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Understanding Tahoe
The California/Nevada state line cuts through (almost) the center of Lake Tahoe. Eighty percent of the land surrounding Lake Tahoe is managed by the U.S. Forestry Service, the remainder managed by California State Parks, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and local resorts and homeowners. Therefore, Lake Tahoe is a destination combining abundant wilderness with modern casinos and luxury resorts. Choose the south shore for a 'city in the woods' and the north shore for that 'up north feeling.'

Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe will forever be synonymous with the 1960's Winter Olympics. And yes, winter sports abound at Lake Tahoe. (See our California's High Sierra's page for links to both South and North Lake Tahoe winter activities.)

But just as spectacular--and not to be missed--is the fun to be had in the warmer months in Tahoe. Horseback riding, jet skiing, boating, swimming, hiking, hot air ballooning, sailing, and golfing are but a few of the outdoor activities available. Round off your experience with luxury accommodations, great food, nightlife and organized events including outdoor concerts, movies, and interpretive programs at historic sites and you have the recipe for a perfect vacation.


Luxury on the Wild North Shore
Head to Squaw Valley for modern luxury: high-end accommodations, organized events and activities, dining and entertainment. Seemingly dropped into the heart of America's wilderness, you'll be about fifteen minutes from the north shore. An hour's drive south on Hwy 89 and you'll find yourself in gorgeous Emerald Bay and a stone's throw from the mega casinos of South Lake Tahoe.


Daytime temperatures reach the 80's and evening temps dip into the 40's--a great respite from Santa Clarita's triple-digit summer temps.

Village at Squaw Valley
"Where modern civilization meets the unspoiled wild Sierras."

A village atmosphere, providing condo-style accommodations built on the floors above retail, dining and entertainment, is an ideal home base for your vacation. Units feature conveniences such as full kitchens, as well as the extras like a gas fireplace and daily housekeeping services. "Rustic luxury" best describes this ideal hideaway.

Stock up with basic necessities at Albertson's in Tahoe City, only seven miles down the road. The village has several restaurants including sushi, pizza, pasta, and burgers, but only one very busy establishment offers breakfast sandwiches.

Events planned for warmer months include a wine festival, jazz festival, outdoor movies, film festival, sunset hikes, and Oktoberfest.

Horseback Riding
By Ben & Nikki Palmer
Saddle up and explore the wilderness and beautiful mountains of North Lake Tahoe. North Star Stables is a short ride from Tahoe City and is well-worth the trip. Their 32 years of experience brings a knowledgeable staff and well-trained, personally bred and raised horses. There is a variety of rides and activities for those seven and up. Horseback rides range from one to three hours in length.

Flying Trapeze
By Ben & Nikki Palmer
An opportunity like this does not come around often. To describe it in one word: exhilarating! Our advise to you is, “Don’t miss it!” It takes some guts, but you will thank yourself for the thrill of the experience. Whether you are 5 or 65, they offer different classes based on your willingness. Many people are able to successfully perform a hand-off by the end of their first lesson! Located in the Village of Squaw Valley.

Ropes Course
By Ben & Nikki Palmer
How much will power do you have? Here is an adventure you will have to psych yourself up for! Fun opportunities for all ages and experience levels. Great for families and friends. You can try as many or as little challenging stunts as you choose. Just remember to stay positive and encouraging at all times. Located in the Village of Squaw Valley.

Other Activities
In the Village choose from a mini golf course, sky jump and climbing wall. Just outside of the village, horseback riding is available.

The cable car ascends the mountain from the Village to High Camp, where you'll find the Olympic Ice Pavilion, the Olympic Museum, and a beautiful lagoon-style pool and spa. (A cable car ticket is required to reach these activities.)

Hiking trails may be found traversing the mountain behind the Village. Choose from easy to moderate or moderate to difficult hikes. Hint: Start at the top of the mountain and work your way down for an easier hike. Remember to bring lots of water, layers of clothing, sunscreen and respect for nature: the flora and the animals. Allow plenty of time for hiking before sunset. (Do not depend on your cell phone to work in this area.)


Exploring the South Shore
Businesses abound on the South Shore offering everything from hot air balloon and gondola rides to water sports and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Check out these harder-to-find jewels:

Taylor Creek Visitor's Center
A ten-minute walk along a paved path and bridges built over Taylor Creek deposits you into the Stream Profile Chamber, where 12-foot floor to ceiling windows allow visitors a peak beneath a diverted section of Taylor Creek. During our visit, kids were squealing with delight--and it's free! The path is suitable for a stroller.

Naturalist led interpretive programs are offered and include creek walks (wear your water shoes and shorts!), storytelling, and evening IMAX presentations on bears. Special events vary and may include An Evening with Mark Twain, Myths & Realities of Bats, a Smokey the Bear Birthday Party, photography lessons, and the Kokanee Salmon Festival where families partake in activities and feast on salmon. (Admission applies to some activities; check the website for details.)

Tallac Historic Site
What was the "Grandest Resort in the World" a century ago is now open to the public and operated by the U.S. Forestry Service.

Join Tallac interpreters for heritage programs, guided walks, building tours, demonstrations and special events. Programs at the Pope Estate, the largest estate on the property, are led by costumed players and 'take place' between 1900 and 1930. Visitors can view the lifestyle of the families, their guests and servants in the many outbuildings including a laundry, dairy, barn and boat-house. The Pope Estate is also the home for The Great Gatsby Festival held each year in the second week of August.

Additional Historic Sites in the Lake Tahoe Area
Other Lake Tahoe historic sites include Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park, Thunderbird Lodge Estate, Vikingsholm, Lake Tahoe Museum, Watson Cabin, Gatekeeper's Museum, and Tahoe Maritime Museum.

"The Liveliest Ghost Town in the West," (Virginia City) is only an hour and a half away from Tahoe City. Carson City is just over an hour.


Contact Info

USDA Forest Service Tahoe National Forest

California State Parks Sierra District

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Sand Harbor

South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce

Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce

Tahoe City Chamber of Commerce

Incline Village Chamber of Commerce

Visitors Authority South

Visitors Bureau North


Traveler Tip
The drive to Lake Tahoe from the Santa Clarita Valley is approximately seven hours. So why not leave after work the night prior to your vacation? Here's what we did, and it worked out great.

Hampton Inn & Suites, Modesto
Sitting immediately off Hwy 99 just north of Modesto in Salida, it is a welcome retreat after a long drive. This is a "Five Star Property at a Three Star price." Built in 2003, the rooms are spacious and include a mini-fridge and microwave. An on-site swimming pool and On the HouseTM hot breakfast put this hotel a cut above other budget-priced properties.

Chocoholics Factory Store & Tours
You've probably seen their Body Frosting in stores. The self-guided tour takes you past the candy-making factory. But it is the retail store that will draw you in with candy samples, coffee bar, and premium ice cream topped with their delicious toppings. Just take the Hwy. 88 exit.

Sutter Gold Mine
From Chocoholics, continue on Hwy. 88 to Hwy. 49. There you'll find this authentic gold mine that takes visitors deep into the heart of the Mother Lode. Frommers calls Sutter Gold Mine "one of the most entertaining and educational attractions in the Gold Country" and we couldn't agree with them more. You'll don a hard hat, tag in with your guide, and hop aboard the shuttle that takes you 530 feet below the surface. There you'll stop in the safety room for some "miner's basics" before continuing your tour. It's an experience the adults will love as much as the kids!


Continue your journey heading north on Hwy. 49 to Placerville, where you'll pick up Hwy. 50 to Lake Tahoe. Check out our Gold Country section for information on the fun things to do in Placerville.




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