Lake Tahoe is pretty much the ultimate vacation spot. Whether you want to relax at a five star resort and maybe visit the spa or casino while taking in some breathtaking scenery, or you want to try something a little more adventurous, like hiking, kayaking, or even parasailing, you'll find it at Tahoe. Plus, it's conveniently located on the border of California and Nevada, so you get the best of both states!
Palo Alto Ave, Palo Alto, California United States
Since it's such a popular destination, though, it can be hard to decide how to spend you trip-- at a ski lodge, or at a casino, or maybe camping? Hopefully this little guide will help you figure out how to best explore all the wonder Lake Tahoe has to offer!
Did you know that Lake Tahoe is home to a Viking castle? It is! Vikingsholm was one of the many vacation homes built by the West Coast's wealthiest along Lake Tahoe, but its distinctive design set it apart from other summer homes. You can tour Vikingsholm and learn more about the fascinating woman, Lora Knight, who made it possible.
North Tahoe also has Lake Forest Campground, which is a short walk from a beach and has tons of trees to shade you while you set up your tent.
For more stunning views of the landscape, take a trip on the Heavenly Scenic Gondola Rides! The 2.4 mile trip up the mountain gives you views of the entire lake, plus the Desolation Wilderness and the Carson Valley. There's an observation deck at the top so the views don't have to end when the ride does!
And if you're looking for something on which you can hone your photography skills, check out Bonsai Rock. The huge boulder in the lake has four trees growing up out of it, seemingly against all odds, and is the perfect subject for a photo shoot!
8931 North Lake Blvd (Hwy 28 And Beaver St), Kings Beach, CA, US
If you're looking for a spot of fish, then head to Whale Beach. It's also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring Fido.
And if you're feeling really adventurous, bare it all at Secret Cove-- this beach has Tahoe's highest percentage of nude bathers!
If you only get to do one thing on your trip, make sure you rent a kayak and see the lake the way it was meant to be seen! You can take it easy and have a peaceful float on the water, leaving your worries back on the shore, or you can set off on an adventure to one of Tahoe's many beaches and coves. Sand Harbor is one of the most photographed spots on all of Tahoe, and with good reason. Even the Washo Indians spent their summers hunting and fishing at what is now Sand Harbor! Here you'll find hiking, scuba diving, and 55 acres of sandy beach, rocky coves, and tons more. They even hold an annual Shakespeare festival here.
Some more rad stats to get you excited: Lake Tahoe is North America's largest alpine lake, with a depth up to 1,645 ft, which makes it America's second deepest lake (after Crater Lake). It's also America's sixth largest lake (by volume), just behind the five Great Lakes.