Explore South Lake Tahoe, California, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | South Lake Tahoe |
| State | California (CA) |
| County | El Dorado County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) |
| Latitude | 38.933241 |
| Longitude | -119.984348 |
| Population | 21,330 |
| Density | 808.4 /km² |
| Incorporated | Yes |
| ZIP Codes | 96150, 96151, 96152, 96154, 96155 |
| Area Code | 530 |
| County Seat | Placerville |
| School District | Lake Tahoe Unified School District |
South Lake Tahoe occupies a high-altitude basin defined by the steady, quiet passage of Trout Creek through its center. The landscape is defined by the expansive presence of Lake Tahoe, which sits merely one mile from the residential core, offering a deep, cobalt stillness that anchors the horizon. To the west, Eldorado National Forest provides a dense, evergreen boundary where the air holds the scent of pine needles and damp earth. Far to the west, the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada rise against the sky, their silhouettes serving as a constant, looming reminder of the region’s rugged geologic scale. The local terrain spills into the open expanse of Lake Valley, creating a broad, level floor that contrasts with the steep, timbered slopes surrounding it.
Economic life in South Lake Tahoe has long been tethered to the seasonal rhythms of the land and the endurance of its natural resources. Historically, the area supported timber harvesting and early settlements that relied on the transit of goods through the high passes of the Sierra Nevada. Today, the economy sustains itself through a blend of hospitality and outdoor recreation that draws visitors to the slopes and the water. Businesses in South Lake Tahoe adapt to the heavy winters and the brief, brilliant summers, maintaining a commerce that mirrors the pulse of the environment. The Carson Ranger District plays a vital role in managing the surrounding timber and public access, ensuring that the local industry remains balanced with the preservation of the forest. This cycle of work and land stewardship keeps the local economy aligned with the seasonal migration of people seeking the quietude of the basin.
Cultural identity in South Lake Tahoe is shaped by a spirit of self-reliance and a profound appreciation for the mountain environment. Residents often spend their days navigating the Rubicon Trail or finding solitude within the quiet reaches of Eldorado National Forest, which envelopes the perimeter of the settlement. The community gathers for local events that celebrate the changing seasons, marked by a pace that feels deliberate and unhurried. While the region does not prioritize the fame of individuals, the legendary singer Cher once maintained a residence here, drawn perhaps by the same clarity of light that defines the afternoon sky. Landmarks are rarely man-made, as the sheer scale of the basin and the proximity to the water provide a sense of place that transcends typical architecture. Life in South Lake Tahoe remains a quiet negotiation between the human footprint and the persistent, wild character of the surrounding woods.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of South Lake Tahoe, California. Coordinates: 38.933241, -119.984348. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for South Lake Tahoe includes the ZIP code (96150, 96151, 96152), telephone area code (530), county seat of El Dorado County (Placerville), and school district assignment (Lake Tahoe Unified School District).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |