Lake Tahoe

A majestic place like Lake Tahoe is bound to have some gorgeous areas. Vacationers might want to investigate these five locations:

Incline Village

Incline Village has great lake access, top-flight golf clubs, shopping and fine dining. Diamond Peak, with its sweeping views of the valley, is the local ski hill and has a view that is a must-see no matter what time of year. The area is one of the wealthiest in Tahoe, with a number of condos and apartments mixed among million-dollar mansions. The village still has a strong community feeling.

Meeks Bay

The Meeks Bay shoreline is popular for its beautiful scenery, sprawling clean beaches and easy access. The area offers a high concentration of recreation opportunities including camping, swimming, biking, boating and hiking into the nearby Desolation Wilderness. Meeks Bay Beach is located on National Forest land. When it comes to South Lake Tahoe luxury vacation rentals, there is none more stunning than Villa Rockhaven. This waterfront home, amidst a treed landscape, offers panoramic vistas across Lake Tahoe. The villa is a true luxury mountain retreat with all the amenities including a private dock, elevator, cinema room, gym and Jacuzzi, and has room for up to 16 guests.

South Lake Tahoe

With a population of more than 34,000, South Lake Tahoe is the largest place on the lake. Major casinos such as MontBleu, Harvey's and Harrah's sit on the border, making it a bustling town in every season. There are plenty of good places to shop, eat and play. South Lake is spread over 16 miles, with Heavenly Resort as the outstanding backdrop. Villa Harrah is one of the most amazing South Lake Tahoe villas imaginable. Sitting right on the waterfront, the villa has its own private beach, and a stunning view of the mountains. Luxury travelers will live in comfort with every amenity such as a sauna, spa lounge, wine cellar, boat dock, outdoor dining area and pool.

Tahoe City

This quaint, bustling little town is awash in lovely bike paths and recently updated store fronts. It’s close to many area tourist attractions and is the easiest place from which to access the lake. It’s understandable why Tahoe City’s laid-back vibe attracts those who open yoga studios, coffee shops and boutiques which are mainly on the main drag. Lit up at night, the town looks like a picture out of a storybook, with the ambiance of a European village.

Truckee

Truckee is a cute country-style mountain town that exudes historical preservation combined with the new. The downtown area is the main hangout spot, lined with brick buildings, a train station and the Truckee River running through it. Visitors who have the yearning to shop and to enjoy a delicious dinner afterwards, should head to the downtown core. During summer events the street is closed down and local vendors set up shop selling art, jewelry, clothing and homemade goods.

After spending all that time outdoors, hungry travelers may want to enjoy an evening out away from their Lake Tahoe villa rental. These five fine dining establishments are sure to please any discerning palate:

Chart House

Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. Perched atop a hill near Kingsbury Grade and overlooking exquisite Lake Tahoe, guests can witness Lake Tahoe’s most gorgeous sunsets, all while experiencing creative seafood dining and outstanding service. Nestled amongst the trees of the hilltop, the restaurant’s modern dining room feels like an extension of the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe area.

Edgewood

This marvelous restaurant is located in the clubhouse of the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. Views of the lake and golf course are outstanding from any table. First-class food and service make for an enjoyable dining experience. As with most restaurants at the lake, seafood is always a specialty. However, this eatery also serves exotic dishes such as roast loin of elk and an excellent ostrich medallion appetizer.

Friday’s Station Steak and Seafood Grill

Located on the top of Harrah’s hotel tower, this restaurant features a dramatic entrance and a 1,000-bottle display wine cellar. The eatery specializes in a wide variety of certified Angus and choice beef, ocean-fresh seafood and delicious side dishes. All this is served up with a striking panorama of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. They also have a healthy selection of domestic and imported wines.

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

Multi-Michelin star chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay brought Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen restaurant to Lake Tahoe. This high-energy restaurant and bar shines the spotlight on many of Hell's Kitchen cast/chef recipes and dishes featured on the TV show, including many of Ramsay's signature dishes like the pan seared scallops, lobster risotto, beef Wellington, crispy skin salmon and sticky toffee pudding. Discover more about this cult venue and some similar ones sure to satiate the most sophisticated palette, here.

Sage Room

The Sage Room is an elegant steakhouse popular with both locals and visitors. The décor includes original Native American lamps gifted by the Washoe Tribe. The menu features unique appetizers and salads prepared tableside, along with Black Angus steaks, poultry, veal, lamb, beef Wellington and seafood. Dessert specialties include bananas foster and cherries jubilee, also prepared tableside.

When not flying down the slopes or sunning on the beach, visitors may want to soak up some culture. The three venues here are a mix of history, play and art:

Gatekeeper’s Museum

The Gatekeeper’s Museum is located in William B. Layton Park, a three-acre site managed by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society. The museum is in a cabin listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest log structure remaining in the North Lake Tahoe area. It was built in 1908 by Robert Montgomery Watson, Tahoe City's first constable, and his youngest son, Robert Howard Watson. The museum has a number of exhibits that tell the history of the area. Among the exhibits are those dedicated to Native American baskets, and bears.

Kidzone Museum

Parents who have their children with them on holiday might want to spend some time at the KidZone Museum where kids are inspired to learn through creative play and discovery. Children are encouraged to explore the exhibits curated to appeal to their natural curiosity and creativity. The museum is ideal for children under the age of 12.

