Lake Tahoe
Slim Aarons, © Getty Images
Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater alpine lake in North American, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, straddling the border of California and Nevada. It is home to winter sports including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding; as well as summer activities include paragliding, hang-gliding, mountain biking, paddleboarding, swimming, horseback riding, jet skiing, boating, rock climbing, rafting, and kayaking. The Nevada side is popular with casino-goers; whereas the California side is popular with resorts and outdoor activities around the lake. Here is our guide to Lake Tahoe, California.
STAY
RITZ-CARLTON A luxurious mountain resort with stunning views and ski concierges. 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/rnorz-the-ritz-carlton-lake-tahoe
EDGEWOOD A sprawling lodge, spa, and golf course with a restaurant overlooking the water. A lakeside ice-skating rink pops up during the winter season. 180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline; edgewoodtahoe.com
THE COACHMAN A newly opened hotel reminiscent of The Ace with a hip Brooklyn-esque aesthetic. 4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe; coachmantahoe.com
FLEUR DU LAC These 22 residences are available to rent or buy and are spread across 15 acres of lakefront property with a protected boat slip, clubhouse, tennis, pool. gym, hot tub, and bocce court. Fun fact- this was the setting of The Godfather II including the scene where Fredo goes to “sleep with the fishes.” 4000 W Lake Blvd, Homewood; fdlestates.com
RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK Nestled beneath the peaks of Squaw Valley, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, and the perfect place to stay for skiiers. 400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley; hyatt.com/destination-by-hyatt/en-US/rnodh-everline-resort-and-spa-lake-tahoe
DINE | DRINK
PIANETA A cozy, charming, and delicious Italian spot in the heart of Truckee. 10098 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee; pianetarestauranttruckee.com
COTTONWOOD Housed in a historic ski lodge with popular deskside seating overlooking Truckee. 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee; cottonwoodrestaurant.com
CHAMBER’S LANDING BAR & GRILL A cabinlike tavern on a pier with a deck overlooking the lake. Our pick for sunset! 6300 Chambers Lodge, Tahoma; chamberstahoe.com
MANZANITA The upscale restaurant at The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe with a Chef’s Table. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Ct, Truckee; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/rnorz-the-ritz-carlton-lake-tahoe
CUPPA Perfect for bookworms, this coffee shop also offers books, games, and stationery. 2054 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe; cuppatahoe.com
CHRISTY HILL A French-inspired menu is offered at this romantic bistro with a patio overlooking the lake. 115 Grove St, Tahoe City; christyhill.com
GAR WOODS GRILL & PIER Californian cuisine with a wraparound deck on the lake. 5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay; garwoods.com
ACTIVITIES
SKI Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Northstar California, and Homewood resorts offer skiing.
EMERALD BAY As the name suggests, this body of water sparkles like an Emerald. Paddleboarding is a popular activity as is hiking in the surrounding area. parks.ca.gov
VIKINGSHOLM Vikingsholm is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States, located in Emerald Bay State Park. CA-89, Tahoma; vikingsholm.com