Are you visiting Lake Tahoe and unsure which end to set up as your basecamp? This is one of the most common questions I get asked as a Tahoe blogger. Luckily both North and South Lake Tahoe have incredible views, beaches, hiking, and biking trails, so no matter where you decide to call home, you are guaranteed to have a great time.
Your decision on whether to set up in North or South Lake Tahoe will really come down to the type of atmosphere you’re looking for and how important commercial options are to you. For example, the City of South Lake Tahoe, where most visitors rent on the south end of the lake sits near the California and Nevada state line. Because the city is so close to Nevada, many large casinos are accessible via a walk or short Uber ride. The casinos offer great nightlife options including gambling, and large-scale shows and concerts. These options aren’t as prevalent in the north shore, meaning there is less nightlife, but also a bit more tranquility.
If you’re struggling to make a choice, the best thing to do is make a checklist of what you want to do on your trip. If you think you’ll want to go on several commercial excursions and stay out late at night, South Lake Tahoe is probably the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to make this trip more of an escape into the wilderness, the north shore might be a better fit. Below I’ve made a comparison infographic of the north vs. south shores to help guide you in your final decision. But just remember, if you are visiting Lake Tahoe with a vehicle, you will be able to sightsee any of the locations on the Lake, regardless of where you stay.
I hope you found this post helpful in guiding your decision on North vs. South Lake Tahoe. Have a great time!
Meg
Tahoe Meg 