Lake Tahoe is a vacation destination on the map that never fails to impress travelers from near and far. Whether you head this way to ski in the winter or hit the shorelines in the summer, it’s a location with a lot to look forward to experiencing. While Lake Tahoe certainly has a wide variety of well-known attractions to check out during your visit, it’s also home to some great hidden gems! The following are 10 hidden gems in Lake Tahoe that are worth adding to your list for your next vacation.
Rifle Peak Trail
Half the fun of visiting Lake Tahoe is searching for places where you can enjoy the very best views around. Rifle Peak Trail is a lesser-known route to check out the next time you’re here that’s accessible near Incline Village. In total, the trail runs 3.7 miles out and back, and the surroundings include pine forests and granite outcrops. The lake vistas on this pathway are truly fantastic at sunrise, and the lack of foot traffic along the way makes the experience even more memorable.
Secret Cove
On your next journey to Lake Tahoe, be sure to take some time to check out Secret Cove. Located along the East Shore, Secret Cove is a wonderfully secluded and peaceful beach to enjoy that requires a short but steep hike to reach. It’s great for sunbathing, swimming, or simply sitting back and watching the waves roll in.
Tahoe Via Ferrata
When you’re looking to learn a new skill in the Lake Tahoe area this year, consider adding the Tahoe Via Ferrata to your lineup. Situated in Olympic Valley, this is the place to participate in a guided climbing experience that will take you up the impressive granite walls of Tram Face. It’s an activity that climbers of all skill levels can participate in as you navigate iron runs and fixed steel cables alongside a local expert.
St. Francis of the Mountains Chapel
If you’re a history buff heading to Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to be sure to check out this charming chapel during your next vacation. The St. Francis of the Mountain Chapel was originally built back in 1923 and is a quaint local attraction to admire that’s surrounded by lush aspens. During the summer months, you can tour the interior and get up close to historic artifacts on-site, like a cross that was salvaged from the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco. In other seasons, it’s a truly wonderful place to come for reflection or to use as a beautiful backdrop for photography sessions.
Skunk Harbor
The best hidden gem locations around Lake Tahoe typically take some effort to reach, and Skunk Harbor is among them. This is a captivating and hidden cove on the East Shore that you can reach exclusively by boat or by trekking a 1.5-mile rugged trail. Either way, the reward lies in the fact that when you arrive, you’ll be treated to opportunities to explore historic ruins and admire the surrounding turquoise waters. Those who make time to find this hidden gem will discover it’s a great place for paddleboarding, swimming, or picnicking, too.
Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park
When it’s high-energy thrills you’re after in the area, consider making your way to the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park during your next vacation. This is a great family-friendly stop where you can spend an afternoon navigating aerial challenges, rope bridges, ziplines, and more!
Fallen Leaf Lake
If you make your way South of Lake Tahoe, you’ll be treated to time at the lesser-known Fallen Leaf Lake. Visitors who head this way are often thrilled to find that this serene alpine escape is a picture-perfect place to enjoy everything from fishing and kayaking to paddleboarding without the crowds to contend with. Fallen Leaf Lake also offers up trail access to the summit of Mt. Tallac when you can’t wait to pair your time lakeside with stunning aerial views, too.
Cave Rock
You likely know Cave Rock from its vantage point from the highway when Lake Tahoe is your vacation destination of choice. However, it’s not as widely known that you can also get up close to explore this impressive and meaningful landmark. Doing so requires a short hike to reach the sacred Washoe site, but there are also options to see it from below by kayak, if a watery perspective is more your style!
Emerald Bay Underwater State Park
While many Lake Tahoe visitors spend the majority of their time on the water, there are also opportunities here to take your adventures below the waves. Over at Emerald Bay Underwater State Park, you can put your scuba skills to work and explore an area that’s home to sunken boats, barges, and artifacts well below the surface.
Thunderbird Lodge & Yacht Tour
If a little luxury would go a long way on your next Lake Tahoe stay, adding a Thunderbird Lodge & Yacht Tour to your itinerary is a must! When you step onboard the Tahoe Star, you’ll enjoy a sailing experience on a restored luxury yacht that will cruise you past historic mansions and gorgeous hidden coves alike. In many ways, it’s a tour that takes you back to the Gilded Age as you head over to the lodge’s private dock and get a glimpse of the historic estate that dates back to the 1930s.
Book Your Getaway Today
The next time you’re excited to spend quality time away in Lake Tahoe with family and friends, be sure to book your home-away-from-home through Lake Tahoe Accommodations. We’ll make sure you get settled in a beautiful rental that keeps you close to the fun and immersed in world-class comfort, luxury, and style, too. Reach out today to learn more and to get started.
