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.

There Are Many Activities You Can Enjoy During Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Lake Tahoe has a lot to offer to tourists. You have to remember that the winter Olympics was once done here and this was the setting of some television shows and movies. Given its ideal location, you can enjoy a Lake Tahoe vacation regardless of when you decide to come here.

Since it is already December, one thing that a lot of people will be doing is skiing. Right now, there are over a dozen ski resorts in Lake Tahoe. A majority if these just opened in the last week of November and these will open until April or May of next year.

You can learn how to ski and go down the slopes if you are an experienced skier. Another option is to replace those skis with a snowboard or tube which could be just as fun when you are in the snow.

If you decide to come here next summer, most resorts there have equipment you can borrow. These include a water ski, parasail, kayak and sail boat. You can also do some snorkeling since there are beaches nearby and a cruise that offers dinner once a week.

For those who want take a tour by air, you can enjoy a helicopter tour or a hot air balloon ride. Such trips can only get off the ground assuming that there is good weather otherwise the trip will have to be rescheduled. The helicopter tour to and from the airport will be an hour. The hot air balloon ride lasts about 4 hours.

There are also guided tours provided on land. You can go with a guide as you go hiking along a trail or ride a carriage that is pulled by a beautiful 2,000 pound Blond Belgium horse. As you are riding, the tour guide will give you a brief lesson in Tahoe history. Sadly this tour is not available right now since it only operates from May to October.

Although you won’t be able to see that much if you are cruising, you will be surrounded by the breathtaking view of the mountains and trees. You will get to see Emerald Bay, the Fannette Island, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Vikingsholm Castle which the M.S. Dixie II and the Tahoe Queen offers when you take a 2 hour sightseeing cruise.

Throughout the year, various races, competitions, dances and events are done. Already planned for next is the NBC Sports 2009 American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. Although the date has not yet been formalized yet but it could fall in July, you can expect big names like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, the NFL's Ben Roethlisberger, Billy Joe Tolliver, Jerry Rice and Tony Romo, NHL great Jeremy Roenick, and from Hollywood, John O'Hurley, Kevin Nealon and Ray Romano are expected to attend.

So you don’t miss out in any of the festivities, do some research online and try to include this as part of your itinerary when you decide to have a Lake Tahoe vacation. You may not always participate in it but at least you can actually watch it.

Reservations for your Lake Tahoe vacation can be done through your travel agent or by yourself. It is going to be fun and exciting so make the most of it when you decide to come to town!

There Are Aerial Rides You Can Take As Part of Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

There are a lot of activities you can do should you choose to go on a Lake Tahoe vacation. If you want to see the valley below, you can get a ride on the Squaw Valle Cable Car.

The Squaw Valley cable car is a ride you can take from the village in Squaw Valley all the way up to High Camp is that 8200 feet above sea level. The moment you are seated, you go up 2,000 feet vertically and then head straight for a granite wall. If you think you are going to hit it, don’t worry because you will quickly pass it just inches away from the rocks.

What makes this ride so amazing is the huge windows all around giving you a 360 degree view of everything around you.

There probably wouldn’t be this rid around if this place was not the venue of the Winter Olympics way back in 1960. In fact, people regard it as one of the greatest ski destinations in the world.

Once you get up there, you can ice skate, swim in the artificial lagoon, play some tennis or golf, mountain bike and bungee jump. There are places to eat up there and if you want to spend the night up in the mountains, go ahead since there is a resort there that has 405 rooms.

The cable car is open all year round. During the day, the cost for adults is $12 but this is lowered to $5 after 4pm. For children, there is a flat fee of $5 and free if you are carrying a toddler below three years of age.

If you think that is the only ride available, think again because there is also the scenic gondola ride at the Heavenly Ski Resort. This is located about half a mile from the Stateline casinos. The ride is 2.4 miles long and you will be brought 14,000 square feet in the air. You will not only see Lake Tahoe but also Carson Valley and the Desolation Wilderness. Once you get to the top, you can spend the day enjoying a picnic or watching the sun go down.

The ride is open all year round and the operating hours are from 10am to 5pm. About 8 passengers can fit the gondola which will fit almost any group. If there are more of you in the group, wait for the next one that will follow the first one shortly since they have about 138 of them.

The cost of the ticket is much higher than the Squaw Valley cable car ride. Adults will have to pay $20, seniors pay $18, and kids between 6 and 12 pay $5 while those under 5 years of age are free. You can get discount coupons if you stay in the nearby hotels or dine in the nearby restaurants.

The cable car and the gondola are just part of the package if you decide to have a Lake Tahoe vacation because once you disembark; you can do a host of activities like skiing, swimming and a few other things that is just for the entire family. So if you are thinking of spending your next vacation here, consider going on a Lake Tahoe vacation.

Sporting Adventure on a Lake Tahoe Vacation

Aside from just being a serene and natural environment, sporting adventure in a lake tahoe vacation is as challenging as any world-class sporting destination.

Considering that much of the area surrounding Lake Tahoe area is devoted to the tourism industry, there are a lot of fine restaurants, camping lodges and, of course, ski slopes and water sport venues.

During the ski season, thousands of people flock to Lake Tahoe from all over Nevada and California, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.

The ski slopes overlooking Lake Tahoe offer some of the best skiing spots in the world.

