Lake Tahoe Excursions
 

I'll be staying in N.Tahoe for 3 days (late June)with 3 kids 7,8, & 14 years old. Plan to river raft (truckee?), visit Ponderosa and Virginia City, visit Wild Island waterpark. Then 3 days in S.Tahoe. Horseback riding (any suggestions?). Any other recommendations for S or N. What about Monterey Aquarium?

Thanks in advance.

javier

Squaw Valley has a nice cable car ride up the mountain. There is a large ice skating rink at the top and everyone enjoys skating or watching the kids have fun. The pool is very nice, and the scenery up there is beautiful. However, it is cool and a little windy, so you may need to take along a sweatshirt.

Sand Harbor is a nice beach/state park. Also has picnic area and you may want to grill hot dogs, etc.

There is also the gondola ride in S. Tahoe up to Heavenly Valley, and short hikes around S Lake Tahoe. The MS Dixie cruises, and other boat rentals are at Zephyr Cove.

Traffic is slow around Lake Tahoe. Also, you may not want to go to Virginia City and Wild Island on consecutive days because of the drive up and down the hill. You cannot bring coolers into Wild Island. You may want to pack something in your car (snacks/lunch). Have your hand stamped and then return.

River rafting - have a waterproof bag with your lunch, and pull up along the shore and enjoy.

Rafting is very fun. Take an ice chest with drinks and lunch. There are some places to stop along the way. Check out the free activity guides to get the coupons for reduced cost.
Stop by Fanny bridge before or after you do the rafting. Great to see the big fish hanging around.

You can also ride bikes along the bike path around the lake. Safest section starts in Tahoe city and you won't be riding on the busy road.

South of Tahoe City you can visit the Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park. It was a summer place for the rich and famous. They offer tours. It's right on the lake.

Further south is Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm Castle.

We go to Tahoe every year. My kids are similar age to yours 10 & 14. They are not interested in spending time at the Ponderosa or Virginia City. But try Sand Harbor which is a great beach. Too bad the Shakespeare festival doesn't begin until July 15 because that's a treat for all ages.

Good suggestion for High Camp at the top of the Gondola in Squaw Valley. It's a great way to spend a warm day. If it's not warm enough at teh bottom of the gondola then swimming might not be too fun at the top.

You can take a boat tour from either Tahoe City on the Tahoe Gal or the south on M.S. Dixie or Tahoe Queen.

The Heavenly Gondola is very nice and scenic.

You can take ATV or Hummer tours from south shore.

At Zephyr Cove you can rent personal water craft.

Bikes! There is a long lovely bike path on the North shore and along the Truckee river. And some of the ski resorts have mountain biking in the summer; ride the chairlift up and the bike down! Very fun. I know Northstar has it. I'm pretty sure Squaw Valley does too.

Some people like Virginia City, and I am one that doesn't care for it - and would consider passing on that one.

Our kids have enjoyed the Ponderosa hayride (the shoot out-shhh)and eating breakfast of pancakes and sausages overlooking the lake; feeding the goats, etc. Afterwards, it's a nice walk down the 3/4 mile trail and wandering through the Ponderosa and looking at the house where Bonanza was filmed.

Virginia City is IMHO opinion 1000 times more interesting than the Ponderosa - which is closing after this season.

One (Va City) is a REAL LIFE place with houses, an Opera House, Churches and mines from the gold and silver rush days, a steam train to nearby Gold Hill, 140 yo cemetaries, saloons, etc, while the other (Ponderosa Ranch) is a totally fake false TV set (they really didn't use it for filming more than a handful of times).

Sure, parts of Va City are schlocky - but it was back in the 1880's too. And wandering through the cemetries or silver barons' mansions is really interesting.

What ever you do - be SURE to visit Sand Harbor - one of the most gorgeous parts of the lake.

awesome advice. Actually Virginia City if for me! I love the "wild west"! Definitely with some of your recommendations.

Has anyone tried the actual whitewater rapids on Truckee River? Is this too much for kids? or stick with the casual river ride?

One other question, is Sutter's Mill worth the travel?

Rafting on the Truckee depends so much on the water level and snow melt. The year I did it it was really easy. Your kids should be fine. I haven't been to Tahoe this year so I don't know what it's looking like. You can judge for yourself when you get there.

The new whitewater park on the Truckee in Reno had its grand opening a couple of weeks ago while I was staying a few days at Incline village. All the coverage I saw was of pro and/or advanced kyakers but I think that was just for the opening festivities. I think the park is a class 2 or maybe a 3 course so I is probably OK for your teenager but don't know about the smaller ones. maybe check the website for more info.

But do remember - the Truckee river in Reno and at Tahoe is pretty cold.

Do not leave Tahoe for Sutter's Mill. Tahoe is beautiful and you'll find plenty to do without driving all the way to Sutter's MIll.

I'm definitely adding Sand Harbor to my list, thanks Suzie. I've also added the "Stream Profile Chamber", the underground aquatic display of Taylor Creek. Biking also sounds like fun. Instead of parasailing, I'll be doing the jetski.

I checked the squaw valley activites and they seemed too expensive for the whole package of swimming, ice skating... Thanks anyways.

Great board!!