South Lake Tahoe is a mountain city in the Sierra Nevada of eastern California and part of El Dorado County. Located near the Nevada state line, the city sits on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, about 60 miles southwest of Reno. It is known for its alpine lake setting, Heavenly Mountain, Emerald Bay, beaches, forests, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Location Map of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, California
About Map: The map shows the location of South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, in the U.S. state of California.
South Lake Tahoe Map, California
About South Lake Tahoe Map: The Google Map highlights the location of South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is South Lake Tahoe Located?
South Lake Tahoe is a city located in El Dorado County, California, the United States. It lies at the southern end of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, directly beside the Nevada state line. The city is about 60 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada, and roughly 190 miles northeast of San Francisco. Carson City is about 30 miles east, while Placerville is approximately 45 miles west. South Lake Tahoe is located at about 38.9332° North latitude and 119.9843° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 21,330 residents, and the city has about 10.19 square miles (26.39 square kilometers) of land area. The surrounding landscape includes Lake Tahoe, granite mountains, dense conifer forests, and high-elevation valleys. Heavenly Mountain is one of the area's best-known landmarks, offering views across the lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada. Emerald Bay, with Vikingsholm and Fannette Island, is also nearby. A unique feature of South Lake Tahoe is its location on one of North America's largest alpine lakes, at an elevation of more than 6,200 feet above sea level. The city was incorporated in 1965 and serves as the largest community on Lake Tahoe's south shore.
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South Lake Tahoe City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | South Lake Tahoe |
| State | California |
| County | El Dorado County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe Basin |
| Incorporated | November 30, 1965 |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Total Area | 16.6 sq mi (43.0 sq km) |
| Land Area | 10.19 sq mi (26.39 sq km) |
| Water Area | 6.41 sq mi (16.61 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 6,237 ft (1,901 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 21,300 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 21,330 |
| Population Density | 2,093.6 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PST/PDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 96150 |
| Area Code | 530 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 50, California State Route 89 |
| Public Transit | Tahoe Transportation District public transit services |
| Major Attractions | Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Emerald Bay, Tallac Historic Site, Pope Beach |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofslt.us/ |
Distance from South Lake Tahoe, CA to Nearby Cities
- Stateline, NV – 3 miles (5 km)
- Zephyr Cove, NV – 7 miles (11 km)
- South Lake Tahoe, CA – 0 miles (0 km)
- Carson City, NV – 30 miles (48 km)
- Placerville, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Gardnerville, NV – 35 miles (56 km)
- Minden, NV – 35 miles (56 km)
- Truckee, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Gardnerville Ranchos, NV – 35 miles (56 km)
- Reno, NV – 60 miles (97 km)
- Auburn, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
- Grass Valley, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
- Roseville, CA – 100 miles (161 km)
- Sacramento, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
- Folsom, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- El Dorado Hills, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
- Jackson, CA – 90 miles (145 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 190 miles (306 km)
Top Attractions in South Lake Tahoe, California
- Lake Tahoe – The large alpine lake dominates the city's landscape and offers beaches, boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and scenic views throughout the year.
- Heavenly Mountain Resort – A major mountain recreation area with skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, sightseeing, and gondola rides during warmer months.
- Emerald Bay State Park – One of Lake Tahoe's most recognizable landscapes, featuring turquoise water, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm Castle, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
- Tallac Historic Site – A historic lakefront area preserving the Baldwin, Pope, and Valhalla estates and offering a look at Lake Tahoe's early resort history.
- Van Sickle Bi-State Park – A mountain park near the California-Nevada border with hiking trails, granite landscapes, forest scenery, and views toward Lake Tahoe.
- Camp Richardson Historic Resort – A historic lakeside recreation area south of the city with beaches, trails, boating, camping, and historic buildings.
- Bijou Community Park – A large city park with open spaces, sports facilities, walking and bicycle paths, playgrounds, and recreation areas.
- Pope Beach – A popular Lake Tahoe shoreline area with sandy beaches, picnic facilities, swimming, and views across the lake.
- Regan Beach – A city-owned lakefront beach and recreation area with swimming access, picnic areas, and views of Lake Tahoe.
Airports Near South Lake Tahoe, California
- Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL) – 4 miles
- Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 60 miles
- Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK) – 45 miles
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 125 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official South Lake Tahoe city website and local government records.
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