Nestled on the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range, North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding emerald forests are situated on the border of California and Nevada. The region offers unparalleled beauty. The towns scattered around the northern shore provide abundant recreational opportunities. Spring and summer activities accessible near many North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals include kayaking, parasailing, cycling, and horseback riding. In the winter, partake in skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowmobiling. Here are the top things to do in North Lake Tahoe.
1. Enjoy the Water With North Tahoe Cruises
Explore North Lake Tahoe in comfort aboard the 120-passenger paddle wheeler the Tahoe Gal. Excursions leave every day from Tahoe City and cruise the northern coastal waters. Depending on the time of your departure, you can enjoy lunch or dinner along with a full bar, and some of the specialty cruises also feature live entertainment. The Commodore’s Salon on the top deck is available for private events such as birthdays and wedding receptions.
2. Explore With a Bike Rental From Mountain Bike Adventures
Cycling is an excellent method of travel while marveling at the magnificent natural beauty along the North Lake Tahoe shore and in the nearby forests and mountains. Cyclepaths Mountain Bike Adventures in Tahoe City and Truckee offer rentals of high-quality mountain bikes to make the experience safer and more enjoyable. Grab a map of the cycling trails and head off on your own, or join a half-day or full-day tour for beginner or advanced cyclists with experienced guides. You can also book a private tour that includes mountain biking skills training.
3. See for Miles With Parasail Tahoe
High on the list of unforgettable things to do in North Lake Tahoe is parasailing above the sapphire waters of the lake while admiring the breathtaking scenery all around you. With locations in King’s Beach and Tahoe City, