"Tahoe City, California" Top 5 Page for this destination Tahoe City by karenincalifornia

Tahoe City Travel Guide: 126 reviews and 204 photos

Great Escape in the Sierras

When I escape to Lake Tahoe, I like the Tahoe City area on the North Shore best of all. In the winter, world class skiing at Squaw Valley is only 15 minutes away. Of all the ski resorts in California, Squaw Valley has become my favorite because of its large number of runs, diversity of terrain, challenging runs and long season.

Summer Activities

Tahoe forest

In the summer, there is no shortage of activities. Worshippers of the outdoors can choose from many activities, such as golf, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding, ice skating and fly fishing.

Water Sports

Sunset at Tahoe

You can even waterski on the lake -- that is, if you don't mind donning a wet suit and jumping into arctic temp water. Yes, I have been so foolish as to do this. It was fine once I was gliding across the water, but jumping in the water is sheer torture.

Having put myself through this foolishness, not just for one day, but for two, I can categorically state that this is NOT the lake for waterskiing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Loads of activities, close to Squaw Valley, away from the glitz and crowds of South Lake Tahoe
Cons:Funky video rental shops with strange selections of movies; very cold lake for swimming or waterskiing
In a nutshell:This is a far better place to stay at than the South Shore

Last visit to Tahoe City: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Oct 15, 2004
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Reviews (39)

Stand up Paddle (SUP) at Lake Tahoe Sports & Outdoors (1)

Stand up paddling has become quite popular at Lake Tahoe. If you haven't tried it yet, this is a very good place to... more travel advice

Lake Tahoe from Tahoe Rim Trail - Tahoe City

Tahoe Rim Trail Off The Beaten Path (3)

The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) circles the entire lake. It's a popular trail, but it is so lengthy that when hiking along it... more travel advice

Vanni House, Tahoe City, CA - Tahoe City

Cozy Old Tahoe Cabin Hotels (3)

I rented this cute little cabin last weekend when I went skiing with my daughter. It was just perfect for the two of us,... more travel advice

Autumn colors at Lake Tahoe - Tahoe City

Visit Tahoe during the off-season Off The Beaten Path (3)

Most people come to Lake Tahoe in the winter for skiing or in the summer for outdoor summer activities. One of my... more travel advice

Restaurants (11)
See All How's this for a vegetarian dish?
Nightlife (3)
See All You can try this at home
Transportation (2)
See All Boating around the Lake
Shopping (1)
Shopping on the upswing in Tahoe City

Things to Do (9)
See All Cross Country Skiing at Lake Tahoe
Favorites (4)
See All How come our ski instructor just left us...
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Bears
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Comments (13)

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BruceDunning Nov 22, 2009 at 12:29 PM

We got here some 10 years ago, and maybe go back someday? It surely differs from my recent semi arid desert trip to Utah/Arizona parks. It was a great hiking/driving adventure of a lifetime.
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jumpingnorman Apr 14, 2009 at 10:26 AM

That vegetarian dish looks awesome!!! My sister "jumpingwithnorman" brought me 2x to Taho for cross-country skiing - forgot the lodge but it was huge! Still haven't booked the NM house --- but will check it out, Norman :)
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adema29 Apr 23, 2008 at 7:22 AM

The landscape is breathtaking! Impressive photos, especially the one named "Lake Tahoe at dawn"!!
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Yaqui Oct 24, 2007 at 12:05 PM

Wow Karen, beautiful photographs and your tips are awesome. Fiamma Cucina Rustica looks so elegant. Tahoe is such a beautiful area. Happy Trails!
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Nemorino Nov 22, 2005 at 12:24 PM

Fabulous mountain photos. I can see why you keep going back there for all seasons. Congratulations on getting that boatload of mutineers safely back to shore!
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deecat Nov 16, 2005 at 10:44 AM

Wow, Karen, these are fantastic tips that are fun, helpful, informative, and, best of all, a pleasure to read. Your hotel and restaurant tips are especially outstanding. What a beautiful area.
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RickinDutch Jul 22, 2005 at 10:43 AM

Great Tahoe page, Karen. One of my favorite spots. So glad my folks retired there instead of LA :)
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850prc Apr 1, 2005 at 8:23 AM

Glad you enjoyed and marveled at the tankless water heater thingie, Karen. Who says that posting VT comments is a "tankless" job. Ouch. 91
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MissyWQ Feb 6, 2005 at 7:42 PM

Did you hear about the one who wanted to waterski but couldn't find a lake with a slope?
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Sonador3 Mar 16, 2004 at 9:44 PM

Fabulous Tahoe pages, and your photos were really beautiful. And it's amazing how many new top-flight restaurants have opened there in the last few years. I agree with your reviews!