Lake Tahoe is truly special to us. We recommend doing the full drive around the lake to get the best views! This can be done in an hour non-stop (however we recommend stopping as much as possible to explore). North Lake has beautiful beaches and a small town mountain vibe while South Lake offers ample shopping and high rise casinos. The most beautiful beaches in our opinion are on the East side of the lake. A short ten minute hike up Eagle Rock on the West shore will provide you with spectacular views of the lake.
Check out this historic abandoned mining town founded in 1876! It seems as though its citizens just up and left with nothing but the clothes on their back. The town is complete with a bank, saloon, school, jail, housing and a mining mill. The self guided tour gives you the flexibility to view as you please.