What to do in Crystal Bay, NV

Activities, attractions and tours

An aerial view of a forested island surrounded by deep blue water.
An aerial view of a forested island surrounded by deep blue water.
A forested island surrounded by calm sea.
A lake surrounded by mountains and evergreen trees.
A coastal landscape with a clear view of the sea, mountains in the distance, and dense green foliage.

Crystal Bay Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Crystal Bay has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Crystal Bay, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Crystal Bay with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Crystal Bay, and make it a breeze to explore Crystal Bay and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Crystal Bay to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Crystal Bay, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Crystal Bay.

Crystal Bay attractions

Crystal Bay has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Crystal Bay to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Crystal Bay.

Looking for things to do in Crystal Bay can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Crystal Bay or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Crystal Bay attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

California Adventure Bundle: 8 Self-Guided Audio Tours

California Adventure Bundle: 13 Self-Guided Audio Tours

£40
per traveller
California Adventure Bundle: 13 Self-Guided Audio Tours
Sunset Kayak Tour in Tahoe City

Sunset Kayak Tour in Tahoe City

£58
per adult
Sunset Kayak Tour in Tahoe City
Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City

Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City

£11
per traveller
Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City
Lake Tahoe Clear Kayak Adventure at Sand Harbor

Lake Tahoe Clear Kayak Tour at Sand Harbor with Small Groups

£109
per adult
Lake Tahoe Clear Kayak Tour at Sand Harbor with Small Groups
Self Guided E-Bike Tour on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore Bike Path

Self Guided E-Bike Tour on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore Bike Path

£73
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Self Guided E-Bike Tour on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore Bike Path
Lake Tahoe Lakeside Bike Rental

Lake Tahoe Lakeside Bike Rental

£51
per adult
Lake Tahoe Lakeside Bike Rental
North Lake Tahoe: Guided 1.5 Hour Clear Kayak Adventure

Sand Harbor Clear Kayak Tour in Lake Tahoe w/ Small Groups

£102
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Sand Harbor Clear Kayak Tour in Lake Tahoe w/ Small Groups
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Top places to visit

1. Heavenly Ski Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort lives up to its name; it is the place to be in Lake Tahoe in winter. This is the biggest ski resort in the area, with the highest peak, the longest vertical drop, some of the best terrain parks, and the best views. Thanks to its rocky trails and lakeside location, it offers plenty of activities in summer too. Daredevils, partygoers and nature lovers flock here year-round.
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A snowboarder in a purple jacket and orange pants on a snowy slope with a mountain and lake in the background.

2. Palisades Tahoe

Head to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows for a stellar ski experience ideal for snow lovers of all abilities. The resort’s highly coveted terrain and conditions attract Olympian Jonny Moseley, among other celebrity skiers year-round.
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A snowy mountain landscape with a ski lift, trees, and a lake in the background.

3. Heavenly Gondola

The Heavenly Gondola provides some of Lake Tahoe’s most staggering vistas. Hop in the gondola cabin and rise slowly for 2.4 miles (3.9 kilometers) up the mountainside as you watch over brilliant blue lake waters and dense green forests. In winter, pristine white snow blankets the landscape. Enjoy views from the Observation Deck, have drinks or a meal in the café and discover hiking trails, zip lines and varied family adventure activities.
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A cable car at Heavenly Lake Tahoe, surrounded by buildings and a field of white flowers.

4. Northstar California Resort

Northstar California Resort is a laid-back mountain resort combining the excitement of on-mountain activities with high-end shopping and après-ski entertainment. Located on Mount Pluto and Lookout Mountain in Tahoe National Forest, the resort draws both winter and summer sports enthusiasts. Go skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, biking, fishing and hiking.
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A multi-story building with a ski lodge in the background.

5. Emerald Bay State Park

Declared a National Natural Landmark in 1969, Emerald Bay is surrounded by snow-capped peaks that are a stark contrast to the cobalt-blue water of the lake. It’s no wonder that photographers, hikers and other nature lovers flock here year-round.
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A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forest and distant mountains.

Recommended things to do in Crystal Bay

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Crystal Bay

Stay near popular Crystal Bay attractions

Crystal Bay Casino

7.6/10 (42 reviews)
This Lake Tahoe gaming venue blends classic casino action with a lively entertainment scene. Catch acclaimed musicians in the Crown Room or savour prime cuts at the elegant Steak & Lobster House.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Crystal Bay

A beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a clear blue sky, and mountains in the distance.

Kings Beach

A clear lake surrounded by large boulders and trees.

Incline Village

Frequently asked questions

Is Crystal Bay worth visiting?
Renowned for its nature and views, discovering fun things to do in Crystal Bay is simple. Make sure to add Kings Beach State Recreation Area to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Crystal Bay?
Kings Beach State Recreation Area and Sand Harbour Beach are two excellent places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Crystal Bay while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Crystal Bay?
The top tourist attraction in Crystal Bay is Kings Beach State Recreation Area, so don't forget to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Crystal Bay?
You can easily visit top sights like Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Sand Harbour Beach and Incline Beach with a three-day break in Crystal Bay. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Reno.
Is Crystal Bay a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Crystal Bay, including Moon Dunes Beach and North Tahoe Marina, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kms (1 mile) from central Crystal Bay is Brockway Vista and Brockway is 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Crystal Bay with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Crystal Bay with kids.
What to do in Crystal Bay for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Crystal Bay for adults including Tahoe City Field Station and Watson Cabin Museum.
Are there free things to do in Crystal Bay?
In Crystal Bay, Moon Dunes Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Crystal Bay.

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