Looking for free things to do in South Lake Tahoe? Read on to learn about the Tallac Historic Site, David Walley’s hot springs, and the Northstar Village Skating Rink. You may also want to check out the Trail to Eagle Lake. And if you’re looking for something a little bit different, there are plenty of places to rent bikes and explore. These things to do in South Lake Tahoe are sure to be fun and free!
Northstar Village Skating Rink
In the winter months, visitors and locals can enjoy the 9,000-square-foot ice rink in Northstar Village. During the warmer months, the rink converts into a roller rink. The skating rink is open to the public and includes several outdoor fire pits for a festive atmosphere. Skate rentals are available for $12 per person. A fun event for the whole family, tost time is open to all ages.
The village at Northstar has a large number of other free activities that the whole family can enjoy. Northstar has a pottery studio and candle-making workshop as well as a yoga and spa. Families can unload their luggage and take part in fun activities by grabbing a wagon. The Village at Northstar is a welcoming place for everyone, so don’t be shy to make friends in the community!
If you’re looking for free things to do in South Lake Tahoe, you might want to consider skating at the rink in Northstar Village. Aside from the rink’s spectacular scenery, Northstar Village has plenty of bars and outdoor fire pits. It also boasts an enclosed gondola to get up to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. And if you’re looking for a place to unwind, you can also take a ride up the mountain in a gondola.
There are plenty of other activities you can do in the area during the winter. One of the best is ice skating. Locals know which lakes are best for skating. In addition to ice skating, you can also practice skiing. There are a number of different types of rinks in the area. So whether you prefer ice skating or skiing, you can never go wrong!
Tallac Historic Site
You can learn a lot about the history of the Tahoe region by visiting the Tallac Historic Site. This site was the summer retreat of three socially influential families from the San Francisco Bay Area, and today it features 19 historic structures. You can tour three rustic mansions that were built in the late 1890s and early 1920s. You can also explore several smaller buildings on the property.
Another free thing to do in south lake Tahoe is to wander around the historical estates of the Baldwin, Pope and Valhalla families. You can tour the estates, see the Blacksmith in action, and enjoy a picnic at the shores. Even if you aren’t a history buff, you can enjoy this site in the morning or late afternoon. It is free and worth a visit.
To learn more about the history of the Tallac historic site, you can visit the Taylor Creek Visitor’s Center. It is located near the Tallac Historic Site, and is accessible via a three-mile bicycle path. The Taylor Creek Visitor’s Center offers free educational information and tours of the grounds. You can take a tour of the site, which includes the inside-creek viewing chamber. You can also picnic at the site’s Kiva Beach picnic area.
In the past, the Tallac Historic Site offered a free RV campsite for volunteers, but has since changed. The current site is equipped with 18 RV campsites. The volunteer program pays LTBMU more than $30,000 each year for the services of interpretive volunteers. You can take a tour and learn about the site’s history before heading home for the night. The historic site also houses the dogs that Anita Baldwin used to raise.
David Walley’s hot springs
Located just 18 miles from South Lake Tahoe, David Walley’s Resort offers luxurious spa treatments, mineral-rich hot springs, and scenic drives. Its mineral-rich hot springs have been healing people for more than 150 years. While there, you can relax in the hot springs and enjoy a relaxing soak. One of the free things to do in south lake Tahoe is to take a bath in the natural hot springs.
David Walley’s Resort is a historic mountain lodge with five natural mineral hot springs. There are five mineral hot springs in total, ranging in temperature from 98 degrees to 104 degrees. The hot springs at Sierra Hot Springs Resort are a little farther south in Sierraville, but they’re worth the trip. The lodge features five quirky rooms and is set in an 1870s historic lodge.
You can soak in a hot spring while enjoying the view of the Sierras. The resort is open every day from June through August. It is closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, and two weeks in September. Admission to the pool costs $7 per person. There are free tours of the resort. However, you can also visit other hot springs without making reservations.
Besides bathing in the hot springs, Walley’s Resort also offers an array of activities. During your stay, you can visit his 1862 Restaurant & Saloon to sample upscale dining. The restaurant serves American dishes with a mountain lodge feel. Located in the Carson Valley, the resort is near the historic Carson settlement. In addition to the mineral-rich water, the resort also offers a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails.
Trail to Eagle Lake
The trail to Eagle Falls and the trail to Eagle Lake are both 0.8 miles long. You can hike the trail through towering pine forests and huge granite slabs before reaching the beautiful lake. You may also want to take a dip in Eagle Lake, which has a deep, blue water. If you’re in the mood for a hike, you can opt to do it on a day trip.
The trailhead is located about 8.3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. It’s well-marked and easy to find. Just make sure to pay the parking fee. During peak summer months, you’ll want to visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. You can also hike Emerald Falls, which is a waterfall accessible from the trail.
Another free thing to do in South Lake Tahoe is to take a hike to Vikingsholm, a castle that is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the US. It was built in the 1920s for Mrs. Lora J. Knight, who wanted a place that would match the beauty of the surrounding Emerald Bay and resemble the fjords of Scandinavia. You can picnic on the beach, or take a dip in the lake.
Another free activity in South Lake Tahoe is to visit the D.L. Bliss State Park, which features two beautiful beaches, Calawee Cove, and Lester Beach. The latter is dog friendly, but if you go during the summer, you should plan on hiking two miles back to the parking lot. You’ll get a great workout while enjoying a less-crowded beach.
Warp Zone
If you’re in the mood to play some video games, you should visit The Warp Zone. Located at 1029 Takela Drive in South Lake Tahoe, this video game store features thousands of titles for the latest gaming consoles and tabletop games. In addition to selling the latest games, Warp Zone also offers an extensive collection of vintage games. The Warp Zone is a great activity for tourists with children, as it appeals to multiple generations.
