From Reno: the practical option
Reno to Incline Village on the north shore is 40 minutes via NV-431 (Mount Rose Highway), which climbs to 8,900 feet and closes occasionally in winter storms. To Sand Harbor is 50 minutes. To Stateline and the south shore casinos (Harveys, Hard Rock) is 90 minutes on US-395 and US-50.
In summer the Tahoe East Shore Express shuttle runs from Incline Village to Sand Harbor for $2, which solves the parking nightmare.
What to do lakeside
Sand Harbor State Park has the best beach on the Nevada side, $15 per car, gets full by 10am on summer weekends. The Flume Trail is a 14-mile mountain bike route that ends at Spooner Lake, with bike shuttles from $65. For paddling, Zephyr Cove rents kayaks for $35 an hour. Emerald Bay is technically California but the pullouts on the west side of the lake are 30 minutes from Stateline and worth the detour.
Casinos and dinner
Stateline's four casinos sit right on the California border: Harveys, Harrah's, Hard Rock (formerly Horizon), and Bally's. Blackjack minimums start at $10. Dinner at the Chart House on Kingsbury Grade has arguably the best lake view in the basin, $65 a head. For less money, Base Camp Pizza in Heavenly Village serves a $22 pizza and $8 beers with live music most nights.
Good to know
Can I do Lake Tahoe as a day trip from Las Vegas?+
Not sensibly. It is 7 hours each way by car and there are no direct flights. Fly Vegas to Reno (75 minutes, from $89) and drive from there.
Is the Nevada or California side of Tahoe better?+
Nevada for beaches (Sand Harbor is the clear winner) and casinos. California for hiking, Emerald Bay, and Truckee's food scene.
When does Sand Harbor fill up?+
By 9am summer weekends, 10am weekdays. The Tahoe East Shore Express shuttle from Incline Village avoids the problem entirely.
Do I need chains in winter?+
Yes on Mount Rose Highway and US-50 during storms. Rentals from Reno airport typically do not include chains; buy at any gas station for $60.