What to Do in Tahoe When It Rains: Indoor Delights and Rainy Day Adventures
When the rainclouds roll in and drizzle starts to fall, don't fret! Lake Tahoe offers a plethora of indoor activities and rainy day adventures that will keep you entertained and make the most of your vacation. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, delicious food, or thrilling adventures, Tahoe has something for everyone. Get ready to embrace the rainy days and make unforgettable memories. Here's our list of top things to do in Tahoe when it rains:
- Go Bowling at Tahoe Bowl – South Lake Tahoe Offering a longtime favorite rainy day activity, Tahoe Bowl features 16 lanes for open and league bowling as well as arcade games, pool tables, pizza and beer specials and a pro shop. Birthday party packages are also available. Hot Tip: Tahoe Bowl also has a sports bar for adults.
- Try Indoor Miniature Golf: Challenge your friends or family to a round of indoor miniature golf. South Lake Tahoe offers indoor facilities where you can enjoy a fun-filled game of mini-golf, complete with colorful obstacles and interactive themes. It’s a great way to stay active and entertain the whole group, regardless of the weather outside. All ages until 5PM. 21+ after 5PM.
- Get Active Indoors: Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all day. Tahoe offers several indoor activity centers where you can get your adrenaline pumping. Challenge yourself at an indoor rock climbing gym, perfect your swing at an indoor golf facility, or go for a dip at an indoor swimming pool. These options ensure you stay active and energized even when the weather is less than ideal.
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Axe Throwing: Unleash your inner LumberJack or LumberJill and try your hand at axe throwing. South Lake Tahoe offers indoor axe throwing facilities where you can learn the art of throwing axes at targets. It’s an exhilarating and unique activity that combines skill, precision, and a touch of competitive spirit. Gather your friends or family and see who can hit the bullseye! Age 8 and up.
- Visit Art Galleries: Explore the vibrant art scene in South Lake Tahoe by visiting local art galleries. Admire the works of talented local artists, browse through unique sculptures and paintings, and immerse yourself in the creativity that surrounds the area. Some galleries even offer workshops or artist talks, providing an opportunity to engage with the artistic community.
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Attend a Wine Tasting: Indulge in the flavors of the region by visiting one of the wine bars in South Lake Tahoe or take a wine cruise! Enjoy a cozy wine tasting experience, sample a variety of wines, and learn about the winemaking process. It’s a perfect way to spend a rainy day, sipping exquisite wines and appreciating the craftsmanship of local vintners.
- Discover Local History: Take a journey into the past by visiting historical sites and landmarks in South Lake Tahoe. Explore the Tallac Historic Site, which showcases the grandeur of the early 20th-century Tahoe lifestyle. Visit the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum to delve deeper into the region’s rich history and learn fascinating stories about its pioneers and Native American heritage.
- Take a Scenic Drive to Historic Truckee California – Truckee, California is well known for its logging, ice manufacturing, the Emigrant Trail, as well as for the tragic expedition of the Donner Party. You can discover much more about their captivating story at Donner Memorial State Park museum and Pioneer Monument. Hot Tip: Eat at Morgan’s Lobster Shack!
- Take the Little Ones to a PlaySpace – Tahoe Tot Spot or to the Arcade at Harrah’s
- Go See a Movie at Heavenly Village Cinema – South Lake Tahoe After all the museums and shopping, you might just want to take it easy and check out a movie. The Heavenly Village Cinema at the Heavenly ski resort in South Lake Tahoe plays current movies on several screens. Hot Tip: Eat at Agave Azul
- Dinner and a Show – Check out the current Dinner and Show at the Loft
- Unwind at Spa and Wellness Centers: Embrace the rain as an opportunity to pamper yourself and recharge. Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Tahoe’s luxurious spas and wellness centers. Indulge in a soothing massage, enjoy a rejuvenating facial, or soak in a tranquil hot tub. Let the gentle raindrops outside enhance your sense of serenity and bliss.
