Unlock spectacular travel destinations with your Palmera Vacation Club membership.
2.7 million people on average visit Lake Tahoe in a year, proving that the area is not only a world-renowned alpine skiing destination, but a year-round oasis for trips centered around outdoor recreation in general. The earliest vacationers arrived in the late 19th century. The wealthy San Franciscans would take a train into Truckee and go on to Tahoe City. From there, visitors were able to take a steamship across the lake to reach other destinations around the perimeter including various inns and casinos.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that the area became known for skiing, after the Lake Tahoe Ski Club hosted the 1931 and 1932 Winter Olympic Tryouts. One of the oldest ski resorts in California, the Sugar Bowl Resort opened in 1938 with the help of a few investors, one of which you might’ve heard of—Walt Disney. Today, Lake Tahoe thrives off of tourism, honoring the region’s history and heritage while hosting visitors from around the world.
Whether you’re on California or Nevada state ground, there is plenty to do on or around the 72-mile edge of Lake Tahoe. This destination appeals to many types of travelers simply because of the wide array of activities to choose from. From families, to couples, to weekend getaways with friends, Lake Tahoe is the perfect vacation destination.
On the Water
Let’s start with the lake itself. Over 2 million years old and some of the clearest blue water you’ll ever see, it’s hard not to visit Lake Tahoe in the warmer months and not kick off your sandals and test the water—fair warning, the water will be chilly!
If your group wants to get out on the water to relax or take in the beautiful surroundings, booking a boat tour will probably be your best bet. With marinas around the perimeter of the lake, there are charters for every budget and group size. Try cruising on a sail boat or exploring the lake on a day-long excursion. Your group might even want to charter a luxurious private boat, or hop on a paddle wheeler to Emerald Bay.
For those more adventurous, Lake Tahoe is a hub for all sorts of watersports. Parasailing is a great way to get a different perspective of the lake and to get your heart racing! Paddle boarding and kayaking are two popular activities that get you out on the water at your own pace. A great place for fishing, you can not only find a spot at the waters’ edge, but on a fishing charter as well.
On Land
Set between the gorgeous Sierra Nevada and Carson Mountain Ranges, there are miles of region’s natural beauty to explore. A common area for campers, those who prefer hotel rooms over tents can still be one with nature. Lake Tahoe is known for its numerous hiking trails that cater to all experience levels—there’s even a number of trails where leashed dogs join in on the fun! Some trails lead you to gorgeous waterfalls that are anywhere from 1.5 miles to 5 miles-long, but we do recommend bringing along actual hiking shoes and leaving Fido at home for these trails.
Just as there are plenty of hiking trails, the area boasts plenty of trails for mountain biking. Be on the lookout for seasonal shuttles that can bring you to some of the best biking trails in the area. Also a Bike Friendly Community, the area is filled with family-friendly bike paths. No need to bring your own, there are a few bike shops that offer rentals for the duration of your stay.
Golfers will have no trouble finding plenty of courses to play a round or two from the spring until fall. With some of the prettiest views of the area, a variety of courses available for all skill levels and budgets are set in idyllic mountain meadows and along waterways like the Truckee River.
Along with beaches to soak up the California—or Nevada—sun in the summertime, there are also plenty of spas available to relax and unwind. Enjoy a casual day of shopping and site-seeing in one of the many villages around the lake, or even take a road trip around the perimeter to take in the scenery or stop to tour a historical estate like the Thunderbird Lodge or Vikingsholm. If spending the day at a casino is more your speed, you’re in luck! And once the sun goes down, there’s always live entertainment to enjoy.
In the Snow
With more than 500 inches of annual snowfall, and 300 days of sunshine out of the year, there’s no denying Lake Tahoe as a prime winter destination. Not only does the snow enhance the beautiful blue water of Lake Tahoe, it brings with it a chance for winter sports for all ages and skill levels. Known for world-class ski resorts, the area is also perfect for sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and even snowmobiling. Join in on a snowball fight or two before heading out to the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding, and after, join in on the après-ski festivities that keep the fun going.
Here are just some of the activities you can schedule through Quest Travel Club:
The most popular time to visit Lake Tahoe is during the summer. Expect temperatures to be in the high 70s with very low humidity, making it an ideal time for beach days and outdoor activities. Make sure to have a sweater on hand for evenings out to dinner or around the fire pit. There are a few annual events that bring visitors to the area during the summer, such as the Shakespeare Festival as well as various music and craft brew festivals.
If you’re not wanting to hit the slopes, March to May and September to November are great times to beat the crowds and find better deals on accommodations. Significantly cooler than the summer, don’t expect to bask on a beach—this time period is for outdoor adventures and exploring the area wearing your coziest sweater. Spring and fall also bring fun festivals to the area that celebrate Earth Day, local food and wine, and of course, Oktoberfest.
With average highs in the low 40s, the sunshine definitely helps make winter a great time to visit Lake Tahoe, especially if you have skiing or snowboarding on the brain. Arguably a busier time than summer, we recommend visiting during the week to avoid bigger crowds from locals in surrounding areas visiting on the weekends.
Two hours away from Sacramento, and just under four hours away from San Francisco, Lake Tahoe would be a great stop on a road trip through California. If you want to spend a week or longer, we suggest making arrangements to fly into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and booking a rental car from there.
You might also want to stay a night or two in one of the surrounding areas such as Truckee or Carson Valley in Nevada. Reno, Nevada, also known as the Biggest Little City in the World, is a travel destination in itself, offering plenty of things to do and see.
With your Palmera Vacation Club membership, you’ll be able to book your stay through the RCI Exchange, or through the Quest Travel Club, both of which offer great deals on accommodations that will most definitely suit your needs. Here are just some of the great hotels and resorts we were able to find chosen at random:
Rates/Points are subject to change.
