Travel Guide: Lake Tahoe - California - United States

Lake Tahoe in Winter
photo by: Helen Kennedy

If you want to hang out with family and/or friends or go exploring by yourself, then look no further. Lake Tahoe is a relaxing place where you can do almost anything.

There are two general areas of the lake - North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. Many sights and recreational areas are also located on the East and West shores of the lake. The lake crosses the border of California and Nevada, which is significant since gambling is legal in the state of Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe features the largest of the casinos on the Nevada side of the state line, along with the major hotels and top name entertainment. North Lake Tahoe is more rustic and relaxed, and is a great place to enjoy the California redwoods. There are a few smaller casinos on the north side, as well.

Activities abound in both summer and winter. In the summer, you can take a boat out on the lake and water ski, wakeboard, or tube. There are also jet skis available. In the winter, world-class ski resorts offer a full range of winter sports activities. Squaw Valley even offers an outdoor ice skating rink at an altitude of 8000 feet. For the little ones, Sno Parks abound where children can enjoy sledding and playing in the snow. Gambling is available year-round on the Nevada side of the lake.

You can enjoy almost any type of cuisine whether it's Chinese, Italian, sushi or a brew pub. Many hotels are located on the shore while others are within walking distance, so you can sun bathe or enjoy the beauty of the lake. Hotels are located throughout south shore, and are all close to restaurants, places for kids like mini-golf or tennis, or basketball courts. At North shore, many families prefer to rent a cabin or condo, or to stay at one of the smaller hotels or motels.

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