You Can Enjoy a Lake Tahoe Vacation on Board a Cruise

A Lake Tahoe Vacation will not be complete without a cruise. In fact, there are two ships to choose from namely the M.S. Dixie II and the Tahoe Queen. These two vessels are managed and maintained by Lake Tahoe Cruises and Zephyr Cove Resort.

You might be wondering if there are any differences between the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II. For starters, the Tahoe Queen is powered using a paddle wheeler and not a motor. This is similar to the steamboats that were used more than 200 years ago.

The ship is 144 feet long, 33 feet wide and has 3 decks. Despite its old appearance, it can still carry 350 passengers on board and have a dining capacity of up to 210 passengers. 

The M.S. Dixie II is much bigger than the Tahoe Queen. It is longer and wider measuring 151 feet in length and which is why it needs to use a grand paddle wheeler. It can have 570 passengers on board and a dining capacity of 360 guests.

The M.S. Dixie Cruise II and the Tahoe Queen offer different cruises to choose from and the first is the two hour scenic cruise giving everyone enough time to take shots with the beautiful scenery as their background.

The Tahoe Queen casts off at 12 noon daily. If you miss that, catch the M.S. Dixie II which casts off an hour later. When you are on board, you will get to sail along Emerald Bay. A tour guide will tell you how this was formed which even has a special video presentation.

If you want to watch the sun go down and dine the same time, why not inquire about the dinner cruise. The M.S. Dixie II offers this every Wednesday and departs at 5:30pm while the Tahoe Queen offers theirs every Saturday also at the same time.

Aside from the great food, you can listen to the live band, dance and watch the live show known as “Show Boat.” The dinner cruise lasts for about three and a half hours before heading back to port.

These two vessels are just two of four vessels in their fleet which you can get for a chartered cruise. The other two are smaller namely the Tahoe Paradise and the Tahoe Princess. On board, you can throw a wedding, a debut or even an anniversary.

Of the four, only the Tahoe Princess is not available all year round and if you want to use it, you can only make a reservation between the months of May to October.

If you happen to be in Lake Tahoe during the holidays, they also offer specialty cruises. You can have brunch here during Mother’s Day or during Easter. There is a special cruise set for New Year’s Eve, the 4th of July, Christmas and Labor Day.

Cruising is one of the things you can do should you decide to spend a Lake Tahoe vacation. You can make a reservation through your travel agent or doing it yourself by booking online. By booking early, you are sure to have a seat since it fills up pretty quickly during the peak season even if it just to sail around the harbor for a couple of hours.

You can Take a Romantic Lake Tahoe Vacation

If you want to try out something new and spend a weekend or even a week-long vacation, then you can take a romantic Lake Tahoe vacation.

Spectacularly nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of today’s finest vacation destinations around the United States.

Lake Tahoe is located along the border between California and Nevada, but wait until you get to experience the natural and breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe where you will be surely captivated by its romantic setting and natural charm.

Travel experts agree that there are more romantic Lake Tahoe vacation ideas, accommodation and sightseeing activities.

Only a short 60-mile ride from Reno, and an easy drive from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe can be a fine romantic getaway for either a weekend retreat or a honeymoon setting.

The beauty and charm of Tahoe is its unique mix of mountain air, scenery and activities, highlighted with big name entertainment, dining and nightlife.

No wonder it is considered by far the best and the largest alpine lake in North America.

But Tahoe is not just synonymous with parties and social gatherings or sporting adventures, it can also be a getaway for those who wish to have a peaceful day of rest and solitude.

The north shore of Lake Tahoe is the area for those seeking a more serene environment, with world-class and finer lodging options.

Activities in the north shore area are considered a bit laid back and suits a slower paced environment.

The south shore area, on the other hand, is much more pulsating and appropriate for a high energy environment, mass market hotel/motel accommodations, glitz and the other commodity Nevada is famous for, gambling.

The lit-up casinos and resorts can be seen for miles around at night, a good indicator that one has crossed the state line.

Romantic and idyllic times to visit Lake Tahoe is around early June, and September to mid October.

Weekdays during the summer season is a busy day for lake Tahoe, but wait for the summer weekends, where it gets unbearably busy, which is not surprising since over 30 million people live within a 350 mile radius of Lake Tahoe.
Take a day to circle the lake by car, but it would take 3 days to find suitable areas to relax, get active outdoors and getting a taste of the varied dining and entertainment choices.

For the romantic, the North Shore side of Lake Tahoe is also known as the quiet side. 

