12 Free and Cheap Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe: A Fun-Filled Vacation on a Budget
When you think of a vacation to Lake Tahoe, the first thing that comes to mind is probably spending a lot of money. But did you know that there are actually plenty of free things to do in South Lake Tahoe?
In this blog post, we will share 12 free and cheap things to do in South Lake Tahoe. From hiking and biking to swimming and fishing, there is something for everyone! So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation destination, look no further than South Lake Tahoe.
An Overview: Free things to do in South Lake Tahoe
There are plenty of things to do in South Lake Tahoe that don’t cost a penny! Some of our favorite free activities include visiting the Historic Site at Vikingsholm, checking out Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Casino for nightly entertainment, and spending a day at Commons Beach.
Echo Lake is also a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, and Bike Tahoe has all the information you need on biking trails in the area. If you’re looking for a waterfall to stop and take a break at, Lower Eagle Falls is just south of town and easy to access from the road. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for some fun-filled free activities in South Lake Tahoe.
Hiking and biking are two of the most popular activities in South Lake Tahoe. There are countless trails to explore, and you can even bike around the lake! If you’re looking for a swim, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Or, if you prefer to stay on dry land, we suggest taking a scenic drive around the lake.
Visit the Tallac Historic Site
Tallac Historic Site is a great place to learn about the history of South Lake Tahoe. This historic site is home to several restored buildings, including a casino, hotel, and chapel. There is also a museum on-site where you can learn about the area’s rich history. Entry is Free so be sure to wander around and get a dose of Tahoe History.
Note that the Historic site is closed during winter so be sure to check in with them as to when they are open or plan on reopening for the summer season. Currently, they are scheduled to open on Memorial Day.
Enjoy Free Entertainment at Harrahs Casino
If you’re looking for some live music and entertainment, head over to Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Casino. This casino features nightly shows, as well as live music. Arty the Party, known as Tahoe’s favorite entertainer, can be seen for free every Friday and Saturday starting at 9:00 pm.
To get up-to-date information on what is being shown for the night or what free entertainment is set for the days ahead, be sure to check in with the box office at 775-586-6244. For accommodation, spend a night or two at Harrahs Lake Tahoe & Casino and explore more of the area while you’re at it.
Free Concerts at Commons Beach
Commons Beach is a great place to spend a summer day. This beach offers swimming, sunbathing, and fishing opportunities. It’s also a great place for a picnic! And if you get hungry, there are several restaurants located nearby. One of the free events that is generally held on commons beach is Snow Fest.
This is a ten-day event that happens from late winter to early spring. It features live music, snow sculpting, and plenty of food and drink. Commons beach has free concerts every Sunday afternoon in the summer as well as FREE movie nights on the beach every Wednesday. So if you’re looking for some free fun in South Lake Tahoe, be sure to check out Commons Beach.
Visit Upper and Lower Echo Lake
Echo Lake is another great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. This lake is located just south of South Lake Tahoe and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
The Lake is divided and has both an Upper Echo and Lower lake. You can take a boat taxi from lower Echo up to Upper Echo lake which enables you to explore quite a good portion of the Lake. There are plenty of hiking trails around the lake, and you can even rent boats! Echo Lake also has a cafe if you need to grab a bite to eat.
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Ride a Bike around South Lake Tahoe
Bike Tahoe is a great resource for information on biking in the area. This website provides maps and descriptions of all the bike trails in the Tahoe area, including South Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re looking for an easy family ride or a challenging mountain bike trail, Bike Tahoe has something for everyone!
There are countless biking trails in South Lake Tahoe which Bike Tahoe has all the resources on. Whether it be Mountain biking, road bikes, or cruisers bikes, they’re your go-to people for the info.
Drop by the Visitors Center
Taylor Creek Visitor Center is a must-see for all nature lovers. This visitor center is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe and is home to several exhibits on the area’s wildlife, plants, and history. Some of these programs include guided hikes, bird watching, and nature walks. The visitor center also has a gift shop and cafe. Parking is Free.
Experience the Waterfall at Lower Eagle Falls
Lower Eagle Falls is a great place to stop and take a break on your hike. This waterfall is located just south of South Lake Tahoe and is easily accessible from the road.
There is free parking if you enter the Trailhead from Highway 89 and $5 if entering from the Eagle Falls Trailhead. The falls are about 20 feet high and are a beautiful sight after a rainstorm. The path of the water follows from nearby the Emeralds Bay Visitor Center and flows through Lower Eagle Falls. You’ll also find a picnic area nearby where you can enjoy lunch or a snack.
Enjoy Watersport Activities at Kiva Beach/Tallac Point
Kiva Beach is a great place to spend the day with friends and family. This beach is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe and offers swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities.
Kiva Beach also has a cafe if you need to grab a bite to eat. Kiva Beach is known for its bright-colored sand and being dog friendly. Parking can be found by Tallac Point which is a stone’s throw from Kiva Beach. As long as you pass by Taylor Creek Visitor Center and keep heading onwards, you’ll find parking at the end of the road.
Visit El Dorado Beach with Free Parking
El Dorado Beach is one of those few beaches that do not charge for parking. The steps and beach is located just a few feet from the parking area and there are plenty of picnic tables and tree shade to enjoy your day out in South Lake Tahoe. If you do decide to visit this beach, try to visit it during a weekday as weekends tend to get crowded and parking is limited.
Venture out on one of the many Tahoe Rim Trails
Tahoe Rim Trail is a must-do for all hiking enthusiasts. This trail is located around the Lake Tahoe Basin and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail is 165 miles long and can be accessed from several different points around the lake.
However, the most popular starting point for the Tahoe Rim Trail is Spooner Lake which is located just north of South Lake Tahoe. Parking at Spooner Lake is $12 per day. You can get your trail maps here for all trails along the Tahoe Rim.
Hike in the Wilderness
Desolation Wilderness is a great place to go for a hike or a camping trip. This wilderness area is located south of South Lake Tahoe and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The wilderness area is also home to several hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail.
Experience Fishing and Bird-Watching
Fishing is another popular activity in South Lake Tahoe. There are many lakes and streams to choose from, and you can even go fly fishing! If you’re looking for a challenge, we suggest hiking up to Eagle Falls. This is a popular spot for bird watching, so bring your binoculars! Take a listen to some of the birds of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
So there you have it, our top picks for free things to do in South Lake Tahoe. We hope you have a great time on your vacation and be sure to take advantage of all the free activities that this beautiful destination has to offer!
