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Help for Lake Tahoe
I’m thinking about visiting Lake Tahoe either mid-July or early August – on the way to Nashville from Kauai – or on the way back. I’m assuming I would fly into Reno?
My goal is easy to moderate hikes and photography. I’m confused about all the different areas to stay. I have no interest in gambling or fine dining, but accessibility to shows and concerts would be nice, so I’m not ruling out casinos – or an area near them -- but I would prefer a rustic cabin if it was close to good areas to hike. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! |
>>I’m assuming I would fly into Reno? <<
Reno works -- but also check into SMF. It is farther than Reno but fares might be better. There are flights to HI from SMF - not sure about Reno. Where to stay for your wish list -- I'd probably stay somewhere on the NW 'corner' of the lake. Anywhere from Incline Village around to Tahoma and specifically maybe south of Tahoe City. That is a very busy time of year at the Lake so you'll want to be nailing something down soon. South Lake Tahoe would have lots of accommodations but is in general much more built up. |
Thanks, Janis! I appreciate the recommendations.
I just checked and flight from LIH (Kauai) to SMF and RNO cost about the same -- and both require one stop and about a 2-hour layover. Now... time to look into lodgings. |
The drive from Reno is relatively short, and easy.
We like the area around Tahoe City. We don't care for casinos. The Sunnyside is a nice place for lodging/dining: https://www.sunnysidelodge.com |
MoBro: I appreciate the suggestion but this (from their website) does not appeal:
Please be advised: During the summer, Sunnyside is NOT a quiet get-away, it is the social center of the West Shore. The lakefront rooms are above the restaurant & bar and overlook the outdoor deck. Guests staying in the waterfront lodge rooms should anticipate experiencing noise from our restaurant which is open from 11am to 10pm daily. The partial and garden view rooms can be impacted by activity in the parking lot adjacent to that wing of the hotel as well as the daily operations of the Sunnyside Marina that includes a fork lift and the High Sierra Water Ski School and Boat Rentals. Also, I'd prefer to spend a bit less. Under $200/nt would be nice. Fancy accommodations are less important to me than a convenient location. |
The only place to find show and music consistently is South Lake Tahoe. That’s the area that’s most built up (and crowded). BUT you can stay off the main drag. Is being on the lake an important factor? If so, ignore this, but if not, look at the towns on the way to South Lake Tahoe on Route 50. There is is hiking everywhere you turn around Lake Tahoe. As an aside, knowing how much you like Kountry Cafe (name?) in Kapaa, I think you’ll really enjoy Firesign Cafe which is on the west shore of Lake Tahoe in the town of Homewood. In fact, if you could find a house or cabin to rent in Homewood, I think it would meet your desires. Other areas to look at - Old Brockway, up 395 above Incline Village, King’s Beach (Funky beach town, but it does get a lot of weekend traffic). Donner Lake (as opposed to Tahoe Donner, which is on the mountain side) is really nice but does have motor boats etc. Lastly, don’t miss visiting Sand Harbor on the east side near Incline Village. Go around 3 pm when the people who fought the morning crowds to get in start to leave. Also, do not miss taking a day drive around the entire circumference of the lake. It’s 72 miles around and spectacular. For hiking, look at the website for the Tahoe Rim Trail .org. Another great and gorgeous hike is at D. L. Bliss State Park (Rubicon Trail). Very hard to park but worth the effort. |
Re Sunnyside -- I'd never ever stay there in summer. I would go for an early lunch though.
Yes, Sand Harbor is a must. It is hands down the prettiest part of the lake. If arriving from the north/Incline Village direction, skip the first entrance which is for the boat launch etc. The 2nd entrance leads to the main parking lot, the amazing boardwalk through the dunes/rocks, and the beach. The wildly popular Shakespeare Festival (not solely Shakespeare) will be running then so there is an amphitheater set up but go in the early to mid afternoon well before the evening performances and it shouldn't impact your visit. Also -- visiting on a weekday will be less crowded. |
https://laketahoeshakespeare.com/tickets/2019-07/. We have gone and enjoyed not only the view but the play. |
Songdoc, you're smart to read the fine print!
We have stayed at a relative's home not far from Sunnyside, and have eaten on Sunnyside's lovely lakeside deck a few times. It does get busy, as it's a spot the locals enjoy, as well. |
Thank you all SOOOO much. This is great info. And especially thank you for the restaurant suggestion and the Shakespeare Festival! Will S. has a special place in my heart because we share a birthday. (Unfortunately, the bard also died on his birthday.
I've learned that my only flight options (regardless of whether I fly into Sacramento or Reno) are red eyes (which I HATE) or flights that arrive around midnight. So...we'll stay at a Reno airport hotel that first night. I'll keep you posted as look at hotels and dates. Mahalo nui loa! PS. The Kauai restaurant is Kountry Kitchen. |
If you have an interest in a Shakespeare (or other live performance) check out Ashland Oregon (just off I-5). I'm hoping that we don't have a bad fire season this year. Last year forest fire smoke cancelled several performances and got so bad that performers were coughing so much that a show that my DW was at could not go on. She and her brother and SIL got full refunds even though the show had started.
This year there will be several performances of Hairspray in Ashland. |
Thanks, Tom.
Wow, that's awful about the fires! |
Regarding hiking in the Lake Tahoe area, you might find this interesting. https://tahoerimtrail.org/maps-trail-info/
Parts of the Rim Trail make for nice day hikes. I liked the Echo Lakes area and in the area north of Incline, I have hiked and enjoyed the Tahoe Meadows trail just off of 431. I am partial to staying the area from Tahoe City south to Homewood/Tahoma. There are many vacation rentals in this area. Check airbnb under "Tahoe City". |
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