Understand

Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in America, sits at the border of California and Nevada. South Lake Tahoe, in particular, offers breathtaking views of mountains adorned with fir and pine trees, and its deep blue water is a sight to behold year-round. This destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with endless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, sun-tanning on miles of beaches, boating, water skiing, swimming, hiking, biking, and camping. South Lake Tahoe has transformed from smaller towns into one bustling area, home to approximately 24,000 permanent residents. The population dramatically fluctuates during the winter months and triples around New Year's Eve. The town can be divided into two main parts: the residential western area centered around "The Y," where US Highway 50 and State Highway 89 intersect, and the commercial eastern area near the CA-NV state border. The latter is closest to the casinos and larger hotels in Stateline, Nevada, creating a virtual paradise for gamblers. Journeying from "The Y" toward Stateline, you'll encounter a plethora of hotels, resorts, and motels along US Highway 50. Further along, you'll discover Heavenly Village, a vibrant town center situated at the foot of Heavenly Gondola. This area boasts shops, restaurants, and two Marriott resort hotels, accompanied by a convenient multi-story parking garage. Continuing one block down US Highway 50, you'll reach the CA-NV border, where Stateline, an unincorporated settlement, awaits with its four major resort casinos and two local casinos.

Get in

If you're planning to visit South Lake Tahoe, the easiest way to get there is by flying into Reno. Once you arrive in Reno, you can either rent a car and drive the remaining distance or take the South Tahoe Express Bus. The South Tahoe Express Bus offers direct transportation from Reno Airport to the Heavenly Gondola, located in the heart of the new area of South Lake Tahoe. The bus fare is $24 one way. Alternatively, if you are an international or transcontinental traveler, you can fly into San Francisco International Airport. From there, you can make your way to South Lake Tahoe by driving via Sacramento on I-80 and US-50. No matter which transportation option you choose, you'll be able to experience the breathtaking beauty of South Lake Tahoe in no time!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing