Families can savor the outdoors in all its glory, including the clear water of the lake, the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, massive groves of pines and sunsets that take their lucky viewer’s breath away. South Lake Tahoe can entertain the most hard-to-please child, with hot-air balloon rides, helicopter tours and enormous arcades. For families who choose to take advantage of the natural world in its prime, the outdoor activities of Lake Tahoe’s south shore are what brings visitors back year after year. Whether travelers snag hot vacation deals at the enormous lake of the Golden State in the winter or summer, the list of enjoyable activities is endless.

Winter at Lake Tahoe
The ski resorts at South Lake Tahoe attract skiers and snowboarders of all levels with their well-manicured slopes, and those looking for a cross-country tour can cruise through the acres of backcountry trails.

For the out-of-the-box winter enthusiast, opportunities to snowshoe or snowmobile are available at the wide variety of resort rentals in South Lake Tahoe. For an even wilder experience, the winter enthusiast can engage in activities such as human sled bowling or dog sledding.

South Lake Tahoe summer fun
Outdoor activities in the summertime at the pristine West Coast lake can send a lover of the great outdoors into a joyful frenzy, not knowing where to begin. Of course, at the continent’s largest lake, water recreation is a given. Climb aboard a sailboat for a sunset cruise, ride a speed boat at Zephyr Cove, or partake in a family fishing competition in the waters of the lake with 75-feet visibility below.

Hiking through Desolation Wilderness can be a week-long adventure, exploring its subalpine and alpine forest, granite peaks and glacial valleys and lakes. Some of the greatest trails for hiking run parallel to legendary mountain biking courses that can accommodate any skill level.

The Saxon Creek Trail – also known as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – is not for the faint-hearted mountain biker. With abundant drops and rock gardens, the experienced biker is sure to enjoy the challenge of the accurately nicknamed wild ride. For those who aim to enjoy the view of the ride more than the sweat flying off their bodies, the Flume Trail Ride may be more suitable. A nearly flat trail, the course sits 1600 feet above the east shore of Lake Tahoe and a half-mile away from the shoreline in some places. In short, the view is spectacular.

South Lake Tahoe

Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa
Close to Heavenly Ski Resort, Zephyr Cove Beach, and Emerald Bay State Park, Montbleu, in Lake Tahoe, NV, has fast table action with craps, blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em poker, and jackpot Pai Gow poker.

If slots are for you, Wheel of Fortune, Deuces Wild Poker, and MegaBucks will float your boat!
North Lake Tahoe

Cal Neva Resort
In Crystal Bay, NV is worth a visit for the usual table games and slots, but more so because of its colorful history. Under the ownership of Frank Sinatra, old blue eyes himself, in the 1960s, Cal Neva was a stomping ground for the Rat Pack of Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Juliet Prowse, and Marilyn Monroe.

The Frank Sinatra Secret Tunnel Tour is a good way to absorb a lot of this folklore when visitors are away from the games and slots.

Hyatt Regency Spa & Casino
The Hyatt Regency Spa & Casino, Incline Village, NV, has a 20,000 sq.ft. Grand Lodge Casino with more than 250 slot machine and video poker, and 22 table games (blackjack, roulette, and craps).

Game Room at the Stardust Tahoe Resort.

There is an ongoing blackjack tournament every Wednesday at 6p with a modest $25 buy-in and visitors can play slots with ticket-in-ticket-out convenience eliminating winner payoff waiting times.

Tahoe Biltmore Hotel & Casino
Overlooking Lake Tahoe, in Crystal Bay, NV, you will find casino action a welcome respite from your time on the slopes.

With more than 250 slots and video poker machine and table games roulette, blackjack, and craps, Tahoe Biltmore sweetens the pot with a sports book for even more ways to wager.

If you do go to the casinos, remember to wager and play responsibly. If the casinos aren’t what you’re after in Lake Tahoe there’s always family fun in the snow that is always a safe bet!

