Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Summer

If you are looking for a place to express your creative side, All Fired Up can help. A sanctuary for creation in the form of pottery painting, candle making, mosaics, succulent gardens, canvas painting and even slime making, All Fired Up offers the space to let your imagination shine. All ages and artistic abilities are invited to play. Come alone or in a group. In fact, it is an excellent option for those looking to create a party for bridal and wedding groups, birthdays, friends and family get-togethers, office parties, team building or mom gatherings. You're even invited to bring your favorite wine or beer to help get your creative juices flowing. Appointments or drop-ins are welcome.

Around Tahoe Tours is your best bet for getting a true feel and knowledge of the Tahoe area. Created by Chris and Darin Talbot, the tour agency is a culmination of their knowledge that began when they moved to the area in 1977. Private tours and group tours are available, ranging from either one to four people or five to eight people. The tours focus on all the various areas of the Tahoe Basin from South Lake Tahoe to Truckee, including their Comstock Tour that travels to Virginia City in Nevada. Each tour gives special attention to the highlights and gems of the area. 

Discover the hidden gems of South Lake Tahoe with Black Tie Adventure Rentals. Founded by a team of outdoor enthusiasts, their motto is to help you explore the region's beauty off the beaten path. Whether you're paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe, catching a breathtaking sunset at Zephyr Cove or cruising along Tahoe's stunning beaches, Black Tie has you covered. They offer convenient delivery of e-bikes, paddleboards and kayaks directly to your vacation lodging or hotel. Their gear experts will ensure your equipment is properly set up for a seamless adventure. When you're done, simply return the gear to their shop or enjoy the convenience of pick-up service. Visit their walk-in shop where you can grab a cup of coffee and then ride right from their front doorstep to explore the incredible bike paths and local beaches like Nevada Beach, Round Hill Resort, Baldwin Beach, Pope Beach and more. 

With a history dating back to 1937, a completely renovated Crystal Bay Casino opened its doors on August 1, 2003. Natural stones cover the walls of the casino and a giant (fake) oak tree grows from the middle of the pit, spreading its branches out over the gaming tables and giving it a surreal ambiance. The gaming includes blackjack, craps and roulette as well as slot machines and a sportsbook. They’ve got rooms to rent out in an adjacent building called the Border House. Renovated to maintain a bygone charm with modern luxuries, the 10 rooms of the Border House are furnished with antiques and retro pieces and have Jacuzzi tubs and plasma TVs, and a few rooms have fireplaces. The casino hosts two clubs: the Red Room – with a small performance space – and the Crown Room, one of Tahoe’s premier performance venues. Set in an old bowling alley, the Crown Room has a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, a hardwood dance floor and a capacity of 750. Crystal Bay Casino also is the home to the five-star Steak and Lobster House. To get a feel for old school Tahoe with all the modern luxuries, check out the CBC.

History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site of the state park, during record-breaking snowfall. Now visitors can go to Donner Memorial State Park and check out the new $6.6 million visitor center/museum that chronicles the Donner Party and the human and natural history of the region. During summer season the park has 142 spaces for car, RV and tent camping. There is also a concessionaire renting water-sport toys from kayaks and SUPs to two-seater personal watercraft. Being a state park in the Sierra, everything is surrounded by beautiful pines and plenty of hiking and biking in adjacent Cold Stream Canyon and swimming in the kid-friendly canal and China Cove. Depending on snowfall, a cross-country ski trail is groomed through the park, which is also a great place for snowshoeing. An entrance fee is charged.