Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

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Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Providing Local Insight, Reviews, and Travel Information Since 1998

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddled by the California-Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe is a special resort destination that can cater to just about any interest.

Whether you prefer an extreme hike in Desolation Wilderness Area, parasailing over the lake’s beautiful, blue-sapphire water, or playing a few hands of black jack and catching a show at one of Lake Tahoe’s popular casinos, Lake Tahoe is a great choice.

Lake Tahoe is 22 miles in length and 12 miles wide with approximately 72 miles of shoreline. Because of varying building codes and the natural environment, the makeup of the lake’s shoreline varies greatly. Here is a quick primer:

South Lake Tahoe – The lake’s south shore is very populated with lots of housing, restaurants, motels, resorts and retail shops. It is also next to the Stateline, NV where you will find the bulk of the casinos. The southwest section of the lake, though, becomes more recreational with beautiful beaches and a number of entrance points that lead into the Desolation Wilderness Area.

West Lake Tahoe – Since much of the west shore and its surrounding areas are owned by California State Parks or U.S. Forest Service, it is less developed and more protected than other areas of the lake – making it popular for outdoor enthusiasts. Dotted along the west lake’s shoreline are small towns and villages that cater to outdoor recreation.

North Lake Tahoe – Home to Kings Beach and Incline Village, the north shore has a similar makeup to south shore, but is far less glitzy, and, in my opinion, more beach-friendly with fewer resorts and casinos. During peak tourists season in the summer, expect heavy use of the beaches.

East Lake Tahoe – More rugged than the other shores, the bulk of the Nevada side of the lake has far fewer people and services. Well, that is with the exception of Zephyr Cove, Stateline and Incline Village of course.

For more about the lake’s geology, visit the Forest Service’s website.

 

What’s on Tap

Events

Lake Tahoe Festivals & Events:

 

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival—7/8 – 8/21

North Lake—Imagine your toes in the sand, a fantastic bottle of wine nearby, a gourmet meal in hand and first-class entertainment before you…

Labor Day Lake Tahoe Fireworks Extravaganza—9/4/16 @ 08:30 PM

South Lake—This pyrotechnic exhibition explodes over Lake Tahoe after dusk and features a variety of patterns, shapes, and designs.

Big Band Jazz Concert at the Sugar Pine Point State Park—9/4/16

West Lake—Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic, low-back chairs, blankets, and be prepared to have fun.

The Great Reno Balloon Race—9/9 – 9/11/16

Reno—This is the 35th year for one of Reno’s most colorful and spectacular events! It attracts nearly 100 hot air balloons

For more event information, click on our Festivals & Events page for Half Moon Bay.
  
  

Attractions

Top Attractions:

Winter Outdoor Activities  – 2015/16

The ski areas were finally blessed with SNOW! The recent drought took its toll, but finally were seeing some action…

Summer Outdoor Activities – 2016

Lake Tahoe  – In a couple of months, Lake Tahoe will be bursting with outdoor activities!

Desolation Wilderness Area 

Awesome hiking from late spring to late summer. 

 

For more information on local attractions, click on the Lake Tahoe Attractions or Recreational Activities.
  
  

 

Advisories

The Region’s Fall Advisories:
  

Traffic Conditions. During the summer months, Lake Tahoe is inundated with tourists making driving challenging. Another issue, is the warm summer months are the best to complete road work. This combination can create very long delays in certain sections. Go to www.caltrans.com to learn about road conditions. 

Yes, It’s Still Water! California’s extreme drought has created some long-term consequences. If you are planning a lake vacation be sure to check about water levels. That rafting trip, fishing, or skiing may be impacted. It has also create EXTREME fire conditions, so be sure to check with local authorities about campfire and camp stove regulations.   

The Plague! It sounds medieval, but chipmunks and squirrels around Lake Tahoe can carry the Plague and health officials urge caution. Click here to learn more.

Yellow Jackets! I don’t know why it’s so bad this season, but from Tahoe City south  along the beaches the bees are everywhere! Click here to learn more.
  
  

  
  
  

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