Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. It’s known for its beaches and ski resorts. On the southwest shore, Emerald Bay State Park contains the 1929 Nordic-style mansion Vikingsholm. Along the lake’s northeast side, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park includes Sand Harbor Beach and Spooner Lake, a gateway to the long-distance Tahoe Rim Trail. 

The lake was formed about two million years ago as part of the Lake Tahoe Basin, and its modern extent was shaped during the ice ages. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. The area surrounding the lake is also referred to as Lake Tahoe, or simply Tahoe. More than 75% of the lake's watershed is national forest land, being the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the United States Forest Service.

Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction in both Nevada and California. It is home to winter sports, summer outdoor recreation, and scenery enjoyed throughout the year. Snow and ski resorts are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation. The Nevada side also offers several lakeside casino resorts, with highways providing year-round access to the entire area.

Cities

South Lake Tahoe - The South Lake Tahoe region (which includes the Nevada town of Stateline) is by far the most popular tourist destination at Tahoe. The famous Tahoe casinos - which are located in Stateline, as Vegas-style gambling is legal in Nevada - draw crowds all year long, while the nearby ski resort of Heavenly Valley provides ample winter fun. South Lake Tahoe has the region's highest concentration of restaurants, ranging from casual to upscale, as well as numerous marinas from which to rent boating and water-sport equipment in the summer. South Lake Tahoe has thousands of hotel rooms, guaranteeing a place on even the most crowded holiday weekend. The Heavenly Valley Gondola operates all year long, taking visitors nearly three thousand feet above the surface of the lake.

Tahoe City - Situated on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City is significantly smaller than South Lake Tahoe, yet remains the second most popular destination for tourists. What it lacks in size it makes up for in ambiance and charm. Tahoe City maintains a relaxed, almost "hippy" like feel- stores selling incense and tie-dyed shirts are not uncommon. Nearly everything a tourist could want can be found in Tahoe City. There are numerous restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and places to rent sporting equipment in both the summer and winter months.

Truckee - An historic town located just off I-80, most tourists will come through Truckee on their way to Tahoe. Though removed from the lake, Truckee remains a vibrant and colorful place to visit, its history as a western rail town never far from the minds of its inhabitants. The historic downtown retains the look and feels of a hard-scrabble frontier village, while the businesses there offer luxuriant shopping and dining opportunities. Truckee also sports a robust live music scene in the summer, so be sure to ask the locals about any upcoming shows.

Tahoe Vista - A beautiful lakefront town on the north shore, about ten miles north of Tahoe City. Tahoe Vista maintains a relaxed and rural feel. The marina holds a classical wooden boy show each summer.
Homewood - A quaint west shore town about six miles south of Tahoe City. Homewood is home to a ski resort, as well as a maritime museum displaying historical boats and exhibits about the history and geology of the lake.

Incline Village - On the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is on the Nevada side of the lake and hosts an elegant lakefront casino/resort with complimentary valet parking for both your car and your boat.

Kings Beach - One of the more relaxed locations around Tahoe, King's Beach is mostly residential, and you'll likely find more locals than tourists at the weekly concerts hosted on the beach. King's Beach is a more economical place to stay than many other lakefront towns, making it especially popular with families.

Crystal Bay - Located just north of King's Beach, immediately across the Nevada border, Crystal Bay is home to Tahoe's oldest and most elegant casinos, including ones frequented by Frank Sinatra and other members of the Rat Pack. Taxis are in abundance here on weekend nights, making Crystal Bay especially popular with young people looking to party.