Monterey or S. Lake Tahoe?
 

Any suggestions as to which would be the better choice for a July vacation for a middle-aged couple? We like to sightsee, hike, good restaurants. Any info such as weather, traffic, things to do would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thank you, Hann. We are leaning towards Tahoe, but I'm hoping it isn't "tacky" ; somewhere I read it described as being over run with cheap hotels, etc..

Is there a reason you are staying at south shore? You don't seem sold on the location You could always stay on the west or north. Tahoe is pretty busy during July but is better if it's not around the 4th. Lots of people who have been to south shore in the past might be surprised at the renovation that has taken place. It's less like a street of tacky hotels than it used to be. Great hiking opportunities from south shore like Angora Lakes. Pretty easy and fun when you get there. Get the lemonade at the little shop. Also can hike around at the top of the gondola at heavenly. Cascade Lake and Falls hike out of Emerald Bay is great. I'd take Tahoe over Monterey in July because it can be freezing in Monterey in the summer. My kids asked to go home after only 1 day there one July a few years back.

both places are great. sounds like you'd prefer north shore and just go visit south shore.

Both locations would be for a conference. In S. Lake Tahoe it is the Embassy Suites. The Marriott Residence Club perhaps would be a better hotel (?). Need to see if they are within walking distance of each other. Any info on these hotels?

I've stayed at the Embassy Suites many times and really do like it. Nice lobby. The residence club is down the street and then up Park Ave. They are about .15 mile apart. Nice walk as that is the improved section. Lots of shopping along the route as well as the gondola.

Forgot to say that the Marriott will have some construction going on until Sept as they are building the ice skating rink there. That area is brand new and there is construction going on during the summer months as that is the only time of year they can do it.

Thanks, Suzie. Maybe I'll call the Marriott to check on the construction. Have you been to the spa at the Marriott?

Lake tahoe is definately better than monterey in July., I go every July for 3 weeks and I love it. I usually stay in south shore at a house, angora lake hike and lemonade is a must and is a beginner hike. Eagle falls/lake is also a nice hike near emerald bay as is the D.L. Bliss hike. Don't miss going to the beach at Lake tahoe, I prefer Pope beach on south shore and Meeks bay on North Shore and I love Sand Harbor near incline village. Be sure to use sunscreen and buy a beach umbrella at Raleys. Pope beach has picnic tables and BBQ's I love having dinner there, thats when all the crowds leave and the lake is at its best. Also rent bikes south shore at Camp richardson and ride the trail have ice cream at camp richardson tour the old Lucky Baldwin estate. or on North Shore take a ride on the trukee river bike trail it is truly awesome both are flat and easy rides. I've been to many places in the world and Lake Tahoe is my favorite. Both hotels you mentioned are very nice I have stayed at both couldn't say one is better, but the marriott is newer. dinner at Scusa's(italian) on ski run is great food dress is casual, nice atmosphere. The weather is great in July usually in 70's and 80's with very blue sky. If you like parasailing you can go tandem the view is wonderful. It is cheaper on North Shore from Kings beach. The casinos are ok for a night, but the beauty of tahoe is the lake and the scenery. traffic is not bad at all and don't over pack, it's a very casual place. Also at "Valhalla" in camp richardson they have concerts check out www.valhalla-tallac.com. Have a great time, I know I'll be there in July and I always have a great time.

Sandyca - Thanks for the info! I will definitely check out your hiking ideas. Does the water get warm enough for swimming in July? For hotels, maybe I'll just choose the best value if they are fairly equal in quality.

bleb - Whether or not Lake Tahoe is warm enough to swim in July really depends on your definition of "warm enough". You will see plenty of people in the lake and plenty of people sitting on the beach swearing that they will never get in that water as long as they live. I love swimming in Lake Tahoe, but then I grew up swimming in alpine lakes and in the Pacific Ocean. Other people grew up swimming in the Gulf.

We've gone to Tahoe every summer for my whole life. We swim in the lake but not many newbies will spend much time in the ice water. If it's a warm day you will at least put your tootsies in because it can feel really hot if it gets into the upper 80s. That high altitude sun will make you do crazy things!!! Embassy has an indoor pool with an outdoor patio.

Suzie - Would you stay at the Embassy or Marriott? Wondering which would be nicer as far as rooms, amenities, or location. Thanks.

The locations are virtually the same. The Gondola structure separates the two hotels so it's not really an issue. I've always like the spaciousness of the Embassy rooms and the nice lobby, but I haven't stayed at the Lodge. The Embassy is right next to Harrahs, just a little driveway separates them so if you intend to go to the casinos you'll be extra close. If you are a healty person the distance to the Marriott will not hinder you though. The mountain resort look of the Marriott facility is very nice with wood and rock. Lots of shops on the botom floor. I think the construction that's been going on at the Marriott facility would be off-putting. The rates at the Lodge though are much better than the Embassy. The Embassy includes the breakfast and happy hour. If it's a nice day we always take our drinks to the pool's outdoor patio and breath in the ultra fresh air. Hope I've provided you with enough pros and cons to help you decide which hotel you might like best.

Thanks, Suzie. The conference is held at the Embassy, so would be more convenient. I might want to visit a spa for a massage while there, but could easily walk to the Marriott for that or another spa. Any spa suggestions?

I love Tahoe in the summer. We went every year when I was growing up for a week. I swam in the lake and floated on a raft all afternoon. Ouch! I remember those Tahoe sunburns well.

Looks like Tahoe is the place for your July vacation! You'll love it there, it's gorgeous and the lake is beautiful.

Have a great vacation!!! ***kim*** Be sure to stop by the Zephyr Cove restaurant for one of their award-winning chocolate milkshakes! Mmmm good!!!

Lake is warm enough to go in when your hot, I wont even get in my pool unless it's 85 degrees, but in Tahoe I go in all the time. Also buy a $10 air Mattress at Safeway next to your hotel and you can float all day because the water is very calm.

My favorite thing to do SandyCA but I must caution people about the sunburns they can receive.

We just spent two days out on the lake kayaking and I got the worse sunburn of my life and it's not fun.

Make sure you apply a very good sunscreen before going out!! ***kim*** :)

Would you suggest a particular rental place (kayaks, bikes)? I'm still interested in hearing about anyone's good spa experience. Thanks, Blep

Well, we did it. Made all the arrangements for the trip to Tahoe! Thanks to all of your suggestions! Let me know if there are any "can't be missed" places (hiking trails, restaurants).