Lake Tahoe Scenic Audio Tour Experience

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide's audio tour. Immerse yourself in stunning views and rich history as you explore both the California and Nevada sides of the lake. Let the knowledgeable narrator be your guide, providing fascinating insights and highlighting the best spots.
From Vikingsholm Castle to Emerald Bay, you'll uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with the freedom to pause or skip ahead. Experience the magic of Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Meeting Point

Virginia City

Virginia City, NV 89440, USA

Reno, NV, starting on Hwy 341 through Virginia City

Reno

Reno, NV, USA

Reno, NV, starting on Hwy 431/Mount Rose Hwy

Truckee

Truckee, CA 96161, USA

*There is also a tour starting point in Pollack Pines, CA*

What's included:

• Tours NEVER expire
• Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
• Take the tour when you want - download the tour and choose the day that works best for you
• Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations
• Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
• Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Not included:

• Meals and refreshment
• Parking Fees
• Entrance Fees

What to expect:

Duration: between 12 hours and 15 hours

Memorial Point Scenic Overlook

Tahoe Blvd, New Washoe City, NV 89704, USA

This marks the start of the leg that leads around the east side of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side, as you head south along Highway 28 through Incline Village, with spectacular views of the lake, Sierra Nevada Mountains on the California side, and the Carson Range to your left.
There is an incredible walking and biking path called the East Shore Trail that runs alongside this part of the lake, which is just brilliant to take advantage of if you’re staying around Tahoe for longer than the day.

10 minutes

Sand Harbor

Highway 28, Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, Incline Village, 89452, Nevada

This beach is simply stunning. It’s actually got three beachfronts that all have different landscapes and views, with a nature boardwalk that is a must-do! It is a gorgeous, rambling, easy walk full of discovering wildlife creatures and water views for miles in every direction. Pay the entrance fee and park wherever you can. You can walk a path that leads to all three beaches. 
The beach furthest south has a sandy beach and very shallow water pretty far out into the lake, making it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding! The middle section of this park is where the Visitor Center is and a really wonderful cafe where you can dine outside overlooking the lake. The two beaches on the north side of the park have those huge boulders that make it so much fun for kids who want to climb, and add such character to your photos. 

10 minutes

Logan Shoals Vista Trail

Highway 50 North of Cave Rock, , Zephyr Cove, 89448, Nevada

From this point, you’re heading toward South Lake Tahoe along Highway 50. And this overlook is very popular for those taking wedding and engagement photos. You’ll understand why once you park and walk up the short paved path for the views. Because at the last couple of stops you were close to lake level, and now….you’re high above Lake Tahoe. These panoramic views are just breathtaking!

5 minutes

Cave Rock - Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Hwy 50, Glenbrook, NV 89413, USA

Another must-see stop! After approaching Cave Rock and driving through that short tunnel, you’re going to want to head down to the shoreline and look straight up at the entire rock formation and cave! It is a marvel, for sure!

45 minutes

Zephyr Cove

Zephyr Cove, Nevada

You may not want to pay another entrance fee if you’re not planning on beaching it for the day, but you can pull into the entrance, then bear left for the restaurant and general store and park there just to get out for a few minutes and see this gorgeous beach and the forest surrounding it, complete with little log cabins you can rent for lodging.
But if you do want to pay the fee and spend a little while at this beach, or make a reservation on the M.S. Dixie Paddlewheeler for a boat ride out on the lake, I can’t say I blame you! There’s volleyball and water activity rentals available from here, too.

15 minutes

Nevada Beach

Elks Point Road, 1/2 mile West of Highway 50, 89449, Nevada

This is another beachfront that is a must-see. The beauty of this beach is astounding. Once you drive down the road it’s on, you’ll see a wooden fence along the side of the road. So if you don’t want to pay to park in the lot, you can turn your car around and find a parking space along the fenceline.
Then you’ll see a beautiful walking path that you can take down to the shoreline of this gorgeous beach. The view from here of all the mountains in the distance that surround the lake, and the soaring trees along the shoreline make the landscape so unusual and glorious!

