South Lake Tahoe on a Budget

This is not the cheapest inn in the area but it does give you more value for your dollar than any other place I know. One block from the lake and one block from the Heavenly Valley gondola. It's two blocks to the casinos. Large rooms to large suites are all available here. An incredible, complimentary full breakfast...served sit-do... More >

This is not the cheapest inn in the area but it does give you more value for your dollar than any other place I know. One block from the lake and one block from the Heavenly Valley gondola. It's two blocks to the casinos. Large rooms to large suites are all available here. An incredible, complimentary full breakfast...served sit-down style by professional servers...is the best I've ever seen in any hotel. Rates start at around $80 and can go to around $200 on the very busiest weekends. Look for discounts online.

2

Kirkwood

While Heavenly Valley and Squaw Valley are the two big dogs in this mecca of snow sports, I find the challenging slopes of Kirkwood, a 30 mile drive south, to be the best skiing in California. 2,000 acres of mostly intermediate and advanced slopes with some great backcountry bowls served by lifts. Beginners don't worry, there are still hundreds of acres of excellent novice slopes. Lift tickets are $76 but online prepurchase, discounts, or multiday passes can get that price lowered very significantly.

3

Kirkwood Inn

Across the highway from Kirkwood Ski Area is this restaurant and bar that have been serving travelers here since 1864. Big, stick-to-your-ribs platters of meat, potatoes, and other hearty fare is the specialty here. Sit at the bar and imagine having a shot with Snowshoe Thompson sitting next to you over a century ago. Great food an... More >

Across the highway from Kirkwood Ski Area is this restaurant and bar that have been serving travelers here since 1864. Big, stick-to-your-ribs platters of meat, potatoes, and other hearty fare is the specialty here. Sit at the bar and imagine having a shot with Snowshoe Thompson sitting next to you over a century ago. Great food and good ambiance. Around $15 per person.

4

Round Hill Pines Beach and Marina

Just outside of the bustle of the Stateline area, on the Nevada side, is this gem of a private beach. Sandy shores fading into the legendary crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe. If the lake's too cold, a heated swimming pool is nearby. Kayak and watercraft rentals can stretch your recreation out into the lake. For relaxing, a bar, re... More >

Just outside of the bustle of the Stateline area, on the Nevada side, is this gem of a private beach. Sandy shores fading into the legendary crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe. If the lake's too cold, a heated swimming pool is nearby. Kayak and watercraft rentals can stretch your recreation out into the lake. For relaxing, a bar, restaurant, snack bar, and small store are right there with you. The only admission charge is for parking your car, which runs $7 - $10 depending on the date. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day only.

5

Vikingsholm Mansion and Visitors Center

This castle on the edge of the lake at the back of beautiful Emerald Bay is a great place to hike, play, swim, and picnic. There are also tours of this 1929 Scandinavian style mansion on the side of the lake. Come early, the small parking lot fills up fast. There's a parking charge and it's a mile hiking down a paved path to the cas... More >

This castle on the edge of the lake at the back of beautiful Emerald Bay is a great place to hike, play, swim, and picnic. There are also tours of this 1929 Scandinavian style mansion on the side of the lake. Come early, the small parking lot fills up fast. There's a parking charge and it's a mile hiking down a paved path to the castle. A swim beach and picnic tables are available. Bring everything you need because you won't be able to buy it once you arrive.

While Heavenly Valley and Squaw Valley are the two big dogs in this mecca of snow sports, I find the challenging slopes of Kirkwood, a 30 mile drive south, to be the best skiing in California.

South Lake Tahoe on a Budget

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Darryl Musick

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