12 TOWNS. ENDLESS ADVENTURES.

FROM SANDY BEACHES TO ALPINE AIR, DISCOVER THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY THAT IS NORTH LAKE TAHOE.

While each Tahoe town brings its unique character and charm, all 12 make for a trip to remember. Whether you’re indulging in your favorite foods, relaxing at your special scenic spot or putting your outdoorsy side to the ultimate test, the largest alpine lake in North America has the perfect spot for you. Discover each Lake Tahoe town, plus featured itineraries to help make the most of your trip.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

1
CHOOSE
Your Town
2
GET
MY
BADGE
3
KEEP
IT
Going

Once you collect all twelve badges, you’ll gain entry to the 12 Towners Club. Bonus points for sharing your badge on social and tagging @TahoeNorth.

Not sure where to start?

Take our quiz to find out which town best fits your personality.

Take the Quiz

FIND YOUR FAVORITE CITY (OR THREE), STAY AWHILE AND DON’T BE A STRANGER.

ALPINE MEADOWS

Just five miles down the Truckee River, this town is loved for four seasons of fun. Try hiking on 5 Lakes Trail, horseback riding, biking or fly-fishing. And in the winter, skiers and snowboarders can revel in the adventure of Palisades Tahoe.

CARNELIAN BAY

Your spot for catching Mackinaw trout year-round, Carnelian Bay beaches are a favorite with dogs, kayakers, SUPers and sunset seekers. Relax and enjoy amazing lake and Sierra views, plus plenty of recreational entertainment nearby.

CRYSTAL BAY

Try your luck at slots and table games at casinos like Jim Kelley’s Nugget and Crystal Bay Club. The California/Nevada state line divides here, making the trip across the border just an easy stroll down the sidewalk.

DONNER SUMMIT

This picturesque mountain town offers local dining, shopping and outdoor activities. Truly a year-round playground, Donner Summit summers allow you to hike and bike hundreds of trails; its winters invite skiing at Sugar Bowl, Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch, Royal Gorge and Soda Springs.

INCLINE VILLAGE

The Mountain Biking Capital of Nevada, Incline Village features exhilarating hikes and a stretch of relaxing beaches along the East Shore. Stop by the iconic Sand Harbor State Park or the Diamond Peak Ski Resort for family-friendly skiing and great deals.

KINGS BEACH

Featuring hip shops, restaurants and street vendors, Kings Beach is centrally located to fun of all sorts. Its expansive beach provides breathtaking lake views, events and live music in the summer. Plus it’s a great spot for lake-side snowshoeing in the winter.

NORTHSTAR

This self-contained village is hidden in an eternity of trees and this world-renowned ski resort has its very own boutique shops, dining and chair lifts within walking distance. Plus, a lift-serviced mountain bike park and roller skating in the summer.

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, this town is all about adventure. You’ll enjoy 6,000 acres of skiing and riding in the winter, and miles of bike paths and golf once the snow melts. To elevate your visit, try out a guided climb at Tahoe Via Ferrata.

TAHOE CITY

Tahoe City lies on the shore of Lake Tahoe at the headwaters of the Truckee River. Enjoy the paved trail system along the lake, river rafting, boutique shopping, museums and dining galore. In the summertime, Commons Beach hosts outdoor concerts and movies.

TAHOE VISTA

From cozy bed and breakfasts to high-end resorts, Tahoe Vista is lakeshore lodging at its finest. Its beaches and shallow waters make it a go-to spot, with popular sports like kayaking and paddle boarding, in addition to offering North Tahoe Regional Park.

TRUCKEE

A classic mountain town with ski resorts, three Sierra Club huts and the Pacific Crest Trail all nearby. Enjoy locally inspired art, memorable culinary experiences, fun bars, quaint shops, theater and community gatherings year-round.

WEST SHORE

A string of smaller Tahoe communities, including Tahoma, Homewood, and state parks along Highway 89, is collectively known as the West Shore. Enjoy mountain terrain, lakeside views, and year-round outdoor sports. Try out the bike path that runs all the way to Meeks Bay.

VACATION PLANNING: EASY AS A TAHOE SUNSET

So much to do, so much to see: Your adventure of a lifetime begins here. Take the guesswork out of agendas and schedules—let us do it for you. Town hopping is easy, too, with TART Connect, Tahoe’s free, on-demand shuttle service.

ITINERARY #1

TAHOE VISTA, KINGS BEACH, CRYSTAL BAY, INCLINE VILLAGE

Start your journey at the largest alpine lake in North America on the North Shore. Enjoy everything from sun chasing on a stretch of pristine sand to iconic casinos and live music.

ITINERARY #2

Carnelian Bay, Northstar, Donner Summit, Truckee

Venture up north into the alpines, where you’ll enjoy easy access to the airport and major highways, plus skiing, hiking and nature galore. Any type of activity you can imagine thrives here.

ITINERARY #3

WEST SHORE, TAHOE CITY, ALPINE MEADOWS, OLYMPIC VALLEY

Head west to experience the best resorts, world-renowned skiing, river rafting and beyond. The only item on your to-do list is to soak up the beauty; we’ll handle the rest.

TAHOE'S UNIQUE TOWNS

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QUIZ: WHICH TOWN ARE YOU?

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