Lake Tahoe, California

THINGS TO DO

Adventure-Seeker? Check out activities with a flame  (  [icon name=”fire” class=”red” unprefixed_class=””] ) for some extra thrills!!

Skiing/Snowboarding ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red”  unprefixed_class=””]) – If you happen to be in Lake Tahoe from December-March make sure to pack your ski and snowboard gear.  With over 40 feet of snow each year and a variety of runs ranging in difficulty (Blues, Greens, Blacks), Tahoe offers ski and snowboard trails on the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort that are great for both beginners and more experienced skiers alike.  https://tahoesouth.com/heavenly-mountain-ski-resort

Hiking ( [icon name=”fire” class=”red”  unprefixed_class=””] Van Sickle Bi-State Park) –  Located just a few feet from the center of South Lake Tahoe, Van Sickle Bi- State Park offers moderate to difficult hikes varying from 1.5 miles to 5 miles. Trails like the Barn Trial, Van Sickle Connector, and the Cal- Neva Loop overlook amazing views of the California foliage and will also provide a good workout.  www.tahoeactivities.com/south-lake-tahoe-hiking/

Gamble – Did you know that South Lake Tahoe is technically in two states? Straddling between both Nevada and California, the Nevada side offers gambling options at various casinos including Harrah’s, The Hard Rock, and Montbleu.

Stand between Two States – Have you ever wanted to stand between two state lines to snap a pic for the gram? Hiking the Van Sickle Bi- State Park will allow you to do that.  Less than 1 mile from the start of the hike, you can cross from California over to Nevada.

Scavenger Hunt ([icon name=”fire” class=”red”  unprefixed_class=””] Lime Bikes and Scooters) Heard of lime scooters or bikes? Neither had I until visiting South Lake Tahoe.  This was the first time I encountered these Lime Bikes and Scooters and I must say they are pretty cool…if you can find one! All you have to do is download the Lime App and find the closest Bike or Scooter to you in the city and it is yours. It is a really affordable option to get around and the electric scooter was a lot of fun. However, sometimes the app navigation isn’t as accurate as I would have liked, so be prepared for a bit of a scavenger hunt at times.

Salmon Spawning (Taylor Creek – Hunt for Bears/Salmon Spawning) – Spawning starts at the end of September/ early October each year and can best be seen from Taylor Creek, just a short 3 mile drive from the center of Lake Tahoe. Bears are also known to hang out around that area so keep your eyes peeled and make sure not to bring open food with you on the trail.

HISTORY

Initially inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years, specifically the Washoe tribe, the first person of European descent to explore this area was Lt. John C Fremont in 1844. Notice how I did not say “discovered”.  You can’t discover a place if people are already living there, but I digress.

Europeans cared very little about this area until late 1850’s. However, this all changed with the advent of the California Gold Rush and the discovery of silver!!

Specifically it was in 1858 when a large silver deposit called the Comstock Lode was found in nearby Virginia City, and it turned the surrounding Lake Tahoe area into the premiere source for lumber to aid the miners in their quest to strike it rich. It also lead to massive deforestation to get the timber that would help build the mine shafts.  It is estimated that over 80% of the Tahoe Basin was cut down.

Also, don’t forget what was going on during this time frame. Remember the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863 which abolished slavery.  However, it took about 2.5 years for it to reach Texas where over 250,000 slaves were still being held despite the executive order. So around the time of the Gold Rush our ancestors were gaining their freedom.

That being the case, some African Americans participated in the gold rush despite racist mining laws (yeah just because we are free doesn’t mean things were fair – Jim Crow soon starts to rise). Some were even able to strike it rich and some did well enough to build the surrounding community with hotels, laundromats, restaurants. Additionally, some African Americans even became community leaders. One such person was William Brown, who opened the Boston Saloon (he was born free in Massachusetts) in Virginia City in 1864.

Due to all of the publicity that Lake Tahoe was receiving and everyone trying to shoot their shot at striking it rich, it became a vacation spot for many of the wealthy residents of San Francisco.  It also attracted some famous patrons, specifically in North Lake Tahoe.  There was formerly a location (that has recently come back) called Cal-Neva Lodge that was built in 1926 that attracted the rich and famous.

