Travel Guide: Lake Tahoe
Me: Puffer Jacket | Sweater | J. Brand Jeans | Sperry Boots | Scarf
Nick: Gingham Shirt | Factory Vest | Sweater | Jeans | Clarks Desert Boots | Daniel Wellington Watch
If you read this post, then you know that I spent Thanksgiving in California, with Nick and his family! (This was actually the first place I mentioned it, but I didn't really go into anything California). I had never been to Tahoe, so that was one of the day trips we took! If you are looking for places to travel this year (and even if you're not), add Tahoe to your list!! It is seriously the place for everyone - whether you are looking to ski, hike, spa it up, or just soak in the environment, there is something for you. Every place we went and each turn we went around, I was in constant awe of the beauty!
We went in late November, so it was chilly - it actually began snowing on our way back and we had to stop and purchase tire chains!! If we would have left any earlier, we would have missed the required stop and been on the road without them! $100 later we were ready to roll. It was seriously the dreamiest drive ever - the snowfall looked and felt like a movie. It made me nervous for a little bit, just because people can drive crazy, but the tire chains worked well and we were at the beginning of the driving line. The wrecks that we saw were more on the opposite side of the road, since it wasn't snowing on the drive in - only when you are almost there and it is too late. The day in itself was an experience, and I am itching to go back and stay awhile. Here's what I learned while I was there - I'm already making my "to-do list" for next time. Here are the tips and suggestions I learned from personal experience and Tahoe frequenters:
To wear:
Layers- Since we were there in the winter, I expected it to be cold; however, there were spots that weren't so cold. Because it is such an active destination, you get "sweaty cold" if you know what I mean. You need to be able to throw something on or take something off, if need be. I wore jeans, duck boots, a sweater, a scarf, and a warm jacket; however, I brought a thin long sleeve t-shirt just in case I needed it. I didn't. In the summer it does get hot, but then again, you're by the beach, so that means there is more wind. It would be smart to bring a button down shirt or two, so you can cover your arms, if it gets a little nippy, especially at night.
Good Shoes- You're walking a lot, even if you aren't setting out to hike. You don't want to be uncomfortable the whole trip, because you have blisters. I'd recommend getting a pair of "fashionable" tennis shoes and some sandals, booties, or loafers you don't mind walking in. (I just did a post on loafers and a post on mules, if you need inspo!
Sunscreen- This shouldn't be anything new, but you might forget, especially if you are going in the winter. There is so much outdoorsy stuff, you are going to be in the sun. If you can't bring yourself to slap on some SPF, then at least wear a hat!
To do:
Ski- This may seem obvious, buuuut I'm not a skier. So yes, you can ski in Tahoe in the winter months ;) For more difficult runs, look to Kirkwood, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows. For more traditional slopes, head to Heavenly, Sierra at Tahoe, Northstar, and Sugar Bowl. For prettier peaks, go to Homewood and Diamond Peak.
Hike- There are so many different trails and such for you to adventure on, so just pick one to your skill level, and go! The most notable is Emerald Bay State Park. There's a reason Mark Twain dubbed Lake Tahoe "the fairest picture the whole earth affords."
Sun- Yes, I'm talking about laying by the beach! With the beautiful blue water, you might actually want to get in though, too! My personal favorite was Zephyr Cove.
Walk- I know intense outdooring (is that a word ? haha) isn't for everyone, but it doesn't have to be. You can walk around anywhere in the city and still have a great view!
To go: I tried to group them in categories - enjoy! You really can't go wrong with any of them.
Heavenly
DL Bliss State Park
High Camp
Tahoe Vista
Tallac Historic Site
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Emerald Bay State Park
Eagle Falls Hike
Blackwood Canyon Trail
El Dorado Beach
Sand Harbor Beach
Baldwin Beach
Zephyr Cove
Flume Trail Bikes
Tahoe Queen Paddle Wheelers
Kayak Tahoe
Vikingsholm Castle
Fannette Island
To eat:
South Lake Tahoe
Heidi's Pancake House
Bear Beach Cafe
Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza
Blue Angel Cafe
alisco Grill
Cafe Fiore
Moonhouse Brewhouse
The Lake House
Sprout's Cafe
Burger Lounge
Jimmy's at The Landing
Nephele's
Sidellis Lake Tahoe
Basecamp Pizza
The Loft
North Lake Tahoe
PlumpJack Cafe
Burger Me
Le Bistro Restaurant
Jake's on the Lake
Moody's
To stay:
The Ritz Carlton - For obvious reasons. You can't get better service or a better experience anywhere else.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort - This is actually on the Nevada side of things, if you want to go that route! It is a AAA 4 Diamond hotel, so it really is a good place to stay, as well!
Resort at Squaw Creek - They had me at Fireplace Suites!! They have great views and amenities. Hello ice skating rink!!
The Cedar House Sport Hotel - I adore the rusticness of this place! It is very woody and outdoors-men friendly; however, it also has resort style touches. It is truly a lifestyle hotel!
Air B and B - There are seriously some awesome homes to rent out in Tahoe! This is especially great if you are looking to go for a group trip. Hotels are great, but houses are better if you are wanting quality time together!
Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe? Any suggestions I forgot? I would love to make sure I experience them next time!
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