Things to Do in Lake Tahoe With a Boat Rental
Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team
Have you ever thought about renting a boat for the summer in Lake Tahoe? If you live near the coast, you may not think Lake Tahoe can compete with the amenities you already have, but as soon as you rent a boat in Lake Tahoe and inhale the fresh mountain air, you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America.
This means amazing scenery, and there are year-round activities like water and winter sports, sandy beaches, bike trails, and even a busy downtown area. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Lake Tahoe is fun in every season. Swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing are great in summer, while winter is blessed with plenty of snowfall.
With 24-hour casinos and a wild nightlife scene, the area does feel a little like Las Vegas, which is not too surprising since Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada. Boatsetter offers many types of boats for rent in Lake Tahoe. Select one and then check out this Lake Tahoe calendar of events for the rock concerts, film festivals, fireworks displays, and sporting events planned in the area. Then, soak up the sunshine with a day on the water on board your Lake Tahoe boat rental.
Post summary:
- Lake Tahoe sightseeing on the water
- Experiences waiting for you at Lake Tahoe
- Lake life fun at The Lake of the Sky
Explore boats & on-water experiences at Lake Tahoe—Only at Boatsetter
Lake Tahoe sightseeing on the water
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking breathtaking vistas, these sights will showcase the sheer splendor of this pristine alpine paradise. So, be camera ready as we embark on an adventure to discover the top Lake Tahoe sights that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
Pro tip: If you haven’t already follow us on Instagram and tag @boatsetter on your boat trip pictures for a chance to be featured.
Zephyr Cove Beach & Resort
The first place you should explore is Zephyr Cove Beach and Resort, which provides a flat lake area where you can participate in activities like parasailing and water skiing. In addition to several cabins, the resort offers lots of other camping facilities just a short walk from the mile-long sandy beach and the Zephyr Cove Restaurant, the M.S. Dixie paddle wheeler, other marina activities, horseback riding, and the quaint general store.
Take your Lake Tahoe boat rental for a relaxing cruise and marvel at the calm, turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe. The bright green pine trees on the beaches contrast well with the color of the water, and your photographs will turn out really well against the backdrop of the alpine waters and the snow glistening on the tops of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
Vikingsholm Castle and Beach
Another thing to do on your Lake Tahoe boat rental is to take a tour of the nearby Vikingsholm Castle. Built-in a fjord-like setting at Emerald Bay State Park, this is one of the greatest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere. Although the house is only open for tours from April to September, the exotic scenery may be enjoyed year-round, especially when it is seen from the vista of your Lake Tahoe boat rental. While you are in the area, you should also visit the small tea house on Fannette Island.
It is now abandoned, and only four standing rock walls, three windows, and a fireplace remain, but it is still a neat experience to experience this small part of the island’s history. As with most of Lake Tahoe, be aware that this area attracts thousands of visitors, so plan to get there early before most people arrive. Another good strategy is to visit during the off-seasons in fall and spring when there are no tourists. If at all possible, when you rent a boat in Lake Tahoe, make your trip during the week, instead of on the weekend.
Experiences waiting for you at Lake Tahoe
This majestic freshwater lake, straddling the border of California and Nevada, offers an array of unforgettable on-water experiences year-round. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, serene relaxation, or a taste of vibrant mountain culture, Lake Tahoe has something to offer every visitor.
Beach life at Lake Tahoe
At Round Hill Pines Beach, you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis and launch your Lake Tahoe boat rental from their marina. Visit Pope Beach, the longest beach in Tahoe, and rest under the beach’s trees for some shelter from the sun. Again, this beautiful and clean stretch of beach is trendy, so try to anchor your Lake Tahoe boat rental early to enjoy the picnic tables and public restrooms here. Several food trucks are available around lunchtime for soft drinks, nachos, hot dogs, or some basic burgers.
If you rent a boat in Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor on the Nevada side of the lake in the Lake Tahoe National Forest is a really nice beach, but it is best enjoyed from the water on a paddleboard. If you paddle north towards Crystal Bay (about 4 miles across), you should have the whole area to yourself. Finally, Kiva Beach is on the southern side of the lake, and it is one of the few beaches where dogs are allowed. There is no fee to use the beach, and there is a secluded area, just a short walk from the main beach.
Fishing in the Lake Tahoe Water Trail
On a Lake Tahoe boat rental, you’ll enjoy the sight of the attractive coastline and the steep mountainside vistas. The Tahoe Water Trail offers public launch and landing sites, planned kayaking and paddleboarding routes, and plenty of amazing scenery. It is 72 miles long, so you will be sure to find some great fishing spots here. As with most lakes, the fishing here can be excellent if you know what you are doing. The North Lake Tahoe fishing region contains lots of streams, rivers, and smaller bodies of water, and of course, there are the deep blue waters of the big lake. For the perfect fishing day trip, you can cast your line directly from your Lake Tahoe boat rental and try to reel in some rainbow trout, mackinaw, and Kokanee salmon. Keep in mind that mackinaw season is open all year round when you rent a Lake Tahoe boat.
Barbecue boat day
What is a boating vacation without delicious drinks and food? Be sure to bring a cooler full of ice and plenty of your favorite beverages on your Lake Tahoe boat rental. A portable grill can easily be hooked up to a small gas cylinder to cook up some meals for you and your family to enjoy as you watch the sun setting over the water. Whether you are a novice or an experienced sailor, a Lake Tahoe boat rental can be the ideal way to start spending more time on the water with your friends and family. Remember that you always have the option of hiring a captain who will offer plenty of help with your Lake Tahoe boat rental.
Lake day fun at The Lake of the Sky
Being out on the water is full of simple pleasures like great views, sunshine, a slow pace, relaxation, good company, and delicious drinks and food. You can arrange your Lake Tahoe boat rental for a half or full day and try your hand at some other watersports. When you rent a boat in Lake Tahoe, you’ll find that lots of our recreational boat rentals have gear already included in your rental price!
The boater’s paradise of Lake Tahoe offers stunning scenery and plenty of coves and inlets to explore on one of our many different kinds of boat rentals. Many of the amazing boats in our fleet can actually be very affordable if you can split the overall cost between you and several other people. So what are you waiting for? Enjoy all that Lake Tahoe has to offer today!
About us
Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone—whether you own a boat or you’re just renting—the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat, book a boat, or make money as a captain.
Rent. List. Share—Only at Boatsetter
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
