2024 Lake Tahoe Visitors Guide
Reno / Lake Tahoe is one of the nation’s hot spots. Glitter and gold are on the minds and in the hearts of thousands of visitors every year. There are nightly shows, great dining, and world-famous live entertainment to thrill and dazzle every visitor. Reno / Lake Tahoe is the birthplace for Nevada’s gambling and entertainment. Casinos will amaze you with their shows, attractions, and nonstop gaming, you don’t have to leave them to have a great vacation.
There are countless possibilities for fun and adventure outside the casinos in Reno/Lake Tahoe all year round. Summertime is a playground for the playful. You can camp, horseback ride, bike, hike, and enjoy every water sport imaginable. There are lakes in abundance where you can sail, water ski, wakeboard, jet ski, windsurf, canoe, kayak, fish, swim, scuba or simply relax on a sunny beach. Winter also boasts of world-class fun where the snow lingers well into spring giving Tahoe one of the longest snow sporting seasons on earth.
Are you on a budget?
No matter, Reno / Lake Tahoe has accommodations for everyone. The exclusive resort to the budget hotel is all on the menu. We have tons of hotels in the Reno / Lake Tahoe area at up to 40% off regular rates. You can check real-time rates and availability quickly and securely before making your reservation. We also have car rentals available from all of the major car rental companies in the Reno / Lake Tahoe Area such as Thrifty, Alamo, Budget, National, and many more. Car rental companies are displayed according to your dates of travel and location of rental. Our goal is to make your vacation planning as easy and comfortable as the vacation itself.
You will never go hungry while in Reno / Lake Tahoe. There will be many restaurants and cuisines ranging from seafood to steaks and atmospheres ranging from casual to formal.. You will be able to choose from many restaurants Great food available any time of day or night is what you will find in Reno / Lake Tahoe. Shopping is also on the menu. Everything you could want from everyday items to unique souvenirs can be found right down the street.
What to See and Do in Lake Tahoe
Reno/Lake Tahoe has plenty to see and do even if you don’t ski, golf, or gamble. What other fun things can you and your family do in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area? No trip to Reno is complete without a trip to the National Automobile Museum. Along with several traditional states of the art movie theaters, Reno is also home to two locations that show large-format adventure films. You can also find plenty of water sports including fishing, diving, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Check below for some of the best attractions and activities in Reno/Lake Tahoe. Browse around the rest of the site for other valuable information and resources.
Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary
Located North of Reno, 11.5 miles East of Highway 395 (Red Rock exit 78), this desert wildlife preserve hosts an array of fascinating animals including burrowing owls, kit foxes, wolves, a black bear, a mountain lion and more! Open April through October, Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30pm Spring and Fall months, weekends only. (775)969-3111
Boomtown Family Fun Center
The latest in video games! Antique Carousel, Miniature Golf and Motion Theatre with 4 thrilling programs including Space Pin-Ball and The Devil’s Mine! Antique Carousel: $1.00 Motion Theatre: $3.00 Miniature Golf: $2.75 (775)345-6000 or (800) 648-3790
Circus-Circus Mezzanine Arcade
Video amusement and free circus act all day! Circus arcade games! Win fabulous prizes including giant stuffed animals! (775)329-0711 or (800) 648-5010
Fleischmann Planetarium – Entertaining and informative star shows in the SkyDome Theatre, as well as telescope viewing weekly! Also, a unique gift shop featuring glow-in-the-dark constellation maps, freeze-dried foods and much more! Call for current star and dome theatre shows! (775)784-4812
Fun Quest
Video games, Magnetic Bumper-Cars, Galaxian Video Game Theatre and Laser Tag! Reno Hilton also offers a 50 lane bowling alley, 2 screen movie theater and shopping mall. Bumper Cars: $2.00 Galaxian Video Theatre: $2.00 Laser Tag: $6.00 (775)789-2000 or (800) 648-5080
Magic Carpet Golf
Video games and 3 golf courses! Two 19-hole and one 28-hole. Also, Giorgio’s Pizzeria! 19 hole course: $5.00 28 hole course: $7.00 (775)853-8837
Planet Hollywood
The restaurant chain established by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis! Visitors can expect to see an extensive collection of world-famous Hollywood memorabilia in addition to previewing trailers of soon-to-be-released movies! Be sure to see the handprint wall featuring the palms of Hollywood’s most prominent! The featured menu offers California new classic cuisine. (775)323-7837
Playland Amusement Rides in Idlewild Park
Where family fun never stops! Ride the T-Cups, Merry-Go-Round, Flying Planes, Mini- Roller Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl and famous Mini-Train!
