Where is Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City / South Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Lake Tahoe is located on the border of California and Nevada, USA. It lies between the Sierra Nevada mountains, situated in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and is famous for its deep blue water, skiing, beaches, and beautiful mountain views.

Lake Tahoe Location Map, Tahoe City / South Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Where is Lake Tahoe Located in Tahoe City / South Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
About Map: The map showing location of Lake Tahoe in the Tahoe City / South Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada in the United States. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Top Attractions Inside Lake Tahoe

  • Emerald Bay State Park – Iconic bay with turquoise water, hiking trails, and the historic Vikingsholm Castle.
  • Sand Harbor – Clear water and smooth granite boulders ideal for swimming, kayaking, and photography.
  • Heavenly Mountain Resort – Scenic gondola rides, skiing, and sweeping lake views from the summit.
  • Vikingsholm – Scandinavian-style mansion offering guided tours in a stunning lakeside setting.
  • Commons Beach – Family-friendly beach with swimming areas, picnicking, and lakefront relaxation.
  • Eagle Falls – Short hike leads to beautiful cascading waterfalls and overlooks of Emerald Bay.
  • Rubicon Trail – Popular lakeside trail offering dramatic cliffs, forest scenery, and water views.

Lake Tahoe Facts

Official NameLake Tahoe
LocationTahoe City, California & South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA
Latitude & Longitude39.0968° N, 120.0324° W (approx.)
Total Area~191 sq mi (495 km²); Surface Area ~122,160 acres; Max Depth ~1,645 ft (501 m)
Formed~2 million years ago (glacially-formed alpine lake)
FounderNatural Formation (No human founder)
Managed ByManaged by surrounding municipalities, Nevada & California State Parks, and U.S. Forest Service
RegionNorthern Sierra Nevada / California-Nevada Alpine Region
AddressLake Tahoe, CA & NV, USA
Zip CodeTahoe City: 96145; South Lake Tahoe: 96150
Area Code530 / 775
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptAlpine Lake, Outdoor Recreation, Skiing, Water Sports, Scenic Beauty, Hiking
Sections (Areas)Tahoe City - South Lake Tahoe - Emerald Bay - Incline Village - Kings Beach - Sand Harbor
Famous AttractionsEmerald Bay State Park - Sand Harbor - Heavenly Mountain Resort - Squaw Valley / Palisades Tahoe - Tahoe Rim Trail - Lake Beaches & Marinas
Annual VisitorsApprox. 15–20 million (all Lake Tahoe recreation areas combined)
Entry Fee TypeFree Public Access (some state parks and ski resorts have fees)
Ticket Price RangeState Park Vehicle Day Pass: ~$10–$15; Ski Resort Lift Tickets: ~$60–$180 per day; Boat Launch / Rentals: ~$20–$50
Ticket OptionsVehicle Day Pass - Boat Launch / Marina Access - Ski Lift Tickets - Guided Tours - Hiking / Trail Access
Best Time to VisitSummer (June–September) for water sports; Winter (December–March) for skiing & snowboarding
Nearby AirportReno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – ~45 miles (72 km)
TransportationCar access via US-50, CA-89, NV-28, and NV-207 - Public Transit & Shuttles - Hiking & Biking Trails - Boat / Ferry Services
Official Websitehttps://tahoesouth.com / https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506

Distances from Lake Tahoe to Nearby Landmarks

  • Sand Harbor – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Incline Village – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Spooner Lake – 14 km (8.7 mi)
  • Kings Beach – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Tahoe City – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Emerald Bay – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • Zephyr Cove – 16 km (9.9 mi)
  • Stateline, NV – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • South Lake Tahoe – 27 km (16.8 mi)
  • Heavenly Village – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Mt. Tallac Trailhead – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Donner Memorial State Park – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Truckee, CA – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Homewood – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Crystal Bay – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Meeks Bay – 28 km (17.4 mi)
  • Echo Lake – 32 km (19.9 mi)
  • Carson City – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Mount Rose Summit – 24 km (14.9 mi)
  • Donner Pass – 40 km (24.9 mi)