lake tahoe
 

we have a week timeshare at the marriott timber lodge at lake tahoe the middle of May. What will the weather be like and what should we not miss? Is a week too long since we are not skiers? We were thinking of leaving two days early and going to Yosemite or San francisco?

May is all over the board weather wise - I spend part of most May's at the north shore -- what you will probably need are shorts/swimsuits/LOTS of sunscreen for the day time and jackets/gloves/sweaters/warm socks for the evenings and early mornings.

Aftrenoon thunder showers are a possibility - but they aren't like the bad ones in the Mid west - just an afternoon blip.

By mid may few ski resorts will be in operation - so not skiing really isn't an issue. There is plenty to see/do to fill a week - but Yosemite would be a great option too. But realize you won't be able to drive straight there since the high country pass into Yosemite will not yet be open. You would have to drive west to the Sacramento Valley or gold rush foothills and then down to Yosemite.

A few things to do around Tahoe: Miss Dixie paddlewheel trip across the lake, visit Virginia City, hike down to Emerald Bay, Picnic at Sand harbor, Gondola from Stateline up to Heavenly Valley for the most amazing views, hot springs in Alpine county, tour of the Thunderbird Lodge up near Incline Village (small groups and you need to pre-book from the IV tourist office), visit Truckee, tram to high camp at Squaw Valley - a swimming pool and restaurant at the top of the mountain, Drive up hwy 89 north of Tahoe into some very rural mountan areas, small villages/scenery/Plumas Eureka state park which is an old gold mine, visit Tahoe City

Plus all the resorts/restaurants along the west shore, dining and gambling of course.

meant to add about the weather - it isn't impossible to have snow. There are sometimes late spring snow storms - but they are seldom anything more than flurries or an inch or two which melt quickly. You are unlikely to need chains.

I have more than once had snow on the lawn one day and 70F the next day . . . . . .

Won't repeat Janis' recommendations but here's what I know:

We usually go to Tahoe on Mother's day weekend so I can have one day without sneezing! (spring allergies in the central valley will kill you) We go to Meeks bay during the day to sit on the beach and it's warm enough to be in shorts and suits.

Great time of year for hiking! Here are some easy hikes with big payoffs:

Cascade Lake and Falls: At Emerald Bay take the Bayview Campground turnoff and drive to the end. Park and take the trailhead. Keep left as the trailhead splits. Great views of both Lake Cascade and Tahoe!!

Angora Lake: Take 89 north to Fallen Leaf Lake Road about 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe. Turn left. Turn left at the first paved road and then right on Forest Service Road 12N14. Pass Angora lookout and park in the large parking lot. Easy hike to 2 lakes.

Nice restaurants:
Cafe Fiore menu link:
http://www.cafefiore.com/fioremen.htm,
Cantina and Evans American Gourmet. Drinks at Cafe Riva.

BTW We stayed at the Grand and both the Grand and Timber Lodge are nice places and very nicely located.

Lots of great hiking! The Eagle Creek trail is nice too. Right across the street from the Emerald Bay hike.

Rent bikes near Camp Richardson from Anderson's bike rentals.

Rent canoes at Camp Richardson also.

Drive around North Tahoe to take a look at the incredible houses.

Great park in Minden if you have kids.

Heidi's has great breakfast.