As the fleet went unused, the number of ships dwindled and became open to the public for visitation. The collection includes the USS Iowa, which used to transport President Roosevelt and now acts as a museum.

If you prefer to get to South Lake Tahoe directly, a Daytrip private transfer gives you the fastest and most comfortable transportation possible. The seamless door-to-door service will kickstart your California adventure without any of the hassles of navigating public transit or finding a ride from the airport at the last minute.

The nearby Emerald Bay State Park is home to a plethora of hikes to stunning viewpoints and dense conifer forests, as well as a trail walk to Vikingsholm, a stone and wood Viking-style estate constructed in the late 1920s. The area also features glacier-carved granite landscapes contrasting with colorful wildflower meadows, making it unlikely that travelers will struggle to find an outdoor adventure suiting their tastes.

South Lake Tahoe is also one of the most popular ski and snowshoe destinations in California, offering everything from beginner slopes to deep powder and more challenging routes. Winter sports enthusiasts should check out the Heavenly Ski Resort, with over a hundred trails across 4,800 acres, including an impressive summit standing at 10,067 feet (3,068 meters.)

When you need a break from all of the outdoor adventures, the town is also home to a growing craft beer scene and a diverse collection of restaurants offering classic American fare and international cuisine.

Give yourself plenty of time on Lake Tahoe

Whether you are a skier, a hiker, or just eager to relax on the beaches of the lake, you will quickly find that South Lake Tahoe offers an impressive range of activities that deserve to be explored as much as possible.

This is a great town to use as a “home base” for further travel around the lake, as the area features a good amount of urban amenities alongside the outdoorsy options.

Flights from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe

There are no direct flights connecting San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, but it is possible to first fly into Reno (about 1 hour in the air) and then take a bus (another hour) into South Lake Tahoe.

Ultimately, this option isn't the most budget-friendly as ticket costs can be as much as $324 for the whole journey, and the 4.5 hours in transit once you factor in the recommended early arrival at the airport makes it slower than just taking a car.

Taxis from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe

Normal taxis don't like doing long-distance rides, so charge a small fortune for the service. Expect a taxi from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe to charge several hundred for the 3.5-hour trip. A private car service like Daytrip that specializes in long-distance transfers will serve you better.

Private car transfer from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe

The best option for many travelers is to choose a private driving transfer for this journey, as you will receive easy door-to-door service in 3.5 hours starting at $196 per seat.

With Daytrip, your journey will be as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and your friendly local driver will help you with your luggage as well as provide you with any helpful guidance you might need along the way.

With the option to add sightseeing stops, the private transfer becomes a fantastic option for elevating an ordinary travel day into something much more memorable.

Go clear kayaking

While kayaking and paddle boarding are already popular around Lake Tahoe, consider opting for a completely translucent kayak to make the most of your time on the turquoise waters. This will grant you unlimited views of the natural wonders along the shoreline and is a great summertime activity.

Hike to Cave Rock

One of the shorter and easier hikes in the South Lake Tahoe area is the trek to Cave Rock off Highway 50. This gentle hike takes only 12 minutes from the parking lot and with another few minutes, you can scramble to the top of Cave Rock for incredible views across the lake.

Visit Lester Beach

Located in the DL Bliss state park toward the SOuthwest of Lake Tahoe, this stunning beach is the perfect place for a family day out by the water. The beautiful surroundings can be explored by kayak, paddle board, or with a swim in the warm summer months.

Hike the Rubicon Trail

From DL Bliss State Park, you can also head out on one of the area’s most famous hiking trails, the Rubicon Trail, which connects the park with Emerald Bay State Park. This trail traces along the shore for the entire route and is perhaps the most scenic of all of the hikes in the area.

Ski or snowboard

If you’re heading to South Lake Tahoe in the winter, that can only mean one thing—you’re planning to hit the slopes. While Heavenly is the queen of the resorts, there are a few others you can add to your list. Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort are both great, smaller, and usually less crowded alternatives.