The best places to go shopping in South Lake Tahoe include countless stores that always stock up with the latest snowboarding, skiing and extreme sports gear and apparel. But the shopping scene in this resort city is highly diverse, with retailers selling items from rare metaphysical charms to retro games and local works of contemporary art.

Whether you’re looking for designer clothing, winter mountain attire or something unique to take home as a memento of your trip, South Lake Tahoe has you well accommodated. Though there are dozens to choose from, here are among the top stores that the locals highly recommend.

  • 1

    The Shops at Heavenly Village

    Unique gifts and fashion items from dozens of retailers

    The Shops at Heavenly Village
    • Shoppers

    The Shops at Heavenly Village features around 40 retailers lining its quaint cobbled streets, selling goods such as ski accessories, the latest in fashion, and local works of art. Major brands include Great Outdoor Clothing Co. and Quiksilver, but there’s also a variety of quirky local stores. For unique gifts and souvenirs, head to Blue Pebbles or Poe Rava Gem Co.

    The Shops at Heavenly Village are right by the Heavenly Gondola, just a stone’s throw from among the biggest casino resorts in Stateline, Nevada. You’ll find a cinema, a mini-golf course, art galleries and restaurants in the complex. Taste a local dish at the family-run Heaven’s Little Café when your legs need a break.

    Location: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 775-265-2087

    Map

    photo by Amadscientist (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Ski Run Boulevard

    Winterwear, gadgets, and homemade coffee

    Ski Run Boulevard
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    Ski Run Boulevard was once among the first ski runs in South Lake Tahoe before it became a resort. Now it’s where you’ll find dozens of stores specialising in designer winterwear, ski accessories and equipment rentals for the slopes. You can also hire bicycles and e-bikes to explore the rest of the resort.

    Rock House Discount Ski & Snowboard Rentals is popular with holidaymakers. If you’d prefer to take skiing gear home, head to a store like The Village Board Shop. While you’re in the area, you can pick up the latest gadgets and warm up with a cup of homemade coffee. The Red Hut Café is where the locals head for a bite and a brew in an old-school setting.

    Location: Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Map
  • 3

    Mi Pueblo

    Latin-inspired meat, seafood, and produce

    Mi Pueblo
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    From outside, Mi Pueblo looks like a small wooden hut typical of a winter resort. But inside this supermarket, you’ll find a plethora of Latin and Mexican goods such as imported beer, fresh meat and seafood, and wide varieties of candy. You can also order freshly made dishes from the tortillería and a range of dairy delights from the cremería.

    Mi Pueblo is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm, but if you want to avoid queues for meals like tortillas and pico de gallo, we recommend heading there before 3 pm or after 6 pm. You’ll find this grocery store and tortillería along Pioneer Trail, close to Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

    Location: 3885 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 530-544-6860

    Map
  • 4

    The Village Board Shop

    For the latest extreme sports attire and equipment

    The Village Board Shop
    • Shoppers

    The Village Board Shop is where you’ll find all the latest snowboarding and skiing gear and clothing. It also caters to mountaineers and extreme sports enthusiasts with its extensive variety of bikes, skateboards, and surfing gear. Brands include well-known names like Vans, Burton, Salomon, and Lib Tech. Because of its central location on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, it’s a popular spot for rental packages.

    Head to The Village Board Shop early on the first day so that you can grab snowboarding or ski gear and hit the nearby slopes before the bulk of visitors. Heavenly Mountain Resort is just a little under 2 km away.

    Location: 3552 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +1 530-541-4444

    Map
  • 5

    Gift Shop at Lake Tahoe

    The city’s favourite gift store

    Gift Shop at Lake Tahoe
    • Shoppers

    Of the dozens of souvenir stores in South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find one of the most varied selections of gifts at the Gift Shop at Lake Tahoe. You can buy goods ranging from clothes and mugs to artefacts and Lake Tahoe mementoes. There’s also a marked ‘discount’ section, perfect for those shopping on a budget.

