South Lake Tahoe, Vacation Wonderland

Travel — By on April 1, 2012 at 6:54 am
 
 

Cover and Inside Photo-Lake Tahoe.

 
Something For Everyone
 
By Nancy Somers
 
There is so much to do in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine Lake in North America. It is 22 miles long and 10 miles wide at 6225 ft elevation. Lake Tahoe features beautiful beaches, hiking & biking trails, water sports, campgrounds, lake cruises, night life, golf, casinos, luxury hotels, fine restaurants and much more. Located approximately 475 miles north of Los Angeles, it is a beautiful drive up highway 395 through Lone Pine, Bishop, Mammoth, Bridgeport, and on into Nevada following the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

During the day, you could take a bike ride along the bike trail from the intersection of highway 89 and 50 to Camp Richardson and on to the Taylor Creek Visitors Center. You will find a nature trail that takes you to a stream profile aquarium showing trout and other fish. Also, next to the Visitor Center you will find the Tallac Historic Site, home to the 100 year old Tallac Resort. You will find the Baldwin Estate (1921) and Museum. This was the home of Lucky Baldwin’s granddaughter. There are homes and cabins with many artifacts from that era. Also, there is a great Washoe Indian tribe exhibit. You could pack a lunch for the beach is close by as well as beautiful lawns and gardens.

Another fun experience is to take the Heavenly Gondola 2.4 miles up the mountain from Heavenly Village. You’ll find fantastic views, hiking trails, picnic areas and a food grill in the lodge. You may even find some snow left over from winter. In wintertime you’ll find tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Zephyr Cove, Ski Run Marina, Round Hill Marina, and Camp Richardson all offer boat, jet ski, and kayak rentals. They also offer parasailing. For a wonderful intimate sunset sail I recommend the “Woodwind” out of Zephyr Cove. It is so beautiful and romantic to view the lake, shoreline, and mountains from this wonderful excursion, especially at sunset.

For a day at the beach, we recommend Nevada Beach, about 2 miles northeast of state line. It is part of Nevada Beach Campground. This is a great campground in amongst the pine trees and right next to the water. There is a wonderful hiking trail that goes from Nevada Beach thru the trees and a meadow up to small pond near Highway 50, next to the Lakeside Casino, (about 1 mile). Keep a look out for the beaver that lives in the pond, as well as other wildlife.

For family dinning I recommend The Forest Buffet at the top of Harrah’s casino. They have the best selection of food and a fantastic view. For a more fine dining experience I recommend The Sage Room at Harvey’s Casino, since 1947. The four casinos in South Lake Tahoe including Harrah’s, Harvey’s, Mont Bleu, and The Horizon, offer nightly entertainment, including headline acts, magicians, comedy clubs, and more.

Lake Tahoe, a vacation wonderland, truly has something for everyone.

 

 

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