Lake Tahoe, a majestic and incredibly scenic area of the country, is home to the second deepest lake in the U.S. This area is a very popular tourist destination in both California and Nevada. If your interests lie in outdoor recreation, casinos, or even art and photography, then consider Lake Tahoe for your next vacation destination.
Emerald Bay State Park is a go-to spot for anyone who wants to enjoy panoramic views of the lake. There are several hiking trails here including the popular, short, steep 1 mile Vikingsholm trail, where you can tour a historic castle. Any history buffs will definitely want to plan for the tour.
The Rubicon Trail is another option for those who are prepared for a very long hike; the incredible views make this 10 mile journey worth it! For all the photographers out there, it doesn't get much better than this!
During the summer months, the Heavenly Village gondola is open for sightseeing rides. Although pricey, this picturesque ride is well worth it. At the top there are numerous scenic overlooks for taking photographs and also a few small hikes to get your workout in. What an incredible place for both fitness & photography!
This dramatic aerial tram ride is similar to Heavenly Village, although big groups are taken up as opposed to single groups. Also, views consist of beautiful mountain vistas as opposed to the lake. Because both rides consist of different views, really they are both worth incorporating into your trip plans. At the top, there are numerous activities to enjoy such as an ice rink, restaurants, a seasonal pool, and a small museum dedicated to the 1960 Olympics which took place here.
Scenic boat rides like those offered by Zephyr Cruises provide you the opportunity to soak up fabulous lake views without embarking on a long hike. You will also learn some interesting historical facts about this magnificent area of the country. I highly recommend the daylight sightseeing cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II.
Heavenly Village is a fantastic year-round shopping, dining, and entertainment area located at the base of the Heavenly gondola ride.
It really is a fun place to spend an afternoon, especially after a long exhausting hike or skiing session. The seasonal ice rink is the perfect date night destination on cold winter nights! Walking around with a hot cocoa on a brisk winter's day with the snow twinkling down around you sure is a memorable experience.
Both Heavenly Village & Squaw Valley Resorts are home to seasonal outdoor rinks. The Heavenly Village ice rink makes for a fantastic winter/holiday activity with the seasonal music and lights creating the perfect festive winter setting. Squaw Valley is great because of its' prime location atop the mountain, with incredible snowy mountain landscapes surrounding you in every direction.
Stateline, Nevada is home to 4 casinos, all of which offer various amenities. You will never run out of things to do in the Tahoe area as the casinos offer endless options in terms of restaurants, shops, shows, and entertainment. When you tire of the outdoor activities, you can always hit up one of the casinos.
I recommend staying at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe – the hotel is beautiful, with plenty of cool gift shops, fun themed restaurants, ongoing live entertainment, and more.
South Lake Tahoe is home to beautiful beaches and the bluest, clearest lake water you will ever come across. Baldwin and Pope Beach are 2 beautiful options. For fewer crowds, enjoy an off-season stroll.
This scenic drive is amongst the most gorgeous in the country, plus there are many must-see natural attractions located along the way including Emerald Bay State Park.
This attractive shopping village offers plenty of fun wintertime activities including exploring boutiques shops, outdoor recreation shops, restaurants, spas, wine bars, and more. The outdoor fire pits, woodsy architecture, and surrounding mountain peaks add to the rustic atmosphere. I highly recommend Uncorked Wine Bar.