It became a hub for big gamblers and mafia types up until the late 1960’s.  The Kennedy’s, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Marilyn Monore, Al Capone’s successor (Sam Gianaca aka “The Godfather”) were all patrons.  There is even a scene in the Godfather 2 where a dead body was dumped into Lake Tahoe.  In fact, Sinatra even had a secret tunnel which he used get in and out of the lodge and there are even rumors that Marilyn Monroe hooked up with one of the Kennedy brothers in that very same tunnel. Juicy..I know!!!

The Cal-Neva became so popular among the unsavory characters that Sinatra loved to be around, that the establishment ultimately had to close its doors in the 1960’s.   It was also around the time when the winter Olympic games were held in the Squaw Valley which really put Lake Tahoe on the map as the mecca for sports enthusiasts and outdoor excursion lovers. 

Today, the Tahoe Basin attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you are coming for a winter getaway to hit the slopes or to enjoy the summer months of this beautiful alpine lake, there is something for everyone.

AFFORDABILITY

Nothing felt overly expensive here.  In fact, you can make your dollar stretch pretty far if you want.  With Lake Tahoe being home to a number of casinos, it is easy to find an affordable buffet meal.

Check out the Big Mac Index below to give you some perspective. This one is a bit interesting since I am comparing USA to USA but you get the point.

• Big Mac (Lake Tahoe): $5.09 USD [Oct 2018]
• Big Mac (USA): $5.51 [July 2018]

RELAXATION

Grab Some Gelato – A very tasty selection of gelato awaits you at the Art of Gelato which is located at the Marina. We sampled almost all of the flavors which were all delicious, making it quite difficult to pick only two…picking one was not even an option. lol . This small gelato shop is located a few steps from the sandy bank of the lake making it a perfect stop as you stroll and enjoy the scenery.

Feed the Ducks – Speaking of enjoying the scenery, if you walk by the lake nearby the Marina you may encounter some friendly ducks that will not afraid to come up to you looking for snack. Look at the pic below. They were super close lol. They are so cute you almost want to take them home with you.

The Shops at Heavenly Villiage – Spend some time just pursuing the various shops located in Heavenly Village. There is an 8-plex cinema, spas, and even miniature golf at your disposal.  Also be sure to check the activities calendar because there could be live music playing at various hours through the day. www.theshopsatheavenly.com

Magic Show (The Loft Theatre & Lounge at Heavenly Village)- There are nightly magic shows at 7PM and 9PM.  I know you may be a bit skeptical as you are reading the words “magic show” but I assure you, even though you are not a kid, you will be highly impressed!  You can bring your cocktail into the magic show as well, so make sure to arrive slightly early to grab some libations! I am still a bit frustrated though lol…I still can’t figure out this trick that I volunteered for! (He gave me a newspaper article with like 30 lines and he knew exactly which one I selected).  www.tahoesouth.com/magic-fusion-at-the-loft-theatre/

LOCAL FOOD

Lake Tahoe offers a variety of food options…Enjoy!!!

$$$ – Expensive
$$ – Moderate
$ – Cheap

Edgewood Tahoe ($$$) – The food here was phenomenal. We elaborate more on Edgewood under the Romance section but if you have the budget, I would recommend this restaurant on so many levels.  The food is amazing!!!  www.edgewoodtahoe.com/dine

Boozie Breakfast Cereal (Alpine Union) ($$) – Located in the Hard Rock Hotel, the Alpine Union offers a libation unlike any other. With your choice of Lucky Charms, or Cocoa Puffs, the bartender mixes up a concoction of alcohol and half and half.  This really is the breakfast of champions! If you need a bit of liquid courage before you hit the slopes or want to start your day a bit differently, than this is the place for you. www.hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com/alpine-union-bar-kitchen

The Getaway Cafe ($$) – The Getaway Café is located about 10 mins from the center of town up Highway 50 (you will need to drive or grab an uber to get there).  This is a small restaurant with a friendly neighborhood feel that serves fresh breakfast and lunch food. The breakfast here was definitely a favorite—hearty portions so come hungry! www.getawaycafetahoe.com

Driftwood Cafe ($$)  – Driftwood café is a great option for breakfast.  Located in the heart of heavenly village, it offers breakfast staples and comfort food such as omelettes, pancakes, and a few vegetarian specialties. www.driftwoodtahoe.com

Wine and Food Festival ($$$) – While the tickets are a bit on the pricey side at $150,  if you get there on time it is more than worth it!! The South Lake Tahoe food and wine festival is held at Harrah’s Casino in October every year. I would definitely plan your trip around this weekend if you can. Sample food from tons of local restaurants and California wineries and breweries.  The short ribs and roasted duck were absolutely amazing and the deserts were to die for! The theme changes every year but it was circus themed (click to see a quick clip..did he make it?) when we went, so we had the pleasure of seeing contortionists, acrobats, and fire eaters…definitely an unexpected surprise at a food festival. A food coma came next!!! www.tahoesouth.com/south-lake-tahoe-food-and-wine-festival

Lake Tahoe Aleworx ($$) – There are two locations including one that is walking distance from the center of town. They have wood fired pizza that is pretty good. The cool thing about Aleworx is how many beers, wines, and ciders they have on tap. You can sample over 25 different libations at the larger location slightly outside of town or 14 taps at the the in-town location. Despite having fewer taps, we thoroughly enjoyed pouring our own wine, Chocolate Stout, and cider from the taps activated by a little wrist band. www.laketahoealeworx.com

Outpost Brewing ($$) – Outpost brewery is a unique brewery that is located within the courtyard of the Basecamp hotel.  The brewery offers flights, pints, and various other sizes that allow you to taste the local beers on tap.  They even have Kombucha on tap for the health- conscious. What we loved most about Outpost brewing was the firepit as well as the cornhole and ping pong table. This is a great location to hang out and relax after an afternoon of hiking or skiing. www.tahoesouth.com/eat/outpost-brewing-company

X Crows BBQ ($$) – A casual option with great BBQ, beers and cocktails.  X Crows also has live music nightly. While X Crows is known for their BBQ, the Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich is out of this world…pair it with the mac and cheese and you’re sure to have an amazing foodie experience. [The GIF is there on purpose lol. Food makes me happy!!] www.10crows.com

Azul Latin Kitchen ($$) – We didn’t have a chance to try the food here but we did sample a few of the margaritas on the menu and were quite impressed. Sitting right at the corner of heavenly village, Azul is a great place to have a drink while enjoying the weather in the summer or fall so be sure to stop by. www.azullatinkitchen.com 

Joasis (Vegetarian) ($) – If you’re looking for something on the healthier side, Joasis offers acai bowls as well as vegetarian and gluten free options.  They also have a variety of different coffees and teas. www.tahoesouth.com/eat/joasis

Los Mexicanos ($) – If you’re craving authentic breakfast tacos or huevos rancheros, Los Mexicanos, is a little north of the center of town. You can rent a lime bike or scooter (scooter is my preference, yes I am lazy) and get there in no time. www.yelp.com/biz/los-mexicanos-south-lake-tahoe

ROMANCE

Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise  ($$) – There are a few ferry and boat rides that will allow you to explore Lake Tahoe by water. The Ms. Dixie II is a large boat that offers an affordable scenic day cruise ($65).  Other ferry options include Tahoe Tastings where you can cruise on a 1953 Venetian Water Taxi while sipping Northern California wines.  Tahoe Tasting is a bit more sexy so make sure you bring bae and book in advance.  

Take a Walk On The Beach (Taylor Creek) – At the same location where you can see salmon spawning there is a secluded beach that is about a 10 minute walk from the visitor center. It is a great location to take in the beautiful surroundings with a sweetheart and just relish in the moment. It is also a great place for a smooch :-).

Edgewood Tahoe ($$$) – This was definitely the highlight of our trip in Lake Tahoe! The grounds are perfectly manicured, it is right on the lake, and the food was phenomenal. Definitely try the grilled octopus, the seared elk chop, and the steel head trout.  Make sure you also save room for dessert. We had just gotten back from our honeymoon in Bora Bora a few weeks prior to this trip, and I kid you not the sunset that we saw overlooking Lake Tahoe rivals the views in the French Polynesian Islands!   www.edgewoodtahoe.com/valentines-day-at-edgewood-tahoe

NIGHTLIFE

You might be surprised but Tahoe does have some turn-up spots!!

PEEK Nightclub – Bottle Service, 40 VIP Booths, Guest DJ’s and up to $60 covers. Sounds a bit like Vegas no? This is the premier nightclub in South Lake Tahoe located inside Harrah’s Hotel. With celebrities like Paris Hilton and Rob Kardashian having thrown parties here, this will be your wildest option in South Lake Tahoe. www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/things-to-do/peek

Center Bar – Located in the Hard Rock Hotel, this is great option if you want bit of partying but not too much. It is an intimate location with cool blue lights in the backdrop.  You can have your cake and eat it too here where you can easily go between the gambling floor and partying.   www.hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com/center-bar

Social House – If you are looking for craft sandwiches with premium quality meats and cheeses then this is your place. If you are looking for 1920’s style Speakeasy with incredible cocktails and house-made alcoholic slushies, then this is still your place. Just set up shop here for a good portion of your day and night lol. www.socialhousetahoe.com

Xhale Bar and Lounge –  Hookah bar located just a short walk away from the Heavenly Village. Kind of a feel of a dive bar but the music definitely keeps the vibe going with latest hits (top 40, hip-hop, R&B etc).  Drinks are relatively cheap but depending on the night they could charge a cover so just be prepared.  www.hookahbarlaketahoe.com

Cliche Lounge –  This is a lounge located in Harrah’s where you can enjoy an intimate bar with some exceptional cocktails and wine. You can also enjoy a wide range of cigars. www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe/cliche-lounge

WHERE TO STAY

If you want to be close to the action and the majority of restaurants, I would recommend staying in or near the Heavenly Village (i.e. Hard Rock Hotel, Hotel Becket, etc.).  If you’re looking to be a bit more removed from the town, The Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort is a great option right next to the marina.  When you’re booking make sure you are making your reservation for South Lake Tahoe…don’t be confused as there is also a North Lake Tahoe as well.

Hard Rock Hotel – Large rooms that are both clean and spacious coupled with the hotel being in an excellent location,  it is a no brainer to stay here. You have a great view of the mountains and with the casino at your fingers tips, you don’t have to go far. The boozie breakfast cereal is also located in this hotel so why stay anywhere else? https://hardrockcasinolaketahoe.com/

Hotel Becket  – A smaller boutique hotel located right across from Heavenly Village. It is conveniently located next to many restaurants and bars—in fact X Crows BBQ is attached to the hotel! This is a comfortable location at an affordable price. www.hotelbecket.com

Edgewood Tahoe – If you really want to splurge or are looking for luxury accommodations for you and bae—this is it. Voted the 2018 #1 resort hotel by Travel & Leisure readers, this recently completed hotel is unparalleled when it comes to luxury in South Lake Tahoe. Nightly rates can range as high as $700 but if you go off-season you have a better shot at a more affordable rate. We already raved about the food at the hotel restaurant and I can only imagine how phenomenal the accommodations must be.  You can go for a stroll each evening b­y the lake and watch those amazing sunsets with one of the best views in town. www.edgewoodtahoe.com/lodge

Suggested Duration 3-5 days.

Getting to Lake Tahoe –  If you live in San Francisco it is just over 3 hours by car and a 2 hour drive from Sacramento.  If you are driving during the winter months, make sure you have the appropriate tires or chains as the roads since there can be quite a bit of snow. If you are coming from the East Coast your best bet is to fly into Reno (RNO).  Remember Jet Blue has direct flights from NYC.

Ground Transportation –  To get from the airport to South Lake Tahoe you can drive which gives  you a bit of flexibility, or you can take the South Tahoe Airporter which is a little over $50 round trip. It will get you to Lake Tahoe in about 1.5 hours depending on your hotel distance and traffic. While in Lake Tahoe you can walk, bike, or rent a lime scooter to get around. Uber and Lyft are also available as well.

General Tip – Make sure you are very comfortable in the wild or that you have strong cellphone service if you plan to go on a hike or venture to Taylor Creek.  My Sprint service didn’t fare so well and Verizon service worked just enough to request an Uber but we couldn’t track it.

MY EXPERIENCE

Pros –  There are not too many places where you can gamble, ski/snowboard, do some outdoorsy activities and eat really well.  There is also a direct flight from New York City to Reno.

Cons – For a weekend getaway, it is bit of a long haul from the East Coast but direct flights to RNO make it more feasible. Make it a 3-5 day weekend. We won’t be mad about it.

My Experience – I had such a great time in South Lake Tahoe! It is like a mini Las Vegas with the ability to gamble at the large hotels like Harrah’s and the Hard Rock but then kind of an Aspen feel since there are a plethora of skiing/snowboarding options.  There is also a lot of shopping and restaurants around the Heavenly Village Base Camp and you can also take a cruise on Lake Tahoe as well.

Speaking of cruises, that was definitely our list to do. The cruise company we went with is Ms. Dixie and I must say, it was a perfect day!  The boat is very comfortable, spacious, serves alcohol and food, and a spectacular way to enjoy the afternoon. You CANNOT come to Tahoe without going on the lake so make sure you add this to the list.

One thing you must do if you are in here in the Spring, Summer, or Fall is go for a hike.  The landscape is just amazing!! There is also a beautiful beach at Taylor Creek which has some great trails as well. I talk more about it under the “Romance” tab.

While in Lake Tahoe, I had some pretty cool experiences that I have never had anywhere else. For starters, that Boozie Cereal Breakfast is one of a kind!! Now, I am not going to start consuming alcohol in my cereal on a regular basis, but the experience itself was so much fun! I definitely was feeling a bit nice afterwards lol.

I haven’t gone to a magic show in years and using my engineering mind, I was convinced I should have been able to uncover the secret behind at least one of the magician’s tricks. However, he got me every single time. It was really a surprisingly good experience and I would highly recommend it. I also got an amazing s’more dessert right after. Mhmmhmm!!

Transportation was also an adventure (in a good way).  It was my first time I encountered Lime Bikes and Scooters and man, they are the way to go!! They are really affordable and South Lake Tahoe is laid out perfectly for a scooter or bike ride.  The adventure part comes in when you have to find them lol. That is is why under “Things To Do” I said it was scavenger hunt trying to locate them because it truly was.  We eventually did find some but not without some effort.  You can see the play by play in these videos.

1) On The Hunt (VIDEO)
2) False Alarm (VIDEO)
3) The Final Outcome (VIDEO)
4) Success & Happiness (VIDEO)

Aleworx is ahead of its time with 25 craft beers on rotation and also includes wine, coffee, and kombucha. The smart band you get for each glass is technological genius and allows you to self-serve and taste at your own pace all while seeing how much you have consumed and spent.

If you look under the Romance, Local Food, or Where To Stay section of this guide you will see that I mentioned the Edgewood Tahoe.  Well, I am about to mention it again lol. This place is just amazing!! It was definitely my favorite view, meal, and experience while in South Lake Tahoe. I highly recommend it!

I also went during Halloween and boy that night was so bittersweet! Why? Because I lost $1000.  So here is what happened…We entered the costume contest and won the semi-finals where we won not only a tablet but automatic entry into the final round of the contest. We were told that the contest would happen at Center Bar but after waiting nearly two hours with no contest, we started to get antsy (and a bit hungry).  With no contest in sight, we ultimately decided to get a bite to eat (these are the $1000 fries).

I periodically checked back to make sure we didn’t miss the beginning of the Halloween costume finals but I didn’t check back as quickly as I should have. By the time we came back they were handing out the award. Our costume was pretty dope and I am 99.9% sure we would have won.

You never would guess what the grand prize was. $1000. Arghhh!!!! Yes, because we got a bit too hungry we missed out on a $1000 grand prize. Let’s just say it took us awhile to get to sleep that night as our hearts were full of nothing but regret lol. (not funny though)

In any case, I still thoroughly enjoyed my time in Lake Tahoe and will definitely be coming back to hit the slopes in the near future!