Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park

In Las Vegas, Nevada, the real jackpot lies beyond the hubbub of the city’s fluorescent glow. Our journey to Lake Tahoe begins once you’ve played your final hand and had your fill of the Strip. Head west towards Death Valley National Park, where you’ll trade slot machines for salt flats on the first day of your Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe road trip. 

Hidden Gems: Stop at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction. This quirky venue, founded by ballerina Marta Becket, is a testament to the “if you build it, they will come” spirit. 

Recommended Detour: The China Ranch Date Farm & Bakery is well-worth the deviation on your driving route. A date milkshake is just the kind of sweet treat you need to fuel your desert adventure!

Day 3-4: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Next up, prepare for a vertical adventure as you ascend from the lowest point in North America to the land of giant Sequoias, the world’s tallest trees.

Pro-Tip: To access Sequoia National Park, use the park shuttles from the gateway town of Visalia to reduce traffic and emissions within the park and take the worry of finding parking off your to-do list. Visalia is also a great place to stay overnight.

Must-Do: Just off the Western Divide Highway you’ll find the Trail of 100 Giants. Technically in Sequoia National Forest (not the national park), it’s a paved, ADA-friendly path with several loop options that’ll introduce you to some of the largest trees on Earth.

Hidden Gems: Visit the subterranean wonder of Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon National Park, which is generally less crowded than Crystal Cave. For above-ground views, check out Panoramic Point in Grant Grove.

Day 5: Inyo & Sierra Nevada National Forests

As you cruise north along I-395, the Eastern Sierra unfolds before you like a CGI-enhanced movie backdrop that *almost* doesn’t seem real. Expect impressive peaks, endless vistas, and lots of space to roam in this region. With countless trailheads to choose from, it’s easy to go off the beaten path in these parts.

Crowley Lake near the town of Mammoth Lake is the perfect place to get out of the car and stretch your legs. It’s one of the only places in the Eastern Sierra where you can drive right up to the shoreline. Don’t leave the area without snapping a photo of the Crowley Lake Stone Columns, the otherworldly natural wonders you have to see to believe.

Must-Do: This area is teeming with natural hot springs. Take a dip in The Rock Tub Hot Springs, Willy’s Hot Springs, or Hilltop Hot Springs, with several others to choose from, as well.

Where to Stay: For the budget traveler, there’s no shortage of campgrounds and primitive cabin sites throughout the area. The Hostel California in Bishop is another wonderful option. Farther north near Mammoth Mountain, splurge for a night in one of the world-class lodges or resorts.

Day 6: Yosemite National Park

Today, you’ll skirt the edge of Sierra National Forest before diving into the crown jewel of California’s park system: Yosemite National Park.

Must-Do in Yosemite: Hike to Glacier Point for a view that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. If you’re visiting in winter, strap on some cross-country skis for a serene snowy adventure or book a snowmobile adventure with one of the local snow safari companies.

Pro-Tip: Yosemite has an extensive, free transit system to access the Yosemite Valley from various surrounding communities and towns. Explore the valley floor without worrying about maps, directions, or parking while reducing congestion and helping to preserve this spellbinding landscape.

Hidden Gem: Before or after entering Yosemite, stop at Mono Lake. This ancient saline lake is home to otherworldly tufa towers and millions of migratory birds.

Day 7: Stanislaus National Forest to South Lake Tahoe

On your final day of the road trip, you’ll pass through Stanislaus and El Dorado National Forests before reaching South Lake Tahoe.

Pit Stop: Grab a coffee and light snack at the Mad Dog Cafe at Woodfords Station, located in a historic trading post along Old Pony Express Highway.

All Seasons Adventures: Depending when you visit, you can find a variety of outdoor activities at both the Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Bear Valley Mountain Resort.

Part 2: South Lake Tahoe

After a week on the road exploring California’s Eastern Sierras, get ready to make South Lake Tahoe your home away from home. Here the water is as blue as the sky and the adventures are as tall as the mountains! Let’s dive into a week of alpine bliss that can be as relaxing or thrill-seeking as you like!

South Lake Tahoe Lodging

First thing’s first: get situated in your new digs. The south shores of Lake Tahoe are lined with an excellent selection of lodging options in all directions. Pick one (if you can!) to set up your basecamp for the next few nights or bounce from place to place for a sampling of the best stays in South Lake Tahoe.

Save: Warmer weather means camping season. Save some money and become one with nature at one of South Lake Tahoe’s premier campgrounds and RV parks. If you prefer a real roof over your head, which we totally understand, check out Hotel Beckett by Best Western or Harrah’s Lake Tahoe for competitive rates.

Spend: You’ll find ample mid-range hotels and resorts throughout South Lake Tahoe. A selection of impressive lakefront properties, private cabin stays, and lively casino accommodations are available year-round.

Splurge: Luxury travelers should look into the Landing Resort & Spa, a lavish lakefront hotel with eco-friendly practices and stunning views. Alternatively, the Lodge at Edgewood and Tahoe Beach Club also offer elevated experiences.

Day 8-10: South Lake Tahoe Activities

South Lake Tahoe is the perfect hub for your lakeside adventures, and where you’ll likely end up spending most of your time. The south shore of Lake Tahoe offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, with plenty of options for activities and dining that the whole family will love. Whether you’re seeking thrilling mountain experiences or lakeview relaxation, you’ll find everything you need right at your fingertips. While the other communities around the lake have a more quiet local vibe, South Lake Tahoe is at the center of the action.

Must-Do: For breathtaking views, climb aboard the Heavenly Gondola. Beware: winter means competing with skiers for a seat. Luckily the gondola (and the views!) are also open in the summer months. Speaking of summer, rent a bike from one of Lake Tahoe’s bike shops and get pedaling. Biking is one of the best ways to explore around Tahoe, and many outfitters provide shuttle services. 

Hidden Gem: In the fall, visit the nearby Taylor Creek Visitor Center and walk the Rainbow Trail to see the annual Kokanee salmon run. The center closes for the winter season, but the quiet grounds are still open for cross country skiing and winter hiking.

Outdoor Activities: Tee off in the summer or tube around in the winter at the Tahoe Paradise Golf Course. In the warmer months, Emerald Bay State Park is a local favorite for a reason. Crystalline waters lap along soft sand beaches with epic views in all directions of the surrounding mountains and Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island.

Cultural Fix: Catch a hockey game at the Tahoe Blue Event Center cheering on the brand new pro team, the Tahoe Knight Monsters. Also on at the same venue is the Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival held each October. 

Speaking of October, Camp Richardson, an all-in-one experience offering lodging, dining, activity rentals, and a charming general store, hosts an Oktoberfest celebration each year. The rest of year, visitors can wander through the log cabin-style buildings and enjoy live entertainment nights on the weekends. In fact, many of South Lake Tahoe’s resorts and hotels also host live music, concerts, and line dancing events throughout the year. 

Dining:

• Breakfast: Hearty plates at Heidi’s Pancake House
• Lunch: Stateline Brewery & Restaurant
• Dinner: Lakeside farm-to-table cuisine at Edgewood Tahoe Resort 
• Late Night: Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger, a 24/7 burger joint

Libations: Sample craft beers at South Lake Brewing Company or sip on small-batch spirits at Tahoe Blue Vodka’s tasting room. If you’re feeling ambitious (and thirsty), embark on the South Lake Tahoe Beer Trail.