How long does it take to make the drive around Lake Tahoe? Any place special to stop or special things to do (we are not skiers)? We will be there the Monday and Tuesday following Easter.

It takes about an hour and a half to 2 hours without traffic or stops. Sand Harbor on the Nevada side is well worth a stop, it is so stunning. If you aren't afraid of heights Emerald Bay is another place most people stop at. If there is still a lot of snow the highway may still be closed near Emerald Bay. If it is you won't be able to go around the lake.

DEFINITELY stop at Sand harbor - it is on the NE "corner" of the lake near Incline Village. That stop alone can take about an hour because it is so beautiful. Walk along the boardwalk through the dunes and rock formations that hang over the lake.

As viamar says - If there is a snow storm (not terribly likely but def. possible) do not plan to circle the lake - between the snow and avalanche prevention, the road around Emerald Bay closes frequently.

Plan on stopping at Zephyr Cove and taking the paddle wheel across the lake.

Lots of the tours will not be open at that time but there is still stuff to see and do. If you start early in the day at South Lake Tahoe (I'm assuming this as you don't say where you'll be staying) go north on 89. First stop Inspiration Point at Emerald Bay and Eagle Falls.(assuming the road is open, though if it is not there goes your drive around the lake)

Driving on you will pass Rubicon which is also called Tahoe's Gold Coast. Beautiful private section of the lake. Around the bend is Meeks Bay. This area is now run by the Washoe Indians. Nice beach. Probably not warm enough yet to stick around but very nice view of the lake.

Moving on, you'll Pass Sugar Pine Point, Chambers Landing has a historic bar at the end of the pier. While you can walk around here it most likely not be open for business. Next you'll pass Homewood, Ski lifts to your left. A little farther you'll catch a glimpse of Fluer Du Lac the building that is out at the end of the dock is the one that you see in the Godfather Movie. Just beyond Fluer du Lac is Sunnyside. Great place for lunch especially if you an get a window seat. Terrific view of the lake. Onto Tahoe City and Fanny Bridge. Stop and check out the fish. Tahoe City to Incline you'll get limited views of the Lake but it's a pretty drive. After Incline you'll come to Sand Harbor. As previously stated you should stop. Unfortunately tours of the Thunderbird lodge are on Wed and Thurs but you may be able to catch a glimpse of it.

After that you'll have little opportunity to stop but the views are much better along here than on the west side. You'll go through the cave rock and then on to Zypher Cove where the Ms. Dixie is. After that you're back in South shore. Many stops that I'd suggest during the summer months are not availabel at the time you'll be there. Nonetheless you'll appreciate the views especially when you're on the east side looking at the lake with the snow covered mountains on the west.

I don't know if it's still there, but there was a doozy of hair-pin turn during that drive. Usually, when you see an on-coming curve's yellow suggested speed sign, you can easily do 5-10 mph over that suggestion (certainly in good conditions). Many years ago while driving around L. Tahoe for the first time and with some friends, I came upon such a yellow sign that indicated 5 MPH. I slowed down to maybe 15 mph but didn't particularly believe a sign would suggest 5 mph. Halfway through the turn I realized it was quite a hairpin, and I had to move considerably across the road while trying to slow down further -- all the way down to 5 mph. What was of even greater concern, is that there was no guard rail and we were well up above the lake -- it was a nice plummet. Fortunately, there wasn't any on-coming traffic and I managed to hold the road. I have never seen another curve sign suggesting a speed as slow as 5 MPH, but have certainly never forgotton that one.
(I suppose if they had tried posting 1 MPH in anticipation that people would do 5-6 mph, it would have appeared completely absurd.)

Don--

In my experience, and it's been a couple of years, it takes longer than two hours to get around the lake. There is a good amount of traffic in spots and it's a rare day when there isn't roadwork. Any stops at all and you're really talking about a full day trip.

ezwriter, don't you think that in April don512 will have an easier time? I totally agree with you that by July roadwork is in full swing as is the traffic. I would surely discourage that kind of thing on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday during the summer months but I think he'll be ok on Monday or Tues in late April.