Top 10 Things to Do at Lake Tahoe this Summer

With its mesmerizing blue waters, tall mountains and endless activities, Lake Tahoe is immenselypopular summer vacation destination © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

With its mesmerizing blue waters, tall mountains and endless activities, Lake Tahoe is an immensely popular summer vacation destination. With so much to do, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly how to spend your time at Tahoe, but the experts at Zephyr Cove Resort, Lake Tahoe Cruises and Heavenly Mountain Resort have teamed up to develop this list of the top ten things to do at South Lake Tahoe.

1. Take a Cruise: “You can’t go to Lake Tahoe without getting out on the lake,” says Tony Lyle, director of sales and marketing for Lake Tahoe Cruises. The lake is home to two authentic Mississippi paddlewheel boats, the M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen. Both boats offer charm, entertainment and the best views of the lake with cruises to Emerald Bay, dinner cruises, and a brunch cruise on the M.S. Dixie II every Sunday morning.
2. Go to the top of Heavenly: The best summer views of Lake Tahoe are a 12-minute, 2.4-mile ride on the Heavenly Gondola. Stepping out onto the Mid-station Observation Deck at 9,123 feet of elevation, guests will be amazed by the fabulous views of the Carson Valley, Desolation Wilderness and a rare shore-to-shore view of Lake Tahoe. From the Deck, continue the ride up the Gondola to Adventure Peak, where you can dine at Tamarack Lodge, enjoy tubing, a rock climbing wall and more than eight miles of hiking trails.
3. Spend a day at the beach: What is a lake vacation without a day on the beach? Zephyr Cove Beach is a regular of “Best Lakes of Lake Tahoe” lists and for good reason. The long, sandy cove is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and other beach activities. Steps from the shore, you can grab a drink and bite to eat at the Sunset Bar & Grille with its fabulous views of the lake and laid-back summer ambiance.
4. Tour Vikingsholm: This world-famous replica of a Scandinavian castle is open daily for tours throughout summer. In July and August, you can park at Eagle Point State Park and enjoy a 1.7-mile hike along Emerald Bay to Vikingsholm for added enjoyment.
5. Rent a powerboat: Want to accelerate the fun at Lake Tahoe? Tubing, skiing and boarding behind a powerboat is a high-octane way to see Tahoe. Explore coves, inlets and far off portions of the lake quickly and efficiently with a powerboat rental from Zephyr Cove Marina.
6. Horseback ride through the Sierras: Enjoy the area’s serenity and beauty as you amble over forested scenic trails with amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One, 1.5 and two hour guided trips are available, as are breakfast, lunch and dinner rides. Call 775-588-5664 to reserve.
7. Explore Heavenly Village: Right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Village offers shopping, dining, mini-golf, a movie theatre and access to the Gondola for a splendid afternoon or evening on the town.
8. Kayak/paddle board on the lake: While the paddlewheel boats are a great way to see much of the lake from a high vantage point, kayaking or paddle boarding is a relaxing and intimate way to see the lake up close, observing its wildlife and gentle currents from just above the surface. Rentals are available at the Zephyr Cove Marina.
9. Go parasailing: Get airborne for a truly unique way to see Tahoe. Parasailing will lift you 1,000 feet into the air as the lake shrinks under your feet to open up stunning views and high-flying fun. Call 775-589-4901 for information and reservations.
10. Play a game of beach volleyball: Standing upon sun-warmed sand with the lake in the background makes for an inspiring atmosphere for a game of volleyball. Zephyr Cove Resort is host to professional volleyball tournaments due to its regulation courts and breathtaking location. Court use is free and volleyballs are available from the Sunset Bar & Grille.

For lodging and cruise packages available throughout summer, visit www.zephyrcove.com/lake-tahoe-specials-packages.aspx

Visitors can find information about Zephyr Cove’s lodging and activities at www.zephycove.com or by calling 800-23-TAHOE. For Heavenly Resort, visit http://www.skiheavenly.com/ or call 800-HEAVENLY. General information about all of South Lake Tahoe can be found at http://tahoesouth.com/

See also:

NIGHT & DAY IN HEAVENLY:
Your Inner Angel & Devil Both Get Time to Play At Resort that Straddles Nevada & California

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Lake Tahoe paddlewheel boat restores ski shuttle, offers new family activity to Heavenly, Northstar ski resorts

The view of Lake Tahoe from Heavenly's gondola; now you can shuttle across on the Lake Tahoe paddlewheeler to Northstar on the north side © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Families looking for an interesting winter vacation activity need to look no further than Lake Tahoe, California. The world’s only waterborne ski shuttle is returning to Lake Tahoe this winter, bringing families the ultimate Lake Tahoe winter experience filled with beautiful views, a chance to visit or ski both sides of Lake Tahoe, and activities galore.

The famous Lake Tahoe paddlewheeler, the Tahoe Queen, will be transformed into a cross-lake shuttle every Tuesday and Thursday from January 4 – April 5. Departing from Ski Run Marina on the South Shore of the lake, it will take guest to the Hyatt Regency and on to Northstar on the North Shore. Along the way, passengers will enjoy a breakfast buffet while taking in the views of this beautiful alpine lake.

After docking, guests can choose from a wide variety of activities from a half-day lift pass at Northstar, a spa day, shopping, dining, or just exploring North Lake Tahoe. In the evening, the boat returns to Ski Run Marina with live entertainment and food and drinks for purchase, and a lower deck to escape the festive scene if families are looking for a quieter return voyage.

“The ski shuttle is a tradition at Lake Tahoe that we’re proud to be able to bring back this winter season,” said Tony Lyle, director of sales and marketing for Lake Tahoe Cruises, “The shuttle is a wonderful way for families to relax a little and enjoy the beauty of the lake and its many vacation enhancing amenities. It’s a unique way for our guests to round out a memorable winter experience.”

Pricing starts at $59 for adults and $30 for children with ski, dining, shopping and spa add ons available for purchase.

Ground transportation will also be available to take guests from select South Lake locations to and from the Tahoe Queen.

The Tahoe Queen will also offer scenic North Lake cruises on Tuesday and Thursday and one-way transportation, facilitating vacations spanning both sides of the lake.

The Tahoe Queen Ski Shuttle was originally introduced in 1985. Over the past 27 years, the shuttle has had a number of different itineraries. In 2009, the shuttle was discontinued due to the economy. This winter, the shuttle will be returning to its original format and stopping points, speaking to the long-standing partnership between Lake Tahoe Cruises and Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Now operating out of Ski Run Marina in the heart of the South Shore, Lake Tahoe Cruises offers cruises on the authentic paddlewheeler the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II. Departures include a sightseeing cruise to scenic Emerald Bay and dinner cruises at evening. The Tahoe Queen also features a specialty cruise series with events such as Ski Après, which offers evening hors d’oeuvres and entertainment during the ski season. And both the Tahoe Queen and the M.S. Dixie II feature entertainment during the summer.

Advanced reservations are required and can be made at http://www.zephyrcove.com or by calling 800-23-TAHOE.

See also:

NIGHT & DAY IN HEAVENLY:
Your Inner Angel & Devil Both Get Time to Play At Resort that Straddles Nevada & California

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin