Shores of Lake Tahoe
There are many reasons Lake Tahoe is an amazing place to visit, but perhaps one of the most notable is the crystal blue color of the water. The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe draws in so many different types of people, from celebrities to outdoor adventurers.
An Overview
Lake Tahoe is located on the state line of California and Nevada. This location means you’re going to find quite a bit of diversity in the lake itself. On one side of this Sierra Nevada resort lake, you’ll find primarily hikers, campers and boaters. Then on the Nevada side it’s more about shopping, entertainment and gambling in casinos.
There’s a 72-mile road that follows the shoreline and takes you through wooded areas and beaches. Along this road you’ll also get some great views of the mountains, and you’ll pass through the more developed areas surrounding Lake Tahoe. This is one of the best ways to take everything in.
Just about a four-hour drive from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe provides you with one of the largest, deepest and clearest lakes in the world, which is why it attracts about three million visitors a year.
During the winter there’s also plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding—in fact it’s one of the premier winter sports destinations in the world.
What to Do
- If you’re going to Tahoe in winter make sure to visit a ski resort. Some of the more popular options including Northstar, Homewood and Squaw Valley. Those are all on the California side, while resorts on the Nevada side include Mount Rose and Diamond Peak.
- If you’re taking your trip in the summer the beaches are really a can’t miss. You’re going to get such beautiful water at places including Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay and Tahoe City.
- Take a boat trip. You can do this in a variety of ways including chartering a boat for the day to take in the scenery, going for a nighttime dinner cruise or renting watercraft so you can do things like water skiing.
- Rent equipment. In the winter there are ample opportunities to rent ski and snowboard equipment, and in the summer there’s no shortages of venues offering jet ski, wave runner and paddle board rentals.
- If you’re looking for nightlife your best bets are probably Tahoe City and Squaw Valley. These are the areas of Lake Tahoe with the most bars.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for adventure and a true connection to nature you have plenty of opportunities to camp in and around Lake Tahoe.
If you want something a little more luxurious opt for the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. It’s often rated as one of the best hotels in the U.S., featuring an alpine design style, rustic furnishings and elegant ameniites. It’s located in Truckee, California and you get easy access to the wide variety of sports options in the area, as well as an amazing spa and onsite gourmet eateries.