The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe beckons outdoor enthusiasts who want an active vacation in a picture-perfect setting. The 22-mile-long freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada, offers summer and winter activities that draw millions of visitors to this scenic area each year. The South Shore is known for its nightlife and activities, while the North Shore is known for its ski resorts.
A Lake Tahoe vacation can include hiking, water-skiing and swimming during the summer, or skiing at more than a dozen world-class ski resorts in the winter. Fishing, boating, camping, biking, rafting, sledding, snowmobiling and golf are other popular pursuits. Lake Tahoe resorts include many casinos (all on the Nevada side, where gambling is legal). Non-casino hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation home rentals are other popular lodging options during a vacation in Lake Tahoe.
Two international airports are convenient to Lake Tahoe—Reno Tahoe International and Sacramento International. There are express airport shuttles between the Reno airport and the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe. Rental cars are readily available as well. The lake is also an easy drive from San Francisco on Interstate 80. Lake Tahoe boasts about 300 days of sunshine a year. Average high temperatures range from 41°F in January to 79°F in July and August. At the lake level, average snowfall is 125 inches. For more information on Lake Tahoe travel, log on to www.bluelaketahoe.com, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority’s website, which focuses on the South Shore, or www.gotahoenorth.com, the North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureau’s website.