A Top Ten Tahoe Weekend

Straddling the state line between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe lies 6,225 feet above sea level in the Sierra Nevada. The border gives this popular resort region a split personality. About half of its visitors are intent on low-key sightseeing, hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. The rest head for the glittering casinos and big-name entertainment of the Nevada side. Indeed, the welcome mat is out to both nature lovers and lucky shooters. Here's how we'd recommend spending a fun-filled Tahoe weekend whether you're a nature lover or a lucky shooter.

1. Take a cruise. Catch a sunset aboard the Tahoe Queen out of South Lake Tahoe or the MS Dixie II out of Zephyr Cove.


2. Get a birds-eye view. A ride on the Heavenly Gondola 2.5 miles up Heavenly Mountain should render everyone in your party speechless.



3. Chow down in some of Tahoe's best dining rooms. We love Plumpjack Café (photo, right), Evan's, and Wild Goose for a special evening out.


4. Brush up on your home decorating skills. Tour the Thunderbird Lodge, a massive mansion built in 1936 by George Whittel, a San Francisco socialite.


5. Pitch a tent. The D.L. Bliss State Park Campground has great beach campsites; book early.


6. Whisk down the slopes. The legendary powder of Squaw Valley USA and Heavenly Mountain Resort draws both serious snowbunnies and timid first-time skiers.


7. Hit the jackpot. If you're casino crazy, head to the high-rise casinos at Stateline.


8. Tee off at one of Tahoe's many golf courses. The water hazards at Old Greenwood are trout streams that you can actually fish in (and not just for your ball).


9. Lace up your hiking boots. The mostly short trails at Emerald Bay State Park reward hikers with brilliant panoramas of the bay and lake.


10. Rest up for the rest of your weekend. We suggest slumbering at the Black Bear Inn Bed & Breakfast (photo, right), Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn, or the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.

Look's who's headed there soon---Fodorites love talking about Tahoe in our forums: