Psst. We’re going to let you in on a secret. Lake Tahoe doesn’t disappear after Labor Day… but the summer crowds do. That means less traffic, fewer hikers on the trails, and beaches you barely have to share. Campsites get easier to book, too, so you can marvel at the autumn hues reflecting on Big Blue on a spur-of-the-moment getaway.
Mild fall temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe, where iconic landscapes meet hidden pockets of nature and stellar culinary and entertainment options. The Lake Link Microtransit Shuttle makes it a breeze to get around with free, on-demand, point-to-point transportation (you can download the app here).
No one knows where to go on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe in the fall like a local. So, we asked one. Here’s the inside scoop on your new favorite time to visit: shoulder season.
Hitting the trails and admiring the foliage
Photo: Brian Walker/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
The hiking trails on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe wind through forests, along lakes, and up bluffs and mountaintops to showcase spectacular vistas wherever you turn. In fall, the leaves are colorful and the trails are peaceful, especially on weekdays when fewer visitors come to the lake.
Get your bearings on Maggie’s Peak, a challenging 4.1-mile hike in the Desolation Wilderness. It’s a steep climb, but at the top you’ll find the breathtaking views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island responsible for inspiring a million posters and postcards. For a longer hike, the Rubicon Trail runs from Vikingsholm Castle to D.L. Bliss State Park, passing sandy strips of beach and dramatic rock formations along the way.
While Lake Tahoe is undoubtedly the most famous, this region is home to dozens of alpine lakes with many more trails. Fallen Leaf Lake has miles of hikes for all ability levels, and it’s one of the best places in Lake Tahoe for leaf peeping. Nearby, the Angora Lakes Trail is an easy one-mile, out-and-back hike to two small lakes. At the top, Upper Angora Lake is flanked by a sandy beach and dramatic cliffs.
If you’d rather chase waterfalls, the 200-foot Cascade Falls is a 1.5-mile, out-and-back hike from the Bayview Campground. The round-trip Eagle Falls jaunt, meanwhile, is only slightly longer. The cascades are about a half-mile hike from the Eagle Falls Picnic Area. Continue on and you’ll reach Eagle Lake, framed by forests and granite peaks.
To explore on two wheels, head to the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path. This flat, paved route follows the shoreline, accessing the beach and points of interest like the century-old Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina and the Tallac Historic Site. It’s popular with wheelchair users and families with strollers, not to mention those who want to revel in the colors of the changing season.
Celebrating the lake from above, up close, and shoreside
Photo: Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Although you can easily plan an entire vacation around the area’s hiking trails, you’ll want to reserve time for other activities on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Start by soaring 2.4 miles up on the Heavenly Gondola to catch panoramas of Big Blue sparkling down below. If those vistas have you itching to get closer to the water, rent a kayak or SUP and paddle out to Meeks Bay. There are fewer boaters on the lake in the fall, so you’ll get a better look at its famously clear depths. If you’re an angler, shoulder season is the ideal time to book a fishing trip and let an expert guide show you the region’s many rivers, streams, and lakes.
When you’re not on the water, catch a concert or sports match at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. The venue has hosted shows from headliners like Adam Sandler, and it’s the official home of the new professional hockey team, the Tahoe Knight Monsters, whose season kicks off in October.
Nothing says fall like Oktoberfest celebrations, and the South Shore of Lake Tahoe has those, too. Expect live music, Bavarian food, vendors, and of course plenty of beer at Camp Richardson Historic Resort and South Lake Brewing Company.
Getting all the best dinner reservations
Photo: Brian Walker/Lake Tahoe AleWorX
Shoulder season is a great time to plan a foodie trip to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe — table wait times are shorter and it’s easier to snag last-minute reservations. This is a game-changer at intimate eateries like Maggie’s Restaurant on the top floor of the Desolation Hotel. The food at Maggie’s is excellent, with both casual dishes like crispy chicken sandwiches and elevated options like filet mignon. Not to mention there’s a tree growing through the center of the deck, giving off a secret treehouse vibe for outdoor diners.
At Base Camp Pizza Company in the Heavenly Village, you’ll find live music with a family-friendly atmosphere and large portions to satisfy the hungriest appetites. Options include gourmet pizzas, fresh salads, and pasta. Note: This is a top choice for gluten-free diners, as Base Camp makes outstanding gluten-free pies.
For bites and brews, the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail has nine different stops. Highlights include live music and indoor-outdoor seating at South Lake Brewing Company, events like trivia night and cornhole tournaments at South of North Brewing Company, and wood-fired pizza and self-serve beer at the two locations of Lake Tahoe AleWorX.
If you’re looking for beer to take back home or to your campsite, bring your growler or pick up some bottles at The Hangar Taproom and Bottle Shop. With 30 rotating taps and a wide selection of cans and bottles, you’re bound to find a style that suits your taste (and you can pop over to Magic Carpet Golf for a game of putt-putt after).
Making your visit a positive one
Photo: Rachid Dahnoun/Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Exploring the South Shore of Lake Tahoe in the fall is as beneficial for the destination as it is for you. When you come during the less-traveled shoulder season, you’re helping the region remain sustainable. Small gestures can also have a big impact, like keeping to marked trails, packing out what you pack in, and carrying a refillable water bottle.
Every visitor plays a part in ensuring the region will be just as magical for future generations. So download the Lake Tahoe Trip Planning App, pack your bags with all your fall essentials, and get ready to experience the South Shore of Lake Tahoe like a local. 