Broadly: the North and East Shore are quieter and clearer, the South Shore is bigger and busier, and the West Shore is the scenic drive between them. Here's each town in detail.
Quiet luxury on the Nevada North Shore — Diamond Peak, golf, the East Shore Trail and the clearest water on the lake. Our home base.
The walkable North Shore hub at the lake's only outlet — marinas, history, river rafting and the gateway to the West Shore.
The beach town — the North Shore's biggest sand, watersports galore and an eclectic, affordable food scene.
Tahoe at full volume — Heavenly Village and its gondola, Stateline casinos, and the doorstep of Emerald Bay.
The North Shore's state-line corner — vintage casinos, Rat Pack history and the Stateline Fire Lookout above it all.
Less a town than a string of coves, piers and state parks along CA-89 — Sunnyside, Homewood and the run to Emerald Bay.
A historic railroad main street with a stellar food scene, plus Donner Lake — 35 minutes from the North Shore.
Museums, the Riverwalk, Midtown murals and casino nights — the Biggest Little City is 45 minutes down the Mt. Rose Highway.
Nevada's capital: the silver-domed Capitol, the old U.S. Mint and railroad history, 30 minutes over Spooner Summit.
The Comstock boomtown frozen in 1875 — boardwalks, saloons, mine tours and a steam railroad, 50 minutes away.
Beaches, trails, restaurants and itineraries — the planning guide ties it all together.