Lake Tahoe sits high in the Sierra Nevada on the border of California and Nevada, a large, very deep lake known for its clear water, which shades from turquoise near the shore to deep blue farther out. It is a summer playground for swimming, boating and hiking, and a winter destination for skiing. From San Francisco it is a straightforward drive in good weather, and the most common weekend escape for Bay Area residents.
Two routes
Interstate 80 to Truckee and the north shore
Take the Bay Bridge and Interstate 80 east through Vallejo, Davis and Sacramento, then up into the foothills past Auburn and over Donner Summit to Truckee. From Truckee, Highway 89 runs south to Tahoe City and Highway 267 to Kings Beach and the north shore. Allow about three and a half hours without traffic.
Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe
From Sacramento, take US 50 east through Placerville, a Gold Rush town, and up the American River canyon over Echo Summit to South Lake Tahoe. This is the natural route for the south shore and takes about the same time.
Stops on the way
- Sacramento: the state capital, with Old Sacramento's restored riverside streets, a good place to break the drive.
- Auburn or Placerville: historic foothill towns from the Gold Rush, depending on your route.
- Donner Memorial State Park: on Donner Lake near Truckee, telling the story of the emigrant party trapped by snow in the winter of 1846 to 1847.
- Truckee: an old railroad town with a lively main street.
Around the lake
The road around the lake is about 70 miles and takes three hours or more with stops. Highlights include:
- Emerald Bay, on the southwest shore, with the much-photographed island and viewpoints above. Highway 89 here sometimes closes in winter for snow and avalanche risk.
- Tahoe City, on the west shore, where the lake drains into the Truckee River.
- Sand Harbor, on the Nevada side near Incline Village, with granite boulders in clear water. It fills up early on summer days.
- South Lake Tahoe, the largest town, with casinos just over the state line in Stateline, Nevada.
The east shore, on the Nevada side, is the least developed, with long stretches of forest and rocky coves between Incline Village and Zephyr Cove. Parking along the highway there is limited, and pulling off on the narrow shoulder is often prohibited, so use the official lots. In summer, a gondola in South Lake Tahoe and the lifts at some other ski resorts carry sightseers up for wide views over the lake; check which are running before you go.
When to go and road conditions
Summer is the busiest season, with warm days, cool nights and cold water. September is quieter and often lovely. Ski season usually runs from late fall into spring, depending on snow.
Winter driving is the main thing to plan for. Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and US 50 over Echo Summit are major mountain passes, and during storms Caltrans imposes chain controls and sometimes closes the roads altogether. When chain controls are in effect, you must carry chains or have a vehicle that meets the rules, usually four-wheel or all-wheel drive with snow tires. Many rental agreements restrict the use of chains, so ask your rental company. Check Caltrans road conditions before leaving, and expect heavy traffic on Friday evenings heading up and Sunday afternoons coming back, especially after a big snowfall.
Practical tips
- Fuel: fill up before you climb into the mountains in winter. Being stuck in a closure with an empty tank is miserable.
- Altitude: the lake is about 6,200 feet above sea level. Drink water and take it easy on the first day.
- Parking: popular beaches and trailheads fill early in summer and many charge for parking. Arrive early or use local shuttles where they run.
- Winter kit: warm clothes, water, snacks and a phone charger in the car. Our road trip packing list has the rest.
For another mountain trip from the city, see San Francisco to Yosemite.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the lake should I stay on?
The north shore is quieter with smaller towns. The south shore has more lodging, nightlife and casinos. The west shore is the most wooded and peaceful.
Do I need chains in winter?
You may, depending on the storm and your vehicle. Check chain controls before you go and ask your rental company about its rules.
Can I swim in Lake Tahoe?
Yes, but the water is cold even in summer. Watch for cold-water shock and wear a life jacket on boats and paddleboards.