There are two main resort cities around Lake Tahoe — Incline Village is in the north, on the Nevada side, and South Lake Tahoe is in the south, on the California side.
In general, the north end of the lake tends to lean a little quieter, while the south is where travelers will find the bigger resorts, livelier nightlife, and larger crowds.
The main gateway to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada. Sacramento Airport is about two hours away, and the Bay Area is approximately four.
You can catch the North Lake Tahoe Express Bus or the South Tahoe Airporter shuttle. Driving directly to Incline Village will take 45 minutes or over an hour to South Lake Tahoe.
Winter provides skiing opportunities, while summer is best for boating, hiking, and exploring. Spring and fall are optimal for anglers or those who want to avoid large crowds.
Rental cars are the best way to get to beaches, hiking trails, and eateries, but especially during the high season, traffic and parking can be terrible.
There is a bus network around various parts of the lake, but depending on the route, there might only be a handful of buses daily, and their stops might not be convenient.
There are many lodging options, ranging from small inns to huge chain casino resorts and independent homes and condos rented out on sites like VRBO and Airbnb.
If you did not rent a car, it makes sense to find a property close to shops and places to eat, and as a general rule, places closer to the lake or ski runs will cost more.