While many travelers go on vacation looking for a place to relax and unwind, some of us like to do it big and live it up, and when living it up in the great outdoors is on your vacation agenda, there’s no better place than Lake Tahoe, California! There are a myriad of Lake Tahoe
activities that will appeal to the adventure traveler in all of us though. The area is a nature lover’s paradise, and the majestic mountains and calm ocean waters offer up some stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities for adventurers with any skill set. In fact, there are so many excellent options to choose from that it may seem downright overwhelming to plan out your Lake Tahoe itinerary. No matter what you do, you’re going to enjoy any of the things to do in Lake Tahoe and all of the breathtaking scenery that comes with them on your trip!
Skiing in the Sierras
Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the United States, and it’s no wonder why. Pristine snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevadas make for excellent ski slopes and provide some breathtaking views of the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding vistas. Heavenly Resort in South Lake Tahoe in particular has some awe-inspiring views for its skiers, so bring a camera to snap a few pictures from the top. Squaw Valley is an ideal location for an adventure traveler to fly down the hills at top speeds, and it’s co-owned with Alpine Meadows, so one lift ticket gets you access to both – over 6,000 acres of skiable terrain to shred.
Mountain Biking at Any Level
Once the snow melts away and Lake Tahoe is transformed into a sea of lush greenery and beautiful flowers come summer, mountain biking becomes one of the top outdoor activities. The trails in both North and South Lake Tahoe are filled with exhilarating twists and turns that will delight an adventurous traveler. These trails will also provide ample opportunity to absorb the gorgeous sights of the Tahoe terrain, and to snap a photo or two to commemorate your trip. Beginner bikers have plenty of opportunities to climb a mountain for a beautiful view, and there are plenty of trails at every level for any biker to better their skills with challenging, but oh-so-rewarding courses. No matter how experienced you are, you’ll have a great time on two wheels out here.
Lake Tahoe Water Sports
Many visitors to Lake Tahoe are eager to get out on the crystal-clear blue waters on a jet ski or a kayak. What better way to explore the natural beauty of Tahoe than on a thrilling jet ski ride? Or if you’d prefer to see the area at a more leisurely pace, hop on a stand-up paddle board or kayak your way through the serene waters of Lake Tahoe. Guests can even try their hand at wake boarding, water skiing or surfing. Need a rest after a long day of adrenaline rushes? Relax on the beautiful shores of the beaches (many hotels even have their own private beaches so you can avoid the crowds) and soak up some sun – you won’t find a better view than this!
River Rafting
Another fantastic activity that takes place on the water is rafting. Daredevils jump at the chance to embark on a rugged white-water trip down the Tahoe rapids of the Truckee River. If the thought of an adrenaline pumping ride down the river with the wind in your face doesn’t sound too intimidating, a rafting tour is certainly worth checking out on your next trip to to Lake Tahoe.
Hiking the Hills of Tahoe
Not afraid of getting a little dirty on some of Tahoe’s more rugged trails? Hiking is an extremely popular outdoor activity that will be enjoyed by nature lovers. Take a comfortable hike through the Glacier Meadow Loop trail, and get an up-close look at how glacial formations shaped the area. More advanced hikers can attempt the trails around Shirley Lake for some stunning scenery and vigorous exercise.
While you can spend all your time outdoors doing all of these great things to do in Lake Tahoe
, there are still places to unwind and relax. Enjoy a nice meal at one of the fine restaurants, an afternoon of wine tasting with Tahoe’s finest delicacies, relax on the beaches or really leave it all behind with a few hours at the spa. Of course every adventurer is going to want to hit the slopes, hop on a bike and climb the mountain or strap on a helmet and take to the rapids, but you can enjoy those moments of serenity everyone looks for on a good vacation too! Lake Tahoe has it all!