Planning your Lake Tahoe Vacation

The peaceful sapphire lake and splendid mountains of Lake Tahoe have made it the setting for box office hits, long running television shows, and several commercials. The rugged mountains enveloping the crystal clear waters below have inspired those who have visited Lake Tahoe and beckoned to those who have not. There is so much to do and see in Lake Tahoe it is almost mind boggling. The climate of the area opens up a variety of outdoor recreation activities regardless of the season. The warmer months abound with biking, boating, water skiing, sailing, and horseback riding to name a few. As temperatures drop Lake Tahoe becomes a veritable winter wonderland for skiing, snowmobiling, skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Enjoy a walk on the beach, play a round of golf, or ski across beautiful back country it is all here in Lake Tahoe. There are many attractions, from a visit to California's first underwater shipwreck park at Emerald Bay to floating across the cobalt skies in a vividly colored hot air balloon. There are plenty of events devoted to the arts and festivals bigger than all outdoors held at various times throughout the year, like Snowfest, the largest winter carnival in the west. Lake Tahoe offers up a world class shopping experience. Whether you are looking for quality platinum jewelry, snowboard rentals or factory outlet stores you will find them all here and everything in between. When you get hungry Lake Tahoe has a large number of restaurants serving up a vast culinary selection. Overlook Lake Tahoe as you dine on an award winning meal or enjoy a deli sandwich in a small café, Lake Tahoe has it all.

Travel Tips

The climate of Lake Tahoe allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities at anytime of year. Lake Tahoe boasts a generous 250 to 300 days of sunshine annually. Visitors must take care to stay protected from the sun. The sun can burn even in the winter or on cloudy days so be sure to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF. Since the sunscreen may wash off in the water or when you perspire it is wise to reapply it after swimming and after a few hours on the beach. During the winter make sure to keep yourself covered on the slopes and the trails. If you get a bad sunburn you might end up spending your vacation indoors. When participating in outdoor sport and not going with a group or being directed by a guide, you should always know where you are going, make sure the route you have chosen is safe, check the weather conditions, and never go alone. Before you set out whether it be hiking, fishing, skiing, or any other outdoor activity you should always let a reliable person know where you are going and when you will return. Do not deviate from the itinerary and make sure the person will notify the proper authorities if you do not return. The area is vast so if you stray too far off it may be difficult if not impossible for someone to find you if you get lost. Make sure you always take a first aid kit, water and some non perishable staples. If you have children make sure you know where they are at all times when they are in, on or around the water. Lake Tahoe is a safe place to visit, but it's still a good idea to use traveler's checks instead of cash. Do not to leave valuables in your car or on the beach. Numerous banks are located throughout the Lake Tahoe area that offer currency exchange and ATM access.