Here are some of the most popular restaurants in the Lake Tahoe:

Christy Hill Restaurant

Tahoe City, California – Located 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Christy Hill provides diners with a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and spectacular sunsets with a menu of French influences of roasted wild king salmon, baked eggplant, tenderloin or port, and filet mignon and a selection of fine wines around the world. The San Francisco Chronicle voted Christy Hill “Most Romantic Restaurant. 530-583-8551. Christy Hill Website

Six Peaks Grille

Tahoe City, California – Surrounded by the majestic six peaks of Squaw Valley and the meadows below, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with fresh produce, seafood and steaks. 530-583-6300. Six Peaks Grille Reviews

Evans Gourmet Cafe

South Lake Tahoe, California – Nestled in a romantic vintage Tahoe cabin, entrees include grilled tenderloin of beef, roasted rack of lamb, oven roasted breast of chicken, roast venison loin on pecan and root vegetable hash, breast and confit leg of duck with dried cherry sauce. 530-542-1990. Evans Gourmet Cafe Website

The Soule Domain

North Lake Tahoe, California – The creative American dining experience and a marvelous contrast of old and new heightens your dining enjoyment at The Soule Domain in Crystal Bay. Menu consists of natural, free range and organic ingredients that are locally and seasonally produced. 530-546-7529. The Soule Domain Website

 See Also: Lake Tahoe Winter Itinerary

Winter in North Lake Tahoe means skiing and snowboarding at some of the premier resorts in the country. Home to twelve nationally acclaimed alpine ski resorts, skiers and boarders will want to look into Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift Ticket, which allows them to ski at seven of the twelve ski areas including North Lake Tahoe’s premier ski resorts Diamond Peak, Homewood, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort and Squaw Valley.

Read about the interchangeable lift ticket at Go Tahoe North. 

In the A.M.

Grab breakfast at the Blue Onion Restaurant. Take transportation from the resort to one of the area’s world-class ski resorts. North Lake Tahoe is home to twelve nationally acclaimed alpine ski resorts. Use your Ski Tahoe North Interchangeable Lift Ticket to access seven of the twelve ski areas whenever they like. North Lake Tahoe’s premier resorts include Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Homewood, Mt. Rose , Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, Squaw Valley and the Sugar Bowl.

Noon

Eat at the ski resort. Continue alpine skiing or try another Lake Tahoe winter activity, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating and more. For cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails, visit Go Tahoe North for more information. Wilderness Adventures offers daily, husky driven dogsled tours at the Resort at Squaw Creek and the Sugar Bowl resort. Several ice skating rinks are available in North Tahoe, including the Olympic Ice Pavilion atop Squaw Valley, the Truckee Ice Skating Rink in Truckee and the rink at the Village at Northstar.

In the P.M.

Head to Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side for dinner at one of the casinos. The Crystal Bay Club and Casino, the Biltmore Tahoe Lodge & Casino, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and the Cal-Neva Resort all have regular entertainment and great dining venues.

South Lake Tahoe Itinerary

The cool mountain air and emerald green conifers of the South Lake Tahoe area beckon outdoor explorers of all abilities for this season. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are some of the most popular winter sports to do in the Lake Tahoe-area, and the places to do these activities are nearly endless. Find great snow adventures at premier ski resorts including Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort in Lake Tahoe and Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood – both offer family fun, difficult terrain, and plenty of other winter activities, including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Check out Heavenly Mountain Resort, one of the premier ski resorts of Lake Tahoe, and the only ski resort in the country that straddles two states.

In the A.M.

Start with Sunday Brunch at the Riva Grill on the Lake featuring astounding South Lake Tahoe views. Then grab the skis, snowboard and winter gear and head to one of the premier slopes around town. To rent or purchase equipment, stop at Rainbow Mountain Ski and Board Rentals, the area’s premier ski and snowboard rental and service shop, or The Ski Renter at South Lake Tahoe for all your ski or snowboard needs.

Noon

Grab cocoa and sandwiches at the lodge, then head back out to the slopes. If you’re skiing Heavenly, be sure to bring your camera for the aerial tram ride up. The awe-inspiring mile-long flight affords beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and Stateline Village.

In the P.M.

After a long day on the slopes, you’ll want to grab dinner at The Cantina Bar and Grill on Emerald Bay Road, voted the best Mexican restaurant in the area for ten years. Then hit the casinos! Visitors at any of ResorTime.com’s resorts are only a short walk away from Harrah’s, Harvey’s and the Horizon Casino Resort, nightclubs, bars and lounges populate the town and live music can often be found at these venues.

Also Read: What To Do In Winter