Magic Carpet Golf

Magic Carpet Golf

Reviews Summary

This mini golf destination consistently earns high praise for its three well-maintained courses with creative, challenging holes that appeal to all ages. Reviewers highlight the fun atmosphere, nostalgic arcade with classic pinball machines, and family-friendly value ($10-$15 per person). While most rate it 5/5, a few note minor drawbacks like occasional machine issues or crowded play. The scenic Lake Tahoe location and attentive upkeep make it a beloved spot for repeat visitors. Negative feedback is rare but includes early closing times and unruly children. Overall, it's considered one of the best mini golf experiences, offering hours of entertainment.

About This Listing

Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

Features

Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

5167 N Lake Blvd

Carnelian Bay, California 96140

Hours

Monday 10AM-9PM
Tuesday 10AM-9PM
Wednesday 10AM-9PM
Thursday 10AM-9PM
Friday 10AM-9PM
Saturday 10AM-9PM
Sunday 10AM-9PM

Customer Reviews

So much fun! I went with my girl scout troop, it was wonderful, they had great customer service and was do patient with us! Very good, again, so much fun. 100% recommend!! (Ignore the kid screaming in the background of the video lol)

It was better before. We ordered a burger and it was good. One of my kids ordered fish and chips, and it was not good at all. A lot of chips and a small piece of frozen fish not well cooked.

Magic carpet magic carpeeetttt?. Do i have a bone to pick with you. FIRST heres sum backstory. My 4 year old son LOVES Aladdin, its cool and all but he was telling me he wanted a magic carpet that could fly. As the generous and definitely not abusive father i am, i took him to the closest location that had magic carpets. As soon as we parked the car, the little bugger ran straight into the building in hopes and dreams of riding a magic carpet. Much to his disappointment, THERE WASNT ANY FLYING MAGIC CARPETS

So fun!!! I went with my family and we had a great time laughing at how bad we were at golf.

They had 3 different courses. We played the one furthest west and it was challenging but possible to make several aces. Nobody in our group of 5 won the spin on the 19th hole, but it was an entertaining gimmick.

A great place for family. This place is fun. $9 for 18 wholes. They have 3 different courses to pick from. My kids were having fun there. There is so some old time arcade and pinball games. If you are in lake Tahoe and looking for some fun with the kids. This place is good to go! Oh and the beach is across the street too.

We played Grizzly Falls, which has 18 holes and costs $11 cash per person. These little facilities are very interesting and the children were very happy. Although the arcade is a bit old, it is well maintained and clean. It is a great place to play. I will go there again next time??

28 holes, four people with a military discount, $72.00. Great time.

There are three separate courses (two 18 hole and one 27 hole). It is always busy but you rarely have to wait. The major downside is parents have no control over their kids. They are running all over the course playing out of order and they will hit you with a ball. The staff pays no attention to what's going on outside, so it becomes insane.

This mini golf course has like 66 holes and 3 different courses. It makes a huge difference when it's busy. Lots of options to choose from. We chose the ?more difficult? course although plenty of kids were playing it too. We appreciated the detail this course has and it's definitely a fun stop

We did the grizzly falls course. It was well maintained and nice, but the course only had a few themed or moving holes (like you want in mini golf!) maybe 4 of the 18? The rest were just banking off the side of the rock or wood edge to get around an angle in the path. Still a beautiful place, but maybe one of the other courses is more exciting?

This is a Lake Tahoe "must do". It is locally owned and totally unique. There are three different courses on the site, and all of them are full of fun and well maintained. If you enjoy pinball and classic video games, you will find all of your favorites in the game room. The original owner still manages the course and has been there for decades. We have been to Tahoe three times. We never miss a visit to Magic Carpet Golf.

3 different courses. Grizzly Falls and Dinosaur are a little easier of the three - lots of kitchy fun on short holes. The subtle hills make the courses a little harder than you would think from a small course. Arcade is small but they have great games and even some pinball.

I took my 4 kids to this place and we were having a great time until this really grumpy old guy, who is one of their staff, gave us a hard time. I couldn't BELIEVE IT! He told us we weren't playing right, and my 7 year old was hitting the ball too many times. Do not waste your time.

