Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Straddling the state line between Nevada and California, it’s a timeless vacation destination where crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches contrast with snowcapped mountains and ski resorts. Yet some of the best months to visit are between spring and fall. So get a few friends together and experience everything Lake Tahoe has to offer during the warmer weather seasons.
Fun on the Water
Lake Tahoe has about 72 miles of shoreline, but one of the most popular spots is Sand Harbor State Park, known for its soft sand and scattered rock formations, set amid pine and cedar trees. Two launch ramps are available for boaters, and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival stages outdoor productions here each summer.
If you’re looking to get on the water with your friends, the M.S. Dixie II is a 500-passenger vintage paddleboat that travels between Zephyr Cove and Emerald Bay and hosts a popular sunset dinner cruise. For a more chill experience, board the double-decker Tahoe Paradise yacht for a cruise featuring charcuterie and wine pairings.
Local Sights
The history buffs in your group will want to check out Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian castle on the shore of Emerald Bay that dates back to 1928 and offers tours between June and September. Another impressive architectural stop is Thunderbird Lodge, built in the 1930s as a vacation retreat for a San Francisco socialite.
Getting around Lake Tahoe is always fun on two wheels. Rent an e-bike and marvel at the top-dollar real estate when cruising down Lakeshore Boulevard, known by locals as Billionaires Row.
If you prefer to let your own two feet do the work, the Eagle Rock and Cave Rock trailheads provide spectacular views of the lake. Or you can roam The Shops at Heavenly Village, an outdoor plaza with gondola rides to enhance the view.
