Top Six Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the "busy" side of the lake. Here is where you'll find the majority of the casinos, stores, restaurants, crowds and traffic. It also has a host of sights and activities for you to do. Here are the picks for the top six activities.

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Best Western Station House Inn
Great hotel, just a block from the lake. This is our favorite place to stay here. Large rooms or suites, nice pool, quiet street, and the best complimentary breakfast you'll ever see. Around $100 - $200 a night, depending on the season.
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Heavenly Ski Resort
If you're here between Thanksgiving and Easter, the big activity is skiing and snowboarding. The gondola up the side of the mountain is just a block away from the hotel and will take you up to one of the largest ski areas in the country. Runs up to 7 miles long winding through two states with gorgeous views of the lake. Not cheap at... More >
If you're here between Thanksgiving and Easter, the big activity is skiing and snowboarding. The gondola up the side of the mountain is just a block away from the hotel and will take you up to one of the largest ski areas in the country. Runs up to 7 miles long winding through two states with gorgeous views of the lake. Not cheap at around $80, but you can sometimes find deals or ski at some of the smaller, cheaper resorts nearby.
A bit over a mile from the trailhead, near Emerald Bay, and several hundred feet of elevation gain, you'll be huffing and puffing when you finally get to this beautiful, crystal clear, Alpine lake.
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Eagle Lake
Described in guide books as an "easy" hike, it's a bit more challenging than that. A bit over a mile from the trailhead, near Emerald Bay, and several hundred feet of elevation gain, you'll be huffing and puffing when you finally get to this beautiful, crystal clear, Alpine lake. Just the spot to eat that picnic you packed in and to ... More >
Described in guide books as an "easy" hike, it's a bit more challenging than that. A bit over a mile from the trailhead, near Emerald Bay, and several hundred feet of elevation gain, you'll be huffing and puffing when you finally get to this beautiful, crystal clear, Alpine lake. Just the spot to eat that picnic you packed in and to take a cold, refreshing dip before heading back down. Free but there is a charge for parking.
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Vikingsholm – A Scandinavian Castle
An easier hike is the mile long walk down the driveway of this castle built on the edge of Emerald Bay back in the 1920's. There's a very nice beach here with picnic tables, a dock for boats, and tours of the old home. Easy to walk down to but you'll need to keep in mind that you'll have to walk back up when you're done. Free but there... More >
An easier hike is the mile long walk down the driveway of this castle built on the edge of Emerald Bay back in the 1920's. There's a very nice beach here with picnic tables, a dock for boats, and tours of the old home. Easy to walk down to but you'll need to keep in mind that you'll have to walk back up when you're done. Free but there is a charge for the parking lot.
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Kirkwood Mountain Resort
The dilemma...you would like to try mountain biking but pedalling up the mountain just sounds too hard. The solution...many ski areas will take you up on the lift and let you bike down, all downhill! All the adventure, none of the effort! Here at Kirkwood, you can also ride a zip-line, tackle the ropes course, play Frisbee golf, go for... More >
The dilemma...you would like to try mountain biking but pedalling up the mountain just sounds too hard. The solution...many ski areas will take you up on the lift and let you bike down, all downhill! All the adventure, none of the effort! Here at Kirkwood, you can also ride a zip-line, tackle the ropes course, play Frisbee golf, go for a hike, or just chill in the bar. Around $30 a day.
Runs up to 7 miles long winding through two states with gorgeous views of the lake.
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Tahoe Sport Fishing Company
This is way cool. Go out on the afternoon boat, with professional guides, catch some fish, and hook up with the two local restaurants affiliated with the boat...they'll cook your fish and serve it to you for dinner. There are also morning and all day trips available. Starting at $85.
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Zephyr Cove
Some of the best beaches in California are not on the ocean, they're up here at the crytal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. The best are on the east side of the lake, just a couple of miles beyond South Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove. We like to go to Round Hill Pines Beach where we can sip cocktails on the sand, swim in a heated pool, rent a ... More >
Some of the best beaches in California are not on the ocean, they're up here at the crytal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. The best are on the east side of the lake, just a couple of miles beyond South Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove. We like to go to Round Hill Pines Beach where we can sip cocktails on the sand, swim in a heated pool, rent a jet ski, and relax on the sand while watching the sun go down. $7 for parking.
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Cafe Fiore
End up your active day here with a dinner at the best restaurant on the lake, tiny little Cafe Fiore on Ski Run Blvd. Great German influenced Italian cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. Reservations required...there are only seven tables here and they go fast. Aroun $50 per person. More
End up your active day here with a dinner at the best restaurant on the lake, tiny little Cafe Fiore on Ski Run Blvd. Great German influenced Italian cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. Reservations required...there are only seven tables here and they go fast. Aroun $50 per person.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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