Lake Tahoe Vacation Guide

Instead of traveling to the coast, only to spend a week fighting for space on an overcrowded beach, why not try a lake vacation instead. From spectacular snow-capped mountains reflected in an azure blue lake, to thick fragrant forests of ponderosa pines surrounding beautiful lakefront mansions, Lake Tahoe has it all.

There are two sides to Lake Tahoe: one half resides in California, the other in Nevada. Whether you seek glamorous nightlife and gambling in the casinos of Nevada, or soporific sunbathing on a pontoon in Emerald Bay, you cannot fail to be enchanted by the magic of Lake Tahoe.

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Lake Tahoe Winter Activities

In winter, Lake Tahoe is a veritable Winter Wonderland where the snow falls and the skiers come out to play. The alpine ski resorts are world famous so if you fancy your chances skiing off-piste, Lake Tahoe is the place to be: there are some seriously good ski slopes for both amateurs and experiences skiers. Other fun activities include, snow shoeing, snow boarding sleigh rides, sledding, cross country skiing, ice skating, tubing, dog sledding, or even just making snowmen and snow angels. Whatever you choose to do with the snow, there will be more than enough of it to play with.

 

Lake Tahoe North/South Attractions

Lake Tahoe offers a veritable feast of attractions for the discerning visitor. From the architectural wonders of Vikingsholm Castle, Thunderbird Lodge, and the Ehrmin Mansion, to the Tahoe Maritime Museum and the historical delights of Tallac Historical Site, to the natural wonders of Desolation Wilderness, Emerald Bay State Park, and the many glorious trails that intersect the forests surrounding Lake Tahoe. The casinos might appeal to those wanting some respite and for budding scientists there is the Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Failing that, why not take a scenic ride on the Paddle Steamers that cross the lake to Emerald bay on a daily basis.

 

Lake Tahoe Summer Activities

During the hot summer months, Lake Tahoe is a water sports paradise for vacationers. Whether you want the thrills and spills of Jet Skiing and Parasailing, or the more sedate sport of fishing, the water is the place to be. Boats abound, from kayaks and canoes, to pontoons and PWCs. If the water doesn’t appeal, maybe mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, or simply hiking through the Wilderness Parks will make your vacation break one to remember. And if you simply want to relax, then chill out on a beach and catch some sun. There is always plenty of that on offer!

 

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It is the highest alpine lake in North America, carved from the Sierra Nevada Mountains by glaciers, many millions of years ago. Even today, much of the wild beauty still remains and high up in the wilderness parks, ancient trails track through sub-alpine forests beneath craggy granite peaks. You can choose to explore by foot, bicycle, or even on horseback. The possibilities are endless.

Or perhaps you would choose to spend your entire vacation on the lake, enjoying all the varied water sports Lake Tahoe has to offer. During the long, hot summers, Lake Tahoe becomes a playground for families seeking endless days of fun and recreation to keep the kids amused. But if jet skiing or parasailing is too energetic for you, maybe a day of quiet fishing will suit.

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In winter, the snow falls like a thick white blanket and Lake Tahoe is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors travel hundreds of miles for the famous ski season at the world class ski resorts. From off-piste skiing to snowboarding, winter in Lake Tahoe is a mesmerizing experience. Whether you want to ski the slopes all day, or snow shoe through the forests, just make sure you retain enough energy to enjoy the nightlife in the evening.

Lake Tahoe has something to offer everyone. It is all things to all visitors: filled with quiet, harmonious serenity to those people looking for a relaxing getaway where they can recharge the batteries, whereas for others, it is a high octane vacation full of heart stopping moments like mountain biking down a near vertical descent.

However you choose to spend your hard-earned vacation, there are two things that you can be certain of. One is that you will have the best vacation of your life. The other is that you will be looking for discount flights to come back the following year.

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El Dorado County Fair

Roll up, Roll up! The El Dorado County Fair is coming to Placerville for another fun-filled four days of shows, entertainment, excitement, and all round family amusement! With dozens of exciting displays to see, you will be dashing from one stage to another for the entire four days. There will be music concerts and kids entertainers all weekend, plus an exciting selection of carnival rides for thrills and laughter. And if you are a talented entertainer, why not grab a place in the El Dorado Idol Talent Contest—it promises to be a wonderful opportunity to see some raw local talent in action!

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The 21st American Century
Golf Championship Tournament

What do celebrities and birdies have in common? The 21st American Century Golf Championship Tournament! Come along to Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore—July 13th-18th and see a host of famous faces tee-off in aid of the LIVESTRONG Charity for cancer sufferers and survivors. With prize money of $600,000 at stake, the hard fought competition will see eight times winner, Rick Rhoden battling valiantly to hold on to his defending champion’s crown against a contingent of famous faces, new and old, all of whom want a share of the winnings. So come along, watch some golf, and collect some autographs!

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Lake Tahoe Music Festival 2010
(July 22nd - August 7th, 2010)

Lake Tahoe Music Festival 2010 (July 22nd - August 7th, 2010)

Come along and spend the evening beneath the stars, while listening to some fabulous singing stars as part of the 2010 Lake Tahoe Music Festival! The line-up has just been announced and featured artists include Wynonna, Natalie Cole, and Michael McDonald. Make sure you book your tickets now for one of these six special concerts that will take place between July 22nd and August 7th. Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person, from $25 - $63, so make sure you book early as you really don’t want to miss out on a summer of magical music in Lake Tahoe!

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Annual Shakespeare Festival

Get Thee to Lake Tahoe! Come along to Sands Harbor State Park for another fine summer of theatrical performances by the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Company. This year, the complete (abridged) works of Shakespeare are on offer for your delectation, as well as some more contemporary musical shows. Prepare to be dazzled by some unique adaptations of the Great Bard’s work! And before you “…compare thee to a summer’s day…” why not enjoy a meal in Shakespeare’s Kitchen, or perhaps a picnic on the lakeside. Wining and dining before the theater is a Tahoe tradition you are encouraged to partake in!

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Valhalla Renaissance Faire
(June 5th & 6th, and June 12th & 13th)

Get thee to Merry Olde England at the Valhalla Renaissance Faire for the next two weekends—June 5th & 6th, and June 12th &13th. Camp Richardson is the venue for some delightfully authentic Elizabethan charm, giving visitors a taste of the sights, smells, sounds, and magic of the16th Century. Come along and witness some exciting battle re-enactments, jousting displays, and other live entertainment. Walk amongst Elizabethan ladies and gentleman, and buy your souvenirs from authentic the many merchants selling their 16th Century wares. Prepared to be immersed in a real life history lesson—one that you and your family will never forget!

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Concours d'Elegance
Lake Tahoe’s Antique Boat Festival

If antique boats are your passion, then why not come along to the 2010 Concours d’Elegance, Lake Tahoe’s antique boat festival being held at the Sierra Boat Company in Carnelian Bay, North Shore. This popular event will take place June 18th to 20th. As well as some beautiful boats to admire, there will also be live music, great food, and a well stocked bar. Tickets are available now, so if you want to be one of 500 special guests at the VIP day on Friday 18th, make sure you book your ticket immediately as they are being sold on a first come/first served basis!

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Tahoe Arts Projects
9th Annual Festival

Art lovers take note because you are in for a real treat July 10th-11th. The Tahoe Arts Projects 9th Annual Festival is coming to the South Shore of Lake Tahoe and all visitors and locals are invited to show their support for this great event. It promises to be a fantastic opportunity to see the work of some wonderfully talented local artists. You will also get the chance to meet the artists and talk to them about their work, as well as see some of it actually being produced on the day. And if anything catches your eye, you can even buy it!

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