The Reno Arch – The celebrated icon of the Biggest Little City presents many a photo opportunity for visiting tourists! If you’re a history buff, visit the old arch bordering the Truckee River near the corner of Lake and Mill streets!
Sierra Safari Petting Zoo
See, feed, touch & play with exotic animals! More than one hundred and fifty animals including pot-belly pigs, emus, 4-horn sheep, deer & zebras! Open April 1st to November 1st. (775)677-1101
Wilbur D. May Great Basin Family Adventure
An adventure to explore! Enjoy panning for gold or riding the Log Flume! Visit the Discovery Room where children can dress up in various period costumes! Also featured are dinosaur exhibits, the Great Basin Mine Slide and a small petting zoo with chickens, sheep, miniature goats and potbelly pigs! (775)785-5961
Wild Island Family Recreation Center
Open year-round (Water Slides: May through September) The ultimate family fun destination! Video & arcade games, two 18 hole miniature golf courses, 3 go-cart raceways for all ages, and of course, the Wild Waters Super Slides featuring The Viper and Voodoo Express! Miniature Golf: 18 holes- $3.95 36 holes-$5.95 Raceway: Mini-Electric Race Cars- $1.50 Sprint Cars- $2.00 Indy Cars- $3.50 (775)331-WILD or 359-2927
Where to Eat in Lake Tahoe
Time for dinner? Reno / Lake Tahoe has plenty to offer, ranging from seafood to steaks and from Chinese to Buffet-style restaurants. Make no mistake Reno / Lake Tahoe has more to offer than just dinner. Look for great restaurants serving outstanding breakfasts, great lunches as well as savory dinners.
Where to Stay Lake Tahoe
Reno / Lake Tahoe offers every accommodation imaginable. If you are looking for a modern sophisticated hotel or resort to entertain business clients or just comfortable accommodations for the family you will find them by the beach, mountain or downtown in Reno / Lake Tahoe. Accommodations are available in a variety of flavors. Resorts with all the comforts of home, comfortable inns, luxurious condos and business class hotels are all here to fit any of your needs.
Shopping in Lake Tahoe
Shopping in Reno & Lake Tahoe is fantastic. Shops cater to all types of shoppers, from the fashion conscious to the bargain savvy there is a shop to fit all desires. Malls, outlets, shops, and plazas are all on the menu for the adventurous shopper. Please take advantage of all Reno & Lake Tahoe shopping offers and pick yourself up a unique souvenir or a designer outfit.
Casinos in Lake Tahoe
Reno/Lake Tahoe is the birthplace of Nevada gaming, and they know your favorite games. Go ahead, try your hand at blackjack, poker, Pai Gow, roulette or craps. Give the slot machines a whirl. Throughout Reno/Tahoe you’ll find progressive slot machines that can make you a multi-millionaire with just one pull. If you’re a sports fan, you can wager on your favorite college and pro games, horse racing, boxing – even golf and tennis.
Golf Courses in Lake Tahoe
Name your terrain: mountains, deserts, forest or lakes. It’s all here. The scenery will take your breath away and you’ll watch your shots soar farther than ever. Reno/Lake Tahoe’s high altitude means your ball will literally cut through thin air. The heady mountain atmosphere offers less resistance to flying objects. Get the picture? Kiss that high handicap goodbye!
| Name | City | Holes | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bijou Municipal Golf Course (530) 542-6097 |
S. Lake Tahoe, CA | 9 | $15. – $30. |
| Edgewood (775) 588-3566 |
S. Lake Tahoe, CA | 18 | $175. – $250. |
| Lake Tahoe Golf Course (530) 577-0788 |
S. Lake Tahoe, CA | 18 | $45. – $65. |
| Tahoe Paradise (530) 577-2121 |
S. Lake Tahoe, CA | 18 | $33. – $48. |
| Incline Village Championship (775) 832-1144 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 18 | $60. – $120. |
| Incline Village Mountain (775) 832-1150 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 18 | $30. – $50. |
| Northstar at Tahoe (530) 562-2490 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 18 | $85. |
| Old Brockway Golf Course (530) 546-9909 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 9 | $27. – $60. |
| Ponderosa Golf Course (530) 587-3501 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 9 | $29. – $70. |
| Resort at Squaw Creek (530) 583-6300 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 18 | $120. |
| Tahoe City Golf Course (530) 583-1516 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 9 | $20. – $50. |
| Tahoe Donner Golf Course (530) 587-9440 |
N. Lake Tahoe, NV | 18 | $100. |
| ArrowCreek Golf Club (775)850-4630 |
Reno, NV | 18 | $80. – $90. |
| Brookside Reno Municipal GC (775)856-6009 |
Reno, NV | 9 | $11. |
| Lake Ridge Golf Course (775)825-2200 |
Reno, NV | 18 | $70. – $85. |
| Rosewood Lakes Golf Course (775)857-2892 |
Reno, NV | 18 | $37. – $50. |
| Sierra Sage Golf Course (775)972-1564 |
Reno, NV | 18 | $40. |
| Wolf Run Golf Club (775)851-3301 |
Reno, NV | 18 | $55. – $60. |
Down Hill Skiing in Reno & Lake Tahoe
Reno/Lake Tahoe has 18 world-class alpine and cross-country ski resorts minutes away, leaving you with one challenging run after another. We have terrain for all types of skiers and riders. Whether you prefer alpine, cross-country, snowboarding or backcountry, we have millions of acres of snow just waiting for you to discover. And no one can match Reno/Lake Tahoe’s skiing excitement.
