV 89411
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, lounge, restaurant, free WiFi, business center, free parking
8 Carson City
Carson City offers plenty of well-rounded options for a relaxing one-stop spot in the Lake Tahoe area. With everything from scenic hiking trails to culture-rich museums, there is plenty to do and see in this town. Carson City also serves as the capital of Nevada which makes it a must-visit for history fanatics. The city is also really close to both beach and mountain fun for all the highlights the area is known for.
- Accommodation: The Federal Hotel Ascend Hotel Collection
- Address: 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV 89451
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar, lounge, free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, cable TV, free parking
7 Olympic Valley
The city that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, Olympic Valley, is a fantastic destination for winter sports. With such fantastic ski slopes, it's no wonder that this town has such a strong ski and snowboarding culture. But that doesn’t mean there aren't fun things to do when the snow thaws. There are events, music festivals, and more which makes this a great town to visit any time of the year!
- Accommodation: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
- Address: 1750 Village East Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
- Amenities: Fitness center, restaurant, free WiFi, coffee machine, free parking, cable TV
6 Kings Beach
Set along the northern side of the lake, Kings Beach is a fantastic spot to spend the warmer months. As the weather heats up, the town lives up to its name, and people flock to the beach. When not relaxing by the shore, the town is host to plenty of shops, restaurants, and more that all feature a charming and vintage vibe.
- Accommodation: Firelite Lodge
- Address: 7035 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe Vista, CA 96148
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, free WiFi, room service, bar, lounge, restaurant, complimentary toiletries, cable TV
5 Homewood
Homewood is one of the smaller towns around the lake, with just a few hundred permanent residents. The biggest draw to the town is the affordable ski slopes at the Homewood Mountain Resort. The resort features 2 mountains, and the whole time it provides incredible views of the lake. There is also a range of delicious restaurants around town for a variety of tastes!
- Accommodation: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
- Address: 1850 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Amenities: Beachfront location, bar, lounge, room service, free WiFi, free parking, business center, cable TV
4 Truckee
While Truckee isn’t as close to the waters of Lake Tahoe as the other towns on this list, it is still an incredibly popular destination for anyone exploring the area. Commonly referred to as the “Gateway to Tahoe”, the town features a rustic mountain charm all its own. The town also hosts a thriving and independent downtown area with a distinctly laid-back atmosphere.
- Accommodation: Tahoe Mountain Lodging
- Address: 4001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161
- Amenities: Spa facilities, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, lounge, free WiFi, coffee maker, business center
3 South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is undeniably a hub for activity and fun around the lake. It is the biggest town on the lake with plenty to do for anyone visiting the California side of Lake Tahoe. With easy access to both winter adventures and summer activities as well as close proximity to the Nevada casinos, South Lake Tahoe is an incredible town for a Spring Tahoe vacation.
- Accommodation: Station House Inn
- Address: 901 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Amenities: Private beach, outdoor pool, restaurant, free WiFi, coffee machine, business center, free parking
2 Tahoe City
Set along the north shore of the Lake, Tahoe City offers a mix of pristine beauty and luxury. Historic sites and stylish boutiques are spread along the charming streets of this town. The town is also ideally located near both scenic mountain vistas and ski slopes, as well as the shore for water sports.
- Accommodation: Cottage Inn At Lake Tahoe
- Address: 1690 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Amenities: Adults only, private beach, free WiFi, free parking, cable TV
1 Incline Village
Incline Village is one of the most popular and charming spots along Lake Tahoe for a reason. The town is host to many celebrities thanks to the luxurious amenities and stunning beauty. Many of the town’s accommodations feature sweeping views of the lake as well as easy access to the famous Diamond Peak Ski Resort. It’s easy to recommend a visit to Incline Village for a fantastic spring getaway.
- Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
- Address: 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV 89451
- Amenities: Private beach, outdoor pool, fitness center, spa facilities, bar, lounge, restaurant, room service, bike rentals