South Lake Tahoe (end of December 2013)
Nov 26th, 2013, 08:14 PM
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South Lake Tahoe (end of December 2013)
We are need of suggestions and recommendations for a few days on a budget at the end of December in South Lake Tahoe. We'll have our own car for transportation. The Heavenly Valley gondola seems nice, but very pricey. We are non-skiers. We mainly would like to spend the bulk of our time experiencing the snow on safe walking trails near the lake. After dark, we'll need pleasant, safe, indoor activities (two adults and a teenager). Thank you!
Dec 2nd, 2013, 09:29 AM
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The Heavenly Gondola is a fantastic way to see Lake Tahoe, and on a clear day, it's totally worth the price. As a bonus, you can enjoy the snow at the top of the Gondola - walk or snowshoe, snow tubing, or dining at the Tamarack Lodge. Or pack a lunch in your backpack and just hang out - the people watching is fun!
As for trails, check out Camp Richardson and the Historic Tallac Estate. You can rent snowshoes if needed, and enjoy the trails or just walk the beach from The Beacon restaurant to Baldwin Beach.
After dark, the Heavenly Village will be hosting "Heavenly Holidays" Dec 20-31, which is free and family-friendly. Also try bowling at Tahoe Bowl and ice skating at the ice arena.
Stop in at the Visitors Center (or call them at 530-541-5255) for more information when you're in town. Have a great vacation!
As for trails, check out Camp Richardson and the Historic Tallac Estate. You can rent snowshoes if needed, and enjoy the trails or just walk the beach from The Beacon restaurant to Baldwin Beach.
After dark, the Heavenly Village will be hosting "Heavenly Holidays" Dec 20-31, which is free and family-friendly. Also try bowling at Tahoe Bowl and ice skating at the ice arena.
Stop in at the Visitors Center (or call them at 530-541-5255) for more information when you're in town. Have a great vacation!
Dec 2nd, 2013, 08:28 PM
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Thank you, SF7307, Bedar, and Tahoe_Chickie! I know my son and husband would LOVE the Automobile Museum, especially for $24 for the three of us, but getting to Reno (64 miles each way) might not be feasible. I'll look into what Amtrak would charge to get us there and back from South Lake Tahoe, if that's even an option. I'm 100% sure the Heavenly Valley gondola would be lovely, but at $90 for the three of us, unfortunately, it won't fit into our budget. I will look into a walk from The Beacon restaurant to Baldwin Beach. I'll definitely contact the Visitor's Center, too. We're all about keeping it frugal and simple, enjoying non-athletic activities, such as walking, playing in snow, horseback riding, visiting museums, and perhaps antique shops. Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions! They're much appreciated. 
Dec 3rd, 2013, 08:47 AM
#6
>>but getting to Reno (64 miles each way) might not be feasible.>I'll look into what Amtrak would charge to get us there and back from South Lake Tahoe, if that's even an option. > such as walking, playing in snow, horseback riding, visiting museums, and perhaps antique shops.
Dec 5th, 2013, 08:45 AM
#10
They are already booked - just looking for things to see/do.
There can be heavy snow - but mostly it dumps on the west side of the ridges and the drive over hwy 50 and then up 395 to Reno can sometimes be virtually snow free when there is snow everywhere else.
Since you are driving TO Tahoe you will have to have chains on board. You are more likely to need them driving to Tahoe than over to Reno. But where are you coming from?
There can be heavy snow - but mostly it dumps on the west side of the ridges and the drive over hwy 50 and then up 395 to Reno can sometimes be virtually snow free when there is snow everywhere else.
Since you are driving TO Tahoe you will have to have chains on board. You are more likely to need them driving to Tahoe than over to Reno. But where are you coming from?
Dec 5th, 2013, 09:13 AM
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I go to South Lake Tahoe a lot and there are buses that go between Reno airport and Tahoe all day, they stop at various hotels. Then you'd have to take a cab to this museum, of course, and then back to the airport to catch it. This is their schedule and fares: http://www.southtahoeexpress.com/
But if you have a car, you could drive it, just check the weather. But that bus probably isn't in your budget if you won't even pay the gondola fare.
But if you have a car, you could drive it, just check the weather. But that bus probably isn't in your budget if you won't even pay the gondola fare.
Dec 5th, 2013, 02:00 PM
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Janisj, we're coming from an hour south of San Francisco.Even though we do already have a few nights reserved at a hotel, the final decision as to whether or not we're going will have to be made the morning we're due to leave home. If there is a blizzard warning that same day or for the next, we'll unfortunately have to cancel. Better safe than sorry.
Christina, thanks for the info on the bus. If conditions allow it, driving from Tahoe to Reno ourselves would be quite memorable, I'm sure. It seems like it could make for a very nice road trip for half a day.
Christina, thanks for the info on the bus. If conditions allow it, driving from Tahoe to Reno ourselves would be quite memorable, I'm sure. It seems like it could make for a very nice road trip for half a day.