Ski Areas
ALPINE MEADOWS
Location: 6 miles northwest of Tahoe City, CA, on Hwy. 89
PO Box 5279, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Info: (800)441-4423, (530)583-4232
Specific Information:
Terrain: 2000 acres – 25% Beginner; 40% More Difficult; 35% Most Difficult/Expert, 100+ trails. Snowmaking on 10 of 12 lifts
Lifts: 1 high-speed 6 passenger chair, 1 high-speed quad, 4 triples, 5 doubles, 1 surface
Amenities: Rental and repair shop, day lodge with large sun deck, bar, restaurant, cocktail lounge, cafeteria, on-mountain snack bars, sport shop, boulangerie, mid-mountain deli.
Shuttle: free daily north and west shore bus.
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT
Location: Hwy. 89, 6 miles south of Tahoe City, 19 miles north of So. Lake Tahoe.
5145 W. Lake Blvd., PO Box 165, Homewood, CA 96141
Info: (530)525-2992
Specific Information:
Terrain: 15% Beginner; 50% Intermediate; 35% Advanced; Double Black Diamond skiing on Quail Face; Skiable Acres: 1260
Lifts: 1 quad chair, 2 triple chairs, 1 double chair, 4 surface lifts
Amenities: Two lodges, one sun-deck lodge; Rental shop with full ski and snowboard packages; retail shop. Two restaurants and café. Also open for summer events, weddings and receptions.
MT. ROSE
Location: 22222 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89511
Info: 775-849-0704 or 1-800-SKI-ROSE
Specific Information:
Terrain: 30% beginner, 35% intermediate, 35% advanced
Main side (Main Lodge) – Uncrowded runs for beginners, trails, and trees for intermediates and challenging face runs for experts.Grand Lake Tahoe views.
East Bowl – Long runs, great glades, awesome views of the Washoe Valley and some of the best powder conditions around. For intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders only.
Trails: 43
Chairlifts: 2 quad chairs, 3 triple chairs
NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE
Location: Hwy 267 at Northstar Drive (6 miles between Truckee and No. Lake Tahoe), Truckee, CA 96161
Info: (530)562-1010
Specific Information:
Terrain: 25% Beginner; 50% Intermediate; 25% Advanced, 50% of 63 runs have snowmaking, 2,420 acres of terrain
Lifts: 3 surface, 2 double chairs, 2 triple chairs, 4 express quads, express gondola
Amenities: On-site lodging and shuttle service, restaurants, bars, gourmet deli, pizza parlor, ski/snowboard rentals, repair shop, ski shop, licensed child care center, Swim & Racquet Club, ski/snowboard teaching area; snowmobile tours, terrain parks, snowshoeing, tubing.
SQUAW VALLEY USA
Location: 1960 Squaw Valley Rd., PO Box 2007, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Info: (800)401-9216
Specific Information:
Terrain: 4,000 acres – 25% Beg., 45% Int., 30% Adv.; 6,200′ base elevation, 9,050′ summit, 2,850′ vertical drop, 360 acres of snowmaking, longest run is 3 miles
Lifts: 1 cable car, 1 funitel, 2 high-speed six-pacs, 4 high speed quads, 1 fixed quad, 8 triples, 8 doubles, 4 surface, 1 pulse lift
Amenities: Over 30 restaurants & bars, year-round recreation complex, luxurious accommodations.
SUGAR BOWL
Location: 10 miles west of Truckee, and 45 miles west of Reno on I-80, at the Norden exit. PO Box 5, Norden, California 95724
Info: (530)426-9000
Specific Information:
Terrain: 1,500 acres, 17% Beginner, 43% Intermediate, 40% Advanced/Expert
Lifts: 3 express quads, 4 fixed-grip quads, 3 doubles, 2 surface lifts, 1 gondola
Amenities: Historic lodging, fine dining, 3 cafeterias, espresso bar,
3 bars and 2 on-site Sugar Bowl Ski & Sports shops with rentals.
