Four ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe without a car | TahoeDailyTribune.com
YOUR AD HERE »

Four ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe without a car

Autumn Whitney
awhitney@tahoedailytribune.com
Tahoe Brew Tours offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at local craft breweries.
Autumn Whitney / Tahoe Daily Tribune |

You’ve made it to Tahoe without a car — concerned about the mechanics of getting around without your own, reliable method of transportation? It’s all good: You won’t have to deal with the infamous hassle of Stateline traffic. Whether you’re on the North or South Shore, don’t stress: You’ll still be able to experience many of Tahoe’s highlights.

Depending on where you’re staying during your visit, most of these locations will be within walking distance; however, if you find they’re a little too far, check out the Tahoe Transportation District website (www.tahoetransportation.org) to learn about public transportation options.



The Heavenly Mountain Gondola

For those in (or near) Stateline, this 2.4-mile ride is incredibly accessible and offers spectacular views. Get off at the observation deck to see the colors of the lake and get that filter-less Instagram shot before continuing your ride to the top and having fun on the mountain.



Located in the heart of Heavenly Village, the Gondola is an iconic ride that you won’t want to miss. Learn more online at http://www.skiheavenly.com.

Brews with Buds

Tahoe is quickly becoming the scene for craft beer, so you’ll need to have your share of local brews created in our backyard. Without a car, that’s no hassle: Tahoe Brew Tours offers the chance to try three breweries in an action-packed day, and it doesn’t matter if you’re on the North or South Shore.

The South Shore Brewery Tour stops at Cold Water Brewery and Grill, Sidellis and Alibi Ale Works — during the approximate six-hour tour, sample three flights of beer local to the region and get behind-the-scenes tours with brewmasters. Guests on the North Shore tour get the same experience, but at Fifty Fifty Brewing Co., Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company and Alibi Ale Works.

Come May, the company will offer “Adventure and a Brew” tours: Enjoy a morning of kayaking or paddleboarding before heading to a local brewery for a behind-the-scenes guided tour with a drink in hand.

Tahoe Brew Tours provides a designated driver and transportation throughout the day. Learn more online at http://www.tahoebrewtours.com.

Bike to The Beacon

With spring temperatures on their way, biking is coming back into full swing. If you’re staying in South Lake Tahoe, there are many trails located off California Route 89 near Camp Richardson that will allow you to take in the scenery, so check out one of the many rental shops on South Shore (South Shore Bikes and Anderson’s Bike Rental to name a couple) and get pedaling.

While near Camp Richardson, bike to the on-site restaurant The Beacon and enjoy the signature Rum Runner before heading to the nearby Tallac Historic Site. The buildings are currently closed for winter, but the grounds are open for exploration and are a neat spot to spend a spring day.

Place a Bet

Lake Tahoe is no stranger to casinos. On the North Shore, Crystal Bay is home to two — Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino and Crystal Bay Club Casino — and Incline Village’s Hyatt Regency Resort & Casino rounds out the lineup.

On the opposite side of the lake, four major casinos are located within walking distance of Stateline: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harveys Lake Tahoe. Nestled next to the Lucky Beaver is Dotty’s Casino, a smaller venue, and just past Kingsbury Grade (just under 1 mile from the California-Nevada border) is Lakeside Inn and Casino.

Maybe you’ll go home with more money than you came with.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.