Excellent mini golf with 3 course options - 28, 18 and 18 holes. Lots of holes with interesting obstacles.

Family owned not big corporate. The family has their roots in Sonoma county opening their mini golf in Guerneville in the 1940s . Three different large courses. Very clean! Everything in great working order. Fun times for ages ,,skilled and unskilled. A place where you leave your computerized devices at home and laugh , have a conversation and create memories.

Family friendly environment. Arcade was great enjoyed it.

We got a $150 parking ticket from Placer County when we tried to go to this minigolf. Placer County doesn't care that they are scamming people out of money by not more clearly marking the most ridiculous no parking zone. Had we realized it was no parking, why would we park in this space when there are others available? Every time I drive by here, cars are parked in the no parking zone so it's clear it's a Placer County scam money maker. While it's not the fault of this business, every business owner and res

We had a blast..played the 28hole course.

Excellent experience, beautiful blue skies, great staff, COVID-19 friendly, very clean course and definitely coming back!

Fun for kids. Arcade. No food available. Several different golf courses.

Nice course, fun mimics on many holes

Great family business for family fun and with a lake view.

So much fun, we came in with our whole extended family & it was a blast! Very cool course & a beautiful 360 view! The arcade was awesome too, all the games were in outstanding condition & they had so many forgotten treasures from my youth. Take the kids & have a blast!!

Nice clean well kept mini golf courses. Small arcade with the rare Halo arcade game! My son and I appreciated that! Back for another summer. The course is still kept up and clean. Was another fun time with my son.

Absolutely great experience I had with my boyfriend. And better yet they have a really cool arcade inside, and if you like pinball that's the arcade for you!

It's mini golf. There are 3 courses at this location. We played the Dinosaur course. I was surprised to find a collection of classic Pinball machines. Road Show played well and was upgraded with an LCD screen. Addams Family had an issue with one of the flippers but I was still happy to play this, my all time favorite pinball. It's tough to keep these machines running so I have a lot of respect for the owners keeping them going for pinball fans.

Very nice and fun mini golf. Excellent for family time. It has 3 courses that you'll sure enjoy. Love the little fountain you'll get a refreshing breeze when it's hot out. They also have mini arcade inside.

Loved the golf and inside games at reasonable prices! The golf clubs were different sizes for heights. 3 Different golfing areas to choose from too! After golfing kids played inside on the mechanical rides that were cheap and great for toddlers, I think they enjoyed it more than golfing lol. Recommend to anyone visiting Tahoe!

It was my first time playing it was so much fun. It was awesome seeing all the families there having fun as well. Young and old alike.

Had so much fun with our family. We did the 28 hole course. Technically 27 hold plus a ball return slot machine. But we had a great time. Made it in just before a really big group so we were happy!!!

Fun course for kids and adults. They have an 18 and a 36 hole course. Personally I think 36 holes is too much for kids under 10 because they are all over the place, but the 36 hole course had a better theme.

Interesting experience. We hadn't been here in probably 15 years but decided to make a trip with our kids and friends. The person at the front desk seemed a bit uptight but we ultimately got started on the course. All was well until we ran into the sheriff (deputy bear) and things got a bit sideways. Course is need of general maintenance but decent overall.

We had a great time, they have 3 minigolf courses there plus some arcade games inside. The facility was clean and well designed. We did the Grizzly River course which was 18 holes, it went pretty fast and was a great afternoon with the family. Each hole had unique challenges, no repeats so that was great too.

My husband and I came to North Lake Tahoe for vacation and I swear this was pretty much our favorite part. We played for three nights and one day straight. We looked forward to it and it was the last activity we did before leaving. I've played quite a few mini golf courses and this was my favorite, bar none. The courses are well laid, unique, and feel very interactive with one 27 hole course and two 18 hole courses. Shout out to the girl that worked the night shift! (we never got her name ??) She was super

We brought my special needs nephew to the mini golf course and Omar let him play with a golf ball the whole time. It was not too crowded so allowing him to use the ball to play instead of golf was super nice and made all the difference for all the other kids. It is always hard to find people who understand families. This place made it enjoyable for the whole family. Omar is awesome. We will be retuning thanks to him!