- Discover Fascinating Museums: Escape the raindrops and dive into the captivating world of museums in Tahoe. Explore the interactive exhibits at the Tahoe Science Center, where you can learn about the lake’s ecology and wildlife. Step back in time at the Gatekeeper’s Museum, which showcases the rich history of the region. For art enthusiasts, the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno offers a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artwork. Go Tour The Tahoe Maritime Museum – West Shore The beautiful Tahoe Maritime Museum covers the boating and maritime history of Lake Tahoe and also features special exhibits and collections. The collection highlights include various woody watercraft, an 1890s stream launch salvaged from the bottom of the lake, Native American kayaks and various motors and props used throughout Tahoe’s history. For adults, there is a full library on the history of Tahoe’s boating industry and for kids there are interactive boating games. Their hours change with the seasons, so check the website for open times. Hot Tip: The view just outside the Tahoe Maritime Museum is of the Homewood ski resort
- Soak in Hot Springs at David Walleys Resort – Who cares if it’s raining if you can spend the whole day in hot water? Drive down the Kingsbury Grade from South Lake Tahoe to Genoa and take a dip in the hot springs at David Walley’s hot springs. This historical hot springs area has half a dozen pools of various degrees including a warm swimming pool, all full of natural mineral water. The resort also has a dry sauna and a fitness room. Hot Tip: Stay for dinner at the 1862 Restaurant & Saloon—the food is really good.
- Go Ice Skating at South Tahoe Ice Rink – South Lake Tahoe Ice skating is not just for the winter. The South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is an Olympic size indoor rink that offers open skating, lessons, hockey games, curling and school programs. Some weekend nights also have black light skating. You can rent skates and equipment at the arena and they also have bucket assists available for beginner skaters and children. Please check the website for current skate times. Hot Tip: The rink fills up during school trips, so call ahead and plan around them.
- Take a Cruise on the M.S. Dixie or the Tahoe Queen at Stateline/Zephyr Cove – Tahoe in the rain is really beautiful and one of the best ways to see the lake is from one of the lake’s paddlewheel boats. The M.S. Dixie in Zephyr Cove and the Tahoe Queen at the Ski Run Marina both offer covered observation areas and daytime and sunset tours of the lake into Emerald Bay. Hot Tip: The sunset tours on both the Dixie and Tahoe Queen include dinner.
- Go Discover Vikingsholm – The Vikingsholm Castle sits at the head of Emerald Bay and probably has some of the best views of the lake. This former home of the wealthy Mrs. Lora Knight is now a museum that reflects the Scandinavian style of architecture. Tours of Vikingsholm Castle are available seven days a week from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September and include a docent and full access to the interior and exterior of the castle. Parking for the castle is available in the Vikingsholm parking lot off of Highway 89. The castle can be accessed by a steep, mile-long trail—so it it is raining, bring your rain jacket. Hot Tip: During a rainy day, many people many not choose to hike down the Vikingsholm trail, so you could have the place to yourself.
- Take the Heavenly Gondola up to the observation deck and have a winter picnic and take some amazing photos of the entire Tahoe Basin.
- Grab a Woody at the Riva Grill at sunset (drink umbrella is optional) or a Rum Runner at The Beacon Bar and Grill
- Go to the Casinos – Gambling, shopping, arcades, restaurants, and sports bars are all available and indoors!
- Enjoy Shopping Spree: Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to explore the vibrant shopping scene in Tahoe. Stroll through the charming boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores that offer unique treasures and souvenirs. Visit the Shops at Heavenly Village or explore the historic downtown areas for a delightful shopping experience. From trendy fashion to local crafts, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your shopping desires.
When rain showers grace Lake Tahoe, don’t let it dampen your spirits. Embrace the opportunity to explore the indoor delights and rainy day adventures that this enchanting destination has to offer. Whether you’re throwing axes, exploring art galleries, indulging in wine tastings, or discovering local history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a rainy day in this beautiful destination.
Rainy days in Tahoe are filled with excitement and endless possibilities.
So, grab your umbrella, put on your adventurous spirit, and make the most of your rainy day escapades in beautiful Lake Tahoe!L