Lake Tahoe’s Best Free Activities for the Whole Family
Frugal Fun in Tahoe
Traveling to a destination like Tahoe can be a pricey endeavor, especially if you’ve already bought your pass to ski the slopes and put down money on a vacation rental for the week. But not everything in this mountain paradise is costly. For all the frugal travelers out there looking to save a few dollars and still enjoy the sights, we’ve come up with 7 free activities to enjoy during your next trip to the emerald shores of Tahoe.
#1: Get Insight into Tahoe History at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum
For history lovers out there, the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum can’t be beat. Though they’re closed during the wintertime and offer limited hours during the summertime, this spot boasts a great bookstore with titles about Western history.
Its namesake is a small museum with exhibitions that show how the first inhabitants of the region, the Washoe tribe, lived in this area, along with information about the earliest pioneers, hunters, and trappers who called Tahoe home. Anyone interested in the history of Tahoe will leave the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum with an even wider breadth of knowledge than before, without having to pay a dime.
#2: Take a Trip to Historic Downtown Truckee
If you’ve driven or rented a car during your time in Tahoe, one scenic drive that won’t break the bank is a trip to downtown Truckee. Located about an hour north of South Lake Tahoe, taking a drive to this town is a sightseeing adventure of its own, filled with historic streets and architecture. We recommend getting there early to get a good parking spot, then spending the day exploring the shops and restaurants that line the downtown area, for an easy and free activity not too far from Tahoe.
#3: Drive to Inspiration Point Vista
Another drive that offers panoramic views is a trip to the majestic Inspiration Point Vista. Just twenty or so minutes down the road from South Lake Tahoe, it’s often recommended to make it to this spot early in the day in order to get a shot at the often-overflowing parking. The views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island are unbeatable, and all of the fuss to get there is worth it once you glimpse the sights of those emerald waters through the trees.
#4: Learn About History At Tallac Historic Site
Tallac Historic Site is another great free option for those looking to save money on Tahoe activities and still learn a bit about the history of the area. This site is made of three historic estates that were built in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, along with a small museum that gives a glimpse into how these early Tahoe families lived during the Gilded Age. Tours are available for those who want to learn more about these estates, but strolling the grounds is a great frugal activity for the whole family.
#5: Relax in the Sand at Kiva Beach
Those visiting Lake Tahoe during the warmer months will enjoy the sands of Kiva Beach. This free beach is one of the most popular ones in South Lake Tahoe, but it’s well worth wading through the crowds to lay in the sand and soak up the sun with your family. There’s also a ton of water activities for you to try if you decide you want to spend a little bit to make your day even better.
#6: Hike the Trails at Van Sickle Bi-State Park
While there are a variety of gorgeous state parks in the area, you will find that most of them charge a fee of some sort for entry or for parking. Van Sickle Bi-State Park is free, however, making it a great option for travelers looking to save an extra buck and still enjoy the sights. Spend the day hiking the trails, and if you’re feeling really adventurous, connect up with the Tahoe Rim Trail for an even longer day out.
#7: Indulge Your Artsy Side at Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery
If you’re a fan of indoor activities or just want to spend some time indoors while the weather outside is frightful, a trip to the Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery will be just what you need. This gallery really does have something for everyone, with a rolling roster of artists and pieces for visitors to peruse and buy if the urge strikes them. Spend some time with their wind sculptures or check out their exhibit about the art of Dr. Suess, which is a crowd favorite.
You Don’t Have to Splurge to Have Fun
Having fun in Lake Tahoe doesn’t have to be a pricey endeavor. If you can plan out your day to avoid the crowds, it’ll almost feel like you have the shores of Tahoe all to yourself. So whether you’re enjoying the emerald waters at Kiva Beach, taking a hike in Van Sickle Bi-State Park, or just going for a drive up to Inspiration Point Vista, there’s plenty to do and see even when you’re pinching your pennies in the Tahoe area.