Cross Country Skiing in Reno & Lake Tahoe
Reno/Lake Tahoe has 18 world-class alpine and cross-country ski resorts minutes away, leaving you with one challenging run after another. We have terrain for all types of skiers and riders. Whether you prefer alpine, cross-country, snowboarding or backcountry, we have millions of acres of snow just waiting for you to discover. And no one can match Reno/Lake Tahoe’s skiing excitement.
Northstar Cross Country, Telemark & Snowshoe Center
[530]562-2475. Northstar Drive off Highway 26738 trails, 65km track. Offering skating, telemarking and snowshoe trails for all ability levels. Equipment, lessons and warming huts available.
Resort at Squaw Creek Cross Country Center
[530]581-6637. 400 Squaw Creek Rd.11 trails, 18km track. Eighteen Kilometers of groomed meadow ski trails accompanied by a four-star luxury resort with ski rental/repair shop, lessons, 5 restaurants, heated pools and complete spa.
Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
[800]500-3871/[800]666-3871. 9411 Hillside Dr., Soda Springs90 trails, 330km track provide unparalleled experiences at North America’s largest Cross Country Ski Resort. 9000+ acres, 4 surface lifts, 10 warming huts, 4 trailside cafes, 2 overnight lodges, spacious day lodge with a family center and weekend dog trails.
Spooner Lake Cross Country
[775]749-5349/[888]858-8844. Hwy. 28 at Spooner Lake21 trails, 91km track, and Snowshoe trails. Cabin rentals. Spooner Lake is a quiet, full-service cross country ski area with some of the most fun to ski, scenic groomed ski trails in the Tahoe Basin.
Tahoe Cross Country
[530]583-5475 Country Club Dr. in the Highlands, 3 mi. north of Tahoe City14 trails, 65km track. State of the art grooming. Ski and snowshoe rentals, ski lessons and food by a warm fire. Three trailside warming huts. Dogs welcome.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country
[530]587-9484.11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee CA 9616139 trails, 100km track. For people who want the definitive cross country ski experience with fantastic trails and grooming…the views aren’t bad either.
Reno & Lake Tahoe Museums
Nevada Museum of Art/E.L. Weigand Gallery
An array of traveling and local exhibitors on display including modern, classic & impressionist paintings and sculptures. 160 West Liberty Street (775)329-3333
National Automobile Museum
200 antique, vintage, classic and special interest automobiles on display, fully restored and in mint condition! A tribute to America’s love of the automobile. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm daily, 10:00am to 4:00pm Sun., except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: $7.50 Seniors: $6.50 Children 6-18: $2.50 free 5 and under 10 Lake Street South (corner of Lake and Mill St) (775)333-9300
Nevada Historical Society Museum
Antiques, mining equipment & Indian artifacts chronicle the Silver State’s rich and impressive history. 1650 North Virginia Street (across from the Planetarium) (775)688-1190
Sparks Heritage Foundation Museum
A collection of local antiques, artifacts, and memorabilia create a historical portrait of the city of Sparks. 820 Victorian Avenue (775)355-1144
Wilbur D. May Museum & Arboretum
The ranch house museum offers various exhibits including a rare art collection. The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are a floral retreat in which to relax.1 mile north of downtown Reno in Rancho San Rafael Park (775)785-4153
Donner Memorial State Park & Emigrant Trail Museum
State Park offers guided nature tours, camping facilities including barbecue areas and public restrooms. The museum features displays on emigrant life and a slide show of the 1846 ordeal of the Donner Party. Donner Pass near Truckee, CA (530) 587-3841
Lake Tahoe Historical Society
Indian relics, pioneer artifacts and historical photos establish Lake Tahoe’s rich past. Highway 50, South Shore CA (next to Chamber of Commerce) (530) 541-5458
Tahoe Tessie’s Lake Tahoe Monster Museum – That’s right! “Nessie” in Loch Ness has a cousin in Lake Tahoe…”Tessie!” See displays, exhibits, and artifacts! Eyewitness Monster Sightings! A unique gift shop featuring T-shirts, sweats, souvenirs and books! Family fun! 8612 North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach CA (530) 546-8774
Western American Ski Museum
This museum houses historical exhibits of the sport spanning from the 1850s to the present day. Vintage ski films are shown in the theater. Boreal Ridge Ski Resort (past Donner Lake on Interstate 80) (530) 426-3313