By Calleigh Smith, Mobius Vendor Partners Director of Communications 

My husband and I recently returned to South Lake Tahoe to celebrate his birthday and our anniversary. Famous for its crystal-clear lake and world-class skiing, Tahoe tends to be packed during peak seasons: June through August and December through March. But once again—whether by accident or luck—we found ourselves visiting in the off-season.

And honestly? It might be the best time to go.

Fewer Crowds, More Freedom

Off-season travel means fewer people competing to do the same things you are. As avid golfers, we played rounds at Lake Tahoe Golf Course and the stunning Edgewood Tahoe Resort (home of the Pro-Am) without being paired with strangers. There was no forced small talk or audience for my mulligans—just us, the greens, and the mountain air. The courses were in fantastic shape, and the quiet atmosphere improved the experience.

Better Dining Experiences

The only thing we love more than golf is eating well—and the off-season made that even more enjoyable. With fewer visitors, restaurant reservations were easy to get, even at popular spots. We drove around the lake one day, stopping at well-reviewed local eateries- nothing compares to experiencing a city like the locals. We never waited for a table, and when we did make reservations, we booked just a week or two ahead.

Even better, we had time to chat with our servers, who shared recommendations and local stories and—on a couple of occasions—surprised us with complimentary desserts or tasting plates.

Lower Prices, Unexpected Perks

While hotel rooms don’t change in the off-season, prices certainly do. Our hotel stay was 35% cheaper than it would’ve been during a random weekend in August—and we were upgraded to a lake-view room upon arrival. Lower demand means more flexibility and, occasionally, little luxuries you don’t expect.

A Taste of Local Life

With fewer tourists around, we got a deeper feel for the local community. One waiter gave us a breakfast recommendation, which quickly became our favorite meal of the trip. Locals had more time to chat, and their suggestions—many of which weren’t on TikTok—made our visit feel more authentic.

The pace of the entire trip shifted. We weren’t rushed through meals or elbowing through gift shops. Everything felt relaxed and grounded. We were able to be present. 

Know Before You Go

Of course, off-season travel comes with a few tradeoffs. Some attractions may be closed or operating on reduced hours. As businesses prepped for Memorial Day Weekend, a few places weren’t yet open for the season. (No helicopter ride for us this time.)

And the weather? It can be unpredictable. While we lucked out with clear skies, we couldn’t get on the lake or spend time in the sun—it just wasn’t warm enough yet.

Don’t Count Out the Off-Season

If you’re considering a trip to Lake Tahoe, don’t overlook the off-season. You might miss a few warm-weather perks, but you’ll gain something far more valuable: space to breathe, time to explore, and a richer, more personal experience.