Lake Tahoe in the Movies

Lake Tahoe is most recognizable for being one of the most beautifully blue lakes in all of North America.  It is easy to see why so many movies and television shows have been filmed here over the years. 

By far, the most recognizable Lake Tahoe movie moment is found in in The Godfather Part II .  The compound that the Corleone Family lived in is still a favorite to find.  The house and grounds portrayed in the film are located on the California side of Lake Tahoe. The Fleur du Lac is the summer estate of Henry J. Kaiser. The only structures used in the movie that still remain are the complex of old native stone boathouses with their wrought iron gates. Although Fleur du Lac is private property and no one is allowed ashore there, the boathouses and multi-million dollar condominiums are easily viewed from the lake.

Another favorite filmed here is the TV series Bonanza.  The Ponderosa Ranch was actually located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and the opening sequence for the series was filmed at the McFaul Creek Meadow with Mount Tallac in the background.  This was a nostalgic hotspot for those who grew up watching the Cartwright family deal with life on their ranch. Unfortunately, in September of 2004, the Ponderosa Ranch closed its doors after being sold to a developer for an undisclosed price.

City of Angles starring Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage also filmed some of the movies most memorable scenes here as well. Who could forget Meg Ryan riding her bike, eyes closed, with Lake Tahoe as her back drop. City of Angles also filmed at Fallen Leaf Lake which is mere minutes from Lake Tahoe.

The picturesque and unscathed natural beauty of Lake Tahoe make it easy to see why so many movies have been filmed in the area. There is little doubt that Lake Tahoe will continue to be a favorite with film makers, because Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains are truly one of the most beautiful places on earth.