Welcome to Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has activities for all ages and seasons.

We would like to share with you some of the activities and attractions our family enjoys close to our home at 1800 Gentian Circle in South Lake Tahoe.
Please remember that when heading out early in the morning or arriving home later at night to BE AS QUIET AS POSSIBLE so as to not disturb our neighbors.  Thanks!

Please feel free to add to our list or provide any additional feedback.  You may also YELP any of your personal reviews or put them on TripAdvisor.  
We hope you enjoy your time while staying in our home whether you are there for activities or leisure!  
Cynthia and Dan

Please also remember to be BEAR AWARE.  If you leave food in your car, the bears can smell it and may try to access it.  When you get back to the house, please be sure to clean out anything that smells yummy to the bears.

HIKING
The Tahoe Rim trail is just a short walk from our home at the end of High Meadow Trail Road.  It takes approximately 5 minutes to walk to the trailhead.  There are a variety of trails there for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.  The trails range from very easy to more challenging heading toward Star Lake and Power Line.  There is an abundance of wildlife and plants to view there as well as lovely Cold Creek, in which we have seen some small gold pieces.  The trail begins as a very slow incline with an abundance of quartz rocks, as the trail ascends it winds through meadows and areas with huge granite boulders which are fun to explore.   During the winter season, the lower portion of the meadow is a fun place for sledding and building snow structures. 
See these websites for additional information:
https://www.tahoerimtrail.org/
http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/2472493



Lake Tahoe has an incredible amount of hiking trails around the lake. 

Taylor Creek Visitors Center has an underground viewing area where the creek and streambed may be seen through a glass window at the Stream Profile Chamber.  There is a very easy and educational 1 mile walk through the marshland with bridges and a well maintained path with guided walks on the Rainbow Trail and to the Stream Profile Chamber.
Directions:
The Taylor Creek Visitor Center (530) 543-2674 is located approximately three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of Highway 89. The Visitor Center entrance is just past the entrance to the Tallac Historic Site and Fallen Leaf Lake Road.  They also offer an evening summer series:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/TCVCSummerSeries.
Fallen Leaf Lake is across Highway 89 from Taylor Creek and offers boating, tubing, waterskiing and windsurfing as well as swimming.  There are trails around the lake which offer amazing views of both the lake and of Mt. Tallac.  The trail is approximately 2 miles long, relatively flat and is a good bet for smaller children.
The Glen Alpine and Mt. Tallac trailheads are nearby for excellent day hiking and backpacking in the Desolation Wilderness. The Pope-Baldwin bike path parallels Highway 89.
Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm Castle are areas with majestic views.   Kayak rentals are available at the beach for people to explore Emerald Bay and the island. 
vikingsholm.com

CYCLING
Lake Tahoe offers many opportunities for mountain biking and cycling.  The Tahoe Rim Trail near our home at the end of High Meadow is accessible for mountain biking.  There are bike paved paths around the lake for cycling.  The paved biking trail may be accessed at Al Tahoe Blvd.  We enjoy cycling to Camp Roberts and Nevada Beach.  Bike rentals are available in many locations around the lake, and surreys are available at Hwy 50 at Lake View Commons at the
Tahoe Bike Company.
http://www.tahoebike.org/where-to-ride/bike-map/


HORSEBACK RIDING
There are a few horseback riding rental companies.  You may check them out and leave your feedback if you find one you like.
http://tahoesouth.com/blog/horseback_riding_in_south_lake_tahoe/

GOLFING
We have golfed at two of the courses so far, Tahoe Paradise and Lake Tahoe Course which is owned by the California Parks and Recreation and offers great views.  Tahoe Paradise is a fun somewhat narrow mountain course.
Lake Tahoe Golf Course
​Tahoe Paradise Golf Course
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course


​BEACHES AND LAKE ACTIVITIES
There are many beaches along Lake Tahoe, enjoy exploring! 



SUP
Although we really enjoy SUP, we have not brought our boards to Tahoe yet.  I have seen a lot of companies at the beaches, including at Emerald Bay, Regan beach,
Here are a few resources:
SUP Tahoe (530)545-6300 
871 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
South Tahoe Standup Paddle  (530)416-4829 
3135 Harrison Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Thomas F Regan Memorial City Beach has SUP rentals, a nice beach and even an ice cream stand.  There are also picnic table there and it is a nice place to stop along the bike path.
We have not parasailed yet but we have seen others sailing over the lake. A few companies that offer this include:
Tahoe Sports
Parasail Tahoe
North Shore Parasail
 
HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
We have not taken a hot air balloon ride over Tahoe yet, but have taken other rides.  These are the companies currently offering this experience.
Balloon Nevada  offers one hour flights for up to 3 people in a balloon.
775-790-7572
http://balloonnevada.com/
Balloons Over Lake Tahoe is based in South Lake Tahoe.
530-544-7088
Lake Tahoe Balloons is based in South Lake Tahoe and offers year round balloon rides.
 1-800-872-9294
www.laketahoeballons.com
​
OTHER FUN ACTIVITES TO EXPLORE BEFORE THE SNOW ARRIVES
Take a tube down the slopes at Heavenly, go river rafting on the Truckee River, pan for gold, hunt for crystals, go on a visual scavenger hunt, take a picnic to the beach, or just relax on a hammock. 

SKIING
Vail Resorts owns three nearby ski resorts.  If you purchase their epic pass, you may access any of their resorts including Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood.
Heavenly Ski Resort is nearby.  The California entrance is up from Ski Run Blvd, approximately 10 minutes from our home.  They offer ski lessons and childcare programs.  There are EV charging stations in their parking lot.
There are 3 additional entrances to Heavenly Ski Resort.  Many people choose to take up the Gondola from Heavenly Village.  Ski lessons are available from Heavenly Village.  During the summer time, Heavenly offers a variety of activities including ropes courses, hiking and a summer camp for children.
http://www.skiheavenly.com/
Northstar offers ice skating in their village at the bottom of the slopes during the winter.  Roller skating, hiking, mountain biking and a children’s day camp are available during the summer months.
http://www.northstarcalifornia.com/
Kirkwood offers mountain biking during the summer months.
 http://www.kirkwood.com/
Additional ski resorts which are close by include:
Sierra at Tahoe
 https://www.sierraattahoe.com/
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are a longer drive from our home and are owned by the same company.
http://squawalpine.com/
Additional Information regarding ski resorts and discount tickets may be found at:
http://www.skilaketahoe.com/
http://www.snowbomb.com/
Ski Rentals and Tune ups:
We have had success with Rainbow Mountain.  They have two locations, one across the street from Heavenly Village, and the other on Ski Run Blvd. 
http://www.rainbowskirental.com/
There are many other places to rent equipment, including at Heavenly Sports at the gondola in Heavenly Village or at the California side.
http://www.heavenlysports.com/

OTHER WINTER FUN
For those interested in cross country skiing, you may ski on the Tahoe Rim trail above our home or many other locations.  Snow shoeing, walking along the lake on the snow covered beaches, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and ice skating are all great adventures.  If you are looking for sledding areas, the meadow at the top of High Meadow Road is a good bet and just a short walk from our home.  For younger children, the hill behind Harrah’s Casino is a fun spot.  Adventure Mountain  is a short drive up Hwy 50 at Echo Pass, for a groomed path, or you may get a Sno Park Pass for any of the Sno Parks.  You may purchase the passes at Heavenly Village.  http://tahoe.com/articles/california-sno-parks 
Snow tubing is available at Heavenly Valley which is accessible from the gondola.  Snow mobile rentals are available at the golf courses and other locations.  Ice skating is available at the public rink or at Heavenly Village. 

BOATING
There are a few marinas for launching boats and jet skiing and boat rentals are available in most of the marinas.  If you bring up your own vessel, you will need to have it checked for mussels and get a tag for the boat.  The inspection area is on Hwy 50 near the agricultural inspection area. 
Tahoe Boat Inspections
Some people enjoy riding on the large steamboats across the lake on the Tahoe Queen. ​
​
​FISHING
Most of the marinas offer charter boats for fishing.  Some also may suggest restaurants where you can take your catch for them to clean and cook up for you! 
http://laketahoe.com/content/top-10-fishing-spots-lake-tahoe
http://www.tahoesbest.com/fishing
http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/tahoe/recreation/fishing/?recid=55444&actid=43

