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Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe sits in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, putting you within easy reach of the best activities, attractions, and experiences South Lake Tahoe has to offer. Whether you are here to explore the mountains, spend a day out on the lake, or simply soak up the scenery from a comfortable suite, this local guide has everything you need to plan your trip. From summer lake adventures to world-class winter skiing, the options around here are endless and the views are hard to beat. Your perfect Lake Tahoe escape starts right outside your door.
Lake Tahoe Fall & Winter Guide
Ski & Snowboard
The resort sits at the base of Heavenly Mountain with the gondola just a short walk from your guest room. Heavenly is one of the largest ski resorts in the country, and Lake Tahoe as a whole has the highest concentration of ski resorts within a 100-mile radius anywhere in the United States. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 500 inches of snow annually, the conditions here are consistently excellent. The only thing missing is you and your goggle tan.
Cross-country skiing in the Sierra Nevada has a history going back to the mid-1850s, when Snowshoe Thompson famously carried mail across the mountains on skis. Over 160 years later, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing still thrive in South Lake Tahoe, with well-maintained trails for all skill levels winding through beautiful winter terrain.
There are several sledding hills within walking distance of the resort, making it one of the easiest winter activities to pick up and enjoy with the whole family. If you forgot to bring a sled, grab one at Joe Merchant's Coffee and Provisions on your way out the door.
Fat bikes are built specifically for riding on snow, sand, and all the variable conditions in between. With wider, squishier tires and a frame designed for comfort on uneven terrain, a Lake Tahoe fat bike ride is a fun and different way to explore the winter landscape around South Lake Tahoe.
Breathe the crisp air in deeply. Listen to the gentle rustling of leaves. Let your eyes wander to the golden aspen paths winding up the mountainsides and glassy water. You’re in autumnal paradise if you’re in Lake Tahoe in the fall.
Snowmobiling in Lake Tahoe offers something for every experience level, from gentle meadow loops with peekaboo lake views to high-speed runs along the Tahoe Rim Trail with sweeping panoramas of the lake and Sierra Nevada. South Lake Tahoe snowmobile companies run guided tours throughout the winter season, and the resort is an ideal starting point for your adventure.
The Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Skating Rink sits right in the middle of Heavenly Village, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the full energy of South Lake Tahoe in winter. It is a classic and fun activity for all ages, and just a short walk from the resort.
Your dog can enjoy Lake Tahoe in the winter just as much as you can. There are plenty of dog friendly trails, open spaces, and outdoor areas on the South Shore where you can get outside together and let your pup take in the mountain air. Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe welcomes dogs, so the adventure starts the moment you pull into the parking lot.
Hike up glacier-carved granite slopes, find hidden waterfalls, top out on summit peaks, and discover alpine meadows full of wildflowers. Lake Tahoe has an extensive network of backcountry hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging summit routes, with options for every fitness level and experience. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, the trails here will not disappoint.
Walk out of your guest room and straight to the Heavenly Mountain Gondola for a 2.4-mile ride up with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. The gondola runs in summer for sightseeing and is one of the most popular activities near the resort, giving you a birds-eye perspective of one of the most beautiful lakes in North America.
High altitude adds roughly 10% to your driving distance, and the scenery at Lake Tahoe golf courses is hard to match anywhere. Play under some of the clearest blue skies you have ever seen, surrounded by mountain views and fresh Sierra Nevada air.
Lake Tahoe is known for its deep blue, crystal-clear waters, epic alpine views, and over 300 sunny days per year, making it a world-class kayaking destination. Rentals and guided tours are available around the lake for paddlers of all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced kayakers looking to cover serious ground.
The beaches around Lake Tahoe are gorgeous, with high-alpine scenery that makes the whole experience feel unlike any other beach destination. You will find miles of sandy shoreline throughout the lake catering to every style, from quiet hidden coves to lively spots with full amenities and lake access.
When the sun goes down, South Lake Tahoe comes alive. Head down to the resort lobby for live music and good vibes, or explore the casinos, speakeasies, and late-night options right in the neighborhood. Whether you are looking for a lively night out or a low-key evening with great drinks, South Lake Tahoe nightlife has something worth staying up for.
Tahoe's waters are the stuff of fishing legend. The California state record Mackinaw was caught right here, weighing in at 37 pounds. Book a charter to improve your chances of landing something big, or explore the many streams, rivers, and alpine lakes in the surrounding area. From catch and release to catch and eat, Lake Tahoe delivers great fishing and even better memories.