On then north shore you find some attractive little towns with some fine heritage buildings, quaint little roadside taverns, and accommodation in like cvbacation rentals and standard hotels.

Most of those hotels found here include romantic studio cabins for a very relaxing Lake Tahoe vacation.

The north shore around Homewood and Tahoe City, as well as Truckee, has an old west feel and some neat little shops and restaurants.

Truckee also has some scenic views at the Donner Summit Bridge, where in the winter you’ll find skiing with fewer crowds to deal compared to resorts.

If one is also looking for good vacation camping spots, you’ll find them along the lake’s west shore.

So pack up those bags with your loved one and take a romantic Lake Tahoe vacation.

When is the Best Time to Take a Lake Tahoe Vacation?

Although many people have heard the wondrous and captivating beauty of Lake Tahoe and many would still ask this age-old question, When is the best time to take a Lake Tahoe vacation?

Lake Tahoe is nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with an elevation of a little over 6,000 feet.

Winter storms are common and it’s easy to get caught unprepared, as Lake Tahoe weather quickly changes from clear skies to blizzards.
Winter and summer storms are usually common from September through June and drivers should be sure they have chains with them to tie around the tires especially when passing through snow-drenched roads high up in the alps.

As a precaution, it pays to check out the Lake Tahoe weather forecast frequently and be prepared.

No matter when and where you go at Lake Tahoe, always expect colder temperatures and more snow especially at higher elevations.

Still, Lake Tahoe weather is generally nice, since it gets an average of 250 to 300 sunny days a year and humidity is very low, especially during summer.

Water temperatures range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 68 degrees in the summer.

So, whether  you plan to go skiing, mountain biking, paying golf or simply relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking view, experience the enjoyment of your Lake Tahoe vacation.
Proper planning is key to make you enjoy your vacation. From what things to pack, how to save time and money, preparing for high altitudes, it does help a lot to make your vacation as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. 

You can save money with Lodging Packages and Deal, and still enjoy a worthwhile vacation at Lake Tahoe at lesser costs.

Many resorts and hotels offer a variety of pre-arranged packages that include activities, lodging and often meals, all for one low price.

Lodging packages also offer quick and convenient one-stop vacation planning. 

Many resorts also have recreational facilities that could help make your stay enjoyable and worthwhile, if you are not a, outdoor junkie or would just like to just take a break from the busy routines of everyday living.

These resorts provide complimentary access to recreational facilities including swimming pools, gyms, spas, playgrounds, ski and sledding lessons and a whole lot more families on vacation will enjoy.

For solitary sojourners or couples wanting to have an intimate time, there are also a lot of fine dining establishments to enjoy a romantic dinner, as well as a good number of spas where you could pamper yourselves and enjoy the bliss of a good weekend or vacation getaway.

Many hotels and lodgings also have their own kitchens which could be a great way to save money, since there are a great deal of bakeries and gourmet shops that provide good food for take out or groceries that are delivered right at your hotel doorstep after placing an order online or by simply faxing orders in. Or simply order ahead of time and have it picked up by the time you arrive for check-in.

If you are feeling lazy or just would like to spend the day inside your room, there are also daily DVD rentals conveniently available with new releases with a wide variety of titles to suit the entire family.

Lastly, take advantage of free shuttle service provided by your hotel, that way you need not worry about driving and getting to where you want to go.
Most hotels in the Lake Tahoe area provide day shuttle service, as well as night shuttle service to service guests wanting to experience the sights and sounds of Lake Tahoe.
So ask yourself when is the best time to take a Lake Tahoe vacation? The answer is all up to you.

Things You Should Know If You Are Planning a Skiing Lake Tahoe Vacation

Lake Tahoe is one of the best skiing destinations in the United States. If you are planning a skiing Lake Tahoe vacation this holiday season, here are a few things you should know.

First, Lake Tahoe is not one big resort. In fact, it is made of 7 member key resorts. These are namely Alpine Meadows, Heavenly, Kirkwood Cross, Mount Rose, Northstar,  Sierra and Squaw Valley. Only four of these have ski-in or ski-out lodging namely Heavenly, Kirkwood Cross, Northstar and Squaw Valley.

The skiing season begins in mid-November and most of these close at the end of April while a couple of these are open until the month of May. To find out if there are vacancies in the resort you plan to stay in, it is best that you call or visit the company’s website.

