South Lake Tahoe has three major ski resorts - Kirkwood, Sierra at Tahoe and Heavenly, which guests have a tendency to cycle between in the season. Snow tubing and snowboarding are also popular in these resorts with runs exclusively designated for these activities. Off-site activities include snowmobile trekking, cross country skiing and hiking. Not as popular as the northern end of the lake for winter sports, the south benefits from being a very family friendly style ski resort location, with milder runs, abundant tuition and a less competitive nature.

Cabin rentals and lakeside vacation accomodation are dotted around the shores and small towns. The city of South Lake Tahoe is brimming with reasonably priced vacation accommodation and vibrant nightlife and is also popular with students and young people on Spring Break.

Gambling is legal on the Nevada side of the lake and Reno is a short drive away for those feeling lucky or simply looking for the nightlife and entertainment provided by the Biggest Little City in the World. Carson City, the Nevada state capital is close by and offers many nearby recreational activities including horseback riding trails, hang-gliding, hiking and golf.

Summertime activities on the lake are very popular with young and old alike. Organized shoreline tours, sailing and boating are continually popular and water sports such as tubing, wake boarding, water skiing and kite surfing offer thrills and spills for beginners and pros. There are many schools that have sprung up along the shoreline to offer tuition and equipment rental to those who so desire it. Fly fishing and trolling for salmon and trout is available year round (seasonally in nearby rivers due to spawning) subject to a catch limit with specimen sized fish being common.