Nevada Museum of Art

The museum was co-founded in 1931 by Dr. James Church, an early climate scientist, humanist, and art lover. The current four-level, 70,000-square-foot building is inspired by geological formations in northern Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, and serves as a visual metaphor for the institution’s scholarly focus on art and the environment. After browsing through the exhibits, visitors can shop from an expansive selection of design-focused products and artisan pieces to find the perfect piece to take home.

Being on vacation means being on downtime and enjoying nights out. The nightlife scene in Lake Tahoe goes from relaxing to exhilarating. These three venues have something for everyone:

Brooks’ Bar and Deck

Golf Digest has named this place as one of the “Best Golf Pubs” in the world. Its setting is both striking and serene. Located just off of Edgewood’s picturesque 18th hole, Brooks’ offers guests stunning views of all the magic the Sierras have to offer, from sunsets saturated in brilliant gem hues, to the glassy blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Indulge in a cocktail, a glass of wine or craft beer and comfort food along with striking mountain, lake, and golf course views in every direction.

HQ Center Bar

HQ is located at the center of the floor inside the MontBleu Casino and Spa. Offering a lively atmosphere, this circular bar has a large central “fire and ice” fire pit, craft cocktails, and a comfortable lounge area with views of the casino floor and lobby. There’s live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night.

Peek Nightclub

As the south shore’s largest nightclub, inside Harrah’s, Peek offers 6,700 square feet of space, several bars, and a spacious dance floor to give guests an unforgettable night of dancing, music and adventure! This club has become one of the nation’s best-known venues of its kind featuring big-name Las Vegas, New York, Miami and L.A. DJ’s. Club goers here dress to impress.

There is always something to do in Lake Tahoe. Travelers may wish to consider participating in one of these three events:

Lake of the Sky Music, Arts, and Eco Festival

Every August, the beautiful scenery of the region and its people are celebrated with an all-day and evening live music, arts and crafts festival, and all with zero impact on the environment. This amazing day in the mountains always has tons in store for everyone. LOTS Fest features two stages of music and performances spanning many genres like rock, bluegrass, jam, electronic, hip hop, reggae, and world beat. Performers play continually throughout the day and evening.

Lake Tahoe Marathon

Billed as three days of running and fun, the Lake Tahoe Marathon has something for everyone with competitors from the toddler age to octogenarians. Those who think they’re tough enough, can try to conquer the 72-mile Midnight Express Ultra Marathon or the 3-Day Tahoe Triple Marathon. In any case, there are several different runs to suit all levels and ages. Vacationers who want to get in some good running time amid breathtakingly beautiful scenery might just want to sign up.

Reno Tahoe International Film Festival

The Reno Tahoe International Film Festival (RTIFF) is the film festival of choice for many independent filmmakers and new media producers. RTIFF is organized by The Reno Tahoe Film Society which is devoted to the advancement of outstanding achievement in cinema, creating opportunities for filmmakers and screenwriters, offering audiences amazing entertainment. The RTIFF gives a total of 21 awards, all of which are Jury Awards with the exception of the Audience Choice Award.

These five experiences will provide a lifetime of memories of Lake Tahoe:

Hiking the Trails

There are a plethora of trails in the Tahoe area that would appeal to every level of hiker. These trails such as Rubicon, Cascade Falls, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Eagle Lake offer stunning beauty whether they’re easy strolls or epic day trips. Trails are easily accessible and offer some of the best views of the lake basin. Whether a hiker is an adrenalin-hungry adventurer or a casual rambler, there’s a route for every nature lover.

Lakefront Stargazing Tours

What could be more magical than a private lakefront stargazing tour in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States? Sit back and enjoy the celestial view while being taken on an interactive tour of the night sky at Skylandia Beach. Guides will trace the constellations and tell eons-old tales about them, chat about astronomy and current celestial events and provide the opportunity of looking at all that wonderment through the lens of a powerful telescope. Chairs and hot chocolate are provided for stargazing in comfort.

Paragliding

Get ready to fly tandem over the majesty of the Lake Tahoe area on a paragliding adventure. No prior paragliding experience is needed to be able to soar like an eagle above the lake and mountains. For those who want more, professional paragliding instruction from a certified advanced instructor is available. This is definitely one flight that will always be remembered.

Powered Hang Glider

Powered hang gliding is like riding a motorcycle in the sky. The aircraft offers dual control from either front or rear seats and is powered by a super quiet and reliable engine. Visitors can fly any time of year and are ensured of toasty warmth in the winter. Don a flight suit and helmet and be prepared for the thrill of a lifetime with a tandem flight. Guests will even have the chance of flying the craft after getting some flight basics.

Let the adrenaline pumping action continue with an excellent list of outdoor activities best shared with loved ones.

Wine Country Tour from South Lake Tahoe

Leave the Lake Tahoe villa for a day to sample some of the world’s most delectable vintages with a day trip to El Dorado wine region, just west of South Lake Tahoe in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. With a knowledgeable wine guide, guests visit six area wineries known for their welcoming and rustic atmospheres. Plus, stop by Boa Vista, one of the region’s many fruit orchards, for an al fresco lunch amid towering oak trees and the chance to purchase favorite wines.