Aside from its panoramic beauty and breathtaking scenery, Lake Tahoe, is well known for its snow blizzards, responsible for making humanly challenging ski paths and snow obstacles for the sport of skiing.

Among the major ski areas in Tahoe include the Heavenly Mountain Resort, which is  the largest ski area in California and Nevada, located near Stateline.

Another one is Squaw Valley, which is the second largest ski area in the Tahoe area, known for its hosting of the 1960 Winter Olympics and is located near Tahoe City

The Alpine Meadows is a medium- sized ski area located on the north shore a few miles away from Squaw Valley.

There’s also Diamond Peak,  a small ski area located at Incline Village, Nevada.

For novice, amateur and pre-professional skiers, there is the Northstar at Tahoe, which a popular north shore ski area.

Another one is the Kirkwood Mountain Resort, a south shore ski area, known for getting more snow than any other ski area in Tahoe.

Among the other very challenging ski spots, there’s the Sierra-at-Tahoe, a small south shore ski area.

At Donner Pass you can find the Boreal Mountain Resort, a small ski area, the medium-sized Sugar Bowl Ski Resort and the Donner Ski Ranch, a very small ski area for those seeking a more secluded ski practice.

Among the other medium-sized ski resorts to choose from are Homewood Ski Resort, at the west shore, Mount Rose Ski Resort at the north-east area of the lake on Slide Mountain.
Majority of the ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe region are found on the northern end of the lake, near Truckee, California and Reno, Nevada.

Also scattered all throughout Tahoe are public and private sled parks, which are are equipped with tow ropes that help sledders climb up the hills.

There are also ski areas around Tahoe that have snow tubing, a popular adventure among people who interested in alternative sports.

There are a lot of snow trails around Lake Tahoe that cater to cross-country skiing, snowmobile riding, and snowshoeing.

Lake Tahoe is ripe for water sports and beach activities during late Spring to early Fall.

The two cities most identified with the Lake Tahoe tourist area are South Lake Tahoe, California and the smaller Stateline; smaller centers on the northern shoreline that include Tahoe City and Kings Beach.

Boating is a primary activity in the Tahoe during summer. There are lake front restaurants all over the lake, mostly equipped with docks and buoys.

Among the most popular boating events in Lake Tahoe include sailboat racing, firework shows over the lake, guided cruises, and whole lot more.

As an interstate waterway, Lake Tahoe is also traversed and secured by the United States Coast Guard, since it is the home to the Coast Guard Station.

Scuba diving is one of the most popular underwater adventure at Lake Tahoe, since dive sites offer one of the world’s best dramatic drop-offs or wall dives.

Diving at Lake Tahoe is considered advanced due to the increased risk of decompression sickness while diving at such a high altitude, so caution is necessary when engaging in such an activity.

So why not try a sporting adventure in a Lake Tahoe vacation, it’s really worth it.

Spending Your Lake Tahoe Vacation in the Northstar Resort

If you are planning to spend a Lake Tahoe vacation with your family, there are many places to choose from and one of these which happen to be by the slopes is Northstar Resort.

Northstar Resort boasts that it has a lot to offer to its guests. Depending on your budget, you can stay in a hotel room, a family friendly condominium or a 5 star bedroom mountain home.

Just six miles from the lake itself, you can go from one side of the mountain to the other by riding one of the lifts. The resort has a total of 16 lifts. There is the express gondola, quad chairlift, triple chairlift, double chairlift, surface lift and the magic carpet. While the rates of the lifts vary, you can get discount coupons so you don’t have to pay the full amount.

One of the most popular activities that people do up here is skiing and you can do that over a 40 kilometer scenic trail.  You can rent equipment if you did not bring your own and even sign up for a lesson if you want to learn how to do it.

A lot of people who were surveyed have said that skiing in Northstar is the best because the backside has plenty of challenging blacks, while the front side is well-protected from the wind. While other ski resorts in the area may have to close due to bad weather, surprisingly this place is still open.

If you don’t want to ski, you can try some other activities like snowboarding, tubing, geocaching, joining a mountain tour and a lot more.  For those who want to be alone, they can go for a hike as there are over 70 hiking trails to choose from.

When you get hungry, there are dining facilities and restaurants nearby so you don’t have to go very far. These restaurants are namely Martis Valley Grille, True North, Chilly Pepper’s Cantina, The Lodge at Big Springs and the Summit Deck Grille.  Here, you can have something as simple as a burger or hotdog to something juicier like a well done steak.

For those who want to warm themselves up, they can drink some free wine as there is a tasting activity done every Saturday during the winter season served with some appetizers.

The Northstar Resort is open all year round so you can come here anytime you want. In fact, some people don’t just come here to relax but also to have special events like anniversaries, conferences, seminars, trainings and weddings.

If you want to know more about what Northstar has to offer, check out their website. If what you see is worth seeing for yourself, you can let your travel agent make a reservation or do this on our own.

A Lake Tahoe vacation is truly something you should try out with your entire family. While some can drive there, there is an airport nearby and a shuttle waiting once you get off the plane. 

If you look at the rates posted on their various services, the price difference is not that far during the regular season and the peak season. In most cases, the rate is the same or it is higher by only $2.  So what are you waiting for? Make Lake Tahoe vacation the next place to visit this holiday season.

Renting a Place to Spend Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

You don’t always have to stay in a hotel when you decide to go on a holiday. In fact, there are many places to choose from which are a bit secluded and close to where the action is should you decide to spend a Lake Tahoe vacation. If you don’t believe this can happen, check out these places.

Along the lake, there are a few lakefront properties you can rent. Some are condominiums while others are houses.

When you wake up in the morning and look out the window, you can already see the lake inviting you for a dip. This breathtaking view can be seen in any room of the house and if the weather gets cold, you can sit down by the wood burning fireplace.

Nearby, you can swim in the pool, play tennis or rent a boat and just sail around the lake. The rates of these places vary depending on the number of guests. Some charge more if there are less than 4 people in your group.

If there are no vacancies available, there are some properties secluded within the forest. Nestled in the pines are a few condos you can rent. Some of these come with queen sized beds, reading lamps, an entertainment system, a dining table and a fire place. You can cook your own wood using the oven or make some hamburgers and hotdogs using the gas BBQ.

The rates here are nightly and it is much cheaper to come during spring and fall compared to winter and summer. On top of that, you will also have to pay a $60 cleaning fee.

For those who plan to stay longer than a week, there are places here that are being rented on a monthly basis. Each one comes with a two car garage, more than three bedrooms and baths and great views of the mountains and the forest.

Places like these have sprung up all around the lake. You just have to look around and compare the rates before deciding to stay here for several days.

The nice thing about staying here is the opportunity to be close to nature. You can go on long hikes, go fishing, smell the wildflowers and drink some fresh water from the mountain streams.

When you want to have some fun, the resorts are less than 10 miles away. You can rent equipment if you want to go skiing or tubing. For those who love the water, you can head down to the pier and rent a boat or kayak. There is also a cruise around the lake which you can avail of and that may already include dinner.

For those who want gamble, they can drive further south and then check out the south shore casinos but if you want to watch the sunset, you can ride a gondola or cable car all the way up the mountain. You can get a discount since coupons are handed out so you don’t have to pay the full price. 

There is a lot to do here in Lake Tahoe vacation and it does not matter what time of the year you decide to go. You might even say that this the best outing your family has had especially when the environment is quiet and peaceful.

Packing List for your Winter Lake Tahoe Vacation

A packing list for your winter Lake Tahoe vacation would be the best solution for you if you are planning to have a winter getaway of skiing or snowboarding activity at Lake Tahoe.

Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts know what to bring along, but for first time snow sporting fans, here is a checklist of what to bring along.

This checklist will also be useful for anyone, especially on basic items one needs to bring along regardless of whether you are out for a snow sporting getaway, or simply enjoying the Lake Tahoe outdoors during winter.

For skiers and snowboarders, of course, you need to tag along your Alpine and Nordic Skis, Boots and Poles, as well as snowboards and boots, helmets, ice skates and snowshoes.

For clothing and footwear, one should need to bring along a waterproof jacket or parka, waterproof pants or shells (to wear over a warm base layer), breathable under layers (long underwear, non-cotton fabrics to prevent from absorbing melted snow subjected to body heat), fleece, sweaters, turtlenecks, gloves/mittens, neck gaiter, hat or helmet, ski or snowboard socks, goggles and sunglasses.

Be sure to pack extra layers of clothing to accommodate for the mountain climate, since the weather can change quickly.

For those who may not want to lug along bulky equipment, a lot of rental shops offer offers ski and snowboard rentals, overnight equipment storage, and season-long
lockers for those who don’t want to worry about transporting their gear to and from the mountain.

For your basic winter needs after skiing or riding the snow, you may need to have with you long pants, sweaters, warm jacket, casual shoes, warm socks, snow boots, warm base layer undergarments, scarf, warm sleepwear, accessories and casual wear

Here are other key items you may need to have handy with you like sunscreen, lip balm, aloe cream, sunglasses, eye glasses or contact lenses, camera and film or digital camera and batteries, medical insurance cards, credit cards, cash or travelers checks, ID or Driver’s License, travel alarm, prescriptions or medications, itineraries and confirmations, maps and directions, bathing suit, baby’s needs, diapers, swim diapers, adress book, story books for bedtime, games for the ride, toothbrush/toothpaste, cosmetics, spare car key and ski tickets or passes.

Here’s a helpful tip, pack ski tickets or passes with ski or snowboard boots so they won’t be forgotten.

Other handy things that would be nice to have along would be a CD or MP3 player, CDs, headphones and batteries,  DVD’s, guidebooks and brochures and pillows for the ride.

Finally, before leaving home for the vacation, make sure that you leave a trip itinerary, contact info, spare house and car key with your neighbor or a relative, arrange for your mail and newspapers to be picked up, turn off gas lights and water, lock all windows and doors, arrange for pet care and water the plants.

And if you are traveling with children you should allow for extra travel time and be flexible - plan to make frequent stops, bring water and snacks, bring along wipes or a towel handy in car for messes and spills, ensure that car seat is properly installed, bring toys and games to keep children occupied during the long trip and show your child photographs of your destination to get your child excited about your vacation.

So take note of this packing list for your winter LakeTahoe vacation, you will definitely need it.

