South Lake Tahoe, CA

Lakeside Beach in South Lake Tahoe, CA - 1

South Lake Tahoe is absolutely gorgeous and there are tons of activities for families to enjoy.  However, it can be VERY expensive.  Here are some helpful ideas for enjoying South Lake Tahoe, CA on a budget.

Where Can We Stay in South Lake Tahoe for an Affordable Price? - First, our family has thoroughly enjoyed visiting South Lake Tahoe during off seasons.  There is plenty to do and enjoy even when the ski slopes are closed.  Our favorite place to stay is called "3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club".  We stayed in their townhome for three nights at about $65/night.  The townhome had a separate bedroom for my wife and I, a spacious living room, and a nicely-stocked kitchenette.  Throw in a pool for the kiddos and what else could you want?  Check it out on hotels.com and watch for deals like this (CLICK HERE).  This small hotel is also located within walking distance of the beach and the shops of Heavenly.  By using the kitchen, and nearby Raley's, we were able to save a LOT of money rather than eating out (sorry South Lake Tahoe restaurants, you may be tasty, but you are also very pricey!).

What Are Some Affordable Things to Do for Families in South Lake Tahoe? -
Lakeside Beach - Many of the hotels within walking distance of the lakeside beach, including 3 Peaks, offer a FREE beach pass at Lakeside Beach (see map below).  This saves the $10 entrance fee to this small beach.  Beware that this is a very small beach and that both the sand and the playground equipment get VERY hot.  I recommend visiting in the early morning with jackets or in the late afternoon (beautiful place for watching sunsets).  Other than that, bring LOTS of sunscreen, especially if visiting in the summer (we visited in July).


Van Sickle Bi-State Park - Within about a 10-minute walk of 3 Peaks is the Van Sickle Bi-State Park.  Walk up Park Avenue across US-50 past the Raley's and you will walk right into the park.  The trails are fairly easy for children and you can hike as much as their little legs will go.  We enjoyed the views and climbing on the rocks for some wonderful pictures.  The trail is also used by bicyclists, so be aware that some will come flying down the trail at high speeds.  However, visibility is great and we had ample time to get our kiddos off the trail.  They also loved hiking underneath the ski-lift gondolas.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park - 1

Van Sickle Bi-State Park - 2

Village Toys in the Shops at Heavenly Village - We enjoyed letting our kids save up their money and shop this fun, small toy store.  The prices are a little higher than Amazon or Walmart, but they have a good selection and our kids each bought something with their own money for $10 or less.

Emerald Bay State Park and the Vikingsholm - About a 30 minute drive away is a wonderful day hike at the Emerald Bay State Park (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506).  While there is parking available for free along Highway 89, I do NOT recommend it.  Get to the park early and pay the $10 to park in the small parking lot.  There are no sidewalks along the highway and it would be both dangerous and difficult to safely get small kids to the trails.  The hike down is a joy and the lake views and Viking home at the bottom are beautiful.  We did not pay to ride a boat or tour the home, and this saved a considerable amount of money.  Instead, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the hike.  A short hike up from the viking home is an amazing waterfall.  Once you have enjoyed the lake, beware the steep hike up is DIFFICULT for tired little legs.  My wife and I pushed our kids back up the steep slope in an umbrella stroller (UGGHH!).  I am not sure what would be best, but if you are going to depend on an umbrella stroller, be sure you have a sturdy one with extended handles (HERE is one that is 42" high from Walmart for less than $30).

Emerald Bay State Park - 1

Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, CA

Emerald Bay State Park - 2

What Should We Bring to South Lake Tahoe? - First, if you stay at a hotel with its own kitchen, bring plenty of food and cook for yourself.  If you forget food, as I said earlier, take advantage of the nearby Raley's.  If you plan to hike, bring hiking boots and layers.  Early in the morning the trails were VERY cool (40s-50s even in July), but by lunchtime the trails can heat up (70s-80s).  Our kids all shed layers during the hike.  If you are going to enjoy the beach, bring beach-appropriate shoes to the beach.  The sand on Lake Tahoe gets LAVA hot.  It's worth getting a pair of beach shoes or at least flip flops, but don't spend more than about $10 for a pair.  I found a pair at a thrift store for $4 that have served me well.  Here's a new pair on Amazon currently for $10 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WDV4QS5/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_AjGRDbFEF3Z96).

Have fun exploring this beautiful place!

Van Sickle Bi-State Park - 3

Lakeside Beach in South Lake Tahoe, CA - 2