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City guide

South Lake Tahoe (Village), California

South Lake Tahoe is the most populous city in El Dorado County, California, United States, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The city's population was 21,330 at the 2020 census, down from 21,403 at the 2010 census.

Type CityPopulation 21,330

Why go

  • City in California, United States.
  • 1 hand-picked place to stay.
  • Served by Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL).

History

South Lake Tahoe is the most populous city in El Dorado County, California, United States, in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The city's population was 21,330 at the 2020 census, down from 21,403 at the 2010 census. The city, along the southern edge of Lake Tahoe, extends about 5 miles (8 km) west-southwest along U.S. Route 50, also known as Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The east end of the city, on the California–Nevada state line right next to the town of Stateline, Nevada, is mainly geared towards tourism, restaurants, hotels, and Heavenly Mountain Resort with the Nevada casinos just across the state line in Stateline. The western end of town is mainly residential, and clusters around "The Y", the intersection of US 50, State Route 89, and the continuation of Lake Tahoe Boulevard after it loses its federal highway designation.

Where to stay

180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449
Indoor

Airports

Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL) 3.1 mi to the centre
South Lake Tahoe, CA, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Carson Airport (CSN) 22 mi to the centre
Carson City, NV, US — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Minden-Tahoe Airport (MEV) 13 mi to the centre
Minden, NV, US — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Pinenut Airport 18 mi to the centre
Gardnerville, NV, US
Outdoor
Alpine County Airport 18 mi to the centre
Markleeville, CA, US
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Water Taxi
Ferry terminal · 7.9 mi from the centre · Echo Chalet
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL); 11 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 1 ferry terminal within 12 mi (nearest: Water Taxi, 7.9 mi).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for South Lake Tahoe (Village), California. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Local transit

Bus · Nevada · Schedules & GTFS data

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing