Year-Round Activities in South Lake Tahoe
Things To Do in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe in California offers not only world-renowned winter sports, but has other cultural and gaming attractions as well. Here are some of the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe in every season.
Winter Sports
South Lake Tahoe is most well-known for its incredible skiing. Slopes at Spooner Lake and Sierra-at-Tahoe have made the place famous, but there are plenty of other winter sports available as well. Sledding and tubing are also very popular, as is ice skating and fishing. Don’t forget to look into the more unusual winter activities, such as snow shoeing and dog sledding. Sleigh rides are also available for a more relaxing outdoor winter experience. Heavenly Valley vacation rentals bring you close to the snowy action.
Summer Activities
Summer sports range from parasailing and boating to mountain biking and horseback riding. The lake means there are plenty of boat rentals for kayaks, canoes, speed boats, and sail boats. Fishing and golfing are also very popular. Horseback riding has to be a favorite in the area, however, because there is so much beautiful countryside to experience.
Beaches
With over a dozen beaches on the California Tahoe shore, you have more than your usual selection of places to go. Most beaches only require a parking fee (if anything), so a day at the beach can be both affordable and enjoyable. Most beaches also have picnic and BBQ sites, and several beaches offer boat docks and ramps, as well as boat rentals. Of course, you can always just relax in the sun and swim.
Parks
The surrounding areas of Lake Tahoe are filled with state parks and other recreational areas. Sugar Pine Point State Park is one of these. While not only offering beautiful grounds with a great view of the lake, this park also has a mansion that can be rented out for special events. Another incredible natural wonder in the area is Grover Hot Springs State Park in Markleeville, California. You can view the hot springs and even swim in the warm water.
Cultural Activities
South Lake Tahoe offers plenty of museums and historical sites, run by the many surrounding towns. The Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum is a free museum that offers exhibits on the Pony Express, Indian arts, and other key periods of history in the area. The Tallac Historic Site is the location of the old Tallac Resort, and now houses many festivals, including a festival of arts and music. You cannot forget to visit the Vikingsholm Castle, however, a 1920s structure built to look like a Scandinavian fortress.
Casinos
With five casinos around South Lake Tahoe, you have plenty of options for gaming, entertainment, and a great dinner. Head out to Harrah’s Casino for a night of poker and gaming, or go to Horizon for free dancing and live music.
Shopping
South Lake Tahoe, California, offers antiques, clothing boutiques, jewelry shops, and other local artisan galleries. There are eight antique stores in the area alone, not to mention the other 50+ stores for apparel and accessories. These range from the practical to the upscale, like Side Street Boutique and Formal Wear. Most of the shops fall into the latter category, however. They are run by local residents and strive to provide high quality and unique jewelry and clothing. As far as art galleries go, you will have found a thriving artistic community in this California town. The Black Pearl Gallery and Wyland Galleries are two favorite places to view local and international art.South Lake Tahoe vacations bring the exciting outdoor adventure to a relaxing vacation spot, allowing you to create the perfect balance of relaxation, exercise, and entertainment.