If you want to explore the other ski resorts, you can purchase an interchangeable ticket. You won’t be able to get this from the resort directly so ask your travel agent and tour operator about this. You should also know right now that there are no shuttle services between the ski resorts but there are free shuttle services to and from hotels in the area.

There are also season passes available for multiple resorts. There is what is called a Double Whammy Pass that can be used at Northstar and Sierra.

Not everyone who comes here to spend a skiing vacation brings their own equipment. This is because the ski resorts themselves rent these out to tourists. There are even beginner courses for those who want to learn and advanced classes for those who want to improve their skills. Of the  7 ski resorts to choose from, Squaw Valley is the only one that offers night skiing.

For those who don’t want to ski, you can try cross dog sledding, ice skating, joining a snowmobile tour and tubing. You can inquire from the ski resort what they have and then decide whether or not to do it there or somewhere else.

To get to Lake Tahoe, you can book a flight and land at Tahoe International Airport. They have a regular shuttle service which you can avail of but if you want to drive, you can rent a car.

There are other things you can do aside from skiing when you are in Lake Tahoe. You can ride the cable car or the gondola and have a spectacular view of the immediate surroundings. It is possible to get discounts on these two rides since coupons are usually handed out in restaurants and nearby hotels.  You can also try you luck at the casino, go on a cruise, eat great food and a whole lot more.

The only thing you have to do is make a reservation by calling your travel agent or making the arrangements all by yourself. It is a great and cozy place to be this holiday season when you are able to spend a Lake Tahoe vacation with your entire family.

The weather is truly unpredictable during Christmas so you may consider moving your Lake Tahoe vacation during the months of March and April. Although it is already spring by that time, the weather is just perfect because the mountains are still covered with snow and a lot of sunlight.

Things You Can Do On Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit. There are things you can do here regardless of the season so consider a Lake Tahoe vacation as your next destination.

This tourist attraction has a lot of water sports you can try out. One of the things you can do here is water skiing. You can go to one of the resorts by the lake and then have the ride of your life. If you want wind carry you, rent a boat and go sailing. The other option is to rent a kayak because this will give you the chance to explore the shoreline. If you just want to relax, take a dip in the lake or in one of the many public beaches.

For those who want to get some exercise, they can hike a portion of the Rim Trail. There are 4 to choose from namely north, south, east and west shore. In each one, there are easy, medium and hard conditions for you to hike that can be a mile long to a little over 5 miles.

Another option will be to rent a bike and ride along the designated path. The best part about it is that you can go as fast as you want.

When you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from along the shore. But if you want to dine and even dance at the same time, try dining on a ship. There are two to choose from namely the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II.

If you want to see Lake Tahoe high up, you can ride the Squaw Valley cable car or the gondola ride located at the Heavenly Ski Resort. The rates of both are different but when as you are moving closer to the top, you will forget about how much you paid for it when the scenery up there is just amazing.

During the winter season, you can ride up and do some skiing along the slopes. The place itself is considered to be one of the best skiing destinations in the country and was the venue for the Winter Olympics back in 1960.

Since both rides are over in a few minutes, another aerial ride you can try which lasts much longer is by going on board a helicopter. To do this, you have to drive yourself to the Lake Tahoe airport. Unlike the two sky rides mentioned, there is a maximum of 3 passengers per flight.

For those who are not aware, Lake Tahoe was the setting for the famous show Bonanza in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Most of the outdoor scenes were shot at North Lake Tahoe near Incline Village. If you loved the show, it will be nice to drop by and see everything for yourself. You can take some pictures and bring home some souvenirs.

After a tiring day of doing all sorts of activities, you can enjoy the night life in Lake Tahoe. Blue Avenue is the place where you can check out the hottest clubs and bars. A great place to drink beer before going to bed.

A Lake Tahoe vacation is worth exploring if you are planning your next holiday. If you do some research, you will surely find other things to do in the area.

There’s More to Discover on a Lake Tahoe Vacation

If one thinks that a Lake Tahoe vacation is simply just a respite from the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolitan life, there’s in fact more to discover in a Lake Tahoe vacation.

Aside from the fact that Lake Tahoe is a popular destination, getting to know the origins of Lake Tahoe can be as challenging as an extreme sporting adventure.

For starters, the Lake Tahoe Basin took form as a geologic block fault about 2 million years ago.

A geologic block fault is a fracture in the earth's crust causing blocks of land to move up or down, which is a primary cause of earthquakes.

It is this fault movement where uplifted blocks created the Carson Range on the east and the Sierra Nevada mountains on the west, while the down-dropped blocks, also called a graben, created the shear between the Sierra Nevada Microplate and North America.