As people have said there is a choice of 3 courses. We did the dinosaur (but could be back for the longer one!) and it was great. Sunday night and it was v quiet, we had a blast.

I've played a lot of miniature golf lately, this place is the best I've been to. Three courses, some very challenging holes,a beautiful bear mural, perfectly situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe. A nice selection of pinball machines. Extremely low key during the day.

Really cute place, great for a family game. COVID friendly with hand sanitizer and clean bathrooms. There's three courses to choose from. We did the 28-hole course on one day and on our last day before our drive home we did one of the 18-hole ones. Wish we had gone earlier in the week so we could have also fit the third one in. The staff was also really helpful and friendly here too. All the kiddos loved it - five, six, and eight.

Had a blast playing 28 holes. There is a total of 3 courses you can play and the prices range from $10-14 per person. The last hole is put in a slot machine to see if you win a chance at a free game. If you go late the last game is no later than 8:30 because they close at 9:30

this is a nice mini golf facility. There are 2 shorter courses (19 holes) and a longer one. Prices are reasonable, and the courses are entertaining and clean. Inside there are some arcade games for teens and up.

I have been going here since I was very little. I have always loved it because of the fun courses and the great arcade. Magic Carpet Golf is my favorite mini golf course, and I am now in walking distance from our new move. I will be coming much more often in the summer, and I hope many will as well. The owner is also very kind and loves children, and I will be coming here for the rest of my life, and hopefully bring my children.

This is a fun place for the whole family. They have three different courses. Each varies in difficulty. We all love to play in the arcade afterwards.

What a fun course of 18 holes. There are three courses to play a hole of 18 to choose from. At the end of each round you have a chance to play again with no charge with their ball slot machine.

Such a fun place to go mini golfing! We took the whole family my kids loved it so much! The staff is so friendly and nice! If your visiting tahoe this is must with your kiddos!

The golf course closes (stops taking customers) at 8 pm but several times if we are there 10 or 15 minutes prior to closing the teenagers that run the front turn us away. Strange because it is still light out. We go to the Kings Beach mini golf because it has an a great vibe and is open until 10 pm.

was in a year ago and he opened his business IN THE OFF SEASON to let my 3 kids play then very graciously allowed my oldest son to view his car collection. VERY nice guy. Don't let bad reviews fool you. clean and friendly place to visit. my family will definitely return on our next visit.

Small. Cute and we'll maintain.

I have been going to Magic Carpet Golf since I was a kid. Now I am 50. I bring my kids here now. It is a great Miniature Golf Place. They also have a great arcade. If you like pinball this place has all the best Pinball machines EVER!

Call before you make the trip. Owner is inconsistent with hours and can change at will like in our experience listed below. He's nice at first to get you in the door but becomes an unpleasant person once he gets your money. Showed us his collection and then things changed... Don't recommend...owner doesn't care for business so i won't give him mine. 1st visit was pleasant. We won 2 free games and then came back to play our 2nd game the next day and he closed early. Called before and confirmed his hours and

Great, clean family fun. Out down your cellphone and play and talk.

Was excited to visit after seeing the reviews, but ultimately ended up not playing after seeing a large sign on the door saying masks are optional at this business. Employees did not appear to be wearing them, even indoors, against CA regulations and guidance. I don't know what other sanitization routines the business is taking with arcade games, golf clubs, and balls. However, with a sign like that on the door I did not feel that the health and safety of their employees and guests was a high priority.

We were here two days ago and had a lot of fun. This was our first family outing in a while and everyone had a great time! The kids keep asking when we can go back! We will definitely return!

We always have fun at this place. There are a few holes where the balls got stuck in one of the features or where the best tunnel didn't quite line up with the hole so you couldn't get a hole in one, but overall it is well designed and a great place to take the family.