1 hour

Heavenly Village Way

Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

You’ll come to Heavenly Village, full of shops and places to eat. Once you park, walk inside the main hotel lobby of Heavenly to purchase tickets if you want to take the gondola ride for heavenly views of the lake.

1 hour

Camp Richardson Resort

1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

You’ll know what street to turn down for the beachfront because of the adorable log cabin General Store on the corner! Stop inside because it’s a cozy place and on a chilly day the fire will be going and you can even grab a meal from the little cafe, or shop for some souvenirs.

Pass by without stopping

Tallac Historic Site

1 Heritage Way, , South Lake Tahoe, 96150, California

Definitely worth a walk-through. Park and take the trails through the old summer estates of the past. The Baldwin Museum, if open, is an old log cabin that you can tour. Some of the other old log cabin mansions on the water are just super cool to walk around, all in the gorgeous forest along the lake.

30 minutes

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Visitor Center Road, Ca-89n, South Lake Tahoe, 96150, California

The next road from Tallac leads to another visitor center and some nature trails. If you’re pressed for time, this is an optional stop that I’d say isn’t a priority – unless it’s salmon spawning season, in which case you can follow the creek along the Rainbow Trail and watch the bright orange salmon swimming upstream!

15 minutes

Inspiration Point Vista

Emerald Bay Rd, Tahoe City, 96150, California

Once you leave Taylor Creek you’ll start to climb again until you’re at a good 8,000 feet or so above sea level, and – boy oh boy – keep both of your eyes on the road and your wheels on the pavement because if you look over the edge (there are no guardrails) you’ll see just how long that drop-off is with the lake way, way down below.
But the payoff at the top is an overlook that beats the band! Inspiration Point will give you a jaw-dropping view of Emerald Bay, which lives up to its name – believe me! And you’ll also see Fannette Island down below, the only island in all of Lake Tahoe, that sits in the middle of Emerald Bay. 

20 minutes

Eagle Falls Trail

Tahoe City, 96150, California

If you’re taking this tour in the spring or early summer, you may want to take the popular Eagle Falls hike that leads up to an amazing waterfall, flowing strong due to the snow melting off of the mountains above it.
But if you’re visiting toward the end of the summer or in the fall, the waterfalls will be down to a trickle – if that – since all the snow has already melted, in which case you can skip this stop unless you just want a nice hike through a forest. This is one of the few stops on the left side of the road.

20 minutes

Emerald Bay State Park

Hwy 89, Emerald Bay, 96150, California

Between the emerald- green bay, the sandy shoreline, that tiny island and the castle itself, the photo opps are stupendous! And the hike to get there is pretty nice, too, full of pocket waterfalls and rugged cliffs rising out of the ground, along a well-worn and wide path.

30 minutes

D.L. Bliss State Park

9881 Ca-89, , 96150, California

There’s a sweet little Visitor Center that you should stop inside upon arriving at this park, for souvenirs or for some maps and to talk to a ranger or volunteer. Although Shaka Guide’s got you covered on directions, it always helps to have a park ranger describe the conditions of The Rubicon Trail and where to park for Balancing Rock. Once you’ve stopped inside, we’ll drive  the park’s forest to three sights so worth seeing!

30 minutes

Balancing Rock Nature Trail

01706110, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

You’re taking what seems like a dirt trail to find the little brown signage alerting you that you’re at the short trail leading up to this unique formation that looks like it’s going to topple at any second! So see it while you can! You’ll need a selfie, of course :)

25 minutes

Lester Beach

Nevada

This is a sweet shoreline that you can walk, among those iconic Tahoe boulder formations. But if you’re short on time or there’s no parking, it’s not a priority to see the beach itself.

30 minutes

Rubicon Trail

D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks, South Lake Tahoe, 96150, California

Just past Lester Beach, still inside D.L. Bliss State Park, you’ll head up a hill to the very popular Rubicon Trail. It’s super long and you don’t need to take the whole thing, but I’d recommend you take it for maybe ten minutes out and back just to see a view of the lake from high up along the cliffs of this trail.
Just be careful and stick to the path! There’s also an abandoned lighthouse trail, but that’s a little more challenging and time consuming. Now if you love to hike and you have a whole day to do so, this trail leads all the way to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle!