Learn a Bit of History on your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Wouldn’t it be a fulfilling getaway when you get to learn a bit about of history during your Lake Tahoe vacation?




It wouldn’t hurt so much to dig in to the culture or know the history of the place you are enjoying your vacation in, since this will provide you with helpful key trivia items that you can boast about with friends when you come back to school or work.



Lake Tahoe’s history is one for the storybooks.



It started out as a land mass of shifting, grinding, sliding earth with imperceptible, perpetual movement which later on became the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the massive water basin that came to be knows as Lake Tahoe.



Here are some more interesting information about Lake Tahoe.



Lake Tahoe’s elevation is 6,229 feet, making it the highest lake of its size in the United States.



The water depth measures 1,645 feet at a portion of the lake in the Crystal Bay area, making it the tenth deepest lake in the world and third deepest in North America.



Lake Tahoe also boasts of water clarity to a depth of 75-feet.



The lake covers a surface area of 191 square miles with 71-miles of exquisite shoreline, while the Nevada/California border traverses lengthwise with a greater portion being on the California side.



Average snowfall in some areas is 300-600 inches and melting snow finds its way to the lake via 63 streams entering the basin.



But what would strike you as odd is the fact that there is only one outlet, the Truckee River.



Because of the huge volume and constant movement of the water, Lake Tahoe never freezes despite the drastic winter temperatures.



Back in the old, old days summer vacationers began arriving more than 10,000 years ago when the American Indian Washoe tribe camped along the cool lakeshores.



One of their favorite places is known today as Camp Richardson and the men of the tribe were skillful hunters and took advantage of the abundant wildlife.



The Washoe women were noted for their intricate and artistic basket weaving and this idyllic lifestyle spanned generations of the peaceful tribe, however, it would not last.



The first European American to see Lake Tahoe was John C. Fremont, whose exploration party was led by Kit Carson in 1844.



In 1859, the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Virginia City, changed the face of the lake would affect it forever.



With mines, towns and the railroad invading the territory, wood was the primary fuel source wand was also needed to supply building materials.



The east shore, from what is now Incline Village to Glenbrook, became a vast logging empire and the ravages of clear-cutting would remain evident for years to come.



The Comstock silver lode made hundreds of people during the California and Comstock mining days and many were attracted to the pristine lake.



This was how tourism started and the resulting resorts soon to dot the lush landscape.



The Tahoe Basin managed to remain in relative obscurity with only a few people knowing about its existence until the 1950s when Bill Harrah and Harvey Gross built the first casinos on the south shore.



With their gaming expertise they learned over the years back in Reno, they knew how to attract business for their establishments and became mainstays up until today, Known as Harvey’s and Harrah’s

Back in 1960, the Winter Olympic Games were hosted at Squaw Valley on the west shore and with the resulting publicity, the area was soon recognized as a world-class winter playground, as well as the premier summer vacation venue.
The Olympic Rings still remain at Squaw Valley Resort and the place is renowned for year-round sporting activities.

So does it hurt a bit to learn about pieces of history on your Lake Tahoe vacation? Not a bit.

It’s About Time to Take a Lake Tahoe Vacation

Tired of the usual and routine humdrum of everyday work? It’s about time to take a Lake Tahoe vacation.




Whether it be a solitary getaway, a family weekend, a couple’s retreat or a few days of sporting adventure, then Lake Tahoe has it all.



Lake Tahoe is popularly known as the perfect year round vacation and wedding destination with relatively stable weather conditions, breathtaking scenery and a variety of environments suitable for a wide range of sporting activities.



Located between the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe boasts of over 300 days of warm sunshine, 396 inches of annual snowfall, 18 world-class ski and snowboarding resorts, incredible golf courses,  fantastic hotels, casinos and many, many more.



For a relaxing and romantic getaway, one can find many romantic destinations that boast of world-class service, elegant decors and scenery, superb cuisine and a wide array of choices to select from.

From five star to first class, standard and deluxe, even economy accommodations, a large number of hotel and motel establishments are more than willing to provide free information about Lake Tahoe and how it could be best enjoyed.



For the chivalrous, Lake Tahoe is also a romantic and serene getaway destination, to rekindle the spirit of romance.

There are several hotels, parks and resorts that provide an atmosphere of calm and peaceful respites.



For the avid and risky sports enthusiast, Lake Tahoe also offers a wide variety of venues for a broad range of events and alternative sports.

There are hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails all around the lake, ranging in length, difficulty, and popularity.



One of these is the Granite Chief Wilderness, which provides great hiking and wilderness camping, if roughing it is your kind of vacation.

Meanwhile to the southwest is the very popular Desolation Wilderness, from where one of the most popular Tahoe trails, the Tahoe Rim Trail, is located.



The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165 mile or 270 kilometer trail that circumnavigates the lake.



Directly to the west of the lake is the Eagle Lake Trailhead, where one could find several paved off-road bicycle paths.



To get started off with looking for the right place to stay and activity to enjoy, look up reliable and established travel and tourism guides.

You might be surprised that with a place as popular as Lake Tahoe, you could find good deals and affordable packages that would suit your budget.

There are hundreds of lodging options to choose from that include economy to moderate hotels and motels, casinos, inns, cabins, full service luxury resorts, and luxury vacation rentals. 



