Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe shimmers like a cobalt moon.

The gorgeous 190-square-mile lake, protected by peaks soaring up to 10,000 feet, is perhaps best on display when viewed from its southern shore, where tapestries of wildflowers fling across meadows, sandy beaches glimmer with gold, and mountains send their reflection tumbling into sapphire waters. 

The lake’s color isn’t an accident. Lake Tahoe owes its beguiling blue hue to clean, fresh air and water – gifts not taken for granted. Sustainability and conservation initiatives like South Lake Tahoe’s 2020 Climate Action Plan and Visit Lake Tahoe’s ‘Rules to Lake By’ ensure the lake remains as clean, pure, and blue as ever, preserving Lake Tahoe’s magic for future generations.

Proof that these kinds of initiatives are working is already here. In 2023 a research team determined that Lake Tahoe was the clearest it has been in more than 40 years – that’s clear enough to peer up to 75 feet below the surface. And these efforts don’t just lock down the region; they also empower visitors to take part while participating in the activities that drew them to Lake Tahoe in the first place. Here’s how you can enjoy all the lake has to offer, while supporting the sustainability initiatives keeping it beautiful.

A kingdom of sustainable outdoor adventure

The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is more than a body of water – it’s a region of lakes, creeks, meadows, mountains, and forests. In other words, there’s a lot to explore. Meander through jaw-dropping scenescapes on Lake Tahoe trails; there’s something here for every ability. Paved, wheelchair-accessible trails include the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path which winds through the timber past historic buildings near the lakeshore, and the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path, which offers access to El Dorado Beach. At Taylor Creek Visitor Center the Rainbow Trail, the Stream Profile Chamber, and the amphitheater are wheelchair-accessible, and the audio tours are available to assist visually impaired visitors.

If backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding are more your speed, head to the nearly 64,000 pristine acres in Desolation Wilderness. The ten-mile climb to Mount Tallac, the park’s highest point, rises 9,740 feet into the clouds to seize panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the world unspooling below. Stay on dedicated trails and pack out what you pack in. Bring plenty of water in a reusable water bottle to remain safely hydrated while ensuring this spellbinding natural playground remains as captivating and litter-free each time you return.

Although Lake Tahoe trails are seductive all year round, recreational activities are the most peaceful in spring, fall, and midweek when the lake receives fewer visitors. Late spring and fall also bring ideal conditions for mountain biking in Van Sickle Bi-State Park or the adrenaline-pounding drops and curves carved into the granite of the Flume Trail.

In winter, the snow provides a postcard-perfect contrast with the blue of the lake, when the trail system transforms into a playground for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort, Sierra at Tahoe, Kirkwood, and other ski areas provide thousands of skiable acres saturated with views of the lake. Hansen’s Resort and Tubing Hill is a favorite for families who come to the lake for tubing and sledding.

It’s one thing to look out at Lake Tahoe’s legendary clarity while you’re standing on shore. It’s quite another to gaze into a watery universe as you glide across the lake in a SUP or kayak. Whether you pull into a quiet cove or paddle to Fannette Island in Emerald Bay, watersports are rewarding day and night. Cleary Kayak plays host to guided tours and rentals, including nocturnal bioluminescence experiences under the stars. If you brought your kayak, protect the ecosystem by checking the bottom for plants or invasive species that could harm the lake’s delicate balance. 

Savor locally grown food   

Days of outdoor recreation lead to healthy appetites. Fortunately, dining in Lake Tahoe is a tantalizing adventure of its own. The South Shore of Lake Tahoe is brimming with restaurants that support local farmers and serve the freshest food while minimizing their environmental imprint.

Sprouts Natural Cafe focuses on healthy, organic ingredients. Smoothies, salads, burritos, and tall sandwiches piled with veggies or tuna are perfect grab-and-go lunches for a day of hiking or mountain biking. If you prefer to travel lighter, stop by when you get off the trail – it’s open until 8 pm.

Freshies Ohana Restaurant and Bar offers a wide choice, with gluten-free, vegan, and seafood options on the menu. Ahi poke, chilled gazpacho, and homemade soups make this eatery a local favorite. Ohana means family, and it’s a fitting way to describe the restaurant’s friendly, casual atmosphere.

Waterfront dining options include Riva Grill, where the food is as appealing as the views. The Lobster deviled eggs, zucchini sticks, and Miso Terriyaki Salmon Salad are excellent. Still, the restaurant is especially known for the Wet Woody, a colorful, boozy frozen drink practically made for days on the lake.

If a cold beer is calling after a day of skiing or kayaking, head to Cold Water Brewery and Grill. Order a flight to sample this craft brewery’s take on sours, IPAs, ales, and seltzers. They have a full cocktail menu, too. The beverages are best enjoyed with menu items like grilled steak, Miso ramen, and artichoke chips.

Green transportation options in Lake Tahoe

It’s easy to get around without a car in South Lake Tahoe. South Shore Bikes rents electric and person-powered bikes for exploring Lake Tahoe’s trails, bike paths, and sidewalks. Lime scooters are also available.