5 hours

Sugar Pine Point State Park

California 96142, USA

Follow the path along the lake heading south (with the lake to your left) until you see the railroad tracks that head right into the lake! An Instagram-worthy photo if ever there was one! Especially with the clarity of the water, so that you can literally see the tracks almost to the bottom of the lake floor!

30 minutes

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

Highway 89 at Pine Street, The Ehrman Mansion is located at Sugar Pine State Park Just South of Tahoma, CA, Tahoe City, 96145, California

Once you pull into the main lot, look for the tall fire-lookout-type building, and if it’s open, you can stop inside this nature center to see the exhibits. But really, what you want to do is either tour the Hellman Ehrman mansion, or really just walk around the estate grounds.
But certainly do at least step foot on the back porch of the mansion and check out the lake view from there before heading down that mega-lawn and walking out along the pier over Lake Tahoe!

Pass by without stopping

Olympic Valley

Olympic Valley, California

This is an absolutely amazing valley to see, and to know that the ski slopes above it are where the Olympics once took place! In the summer or fall, when everything in the valley is green and lush, the verdant view feels like you’ve been transported to a land far, far away. And if the gondola is open, take it to the top for the Olympic museum exhibit and Washoe tribe displays!

Pass by without stopping

Lake Tahoe Dam

Lake Tahoe Dam, Tahoe City, CA 96145, USA

Lake Tahoe Dam is a vital engineering marvel situated on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, a breathtaking freshwater lake straddling the border of California and Nevada. Built in the early 20th century, the dam serves as a crucial component of the Tahoe Regional Water System, regulating the water levels of the lake and providing various benefits to the surrounding region.

10 minutes

Commons Beach Park

400 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, 96145, California

Commons Beach is a charming lakeside retreat located in Tahoe City, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. This inviting public park offers a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning lake views and tranquil ambiance, Commons Beach provides a perfect setting for relaxation, recreation, and community gatherings.

Pass by without stopping

Watson Cabin Museum

560 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145, USA

You’ll come to the Watson Log Cabin and Penny Bear! And if you head down the steps from there or down through that parking lot, you can walk out on the public pier over the lake. You can see all the way across to the opposite side for a view of Heavenly Mountain!
There are also some wonderful restaurants right along the lake in this town for dining on the waterfront. On the way to our next stop, we’ll pass Carnelian Bay. Make a quick stop for a photo if the view grabs your attention, because it’s hard to ever tire of the views from every part of the lake loop!

30 minutes

Kings Beach

Kings Beach, California

This is a super popular beach, but if you’ve already been to Sand Harbor, then there’s not really a need to pay to stop at Kings Beach. (And if it’s a choice between Kings Beach or Sand Harbor, I’d choose Sand Harbor any day over Kings Beach.)
They’re similar in that they have gradually deepening shorelines, so the water stays shallow (and thereby warmer) longer than at some of the colder, deep-water beaches around the lake, but the view from here isn’t quite as mesmerizing as that of Sand Harbor.

Still, many people love this beach and town. To me, the town is similar to Tahoe City but with less to offer. So this stop is not highest on the priority list of stops if you’re having to pick and choose for time’s sake.

30 minutes

Historic Stateline Fire Lookout

Kings Beach, CA 96143, USA

This is a wide, semi-paved path to an old fire lookout well over 7,000 feet elevation (but remember – you’re already pretty high up before you start along the trail so you’re not climbing that many feet) for a view overlooking Lake Tahoe that you won’t find anywhere else.

50 minutes

Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook

Mt Rose Hwy, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA

There’s an overlook along a hairpin turn out of Incline Village for one last memorable look down at Lake Tahoe.

Pass by without stopping

Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead

Mt Rose Hwy, New Washoe City, NV 89704, USA

Tahoe Meadows South Trail is a scenic hiking path in Lake Tahoe. It winds through picturesque meadows, fragrant forests, and offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. With its gentle terrain and abundant wildlife, this trail provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts to connect with the unspoiled beauty of the region.

30 minutes