One could also find five star or world- class amenities and accommodations that one could choose from, with mostly almost all establishments equipped with windows, terraces or balconies facing a magnificent view of breathtaking scenery and majestic natural beauty.



All over Lake Tahoe you could also find resorts with plenty to do be it skiing adventures, golf courses, beaches, hiking & biking trails, camping, fishing and boating options and restaurants.



With all this and more, it’s no wonder people from all over the world make Lake Tahoe one of the most popular year-round vacation destinations in the world today.



So now, don’t you think it’s about high time to take a lake tahoe vacation?

Have a Taste of Hollywood on your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Who would ever have thought that you can have a taste of Hollywood on your Lake Tahoe vacation?




A lot of big screen films and television shows have been to various filming locations in the majestic Lake Tahoe, and who among Hollywood’s biggest names in tinseltown could resist the beauty of Lake Tahoe.



Indeed, only to name some, the famous Ponderosa Ranch of the TV series Bonanza is actually located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.



And another bit of film trivia is that the opening sequence of the famed TV series was filmed at the McFaul Creek Meadow with the beautiful Mount Tallac in the background.



In the highly acclaimed motion picture The Godfather Part II, the Corleone family lived in a compound on the shores of the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.



In one of the famous scenes during the final minutes of the film, Fredo Corleone is taken out onto the lake for a fishing trip, on the orders of his brother Michael (Al Pacino) to be executed for treachery, where Michael stands by the shore watching the deed being done.



The house and grounds portrayed in the film are also located on the California side of Lake Tahoe in the summer estate of Henry Kaiser known as Fleur du Lac.



The only structures used in the movie that still remain are the complex of old native stone boathouses with wrought iron gates.



And although Fleur du Lac is private property and no one is allowed ashore there, the boathouses and multi-million dollar condominiums are easily viewed from the lake.



In the film Smoking Aces, most of the scenes were filmed in South Lake Tahoe and Stateline.



Many of the hotels and casinos are visible in the film with their older names. The climactic scenes of the 1987 Charles Bronson film Assassination were filmed around Lake Tahoe.



Top Gear a British TV program on state-of-the-art cars and gadgetry filmed one entire episode at Lake Tahoe sometime this year.



Located between the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe boasts of over 300 days of warm sunshine, 396 inches of annual snowfall, 18 world-class ski and snowboarding resorts, incredible golf courses,  fantastic hotels, casinos and many, many more.



For a relaxing and romantic getaway, one can find many romantic destinations that boast of world-class service, elegant decors and scenery, superb cuisine and a wide array of choices to select from. From five star to first class, standard and deluxe, even economy accommodations, a large number of hotel and motel establishments are more than willing to provide free information about Lake Tahoe and how it could be best enjoyed.



And this is how Lake Tahoe has indeed captivated filmmakers and movie buffs alike.



So now you can also have a teste of Hollywood in your Lake Tahoe vacation

Bonding During a Lake Tahoe Vacation

Going on a trip with your family is supposed to give everyone a chance to bond and what better way to do that but to go on a Lake Tahoe vacation.




Lake Tahoe which is in the northern part of California has a lot to offer to its visitors. It was once host to the winter Olympics and to this day, is considered to be one of the best skiing destinations in the world.



To enjoy the snow, you can choose from one of seven ski resorts. You can even rent their equipment if you did not bring your own. Some of these places even give lessons to beginners and have other activities for you to enjoy such as snowboarding, tubing and riding a snowmobile.



Another family bonding activity you can do with your family is hiking. Lake Tahoe has hundreds of trails to choose from and some of these are short while others are long. Take for instance the hiking trail at Eagles Lake. This one is 2 mile long and you have to cross a steel footbridge to get from one end to the other. You can hike alone or hike with a guide.



You can also go biking since there are trails in and around the city. These are maintained by the Tahoe City Public Utility District and Caltrans fund. The best part is that these are all paved so you won’t have that much difficulty expect perhaps when you are going uphill. You can rent bikes from various shops around the lake.



Fishing is another activity you can do with your family. You can do this in lakes that are open all year round like in the Boca Reservoir, Donner Lake, Lake Tahoe, the Prosser and the Stampede Reservoir.



Chances are, this may be your first time to Lake Tahoe and you would like to see the different places. To do that, you can sign up for a guided tour and visit the sights which includes the setting where the famous show Bonanza was recorded especially when it was such a big hit during the 1950’s and 1960’s.



You can take pictures and bring home some souvenirs. A lot of people do that which is quite normal when you are just visiting.



One activity you can also do by the lake is cruising. There are two cruises to choose from namely the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II. Both ships cruise around the lake for 2 hours daily. It also serves dinner on board. The M.S. Dixie II offers the dinner cruise on Wednesdays while the Tahoe Queen offers this on Saturdays.



As for places to stay in Lake Tahoe, you can always check in a hotel or rent a townhouse, condominium or home. The rates are nightly and if there are none around, you can always camp in the woods as long as you brought your tent along.



Bonding with your family does not always have to cost a fortune since there are a few simple things that you can do together. Skiing, hiking, fishing, biking and eating are just some of the things you can do should you decide to go on Lake Tahoe vacation. So discuss the idea of coming here the next time everyone is available.

