The Tahoe Science Center explains the lake as an ecosystem rather than a postcard. Interactive exhibits cover water clarity, invasive species, forests, geology and the long-running research that has made Lake Tahoe one of the most closely watched alpine lakes in North America.
It is a compact stop, but a useful one before hiking, paddling or driving around the shore. Understanding why the lake is so clear, and why that clarity is fragile, makes the surrounding beaches and viewpoints more interesting.