Go Up, Up, and Above the Water with Lake Tahoe Balloons

As the only hot air balloon operation that launches and lands on Big Blue, Lake Tahoe Balloons offers an unforgettable experience at 1600 feet. At the break of dawn, people who have reserved their spots for a hot air balloon ride gather at the Tahoe Keys Marina and after being greeted by knowledgeable and friendly staff are led to a specially made pontoon boat called the Tahoe Flyer. While enjoying coffee and snacks, the crew blows up the balloon on the upper deck, making a basket of a Lake Tahoe Balloon that holds up to 16 people stay upright while the highly knowledgeable and experienced captain points out all the lake’s most interesting features.

Once the balloon is ready, people climb in and float over the water on par with Mt. Tallac, Captain Sheldon pointing out small lakes in Desolation Wilderness and what lies beyond the Tahoe area as boat captain Greg Collard follows the hot air balloon to catch it in a safe, controlled landing.

This is a great activity to do for honeymooners, those celebrating an anniversary, or wanting to cross a hot air balloon ride off your bucket list. Lake Tahoe Balloons takes people out on scenic flights over Lake Tahoe May 8-October 17 and over the Minden/Gardnerville/Carson City area in the winter months. A Classic Tahoe Flight costs $299 per person and includes a sparkling wine toast at the end.

Peddle the Gang Around Town on a Multi-Person Surrey Bike

For an affordable fun low-impact daytime activity to do with your family or friends, consider getting a surrey bike from the Tahoe Bike Company to cruise around in for a little while. These multi-person bicycles are one of the best ways to see and experience South Lake Tahoe via the city’s extensive interconnected paved bike path that runs from the beach to Stateline.

Located on Harrison Avenue next to the Lakeview Commons Park and beach, Tahoe Bike Company is conveniently located near restaurants, shops, and a surrey bike ride away from Ski Run Marina and the casinos. A single 2-seater surrey bike is $35 per hour or $125 to take out for an entire day, while a 4-pedal surrey bike is $45 per hour/$165 per day. The Tahoe Bike Company also leases electric bikes, beach cruisers, hybrid comfort bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, and tandem ones by the hour, the half-day, or the full day.

Catch a Fish with the Family at Tahoe Trout Farm

Off in a quiet neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Trout Farm on 1023 Blue Lake Avenue has been in continuous operation since 1946 and is considered a historic property in the City. It’s also still one of the best places to take the family. Open April through September from 10am-6pm, owner Jim Vallier stocks his two well-circulating ponds with rainbow trout that love to bite, hailed from the Mt. Lassen Trout Farm. What makes this place especially great is that bait and tackle are free of charge, and kids are given a simple Tom Sawyer fishing pole to use to hook the big one (the Tahoe Trout Farm charges per fish based on length and anglers are welcome to take their catch home). No fishing license is required, and anyone is welcome to cast a line. Tahoe Trout Farm staff will even clean your fish and put it on ice for the trip over to the grill or kitchen. The Valliers can even recommend restaurants that will cook your fish, and they provide recipes on the Tahoe Trout Farm website to get ideas for tasty dishes.

For many young visitors to Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Trout Farm is the place where they caught their first fish (it’s where I caught my first fish) and then they brought their own kids back to Tahoe to keep the tradition alive. It’s best to get there early (before 10am), otherwise finding a parking spot and borrowing a fishing pole might be a little tricky. Visit Tahoe Trout Farm for more information before you visit because hours of operation may have changed since the pandemic.

​Check Out a Magic Show at The Loft

Located within the always going-off Heavenly Village, The Loft Theatre is the perfect place to catch a live magic show and a meal. Magic Fusion shows take place Wednesday-Sunday (most of them start at 7pm) and delight and inspire people of all ages. Hosted by world-class illusionists and magicians, they are experts at tricking your mind and keeping you on the edge of your seat in a fast-paced, high-energy intimate setting. Ranked as the #1 show in Lake Tahoe, this is a great experience to enjoy with friends, your date, or the kids at one of the early G-rated performances.

Its TASTE restaurant also serves American tapas handcrafted by chef Frank Trotta featuring culinary delights that pair well with a cocktail or glass of wine. On certain nights, The Loft’s Lounge features live music, trivia, and even risqué After Dark magic shows for adults ages 18 and up. For hours of operation or to make a reservation, visit www.thelofttahoe.com.

Paddle Under the Stars with Clearly Tahoe Kayak Tours

Many people love Lake Tahoe for its transparent waters that create an unusually beautiful effect when the granite rocks and golden sand meet the crystalline snow runoff on Big Blue’s shoreline. Going beyond that, if you like to explore portions of the lake via paddle board or kayak, have family/friends in town, and want to get an up-close view of this natural magnificence, then consider going out in a translucent kayak so that you get the full 360-degree view above and below the water.

Based out of the Tahoe Keys (with another location at Edgewood Tahoe for its guests), Clearly Tahoe provides guided tours in Lake Tahoe in completely transparent kayaks. Its tours range from eco adventures that go into the Tahoe marsh giving people the chance to see birds, beavers, and perhaps a coyote or a bear to nighttime stargazing tours with LED lights illuminating the way. Tours are open to paddlers of all ages (5+) and abilities, and Clearly Tahoe can accommodate groups from 2-80 people. Tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and will likely tell something about Lake Tahoe that you never knew before. South Shoreline and Scenic Shoreline tours are 1.5 hours long and range in price from $79-$198 per boat. Eco Discovery and Tallac View Sunset tours are 2 hours long, only available in the summer, and range from $59-$238 per boat. Three different types of night tours are offered, as well as an Eco LED Tour suitable for intermediate paddlers.

There’s Always Something to See and Do in South Lake Tahoe

While the abundance of casinos, beaches, forests, and fresh water is the main reason for people to come to Lake Tahoe, hopefully during your visit you can make some time to experience something new.