What to Expect for a Winter Getaway during your Lake Tahoe Vacation

If you are planning to take your Lake Tahoe vacation during winter time, you will need to have your own packing list and need to know what to expect for your winter getaway.

You can be best prepared to make your own packing list as long as you are aware what to expect when you arrive to your vacation destination.

Common expectations for a tourist is that upon arrival, accommodation amenities will include but not limited to towels, linens, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, bath soap, shampoo, conditioner, paper towels, facial and bath tissue.

Kitchens will be stocked with dish soap, dish washer detergent, dish towels,
trash bags, utensils, cutlery, plate settings, glassware, basic pots and pans, toaster, and a coffee machine.

Some hotels provide additional sleeping mats, extra linens, cribs, high-chairs and baby-gates upon request.

But to be sure, contacting your hotel ahead and asking for the basic amenities will help you cut down on things you no longer need to take with you.

Units with fireplaces that need wood will have firewood provided. Laundry facilities will be available either inside the unit or in the same building.

If you plan to go skiing, snowboarding or simply relaxing, the experience and enjoyment of your Lake Tahoe winter vacation can be enhanced by the clothing and gear you bring with you.

In preparation for your trip, it is best to ensure that you have the right clothing and accessories to be comfortable in the varying mountain temperatures.

If you want to enhance your skiing and snowboarding experience, you need to make sure about  things you need to bring along that would relate to your own physical comfort, here are some helpful tips,

Wear layers of clothing to keep you warm. Two to three medium weight layers are usually warmer than one bulky garment.

Layers also help wick sweat away to keep you warm and dry.

Keep your mid-section warm, your extremities will be warmer.

Keep yourself dry to prevent from freezing. New fabrics are designed to keep you warm and dry and make sure your gloves are insulated and waterproof, and that your outer layer is relatively water and windproof.
Make sure to cover your head, since you can lose a staggering 50% of your body heat if your head is not covered. A hat or a helmet will help keep your whole body warm.

It is also especially important to wear eye protection when you ski or snowboard. Consider wearing goggles when it’s snowing or very cold. On a bright, sunny day, wear either dark goggles or UV protecting sunglasses, since UV rays and sunlight are a bit intense at high altitudes.

Also make sure to keep your feet warm. One of the most important things to remember is to keep your feet warm, dry and comfortable. You can purchase warm, lightweight, wool-blend ski and snowboard socks for anywhere between $10 and $20.

If you forget something, don’t worry – many of these items can be purchased in retail stores located all over Lake Tahoe.

So with preparations almost a simple as tying your shoelaces, it is best to be aware of what to expect for a winter getaway during your Lake Tahoe vacation.

Great Summer Activities during Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

There are a million and one ways to enjoy your summer getaway for your Lake Tahoe vacation.




From hiking, biking, boating, water skiing and a whiole lot more, Lake

Tahoe offers a wide variety of water sport and land-based activities to choose from.



A nice and wonderful opportunity to get out and see for yourself just how clear Lake Tahoe really is to get into Lake Tahoe Cruises.



There are a number of companies offering different types of cruises on the lake, both powered and sailing trips.



Tourist information centers and brochure racks usually have details on major cruises



Some are scenic cruises, while others are more the dine and dance type.



Prices range from $20/person and up.



For the adventurous, one can bask in from one of the many Lake Tahoe beaches and water sport sites.



The water is clean but it is still cold and if you want a more warmer temporeature to swim in, 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.



Other water sport activities include sailing, parasailing, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating.



There are other scenic spots around to enjoy for the summer like D.L. Bliss State Park which has a nice clean beach atmosphere, Sugar Pine Point State Park and the Emerald Bay State Park.



For those who wish to hike the trail, there’s quite a wide choice of alpine walks you can explore in the mountains and hills around the lake.



The Eagle Falls walk located at the south western corner near Emerald Bay State Park is a nice easy trail with a footbridge near the falls.



Squaw Valley is one of the most popular summer hideaways at Lake Tahoe where you could see the Ponderosa Ranch of the hit old TV Western Bonanza, for fans of old TV westerns.



There you can enjoy hayrides, visit a general store, saloon and many other activities one could often find in old western ranches.



There’s also the Hotsprings near Lake Tahoe called David Walley’s Resort, a year round destination resort with 6 natural hot mineral springs pools, saunas, fitness center, tennis, and golfing activities.



There are also good sites for cycling, in-line skating, tennis, golf, fishing, river rafting and horseback riding.



What do you need for your summer Lake Tahoe vacation is a big question you ask yourself as much as you would ask yourself how to enjoy your vacation.



Knowing what to bring along and what to do during your vacation will either spell it whether it be a success or failure, after all, the ideal outcome of a vacation should be that of enjoyment.



But just so you make sure that you get to enjoy your vacation, you need to know what you should be bringing along and plan ahead on what you hope to do.



So plan ahead and sit back, relax and enjoy the great summer activities during your summer Lake Tahoe vacation.

Gambling can be an Alternative Pastime during a Lake Tahoe Vacation

Just like any tourist that comes to Las Vegas do, gambling can also be an alternative pastime during a Lake Tahoe vacation.




Whether you are up for grabs with high stakes gambling or just to while the time away on slot machines and card tables, Lake Tahoe casinos can provide an atmosphere of fun and excitement.



