If the social scene differs from your style, and you want to explore Lake Tahoe’s more family-oriented and scenic side, we recommend North Lake Tahoe. While this part of the lake still has a handful of things to do for singles and young adults, North Lake Tahoe is becoming the go-to spot for families and those looking for a nice balance of social activities and scenic spots. To help you decide what to do in North Lake Tahoe, we’ve put together some of the best things to do and when to do them so you know exactly what to do when visiting the area.

Like South Lake Tahoe, the North has a variety of incredible trails that can be used for hiking and biking during the summer and various snow activities in the winter. Starting with trails, North Lake Tahoe has plenty to choose from, such as the Eagle Falls Trail, Martis Valley Trail, and the Donner Summit Trail. What’s great about these hikes, in particular, is that many lead to incredible views and picturesque settings that feel out of this world. We recommend checking out Monkey Rock, a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near Incline Village-Crystal Bay that leads you to a rock that, you guessed it, looks like a monkey. Another good recommendation is to go to the State Line fire lookout, where you will find views of Crystal Bay and the North Shore. High up in the mountains is one of many places to see incredible views and take fantastic photos.

For those who don’t want to hike, plenty of great beaches, including Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor Beach, make for great photoshoots. Like the mountains, many beaches have hidden gems, like Bonsai Rock. If you’re looking for something more exciting than lounging by the crystal clear water, there are many places in North Lake Tahoe with rentals for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, or fishing. Other fun things to do in North Lake Tahoe during the summer include

• Camping at one of the many campgrounds, such as Lake Forest Campground and the Tahoe State Recreation Area
• Enjoying some retail therapy at the Shops at Northstar Village
• Playing mini-golf at Kings Beach Miniature Golf
• Playing real golf at one of the many golf courses in the area, such as the Incline Village Mountain Golf Course

During the winter, it’s very similar to South Lake Tahoe in terms of activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or sledding. The most significant difference between the North and South sides of Lake Tahoe during the winter is that North Lake Tahoe has the largest concentration of ski areas. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned veteran on the slopes, North Lake Tahoe has plenty of options for great skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Some of the best ski resorts in the area include Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Diamond Peak, Mount Rose, Sugarbowl, Boreal, Northstar, Homewood, Tahoe Donner, Granlibakken, Dodge Ridge, and Donner Ski Bowl.

This is a lot for adventure seekers, but what about those who want to learn while visiting Lake Tahoe? The North has the better options, with historical sites such as the Donner Memorial State Park, Emigrant Trail Museum, and the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center; there is plenty to learn there. You will discover that Lake Tahoe is more than just a summer getaway or a winter wonderland. It’s a place to learn about the development and rich history of Lake Tahoe, which includes Native American occupation, becoming a hub for mining and gold discovery, and even some local folklore, like Tahoe Tessie, otherwise known as Lake Tahoe’s version of the Loch Ness Monster.

Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, you’ll want to find a place to sleep after so many activities and learning about Lake Tahoe. On the higher end of the scale, some of the best hotels in North Lake Tahoe include The Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency. Thankfully, North Lake Tahoe has many other affordable options, including private rental options and cheaper hotel options. As mentioned before, if you’re coming during the summer, there are plenty of places to camp in North Lake Tahoe. No matter where you stay, planning is essential because prices can increase during peak ski seasons, and spots become scarce.

While South Lake Tahoe has the majority of exciting social activities, there are still a handful of fun things for adults to do in North Lake Tahoe, specifically casinos. Not only do these establishments allow adults to win big, but most casinos are also hotels with various amenities, such as restaurants and spa packages. For example, The Crystal Bay Casino is certainly the most entertaining and trendy casino on the lake, with luxury lodgings and a steak and lobster restaurant. If you’re not trying to risk your money but still want to go out, North Lake Tahoe has many local drinking holes and restaurants, such as the Village Pub, The Grid Bar & Grill, and Bowl Incline.

You’re guaranteed to have fun no matter what you do in North Lake Tahoe. Between the physical activities, secret beaches, various museums, and places to eat and drink, this area has it all. Remember that while North Lake Tahoe is more family-oriented, it still has plenty to offer, whether you’re here alone, with friends, or with your family. There’s no wrong time to visit. Now that we’ve covered the two most popular sides of Lake Tahoe, it’s time we explore what’s on the West and East. These two sides have plenty to offer, but most people aren’t aware of them. Let us show you everything you need to know when visiting West Lake Tahoe and East Lake Tahoe.