Fire up the SUV and Come to Tahoe South

The Drive is Easy and Scenic

Regardless of where you’re driving from it’s easy to find a route on a major highway to Tahoe South and the last hour(s) of the journey are incredibly scenic mountain vistas. Coming from L.A. via Hwy 395 travels along the granite peaks of the Eastern Sierra once you reach Lone Pine. The drive from Reno is only an hour and traverses the Kit Carson Range. The last hour of the drive from the Bay Area climbs into the Sierra Nevada beginning at Placerville.

Lake Tahoe Road Trip EmeralHikers enjoying the views of Emerald Bayd Bay Lake Tahoe

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How do I drive to South Lake Tahoe?

Tahoe South is conveniently located on the California and Nevada border. Getting to and around South Lake Tahoe has never been easier. The drive to South Lake Tahoe is 3.5-hours from the Bay Area, or an hour-long drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with more than 120 daily nonstop flights. Convenient express shuttle service from Reno is available multiple times per day from the South Tahoe Airporter.

Directions

Driving from the Bay Area

  • Hwy 80 E
  • Hwy 50 E to South Lake Tahoe (stay left on the freeway) 
  • Exits into the Tahoe Basin in Meyers, CA
  • Proceed to Lake Tahoe Blvd at the “Y” intersection 

Driving from Reno

  • 580 S freeway ends at Carson St in Carson City
  • Hwy 50 to South Lake Tahoe (straight ahead from the stoplight)

Driving from L.A.

  • I-5 N
  • Exit in Sacramento onto Hwy 50 to South Lake Tahoe
  • Exits into the Tahoe Basin in Meyers, CA
  • Proceed to Lake Tahoe Blvd at the “Y” intersection

Driving from San Diego or L.A.

  • Hwy 395 N 
  • Turn left at the 711 in Gardnerville onto Riverview Dr
  • Riverview turns into Dresserville Rd. Dresserville Rd. turns into Centerville Ln.
  • Centerville Ln to Foothill Rd right turn. The next stop sign in SR 207 Kingsbury Grade
  • Left turn onto Kingsbury Grade. SR 207 ends at Hwy 50.
  • Left turn onto Hwy 50

Related Resources:

We’ll hook you up with the latest road conditions, transportation information, maps, and webcams.  If you’re dying to try a sleigh or carriage ride, we can arrange that, too.

It’s a sunny spring day.
The temperature is 62°F.
Ready to enjoy the mountains?

For the latest up-to-date roadwork information around the Tahoe Basin, please visit www.tahoeroads.com

COME BACK AGAIN. AND AGAIN.

Things to Do in Tahoe for Every Season

Sure, we’re a little biased, but there’s never a bad time to visit Tahoe South. Pick a season, any season. Celebrate summer in the Sierra with a hike to Emerald Bay State Park or make a splash at Pope Beach. Discover why Tahoe winters are legendary for skiing and holiday fun at the Heavenly Village and Ski Resort. If you want to avoid the high season crowds, visit Lake Tahoe in the spring to hit the slopes in sunglasses and a t-shirt, or come in the fall when the mountains are painted in autumn colors and hiking is at its best. Regardless of when you visit, there’s plenty of Lake Tahoe things to do.

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Winter

Wander Where Wifi is Weak

Spring

Ski or Swim? Why not Both

Summer

Eat. Sleep. Sun. Repeat.

Fall

Crispy Leaves and Crackling Fires

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