On the other hand, the Lake Tahoe basin is formed by a series of large down-to-the-east normal faults, including the West Tahoe and Dollar Point fault, the Stateline and North Tahoe fault and the Incline Village fault.

Most of the highest peaks that can be found of the Lake Tahoe Basin that formed during the creation of process of Lake Tahoe creation are Freel Peak at 10,891 ft, Monument Peak at 10,067 ft, Pyramid Peak at 9,983 ft in the Desolation Wilderness and Mount Tallac at 9,735 ft.

As the geologic formations began to take shape, eruptions from the now-extinct volcano Mount Pluto formed a dam on the north side, as melting snow filled the southern and lowest part of the basin to form the ancestral Lake Tahoe as rain and runoff added more  water to the lake.

Lake Tahoe was shaped and landscaped by scouring glaciers during the Ice Ages, which began a million or more years ago and is fed from 63 tributaries with the Truckee River as the main and only outlet.

The Truckee flows northeast through Reno, Nevada and into Pyramid Lake, which has no outlet.

The soil found on the basin come primarily from andesitic volcanic rocks and granodiorite, with minor areas of metamorphic rock.

Some of the valley bottoms and lower hill slopes are covered with glacial moraines, or glacial outwash material derived from the parent rock.

With the great depth of Lake Tahoe, as well as the locations of the normal faults within the deepest portions of the lake, suggests that earthquakes on these faults can trigger tsunamis with wave heights predicted to be around 10 to 33 ft in height, capable of traversing the entire lake in just a few minutes.

This may be evident with the massive collapse of the western edge of the basin that formed McKinney Bay around 50,000 years ago which was thought to have generated a tsunami wave with an estimated height of no less than 330 ft.

Although Lake Tahoe is a natural lake and with most areas consider protected, it is also used for water storage by the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, for which the lake level is controlled by a dam at the Truckee River- the lake’s only outlet- at Tahoe City.

The 6 foot high dam can increase the lake's capacity by 732,000 acre/ft.

So if you think that lake Tahoe is just a vacation spot, think again, there’s more to discover in a Lake Tahoe vacation.

There is a lot You Can Do Other Than Skiing to Enjoy a Lake Tahoe Vacation

A lot of people come to Lake Tahoe during the winter because it is considered to be a skiing paradise. But during the summer, there are also activities you can enjoy which means you can consider spending a Lake Tahoe vacation when school is over.

One adventure you can try out is horse back riding. There are ranches within the area so you can visit one and borrow a horse from the stable. Once you are on the saddle, you can gallop along the trail and see the lake as well as the snow capped mountains.

There are also trails for those who want to ride a bike or take a hike. Some are long while others are short so you can choose between those that are 2 miles long or longer. This is part of the 150 mile Tahoe Rim Trail that encircles the lake.

When you see Lake Tahoe, you will feel the blue water inviting you to go for a swim. If you go a few yards out, you will even see fish and a few other objects 70 feet below by using a snorkel and pair of goggles. Once you get out of the water, you can lie down in the sand and get a tan.

If you want to work up an appetite, you can do some kayaking or parasailing that you can rent from nearby stores.

One of the key attractions in Lake Tahoe is the cruise. There are two vessels to choose from namely the M.S. Dixie II and the Tahoe Queen. Both of these go on a 2 hour scenic cruise daily with a dinner cruise offered once a week.

While in town, you might as well do some sightseeing. Given its strategic location between California and Nevada, you can try your luck at the nearby casinos, shop for souvenirs at the local gift shop and visit the Ponderosa Ranch which is a theme park inspired by Bonanza, a television show which was quite a hit in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Another attraction in Lake Tahoe is Vikingsholm castle. It is a 38 room estate that resembles an actual 1,200 year old Viking castle.

You shouldn’t miss the sunset in Lake Tahoe and the best place to get the view is to up the mountain. There are trams or cable cars and gondolas which can take you all the way up. There are shops, sports facilities and restaurants so there are other things you can do instead of just walking through the woods.

If you want to see the Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area much better, there is no other way but to get a good view by air. There is a hot air balloon tour and a helicopter ride. These tours are only open subject to the weather conditions so if it is too windy, you will have to reschedule your little trip.

A vacation in Lake Tahoe is just the thing you need if you want to spend time with nature. There are properties you can rent along the lake as well as those secluded in the forests which is far different than staying in a hotel. So the next time you are planning a family adventure, consider a Lake Tahoe vacation.