Tahoe City, CA

With its mountainous backdrop and cobalt-blue water, Lake Tahoe is a striking sight. It’s situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which makes it a magnet for winter-sports enthusiasts. When the snow melts, the crowds keep coming for summer activities. Choose between skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and much more. Vacationers will also enjoy fishing, fine dining, spa time or visiting a casino.

Lake Tahoe has 72 miles (116 kilometers) of shoreline. It straddles the border of California (west) and Nevada (east) and is the second deepest lake in the United States. The sun shines most of the year and the snowfall averages 600 inches (15 meters) per year.

Shuttle buses from Reno-Tahoe International Airport will bring you to all sides of the lake. The wider area is best explored by car, while the water shuttle is great for hopping between docks along the shores in summer.

Sprawling forest reserves, such as Emerald Bay State Park, cover the Californian side of the lake. Tahoe City and Kings Beach offer good lake-side attractions. Nearby ski resorts are Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Homewood Mountain. The Bavarian-style Sugar Bowl Resort is located near Truckee. Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe spreads from California to Nevada and beats all the other resorts in size and attractions.

The Nevada side of the lake has casinos and more resorts and beaches. In summer, swim at Sand Harbor or Zephyr Cove Beach.

Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for its easy access, amazing scenery and year-round activities. Arrive early in the day and ride the slopes or kayak on the lake. By afternoon, try horseback riding or simply relax and read a book by the shore. In the evening, dine in one of the restaurants overlooking one of America’s most beautiful lakes.