As one of the most beautiful regions in the world, Lake Tahoe has long enticed visitors from all over to explore its crystal blue waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. Lake Tahoe is accessible to everyone, including those with varying physical abilities. We’ve put together a list of accessible activities to enjoy during your stay. 

Wheelchair-Accessible Trails in Lake Tahoe 

One of the best ways to explore the views of Lake Tahoe is along one of several hiking and biking trails. You don’t need to be an extreme athlete to tackle many of these; Lake Tahoe offers a wide variety of low-impact, paved trails that are perfect for those with disabilities.  

• Stateline Lookout 
  This fully paved trail is an easy way to enjoy incredible views of Lake Tahoe. It’s only about half a mile to the lookout, making it not overly exerting, but truly rewarding when you reach the top. You’ll find free telescopes along the lookout as well, so you can get an up-close look at the sparkling blue waters that Tahoe is so known for. In the summer months, you’ll be able to chat with knowledgeable volunteers about the history of the region. 
• Sand Harbor State Park 
  This boardwalk trail circles the perimeter of the shoreline at Sand Harbor, a popular beach for walking, picnics and more. The entire trail runs about one-third of a mile, with plenty of places along the way to stop and enjoy the view. Sand Harbor also hosts the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which has accessible seating and listening devices for those with hearing impairments. 
• Historic Truckee River Bike Path 
  While this is primarily a bike path and tends to be moderately busy with cyclists, it is a great way to stroll along the beautiful Truckee River and take in the views. It is fully paved and well-maintained, so you won’t need to worry about uneven terrain making it an arduous trip. 
• Tahoe East Shore Trail 
  The Tahoe East Shore Trail offers a stunning three-mile paved journey along Lake Tahoe’s eastern shore. Complying with the American Disability Act, the 10-foot wide path is universally accessible, catering to cyclists, walkers, strollers or anyone using mobility aids.  

Accessible Lake Tahoe Beaches

Accessibility mats are also available at Patton Landing (Waterman’s Landing) in Carnelian Bay, funded by the Tahoe Fund and installed through the Tahoe Waterman Foundation. Accessibility mats are one of the ways stewards of the region are allowing those with mobility challenges to more easily enjoy Lake Tahoe’s beautiful beaches. Patton Landing also features barbeques, bathrooms, food concessions, a gourmet coffeehouse, picnic tables, shade and a watertrail trailhead, with the convenience of public transit nearby. Feel free to bring your pet to your relaxing day – dogs are allowed leashed on the eastern portion of the beach and on the deck of the Waterman’s Landing café.

Accessible Dining in Lake Tahoe 

Many mouthwatering eateries around Lake Tahoe are incredibly welcoming, accommodating and accessible, regardless of your needs. Places such as Gar Woods Grill & Pier offer stunning lakefront views on their wide, expansive patio, which is perfect for anyone with wheelchairs or other mobility aids. (Plus, you’ll be able to try their world-famous Wet Woody frozen cocktail!) If you’re in the mood for fine dining, Swiss Lakewood is another great spot for patio dining that goes expressly out of its way to be as accommodating as possible for those with disabilities. Lone Eagle Grille also offers an al fresco patio during the warmer weather with amazing lakeside views to pair with your meal. Check out the full list of dining available in Lake Tahoe, and to make sure you’ll be able to find accommodations where necessary, we recommend giving the restaurant a call ahead of time. Any of the staff would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs and how they can make your dining experience a great one.  

Adaptive Sports for Adaptive Athletes 

Here in Lake Tahoe, we specialize in human-powered sports. And the nice thing about human-powered sports? They’re easily adaptable to an individual’s particular needs. There are many ways to approach participating in sports all year round if you are living with a disability.  

Adaptive sports allow you all the freedom to enjoy the immense benefits of physical activity, for all levels of mobility. During the winter, you can head to Palisades Tahoe, where, with the help of Achieve Tahoe, you can purchase adaptive passes and learn from qualified instructors how to enjoy the rush of the slopes. In the warmer months, biking, fishing or spending time on the lake are all great ways to explore the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Achieve Tahoe also offers several ways to make the most of the amazing summer weather on the lake, with programs focused on making waterskiing, paddleboarding, sailing and more within reach of anyone. 

Plan Your Stay 

A getaway to Lake Tahoe is unlike anything you’ll ever experience — and luckily, it’s accessible to everyone. In addition to all we’ve shared here, you can utilize our Know Before You Go digital guide ahead of your trip to ensure that you stay up to date on weather, current road conditions, public transit options and more, so you can plan around those potential obstacles accordingly. Book your stay today and discover all the ways you can explore Lake Tahoe.