Had a blast playing an 18 hole course. 3 courses to try holes were small but fun. Most of the games at the arcade were working

I go here every year I visit Tahoe and am always amused. It has a good balance of challenging and creative holes. It's not the most exciting course I've been to, but it has lots of moving parts and keeps you wanting to come back for more!

Great course, a bunch of unique holes and everything is in very good condition.

Fun mini golf loops, decent arcade. Would go back again. (The slot machine as the 19th hole was so cool)

Really enjoyed this place. I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the history of this place. You can tell they take great care of the holes. If you're in the area and want something to do, stop by here and you'll have a great time.

If you are ever looking for a fun thing to do with your kids while in the back drop of lake Tahoe, the magic Carpet Golf shop is the place to take them. We enjoyed the friendly staff and sharing the multi generational experience together.

One of the most interesting mini golf places I've visited! Good value too!!

My husband and I enjoyed a round of mini golf here. I was a little disappointed that the Grizzly Falls wasn't in operation. However, since it snowed the next day (May 8), I understood.

We try and come to Magic Carpet Miniature Golf each time we are in the North Tahoe area. It is clean and well laid out. I was disappointed, however, that during Covid-19 masks were "optional" inside where the video games are located. Even employees weren't wearing masks. I really expected better and more concern for both the customers and employees.

Much better than Kings Beach mini golf. 3 courses, well laid out and clean. Girl at the register was grumpy so that's the only reason for not giving it 5 stars. Well worth it

Enjoyed a nice family outing during spring break. Kids loved the vintage arcade and pinball games after the 18 holes. Bring your quarters for games.

Super fun, very hard, tons of holes?great video games?$10-14 for hours of play?going tomorrow?seriously?best mini golf course I have ever played?SUPER hard!

Been coming here since I was a kid and it is always a blast. Lots of fun and imaginative challenges on every hole!

Fun lil place, but over priced. The holes felt a lil jacked up in my experience. I might go back but $60 for a game with my kids is insane for someone local.

Just visited and had a great time. Clean, nice people and all the features worked, three courses and reasonably priced. We were there close to closing time and didn't get rushed, very patient. Will visit again!

Our family had fun! We did the castle course. We won another free game so we plan to go back before our vacation is over.

Very nice place, we did the 28 holes (there is another one of 14 holes next to it), and had quite a lot of fun, a quite enjoyable experience, the atmosphere was nice, even the pinball machines inside were nice.

A fun but pricey mini golf course. The holes are dated but still challenging. There is an arcade with a few classic pinball and video games.

Cool mini golf spot. It can get a little busy but you have fun. They have a small arcade inside the main building and offer 3 courses.

Always a great time!! $11 for 19 holes and $15 for 28. Kids and adults love these courses!

We had a blast here! The place is very clean, well taken care of and a perfect way to spend a few hours in Tahoe. We shall return!

Really nice. Loved the background and settings. Plus how is set up gives a nice amount of holes. Loved the old school games and no real ticket machine

Always a fun place to play. The owners obviously take a lot of pride in their business and keep it in great condition. Conversely, the course in South Lake Tahoe...not so good.

We have to stop in every time we're in town, and usually more than once. Grizzly Falls has more shade, but the Dinosaur has a cannon shot that is a lot of fun.

Well maintained an fun courses! We played a course in South Lake Tahoe in the morning, probably built around the same time. This course was much better!

This place is a classic Tahoe kids spot. It has many of the same holes and features now as it did 30+ years ago when I used to come here.

It was a fun way to spend a little time with the family. The courses are nicely maintained and the facilities are clean.

Really fun spot! You can choose which course you'd like to play (we did Storybook). And there's some shade, even on bright and sunny days.

We loved the course! Very clean and neat place. Bring quarters for the arcade machines. I loved that there are arcade machines in there

Three courses in great condition, including motorized obstacles. Props and decorations are old and some looking a little worn out, but very well maintained.

We try to go every time we are in Tahoe. Very nice course and different options for playing.

Fun day for the whole family. They have three mini courses in a variety of themes, with enough challenge to keep everyone happy.

Best place to play mini golf! A beautiful view of the lake while you play. Employees are very kind and helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”