Walk over to Heavenly Village and spend a few hours exploring one of the best spots in South Lake Tahoe. With over 40 shops, a movie theater, mini golf, outdoor ice skating, spa and wellness services, and a great mix of dining and entertainment, Heavenly Village is worth at least half a day of your trip.
For one of the most memorable experiences in Lake Tahoe, take to the skies in a hot air balloon and watch the sunrise or sunset paint the lake and surrounding mountains from above. It is the kind of experience that is hard to put into words and even harder to forget.
Lake Tahoe has trails for every kind of rider. Whether you prefer smooth paved paths or technical singletrack with challenging climbs and fast descents, you will find plenty of adventure here. Dirt trails, swoopy turns, and dramatic mountain views make Lake Tahoe one of the best mountain biking destinations in California.
If you love Lake Tahoe, just wait until you see your dog experience it. The area has no shortage of dog friendly trails, open spaces, and outdoor areas where your pup can enjoy the adventure right alongside you. Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is also one of the few pet friendly hotels in South Lake Tahoe, so the whole family is covered from the moment you arrive.
Lake Tahoe boating is a way of life on the South Shore, with launch ramps all around the lake to prove it. Explore marinas, book a boat rental, join a guided tour, or simply cruise the shoreline at your own pace on one of the most scenic lakes in the country.
The 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe is known as America's Most Beautiful Drive, and it earns the title every single time. At 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and holds enough water to cover the entire state of California to a depth of 14 inches. You can start the route from any point around the lake and take it at whatever pace suits you.
Race down Heavenly Mountain's 1,000-foot zip line with one-of-a-kind aerial views of Lake Tahoe, Mount Tallac, and Pyramid Peak stretched out below you. It is a quick ride that delivers the kind of rush that has people going back for a second run.
Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest, largest, and deepest alpine lakes in the entire world, making it a dream destination for paddleboarding. The calm early morning water is especially good, with glassy conditions and mountain reflections that make the whole experience feel surreal. Rentals are available at various spots around the lake.
Lake Tahoe has more natural beauty than most places can claim, and when you want to take a piece of it home with you, a stop at one of South Lake Tahoe's local art galleries is well worth the visit. Local artists draw heavy inspiration from the landscape, and the galleries here reflect that in the best possible way.
Axe and dart throwing is a surprisingly fun activity and one of the more unique things to do near the resort. Just a short walk away, it is a great option for a lively evening out with friends or family and a good way to mix things up between mountain days.
South Lake Tahoe has a solid live entertainment scene year round. From comedy nights and local musicians to bigger touring acts and seasonal events, there is always something worth catching. Check the resort events calendar for on-site shows and ask our front desk team for recommendations on what is happening around town during your stay.
Q1. What are the top things to do in South Lake Tahoe?
A1. South Lake Tahoe offers year-round activities including skiing and snowboarding at Heavenly Mountain, snowmobiling, snow tubing and sledding, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, golfing, scenic drives, fishing, zip lining, mountain biking, and exploring Heavenly Village. Margaritaville Resort is centrally located with easy walking access to the Heavenly gondola and many of these attractions.
Q2. What outdoor activities are available near Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe?
A2. The resort is steps from the Heavenly gondola and within easy reach of skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, tubing, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, golfing, mountain biking, zip lining, boating, and fishing on Lake Tahoe.
Q3. What is there to do at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe?
A3. Heavenly Village is a short walk from the resort and features over 40 shops, restaurants, a movie theater, mini golf, ice skating, spa services, and entertainment. It is one of the main gathering spots in South Lake Tahoe year round.
Q4. Is Lake Tahoe good for snowmobiling?
A4. Yes. Lake Tahoe is one of the best snowmobiling destinations in California. South Lake Tahoe snowmobile companies offer tours ranging from easy meadow loops to more adventurous runs along the Tahoe Rim Trail with panoramic lake views.
Q5. What can you do in South Lake Tahoe at night?
A5. South Lake Tahoe has a solid nightlife scene including live music at Margaritaville Resort, nearby casinos, bars, speakeasies, comedy shows, and late-night dining options. The License to Chill Bar and LandShark Bar and Grill at the resort are popular spots to start or end an evening.
Q6. Is Lake Tahoe good for fishing?
A6. Yes. Lake Tahoe and the surrounding streams and rivers offer excellent fishing year round. The lake holds the California state record Mackinaw catch at 37 pounds. Charter boats, guided fishing tours, and shore fishing spots are all available in the area.
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