bgsnmky

I am looking at going to Tahoe in March, but the airfare is much more than what I would have wanted.

Does anyone know any specialized travel agents/combination packages that I should try. I have looked at all the normal ones: AAirlines, AAA, Funjet etc.

I will be going from the Dallas Ft. Worth area.

saps

Have you looked at both Reno and Sacramento Airports?

enzian

Looks like $198 RT (Dallas to Reno) on Southwest for many dates in March. Book by Jan. 22.

janisj

OK - where are you looking for fares? And into which airport(s)?

Reno and SMF have really good fares from DFW

bgsnmky

I looked from DFW International airport and from Love Field to Reno.

You are correct Southwest does have a fare of 198.00. We can do that if we want to get in late...I will think about that one. Thanks.

How far is Sacremento from Tahoe.

Thanks for the quick response.

saps

What part of Tahoe? It is a big lake.

Sac to North Tahoe is about 110 miles (via I-80)

Sac to South Lake Tahoe is about 105 miles (via Hwy 50)

Reno to South Lake Tahoe is about 60 miles.

bgsnmky

this is our first time to Tahoe and currently the plan was to go to South Lake Tahoe. Hopefully enjoy some snow, a little gambling, enjoying time together, enjoying the scenary, (any wildlife if there is any) and maybe snow mobiling. Possibly skiing.

This is a 5th anniversary trip.

I just looked and I could get on American Free with airmiles to Sacramento....(there weren't any available seats to Reno).

Any chance the drive to Sacramento is beautiful so the extra hour would be worth it

This being our first trip and what we listed to do, is South Lake Tahoe the best bet?

Catbert

The trip from Sacramento to Tahoe can be beautiful. That is, provided you don't get stuck for hours by road closures (has happened to me multiple times). And that you don't travel when all of the Bay Area is headed that way. So the wild cards are weather and time you're traveling. Also, how comfortable are you with mountain driving and bad weather?

You probably want to go to South Lake Tahoe, although I find it crowded and so commercialized it's lost the "nature" that I think makes Tahoe beautiful. Incline Village is pretty but you might find less to do. North Shore is my favorite but you can't gamble.

saps

The trip to South Lake Tahoe is very scenic along Hwy 50. Hwy 50 is a 4 lane highway in the lower mountains then turns into a 2 lane highway as you get about 1/2 way up. If it is snowing there are usually chain requirements about 25 miles from South Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe is a great destination. Gambling, skiing, shopping and dining are all within a short distance. The Heavenly gondola area is the central hub (walking distance) for most activities with casinos within a hundred yards. Don't know about snow mobiling...

FainaAgain

Yes, the drive should be beautiful - mountains and canyons. Check out the weather service in advance, if chains are required, there may be a problem to rent a car.

I don't know if there is a shuttle from Sacramento to South Tahoe, the worst case scenario is Amtrak bus from Sacramento train station to the casino areas in Tahoe.

Properly prepared, you'll have great time. Take boat tours, go to shows.

bgsnmky

Love the Amtrak Idea...

I will probably post this so others can read, but what is your opinion on needing a car if we stay in South Lake Tahoe.

Do we need one...or if we stay in a hotel that has plenty of restaurants, and casino, can we still get the breath of Tahoe's beauty and get to snowmobiling places etc.

janisj

Before you get too excited about Amtrak, you might want to re-read faina's message. Not Amtrak as in trains but "Amtrak bus" - which can be a 3+ hour slog if it is snowy/stormy. There is no rail service to Lake Tahoe. The bus is definitely an option but not a 1st or 2nd option IMHO.

Actually for the things you mention - you might enjoy Northshore more. There are still casinos - though except for the Hyatt they are pretty 1950's-centric/lower key. One northshore casino hotel - CalNeva - was once owned by Frank Sinatra.

But the scenery at north shore is terrific and Sand Harbor is probably the single prettiest place on the entire lake. You could do a day trip down to southshore to see the big casinos and Emerald Bay - but otherwise North shore would be my choice.

The drive from SMF to Northshore through Truckee is an "all weather" road - though this week it has heavy snow and chains are required. BTW - most rental agencies do not allow you to use chains.

March could find anysort of weather - nice is possible for sure. But so is heavy snow.

bgsnmky

yep.just checked amtrak and saw the bus idea. A little too long I think. Thanks for the idea on North shore.

So Many decisions!