How to Spend a Summer Weekend in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is gorgeous at any time of year. In the winter, snow turns the pine trees into lacy white sculptures and makes for world-class skiing; in the summertime, the deep blue of the lake sparkles in the sun and beckons to water sport lovers of every stripe. But activities on the lake itself are only part of the Lake Tahoe summer story. There are cultural and recreational activities beyond the lake, making this an excellent weekend destination.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hiking shoes
• Bug repellent
• Swimsuit
• Sneakers
• Golf clubs

1. Get to Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is an easy drive from northern California. It's about an hour and a half from Sacramento and three hours from San Francisco. You can fly into the airports of either city, or fly to the Reno airport. You can rent a car at the airport. Four-wheel drives are recommended for the mountainous terrain in winter, but are not necessary in summer.

2. Choose your shore. North and South Lake Tahoe have very distinct atmospheres, and your decision about where to stay should take into consideration what activities you plan to enjoy. South Lake Tahoe is known for its casinos. North Lake Tahoe is ritzier, with more beautiful homes and more exclusive resorts. Both areas provide easy access to water sports, hiking and golf.

3. Get out on the lake. There are countless access points around the lake, but several stand out. Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach near Emerald Bay offer beautiful sand and gravel beaches, and Kings Beach and Burnt Cedar Beach on the north shore are also gems.

4. Hit the woods. Lake Tahoe features some of the most pristine wooded areas in the entire United States, and in the summer these forest have a special allure. A walk in the woods or a hike up one of the bigger mountains is almost a required summer activity in Lake Tahoe. Choose one of the state parks, like Sugar Pine Point State Park, or simply stroll in back of your hotel. Many hotels will be able to point you in the right direction without your even having to get in your car.

5. Play Golf. Lake Tahoe features some wonderful, world-class golf courses. Whether it's the Robert Trent Jones course at the Resort at Squaw Creek or the nine-hole Glenbrook Golf Course on the east shore, you'll find that there are courses for every level.

6. Take in some Shakespeare. Visit the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, held at the beautiful Sand Harbor State Park. This natural sand amphitheater with Lake Tahoe as a backdrop is one of the most memorable stages in the world. Performances are held nightly, usually from early July to the end of August.

Resources

• Shakespeare Festival Website