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a The ultimate guide to exploring Lake Tahoe

Scenic gondola rides, a Viking castle, and a secret cove...

  • 50
  • 06:32
  • 274 mi
  • $45
Take This Trip

Created by castah - August 30th 2016

Lake Tahoe is pretty much the ultimate vacation spot. Whether you want to relax at a five star resort and maybe visit the spa or casino while taking in some breathtaking scenery, or you want to try something a little more adventurous, like hiking, kayaking, or even parasailing, you'll find it at Tahoe. Plus, it's conveniently located on the border of California and Nevada, so you get the best of both states!

Photo of Lake Tahoe
4.5

CA, US

Lake Tahoe

Since it's such a popular destination, though, it can be hard to decide how to spend you trip-- at a ski lodge, or at a casino, or maybe camping? Hopefully this little guide will help you figure out how to best explore all the wonder Lake Tahoe has to offer!

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3mi 00h 05m

9999 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, US

Vikingsholm Castle

1

Did you know that Lake Tahoe is home to a Viking castle? It is! Vikingsholm was one of the many vacation homes built by the West Coast's wealthiest along Lake Tahoe, but its distinctive design set it apart from other summer homes. You can tour Vikingsholm and learn more about the fascinating woman, Lora Knight, who made it possible.

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11mi 00h 19m
Photo of Heavenly Scenic Gondola Rides
4.7

4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, US

Heavenly Scenic Gondola Rides

2

For more stunning views of the landscape, take a trip on the Heavenly Scenic Gondola Rides! The 2.4 mile trip up the mountain gives you views of the entire lake, plus the Desolation Wilderness and the Carson Valley. There's an observation deck at the top so the views don't have to end when the ride does!

3
21mi 00h 30m
Photo of Bonsai Rock
4.0

Lake Tahoe, NV, US

Bonsai Rock

3

And if you're looking for something on which you can hone your photography skills, check out Bonsai Rock. The huge boulder in the lake has four trees growing up out of it, seemingly against all odds, and is the perfect subject for a photo shoot!

4
22mi 00h 33m
Photo of Jack C. Davis Observatory
5.0

2201 West College Parkway Western Nevada College, Carson City, NV, US

Jack C. Davis Observatory

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5
2mi 00h 07m
Photo of Nevada Governor Mansion
4.1

606 North Mountain Street, Carson City, NV, US

Nevada Governor Mansion

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6
4mi 00h 09m
Photo of Fuji Park
4.5

601 Old Clear Creek Rd, Carson City, NV, US

Fuji Park

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7
2mi 00h 05m

2180 S Carson St, Carson City, NV, US

Nevada State Railroad Museum

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8
1mi 00h 04m
Photo of Nevada State Capitol
4.0

101 North Carson St, Carson City, NV, US

Nevada State Capitol

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9
0mi 00h 01m

600 N Carson St, Carson City, NV, US

Nevada State Museum

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10
0mi 00h 01m

813 North Carson St., Carson City, NV, US

Children's Museum of Northern Nevada

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0mi 00h 01m
Photo of The Bridge
4.0

901 North Stewart Street, Carson City, NV, US

The Bridge

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12
3mi 00h 06m

1500 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City, NV, US

Carson Hot Springs

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13
14mi 00h 24m

166 F St, Virginia City, NV, US

Virginia & Truckee Railroad

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14
0mi 00h 00m
Photo of Thunder Eagle Native Art
4.1

160 S. C St. #B, Virginia City, NV, US

Thunder Eagle Native Art

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15
0mi 00h 01m
Photo of The Castle
2.3

Taylor Street at B Street, Virginia City, NV, US

The Castle

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16
0mi 00h 00m
Photo of The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
4.5

112 S C St, Virginia City, NV, US

The Washoe Club Haunted Museum

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17
0mi 00h 00m

Taylor E Street, Virginia City, NV, US

St Mary's In The Mountains Catholic Church

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18
0mi 00h 00m
Photo of Ponderosa Saloon & Mine
4.3

106 C Street, Virginia City, NV, US

Ponderosa Saloon & Mine

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19
0mi 00h 00m
Photo of Virginia City, Nv
4.5

C Street, Virginia City, NV, US

Virginia City, Nv

19

Some more rad stats to get you excited: Lake Tahoe is North America's largest alpine lake, with a depth up to 1,645 ft, which makes it America's second deepest lake (after Crater Lake). It's also America's sixth largest lake (by volume), just behind the five Great Lakes.