Romantic Lake Tahoe Vacation Sights and Activities
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Lake Tahoe's has lots to offer - awesome mountain scenery, the largest alpine lake in North America, plus entertainment, dining and nightlife.
One thing you’ll soon notice is the split personality of Tahoe – the north shore is the area to be for more a serene environment, with finer lodging options and a slower pace.
The south, on the other hand, is much more high energy, mass market hotel/motel accommodation, glitz and the other commodity Nevada is famous for, gambling.
The lit-up casinos and resorts will let you know in an oh-so gentle way that you’ve crossed the state line!
The best time to visit Lake Tahoe is probably early June, and September to mid October. Also keep in mind:
Romantic Accommodation in Lake TahoeProbably one of the first things you'll want to decide is where to stay for your Tahoe vacation. We've just completed a brand new page on Lake Tahoe Romantic Hotels, and they include vacation rentals, small inns, Lake Tahoe waterfront honeymoon lodging and more.
Lake Tahoe’s North Shore – the Quiet Side
On Tahoe’s north shore you’ll find some attractive little towns with some fine heritage buildings, quaint little roadside taverns, and accommodation in Lake Tahoe Rentals.
The north shore around Homewood and Tahoe City, as well as Truckee, has an old west feel and some neat little shops and restaurants.
Near Truckee are some scenic views at the Donner Summit Bridge. In the winter you’ll find skiing with fewer crowds to deal with at the resorts near here.
If you’re looking for best choice of Lake Tahoe vacation camping spots, you’ll find them along the lake’s west shore. The South Shore – Alpine Vegas
If you want your fresh air experiences to be tempered with a bit more of the hedonistic variety, follow the lake shore to the south end and Lake Tahoe, NV.
Here you’ll find some big name casino hotels and resorts, and everything from cheap burger take-aways to five-star dining.
Along with more people, traffic and retail, you’ll find a greater variety of accommodation in this area, with romantic rooms with luxury extras at generally cheaper rates.
Lake Tahoe Summer ActivitiesLake Tahoe Cruises – A nice opportunity to get out and see for yourself just how clear the lake really is! There are several companies offering different types of cruises on the lake, both powered and sailing trips. Tourist info centers and brochure racks will have details on the 3 biggest: The Tahoe Gal, Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie 2. Some are just scenic cruises, others are more the dine and dance type. Prices range from $20/person and up.
Out on the water, there’s sailing, parasailing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating.
State Parks – D.L. Bliss State Park (nice beach), Sugar Pine Point State Park (nature center), Emerald Bay State Park.
Hiking and Trails – There’s quite a wide choice of alpine walks you can explore in the mountains and hills around the lake. The Eagle Falls walk (south western corner near Emerald Bay State Park) is a nice easy trail with a footbridge near the falls. 2 aerial trams with outstanding scenic views:
Hotsprings near Lake Tahoe – David Walley’s Resort, a year round destination resort with 6 natural hot mineral springs pools, saunas, fitness center, tennis, golf nearby. Located approx 12 miles east of South Lake Tahoe. There’s also opportunities for cycling, in-line skating, tennis, golf, fishing, river rafting and horseback riding. Lake Tahoe Winter Activities
Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding – the most concentrated grouping of downhill resorts in North America is here! So even though Tahoe is a magnet for skiers from near and far, there's lots of options for your type of ski experience.
The best known resorts are Heavenly and Squaw Valley, and lodging and lift ticket prices will reflect this. Some Lake Tahoe vacation packages include lift tickets, which can be a considerable saving.
Romantic Nights for Less in Lake Tahoe Hotels - Save up to 50%!
Cross Country Skiing – Some areas to check out for cross country: the Royal Gorge Ski Resort, which is a major cross-country resort with numerous trails and 4 different lifts. Smaller but more unique is Spooner Lake Ski Area with some great trails, and Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area in Tahoe City.
There are also areas that offer ice skating, sleigh rides, tobogganing and snowmobiling. Romantic Restaurants in TahoeSouth Lake Tahoe: Near Heavenly Ski Resort is Nephele's, raved about in New York and LA papers. The seafood and wine list keeps them coming back. And Cafe' Fiore is considered one of the most romantic spots in Lake Tahoe with it's candleit tables and delicious home made ice cream.
North Lake Tahoe: In Carnelian Bay you'll find Garwoods, famous for their shrimp and lobster bisque along with fine views of the Lake.
Lake Tahoe Vacation EntertainmentLake Tahoe Nightlife: There’s usually a steady stream of live shows on the south shore at Harrah’s, Caesars, and at some of the other establishments near by.Lake Tahoe Vacation: Cheap Airfares to RNOThe 3-letter code for Reno-Tahoe International Airport is RNO.
The big 3 US air carriers all serve Reno-Tahoe Airport (American, United, Delta), as well as Continental, Northwest, Alaska, Frontier and Southwest. To find some of the
cheapest airfares to RNO, click here.
Mileage and Directions Driving to Lake Tahoe: From San Francisco: About a 4 hour drive (188 miles) east along I-80 and U.S. 50 From Reno: 1.5 hours south on U.S. 395 & U.S. 50 From Los Angeles: About a 8 hr drive (approx 460 miles). Quickest route would probably be I-5 north to Sacramento, and then east on U.S. 50. From Las Vegas: (455 miles) 10 hr drive along U.S. 95 & U.S. 50
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Lake Tahoe Beaches & Water Sports - remember, the water is clean but cold! There are numerous public beaches around Lake Tahoe, including The Commons Beach Park in downtown Tahoe City, Baldwin Beach, and Kings Beach recreation Center. Sand Harbor State Park, just a few miles south of Incline Village, has a very attractive white sand beach.