Why You Should Visit South Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California
California and Nevada both lay claim to South Lake Tahoe. The state line is in the middle of the city. On Nevada’s side, glitzy casinos rise along the lake front. On California’s side, little restaurants and many shops line the street. Each state boasts its own huge stern-wheeler (paddleboat) and many docks where you will find small boats to rent. The paddleboats cruise around the deep blue lake while the people on board enjoy food, drinks, music, and the most beautiful scenery you may see in a lifetime.
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by forests of tall pines and mountains that have snow on the peaks even in summer time. Tourism is the main commerce in South Lake Tahoe. There are well-manicured golf courses for serious golfers, miniature golf for families, horseback riding, bicycling, boating, picnic areas, jet skiing in the summer, and snow skiing in the winter. You can kayak in the azure lake or swim on several resort beaches. But be forewarned, the water is cold. It never gets above forty degrees! In South Lake Tahoe, you can find any outdoor activity you desire.
Condominiums and timeshares line the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe. Some are modern; some are rustic. There are several lodges near the ski slopes. I’ve always stayed in a lodge eight thousand feet above the lake, near the north side of Heavenly Valley ski area. The curvy mountainous drive is well worth the view from the balcony of my timeshare. In the winter, there is a fire in the fireplace in the lobby of the lodge. In the summer, cookouts are held on the big wood deck outside the lodge. Each view from the lodge is spectacular. If you leave the balcony door open, you can hear the wind whistling through the tall pines in the summer and howling in the winter.
Emerald Bay State Park is on the California side of Lake Tahoe. You can hike in it or just enjoy the view of waterfalls and snow on the mountains. If you hike down to the lake, you can visit Vikingholm Castle in Emerald Bay. It was built in 1929 and has been preserved as it was then. The furniture and decorations are all from that era and are in remarkably good condition. Vikingholm Castle is part of the state park and there are guides to take you on a tour. The hike leading to the castle is rather strenuous, but well worth the effort.
Lake Tahoe has only one outlet: through the wooden dam at the head of the Truckee River at Tahoe City to the northwest side of the lake. You can find excellent skiing at Squaw Valley, fishing, and hiking in this area. There is also rafting and tubing on the Truckee River in the summer time.
On the northeast side of Lake Tahoe stands the Ponderosa Ranch. There is a street of false-fronted buildings which served as the backdrop for simulated gunfights in the TV series “Bonanza”. Guided tours are available for visitors.
You owe it to yourself to visit South Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California. The pristine beauty of the lake, the majestic mountains surrounding it and the many activities available will make for an enjoyable visit.
