Tahoe/OH NO
 

Well we leave on Wednesday. We will have all of 5 full days to explore. I still don't know what to do for sure.
Here are some things I have read about that people say to do:
Truckee
Sand Harbor
Bodie
Virginia City
Wally's Hot Springs/Genoa
Angora Lakes
Incline Village
Emerald Bay

Any that I should definitely include or just forget about?
We are staying in SLT. I want to see as much as possible but would like to relax a bit too. Also, not sure how to plan, like which way to go around lake and where to go in respect to other places too. OH NO.

THANKS!

My only comment is about Incline Village. I don't really think there's anything to see there -- it's beach (at least part of which is private and you have to be staying/live IN Incline Village to make use), fabulous private homes, and loads of condos and small shopping centers (of the supermarket and nail salon variety). In other words, it's a place to stay, not really a place to visit from elsewhere (unless you're interested in the Hyatt, which has a casino, but since you're staying in SLT, I doubt you are). We used to pass through because it was on the way to the now-no-longer Ponderosa ranch.

You'll have plenty of casinos in SLT. I would just drive around the lake...beautiful scenery. Tahoe City has some good restaurants and interesting shops if you like to or want to shop. If you wanted to see Vikingsholm you could do that as you get to Emverald Bay.

Personally, I think Bodie is a bit far and if you want to relax you might skip that. Virginia City has a lot more going on. Virginia City is VERY touristy, but fun, however, there is much interesting history if you want to scratch the surface a bit.

If you wanted to get out ON the lake, there are places to rent boats if that interested you. If you do any laying on the beach at Sand Harbor, or else where be sure to take a cover up and LOTS of sun screen. At the altitude you can burn really fast. I had blisters on my back the size of half dollars when I was a kid. I think the river is too low now for rafting but you could check on it. Most of the rafting is done between River Ranch and Tahoe City.

There is a great bike trail around the lake and places to rent bikes.

Virginia City is worth a day trip. It is touristy, but a lot of history on display. En route you can stop at the Railroad Museum in Carson City.
Bodie is a longer drive, but rather than being so touristy it is preserved in what the state callls "arrested decay." I really like Bodie, it is so isolated after you make the drive you understand that before paved roads folks allegedly said "good by God, I'm going to Bodie."
There is also a lot of history around Geona. and a good number of very nice homes.
Going around the lake, I usually start in SLT and take 89 north to Tahoe City and on around. Although you can shoot off to Truckee and check Donner Pass and even on into Reno if intersted.
I'm more of a history person than beach and water person, but Emerald Bay is a very attactive spot. Water will be cold even in August, but it should be sunny and reasobnably warm for the rest of the week. Be aware that it's possible some of the state parks may be closed at times due to California's budget issues.
Have fun!

Oh, regarding driving around the lake. I was reading late this spring that there is some road work being done somewhere up there, can't remember exactly, so you might ask about that before you head out.

Is that train is still running in Virginia City? The one with staged robbery? It may be fun if you are into this sort of things.

If you see Abbacadabra ads (ABBA impersonators at SLT) they are not good. Don't fall into this trap. I'd rather suffer through another Mamma Mia :))

Take a west shore cruise on Safari Rose. Absolutely worth it. Much of the gold coast is not visible from the road and not accesible but you'll get a tour of it and Emerald Bay on the Safari Rose.
http://www.sailwoodwind.com/westshorecruise.htm

Visit the Tallac site. Very interesting about how the rich vacationed. As well as who their visitors were.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/tallac/

Hang at the Camp Richardson beach.

Visit Hellman Ehrmann mansion at Sugar Pine Point.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=991

A couple of easy hikes out of Fallen Leaf lake:

Moraine Trail, which is a fairly easy hike of 1 mile (one-way). It’s a relatively flat trail through the forest and along the shore of Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Road. Continue approximately 2/3 of a mile to Fallen Leaf Campground. Drive through the campground and park just before campsite #75 on the right. Look for the trailhead sign near the parking area.

Another hike is Angora Lakes. It is an easy hike, and hikers are rewarded with several lakes. It’s only ½ mile and the scenery when you get there is great. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and giant rocks. Take Highway 89 north approximately 3 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and turn left. Turn left at the first paved road. Continue to Forest Service Road 12N14 and turn right. Watch for bicyclists along this road. Continue past Angora Lookout to the road's end at the parking lot.

Unfortunately river rafting out of Tahoe City has ended due to low water.

Take the Heavnely Gondola on a scenic ride.

Go to High Camp at Squaw Valley. we usually spend the day.

Definitely Sand HaAbor & Emerald Bay.

No state closures yet but they may be coming after Labor Day.

On a 5 day trip, I'd recommend the following:

1 day hiking with Emerald Bay and one other hike on the west side of the Lake 9maybe with the baot ride, too)

1 day at Sand Harbor

1 day in Virginia City

1 day exploring SLT including the tram ride at Heavenly

1 day doubling up on whatever was the favorite from above (if it was Virginia City, do Truckee; if it was hiking do some of Suzie's recommendations; if it was Sand Harbor, kick back at the Villge at Squaw).

Nights you are on your own. However, if you find yourself at Incline (maybe after a Sand Harbor day) check out their private beach for a mellow way to wrap up a day. The sunset catamaran ride from the Camp on the southeast corner of the Lake can be fun, too.

Enjoy,

Kevin