Casino gambling is a legal activity on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, why wouldn’t it be? Las Vegas also belongs to Nevada, the gambling capital of the United States of America.



Just like it’s predecessors in beighboring city Las Vegas, casinos at Lake Tahoe, be it a variety of slot machines and table games or even highroller games, are located on the South Shore in Stateline, and on the North Shore in Crystal Bay and Incline Village.



If you plan to try out casinos in Lake Tahoe, you can find a great deal of information, packages, bargain deals or discounted hotel accommodations, one could either request for information from the Lake Tahoe Tourist Bureau or surf for information in the comfort of your own home.

Here are some famous casino spots in Lake Tahoe.



One of the most popular casino strip in Lake Tahoe is the North Shore, Crystal Bay with several casinos like the Cal Neva Lodge & Casino,Crystal Bay Club, Jim Kelley's Tahoe Nugget and the Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino.

Over at the Incline Village you can also find the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino.



Over at the opposite end to the South Shore, Stateline one could find Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe, Harrah's Lake Tahoe - now owned by Harvey's, Harvey's Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort; Horizon Casino Resort, MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa and the Lakeside Inn.



You could notice the direct contrast at the two totally different personalities of Lake Tahoe, which make it an attractive vacation destination for people from all walks of life.



First thing you get to realize is the disparity yet funny atmosphere in Lake Tahoe, where the serene, relaxed and peaceful environment collides with the fast-paced, high energy and gambling commodity of Nevada.

Finer and homegrown lodging and cabin accommodations are contrasted by the mass market/five star hotel appeal just across the shore



During nighttime, the lit-up casinos and resorts can be seen for miles around at night, letting you know in hypnotic and carefree demeanor that that you have already crossed the state line.

Lake Tahoe casinos are open 24 hours a day. You can stay inside and gamble or go to dinner or a show.

There are plenty of things to do outside at Lake Tahoe, too. To get to know it best, explore it from three levels, and they're all accessible year round.

Here are some good tips that will help you get on your way in a casino



1. Just like what your mom would say. Never spend your milk money. This saying holds true even for those who may be lured to place down all of their remaining cash on the betting table.



2. Plan out how much you re willing to gamble on. Impulse spending or betting sometimes get in the way of focusing on a game.



3. Always set a limit, be it for time spent in a casino or time spent on a particular table or slot machine, since gambling can be addictive and may leave you glued to your seat while waiting for that big windfall.



So try to make the most out of your Lake Tahoe vacation.



Gambling can be an alternative pastime during a Lake Tahoe vacation, so head for the casinos and enjoy.

Be a Smart Tourist During Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

Anywhere you go around the world, it always pays to know what to do and sometimes all it takes is common sense, so be a smart tourist during your Lake Tahoe vacation.




First time tourists usually fall prey to ‘unsuspecting’ circumstances like waiting in line for hours just to get a meal, or get frustrated over exaggerated offers for good deals on trips and vacation packages or sometimes even end up on a lonely resort without even a slightest hint of what was offered for the ‘price-buster package.’



All too commonly, Lake Tahoe visitors fall prey into common time-wasters and fun-busters, it could be the result of a lot of things but one thing’s for sure, the primary reason for such a predicament will always have to be about poor planning.



It’s either they are stuck in gridlock due to a possible rush of vacationers in getting to their desired vacation spot, or basking at South Lake Tahoe sunburned yet miserable due to some or waiting in queue at world-famous restaurants for hours on end.



But truth be told, sometimes all it takes is just some common sense and carefully planned activities to let you enjoy your Lake Tahoe vacation.



Being a smart tourist does not only keep you away from the hassles of messing up your vacation, it also helps you enjoy more and even get to spend less money.



Here are some of the best tips to apply that would try and make things easy for you, rest assured this is not rocket science.



It pays to get organized, especially in making sure that you do not get lost.

When planning your activities around Lake Tahoe, use a map to locate everything you want to see, and plan your route in advance. Otherwise, you may spend unnecessary time back-tracking around the lake.



To avoid getting unusually burned, make sure you check out for a sunscreen test. It’s as simple as taking along a sunscreen when going outdoors, preferably with a higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor).

The reason for this is the intense heat of the sun since yolu are at an altitude of no less than 6,000 feet above sea level.



If you should drink alcohol, drink it in moderation.



The effects of alcohol are greater at 6,000 feet, so better watch out if you are driving around.



Avoid the rush, since Lake Tahoe is busier in summer than in winter.

Same goes with the fact that there are more visitors on weekends than on week days.

If possible, plan your getaway on a weekday since most hotels prices take a nosedive during Sunday nights and vacancies can be found everywhere.



If you are planning to have dinner in one of the famous restaurants in Lake Tahoe, make sure to have dinner reservations beforehand, especially on the North Shore area on Friday and Saturday nights.



You have to be sure to have something to keep you warm during outdoor activities during nighttime.



Nights are extraordinarily cool even during summer nights at Lake Tahoe, so bring a warm jacket and a pair of long pants to pull on over your shorts.



Avoid annoying traffic, especially at the South Lake Tahoe area by taking advantage of the Blue Tahoe Trolley and Emerald Bay Shuttle.



