Every Lake Tahoe trip has one. The storm rolls in, the beach is off and the lifts go on wind hold. Rain, snow or smoke, these are the indoor things to do around the lake that are actually worth the drive, and the one that saves you the drive entirely.
Bring the activity to your cabin with a mixology class
The easiest indoor plan is the one that comes to you. A professional mixologist arrives at your cabin, Airbnb or vacation rental with all the professional equipment and glassware and teaches the whole group to make 3 cocktails each in about an hour and a half, with games along the way. You just pick up the spirits from a simple shopping list we send ahead of time. It works for bachelorettes, birthdays, friends trips and team retreats, and nobody has to go out in the weather. Book a South Lake Tahoe mixology class or an Incline Village mixology class and we will come to you anywhere around the lake. Rather have the drinks made for you? Book a mobile bartender at Lake Tahoe instead.
Climb indoors in South Lake Tahoe
Blue Granite Climbing Gym on the south shore has walls more than 40 feet high, bouldering and auto belays, so first-timers can climb without needing a partner who knows the ropes. Day passes and instruction are available, which makes it an easy afternoon for a mixed group.
Bowl, play pool and throw axes at Bowl Incline
Bowl Incline in Incline Village reopened after a full renovation with 16 lanes, an arcade, pool tables and axe throwing lanes. Upstairs there is a lounge for guests 21 and over with karaoke, so the afternoon can turn into the evening without anyone moving the cars.
Try an escape room in Truckee
Elevation Escape is a family-run escape room business in Truckee with several themed rooms built for small groups. It is a good fit for a group that likes a bit of competition, and the rooms take about an hour.
Skate indoors at the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena
The city ice rink on the south shore runs public skating sessions all year, with skate rentals and skate helpers for anyone who has not been on the ice in a while. Check the arena schedule for session times before you go.
Spend the afternoon at a spa
The Spa at Edgewood Tahoe, on the shore at Stateline, is built for a slow day, with fireplaces and views across the lake to the Sierra. A rainy afternoon is about the best excuse there is to book it.
Find a taproom with live music
South Lake Brewing Company has two taprooms in South Lake Tahoe, the original brewery near the Y and the Libation Lodge in the Tahoe Village Center, with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. On the north shore, Alibi Ale Works pours its own beer at public houses in Incline Village and Truckee.
Practical tips
Storm days fill the indoor spots fast, so book climbing sessions, escape rooms and spa time as soon as the forecast turns. Keep an eye on chain controls if you plan to cross the passes. If the roads look bad, plans that come to your rental are the safe bet. Stock the cabin early in the trip so a snowed-in day does not mean a run to the store, and remember the altitude: drink plenty of water, because cocktails hit harder above 6,000 feet.
Indoor Lake Tahoe questions
What is there to do in Lake Tahoe when it rains?
Head indoors. Climb at Blue Granite Climbing Gym in South Lake Tahoe, bowl and throw axes at Bowl Incline, try an escape room at Elevation Escape in Truckee, skate at the indoor South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena or settle into a brewery taproom. Or skip the drive and book a mixology class at your cabin.
What are the best indoor activities in South Lake Tahoe?
Blue Granite Climbing Gym for climbing and bouldering, the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena for skating, the Spa at Edgewood Tahoe for a slow afternoon, the Stateline casinos for games and shows and the South Lake Brewing Company taprooms for a pint. A mixology class at your rental works on any day of the trip.
Is there bowling at Lake Tahoe?
Yes. Bowl Incline in Incline Village reopened after a full renovation with 16 lanes, an arcade, pool tables, axe throwing and an upstairs lounge for guests 21 and over with karaoke.
What can a group do indoors at a Lake Tahoe cabin?
Make the cabin the activity. A mixology class is the easiest win: a mixologist brings the professional equipment and glassware and teaches everyone to make 3 cocktails each in about an hour and a half, while you supply the spirits from our shopping list. Add board games, a movie night or a private chef and nobody needs to go out in the weather. Get an instant quote.
Are there escape rooms near Lake Tahoe?
Yes. Elevation Escape, a family-run business in Truckee, has several themed rooms for small groups. Book ahead, as rooms hold a handful of players at a time.
Visiting in the snow? See our things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter. Planning the evenings? See things to do in Lake Tahoe at night.
Ready to make the rainy day the best day of the trip? Get an instant quote for a Tipsy mixology class and we will bring the mixologist to wherever you are staying.