​

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Heavenly Village Cinemas (530)544-1110
1021 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
This is really the only movie theater in town, it’s nothing special but it is conveniently located in Heavenly Village, and on a day when the lifts shut down, it offers a welcome distraction.
There are some local theatre productions, you may check with the Lake Tahoe Community College http://ltcc.edu or with the casinos. 
Casinos
There are a few casinos at Stateline, NV, just a 10 minute drive from our house.  They have restaurants, bars and concert venues.  Montbleu has some great steak dinner specials during the weekdays at their Ciera restaurant if you get their players card.  It is where the ski instructors go after a long day on the slopes to recharge!
Montbleu (888)829-7630  https://www.montbleuresort.com/
55 Hwy 50, Lake Tahoe, NV 89449
Other casino information may be found at:
http://tahoesouth.com/explore/gaming/
https://www.montbleuresort.com/
http://hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com/
https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe?originalrequest=%2Fharrahs-tahoe%2Fcasinos%2Fharrahs-lake-tahoe%2Fhotel-casino%2Fproperty-home.
http://www.lakesideinn.com/best-hotel-lodging-south-lake-tahoe
There are also casinos in Reno, which is about a 45 minute drive from the house.  They often have theatre productions as well as concerts.
Heavenly Village offers the occasional concert or other activity.
http://www.theshopsatheavenly.com/events.php
http://tahoesouth.com/events/heavenly-village-summer-concert-series/all/
​
For dining, we have enjoyed the following places:

The Loft at Heavenly is a newly opened restaurant which also has a small theater where you can see a magic or burlesque show.  We took our family to the magic show and everyone from age 6 to over 60 enjoyed it.  The food at the restaurant was surprisingly good!  The night of a magic show, a magician will make his way to people’s tables to perform slight of hand tricks.
http://www.skiheavenly.com/nightlife-and-activities/the-loft-at-heavenly-village.aspx
You can make reservations for The Loft at :
www.opentable.com
 or
www.thelofttahoe.com
The Chart House (775) 588-6276  392 Kingbury Grade, Stateline, NV 89449
http://www.chart-house.com/locations/lake-tahoe/reservations.asp
http://www.chart-house.com/locations/lake-tahoe/menus.asp
This is your usual Chart House with a great view and salad bar.  The menu is extensive and the service prompt and friendly.
Scusa Italian Ristorante is where the locals go for date night, and it happens to be very close to our house!  Our daughter swears it offers the best ice cream for dessert!  (530) 542-0100    http://www.scusalaketahoe.com/
2543 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Riva Grill On the Lake (530) 542-2600  http://www.rivagrill.com/
900 Ski Run Blvd, Ste 3, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
This restaurant is in the marina and has a nice view of the lake.  It is a fun place for tacos in the bar and has special pricing during some days and evenings including Woody Wednesday which offers drinks at half cost.  The food is classic upscale touristy, and gets good reviews.  We enjoy sitting in the large bar area.
Base Camp Pizza  (530)544-2273  http://basecamppizzaco.com/
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
We like this place for a few reasons.  First, the location at Heavenly Village, next to the gondola makes it so very easy to access following a day on the mountain.  Secondly, there is almost always live music and games for young and old alike. Third, the pizzas are quite tasty and original.  Lastly, who doesn’t like to sip beer from a mason jar next to a fire pit? 
Blue Dog Pizza (530)541-0123 or (530) 541-0813   http://bluedogpizzatahoe.com/
2556 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Or
4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd, A1,  South Lake Tahoe, CA
This is a top pick for pizza and they deliver!  I know people who go there a few times during a week’s stay.
Himmel Haus (530)314-7665 http://himmelhaustahoe.com/
3819 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
This is a very casual place, with board games to keep the family entertained.  It is located just down the street from the California entrance to Heavenly and offers traditional German fare. We love how casual and family centered it is.
Macduffs Pub (530)542-8777   http://macduffspub.com/
1041 Fremont Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
If you have worked up an appetite for some good Scottish Food, the Shepard’s Pie is great here.  The servings of everything are piping hot and wash down well with one of the local brews.  This place is very casual and fun, with a sports bar/pub atmosphere.
 
Taqueria Jalisco (530)541-6516 3097 Harrison Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
If you are looking for a large take out meal or very casual taqueria, this is our favorite so far.  The pricing is beyond reasonable for the amount of food they serve and it is very tasty!  Their menu is on a two large whiteboards when you arrive, but they can tell you the menu over the phone.  We like to place an order over the phone and pick it up 10 minutes later. 
Fire and Ice (530)542-6650 https://www.fire-ice.com/locations/lake-tahoe-ca/
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
This restaurant is part of the Marriott Timber Lodge next to the Gondola at Heavenly Village.  What we like about it is that you can sit outside next to a large fire pit while enjoying a beverage or a hot chocolate.  The restaurant serves a Mongolian BBQ that is a fun, quick meal.  If you have children, you might be able to coax a few coloring pages and crayons from the Marriott’s kids club. 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional websites to assist you in planning for your activities during your stay in Lake Tahoe are listed below.  They include information regarding activities and restaurants.  Some also offer coupons.
http://www.tahoeadventuresports.com/visitorinfo/visitorinfohome.htm
http://tahoe.com/
http://www.laketahoevisitorsmap.com/