    You’ll find the Gift Shop at Lake Tahoe along Lake Tahoe Boulevard, just a short walk from El Dorado Beach. Nearby restaurants serve Italian and American classics. There’s also a brewpub serving Californian fare and affordable and delicious beers.

    Location: 3477 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 8 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 530-542-2188

    Map
  • 6

    Tahoe Rock n Ride

    Rare crystals and metaphysical charms

    Tahoe Rock n Ride
    • Shoppers

    Pay a visit to Tahoe Rock n Ride, where shelves display multi-coloured crystals and undeniably beautiful metaphysical charms. If you want to buy a quirky gift, souvenir, or decoration during your stay in South Lake Tahoe, it’s a wonderful place to go. You’ll also find jewellery embedded with gems plus an extensive offering of apparel, towels and stickers that come in fittingly quirky designs.

    You’ll find Tahoe Rock n Ride on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, close to the entrance to Ski Run Boulevard. Visitors love this shop because of its variety of rare minerals and affordable prices. As the name suggests, this is also a good place to rent a bicycle.

    Location: 3564 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 7 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +1 530-542-1009

    Map
  • 7

    Sierra Ski & Cycle Works

    Among the largest selections of bikes in South Lake Tahoe

    Sierra Ski & Cycle Works
    • Shoppers

    Sierra Ski & Cycle Works is as much a bike and ski workshop as a store. It boasts one of the widest selections of mountain, road, and beach cruisers in the city, and it’s the only Santa Cruz Bicycles dealer in the South Shore area. Most bikes and snowboarding equipment are available to buy or rent, and the store also specialises in tuning, servicing, and repairs.

    Established in 1980, Sierra Ski & Cycle Works is well known and loved by the locals, thanks to its vast product choice and friendly service. The original owners still run the store, who can offer advice and check your equipment for safety.

    Location: 3430 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +1 530-541-7505

    Map
  • 8

    Glazed And Confuzed Tahoe Donut

    Locally adored creative donuts

    Glazed And Confuzed Tahoe Donut
    • Food
    • Shoppers

    If you want to stock up on homemade desserts, head over to Glazed And Confuzed Tahoe Donut, where you’ll find doughnuts and a range of sweet treats creatively designed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Favourites at this award-winning diner and takeaway include fritters and glazed doughnuts, and the dishes on the breakfast and lunch menu are just as delectable.

    Glazed And Confuzed Tahoe Donut only opens from 8 am to 2 pm, and there can be queues around 9 am during the morning rush as this store is popular with the locals. Treat yourself to an early breakfast of comfort food before heading to the nearby El Dorado Beach.

    Location: 3447 Lake Tahoe Blvd #1, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 2 pm

    Phone: +1 530-600-0198

    Map
  • 9

    Tahoe Hemp Co

    Unique hemp-based accessories

    • Shoppers

    Tahoe Hemp Co has been selling sustainable goods made primarily from hemp since 1999. Its product choice includes lip balms, bath and body lotions, branded clothing, and accessories such as bags, wallets, and headwear. There’s also a range of products said to have health benefits ranging from sun protection to skin moisturisation.

    Tahoe Hemp Co is a unique shop in South Lake Tahoe, making it well worth a visit if you want to get an insight into the local culture. Due to its success, the store has moved 3 times, but it’s now conveniently found on Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

    Location: 3564 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +1 530-544-4367

    Map
  • 10

    The Warp Zone

    An old-school video game store

    • Shoppers

    The Warp Zone is a retro gaming store where you can browse consoles and games that have defined generations. The NES, PS4 and Xbox One are all available at The Warp Zone, as are thousands of games – both new and old – for each one. If you have games and devices you no longer want, you can trade them in for cash or a store discount.

    The Warp Zone is a one-of-a-kind store in South Lake Tahoe and an ideal place to get a nostalgia kick while browsing the retro collection. You’ll find this shop along Lake Tahoe Boulevard, right by the beach.

    Location: 1029 Takela Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +1 530-600-2555

    Map
Joshua Saunders | Contributing Writer