Those are some of the common tips on how to be a smart tourist during your Lake Tahoe vacation, guaranteed it will save you money, time and effort in doing so.

A Helicopter Ride Is Just What You Need As Part of Your Lake Tahoe Vacation

It is not everyday that you can go on vacation. When you do, you should make the most of it and one way to do that is to put a helicopter ride as part of your itinerary when you plan your Lake Tahoe vacation.




If you decide to go for it, you have to drive yourself to the Lake Tahoe airport where the helicopter will be waiting. You will be riding a 2004 Robinson R44 Raven II that is considered to be one of the safest and quietest helicopters in the industry.



The maximum number of passengers for the helicopter ride is 2 with a maximum of three. The person riding must not weigh more than 250 pounds otherwise this could cause problems when the helicopter is in the air.



Each seat is made of leather and so you are able to talk with one another while airborne, you will be provided Active Noise Reduction headsets throughout the flight.



The cost of the helicopter ride varies. While the regular rate is $60 for adults and $47 for children, you will also have to pay an additional surcharge on fuel.



For instance, for a 10 minute ride near Emerald Bay and the casino, you will have to add $5 per person. For a South Shore Tour that lasts 20 minutes, you will add $10 per person. If you go to Sand Harbor which is a 30 minute ride, you will have to add $30 per person. If you want to see Lake Tahoe and going to and from the airport is 45 minutes, you will have to pay an additional $20 per person while the sunset tour that is an hour’s flight time, you will have to add $25 per person.



Since you are only a passenger on board the helicopter, the pilot is the person in command. He or she who has flown hundreds of hours has the final word when it comes to accepting who goes on the ride, how long the length the flight time will be and if it is safe to fly based on the weather conditions.



If you can’t make your helicopter ride, you are advised to call them at least 24 hours before. But if you do not show up without calling in advance, you will still be charged the full amount of the tour originally booked.



It is only when the helicopter ride has to be cancelled due to weather conditions or maintenance that they will reschedule your tour.



Aside from going on a tour in Lake Tahoe, the helicopter company that offers this also has other packages to choose from. You can do some aerial photography or enroll in a program in basic or advanced flight training.



For those who want to tie the knot and do something different, they can say their wedding vows and be pronounced husband and wife if you avail of their package.



A helicopter ride isn’t something you can do everyday so you should make the most of it should you deicide to go on a Lake Tahoe Vacation. It’s exciting when you are hundreds of feet from the air and you are still able to look down and see the spectacular view of the sights below.

An All-in-One Lake Tahoe Vacation

Whether it be an extreme sporting adventure, a family retreat or a serene solitary getaway, an all-in-one Lake Tahoe vacation has it all.




Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is one of today’s finest vacation destinations around the United States and is located along the border between California and Nevada.



Tahoe’s depth is 1,645 feet and makes it America’s second deepest freshwater body and the largest alpine lake in North America.



Historically, the lake was formed around 2 million years ago and forms part of the Lake Tahoe basin, for which the lake has been shaped during the Ice Ages.



One of Lake Tahoe’s distinct features is the clarity of its water and the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.



The lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions, both from domestic and international tourists.



Lake Tahoe also plays host to a broad range of year-round activities and sporting adventures, including a significant number of ski resorts, a wide variety of tourist attractions and summer outdoor recreation resorts and facilities.



For nature lovers, Lake Tahoe boasts of its mountain and lake scenery attractions that remain unchanged throughout the year.



The Nevada side of Lake Tahoe also includes large casinos where highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City and Sacramento, California.



Approximately no less than two-thirds of the shoreline belongs to California and the south shore is dominated by the lake's largest city called South Lake Tahoe, California.



It is then bordered along Stateline, Nevada, while Tahoe City, California is located on the lake's northwest shore.



Although the lake’s highways run along much of Lake Tahoe’s shorelines, most areas still lie within the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service and are declared protected zones.

For starters, basic tourism information can be obtained from Lake Tahoe's many tourism and travel guides, both online and published travel materials.



Lake Tahoe vacationers can find good deals on Lake Tahoe hotels and vacation rentals, depending on budget and preferences, with hundreds of lodging options from economy and moderate hotels, motels, full service luxury resorts, casinos, inns, cabins and luxury vacation rentals. 

There are also plenty of incredible ski resorts, golf courses, beaches, hiking & biking trails, camping, fishing and boating options and restaurants that make Lake Tahoe one of the best and most sought-after vacation spots in the world.



Apart from just being a mountain and lake attraction, Lake Tahoe boasts of year round weather and climate scenes that provide any avid extreme sport enthusiast with a good skiing environment, as well as an appropriate water environment for a water sport adventurer.



Lake Tahoe never freezes at any time of the year and is a good vacation venue for a well-deserved family vacation or even just a simple weekend getaway from all the hustles and bustles of everyday metropolitan life.

Lake Tahoe is accessible by car under ideal conditions within 2 hours from the Sacramento, California area or take a 1 hour ride from Reno or 30 minutes from Carson City.



During the winter months, chains or snow tires are often necessary to reach Tahoe from any direction.



Traffic can be considered heavy during weekends because of tourists taking a weekend break.



Lake Tahoe will remain to be one of the best tourist spots in the world and surely, one will not have the chance to regret having a, all-in-one Lake Tahoe vacation.