Lake Link Microtransit Shuttle offers personalized, on demand, point to point transit service. It’s like a free, community Uber or Lyft service. The service is available from 9am to 7pm during the week and extends to 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights during peak tourist season. ADA-accessible vans, and ski and bike racks make it easy to get around Lake Tahoe without a car 365 days a year. The service is easy to use – just download the free app so you can explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

From our partners: Head the official tourism website of Visit Lake Tahoe to start planning your trip today, and learn about sustainable places to stay.

When the lazy days of summer are over, and the air starts to have a distinct chill, there’s no need to be downhearted. Fall is the most spectacular season, the last hurrah before the bitter winds of winter take hold.

Here are the most beautiful places to witness glorious fall colors all around the world.

1. Nara, Japan

Fall in Japan is every bit as stunning as the short-lived cherry blossom season in spring. Kouyou (fall leaves) can be seen across the country, starting in the northern island of Hokkaidō and spreading quickly south from the end of September. The ancient capital of Nara, a short train ride from Kyoto, makes a wonderful viewing spot. Its vast park is awash with color, with sensational views of red, gold and yellow leaves along the paths up to Tamukeyama shrine in its northeast corner.

2. Forest of Dean, England

This ancient woodland in Gloucestershire was once used as a royal hunting ground, and its trees were also used to make Tudor warships. Today, it’s the perfect spot for the more prosaic sport of leaf peeping. The mix of oak, beech and sweet chestnut provides a rusty riot of yellow and gold. The Forest of Dean can be easily covered on foot or bicycle. Just keep an eye out for the wild boar that have called this place home since 2006. Alternatively, head for one of England’s best national reserves or city parks for more autumn color. 

3. White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

New England is synonymous with fall, and picking one must-see spot isn’t easy. But New Hampshire’s White Mountains are surely one of the best places to see autumn at its most colorful – not just in New England but the world. Hike through the hills at the start of October, and you’ll be treated to brilliant red maple leaves, or drive to Silver Cascade Falls in Carroll County to see the trees glow next to the 250-foot waterfall.

4. Loire Valley, France

With the leaves on the vines turning and the summer hordes heading home, there’s not a better time than fall to visit France’s Loire Valley. The rolling vineyards look radiant as they shed the greens of warmer months for the yellows, browns and burnt oranges of autumn. It’s also harvest time, so you can see the grapes being picked in the fields before retiring to a cozy spot to take in the view with a glass of the local tipple.

5. Bishop Creek Canyon, California

Just because the northeastern USA gets amazing fall colors doesn’t mean you should discount the west coast. California’s inland forests offer a great alternative, with the reds and yellows of fall holding on longer in the Golden State thanks to its hugely varied elevation. Bishop Creek Canyon is one of a number of great viewing points. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the golden leaves here look amazing with the rocky hills as a backdrop.

6. Pitlochry, Scotland

Scotland‘s pine forests might not change color, but its deciduous trees offer some of the finest fall hues in Europe. Walk out of town to the dam and fish ladder, which separates the Tummel River and Loch Faskally, to get the perfect view of waterside trees as they shed their leaves. Each October, Pitlochry also plays host to the Enchanted Forest, a nightly event that sees the trees lit up to soaring music in the woods just outside town.

7. Lombardy, Italy

Still mild even as the leaves fall, Lombardy in northern Italy is an ideal place to see mainland Europe burst into color. The native Lombardy poplars, which can be seen across the landscape, turn a bright yellow before their leaves fall to the floor. If you can’t make it to the countryside, Milan‘s public gardens offer a great city view of autumn.

8. Dandenong Ranges, Australia

Aussie autumn doesn’t kick off in earnest until March (yes, we’re talking springtime for the northern hemisphere). While you wouldn’t usually associate the land of beaches, surfing and summer heat with glorious fall color, the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne don’t disappoint. As well as being a national park of breathtaking beauty, the area is also dotted with manicured gardens. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are definitely worth a visit when the lawns are carpeted with fallen leaves and the trees are aglow.

9. Agawa Canyon, Canada

Hop on board the Agawa Canyon Tour Train this autumn, and you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful fall foliage on the planet. The ride sets off from Sault Ste Marie, covering 114 miles of unspoiled country that looks its best as the days begin to close in. These views inspired Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, Canada’s most prominent landscape artists, throughout the early 20th century. You’ll need to be quick: the leaves peak for a brief period around the end of September and beginning of October.

10. Tatra Mountains, Slovakia 

Together with the national park of the same name in Poland, Slovakia’s High Tatra National Park is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve. Here, 740 sq km of beech and spruce forests turn radiant colors in autumn, while deep-blue glacier lakes and alpine meadows are spangled with wildflowers. Outdoors enthusiasts may want to tackle one of the many hiking trails, spotting native fauna like marmots and chamois (mountain goat-antelopes) while soaking up the fall vibe. Alternatively, you unwind in the lake and spa getaway, Štrbské Pleso, after a day of leaf-peeping in the mountains.