Cruises & Sightseeing

There are so many wonderful sights to see in Lake Tahoe. Visitors can sightsee solo, with friends, family or tour groups . . . sightsee by land, water and air . . . sightsee summer, fall, winter and spring. The sightseeing combinations are endless, and each sight takes on a new flavor with a change in the season and the perspective. Check out our list of sightseeing adventures, and see for yourself!

On the Lake 

One of the favorite pastimes in Lake Tahoe is enjoying the view of the lake from wherever you happen to be at the moment. The other favorite pastime is enjoying a marvelous 360 degree panoramic view of Lake Tahoe's majestic peaks from a watercraft out on the lake. If you want to experience the total magnificence of Lake Tahoe, take a lake cruise that suits you and your party and spend a few hours seeing Lake Tahoe from the other perspective. Both views are amazingly amazing!

We've selected six lake cruises that provide different experiences. Each vessel offers many options guaranteed to please any party, small or large. All of the cruise vessels featured in our directory are ideally suited for groups and they all welcome weddings. One wedding exception may be the Tahoe Thunder, unless you are in a really big hurry to get married and you'd like a lake cruise that reflects that energy!

Above the Lake 

Gain a new perspective by seeing Lake Tahoe from above!  You zip around the lake in a cable car , fly in a plane , hover in a helicopter , or even float in a hot air balloon . Bring your camera and capture the incredible views for a lifetime!

Around the Lake

Tours are a great way to explore the Lake Tahoe Basin and nearby areas. Guided tours leave all the planning and driving to someone else so you can just go along for the ride and enjoy yourself. Self-guided tours let you do the planning and driving so that you can see as few or as many sights as you choose on your time schedule. Either way, you'll be able to see a lot more in a lot less time!

If you prefer self-guided tours, we suggest seven popular tours that are only thirty to sixty minutes driving time from South Lake Tahoe. You can sightsee for a few hours or the entire day in any of these areas.

Alpine County

Alpine County is known as "The California Alps." This small county is just south of Lake Tahoe and has miles of hiking trails and hidden lakes that are well worth finding. Call the Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and Forest Service at (530) 694-2475 for information, brochures and maps.

Carson City

Carson City, Nevada is one of the most historic state capitals in the country. See the Nevada State Museum, which was once a U.S. Government mint. Visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum. And take a Victorian Home Tour on foot or by auto. Call the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (775) 687-7410 for information, brochures and maps.

Carson Valley

Carson Valley, Nevada lies east of the Stateline casino area. After a scenic half-hour drive over Kingsbury Grade (SR 207), you'll see a valley rich in agriculture and cattle ranches. Visit the city of Genoa, the state's first pioneer settlement that boasts the state's oldest saloon. Take time to ease your sightseeing body in the refreshing mineral spas at Walley's Hot Springs. Call the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau at (775) 782-8144 for information, brochures and maps.

El Dorado County

U.S. HWY 50 west is your gateway to the historic California gold country. Along the way you can visit "Hangtown," now known as Placerville. See the famous 1848 gold discovery site in Coloma. Call the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center at (530) 621-5885 for information, brochures and maps.

El Dorado Wineries

There are 17 wineries dotting the countryside in El Dorado County. Many of these wineries are family-operated. Hours for wine tasting vary with the season. Call the El Dorado Winery Association at (800) 306-3956 for information, a brochure and a map.

Lake Tahoe Shoreline Drive

This may be the most beautiful shoreline drive in the United States. You'll see many natural and man-made wonders during your 72-mile drive around the largest Alpine Lake in North America. Alpine beaches, beautiful bays, a waterfall, hidden lakes, state parks and national forest lands, historic sites, museums, casinos and so much more! Call any of the Chambers of Commerce around the lake for information, brochures and maps.

Virginia City

Virginia City, Nevada was once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco. Today, this reborn mining boomtown is alive with ships, historic buildings, museums, mine tours and mansions. Call the Virginia City Chamber of Commerce at (775) 847-0311 for information, brochures and maps.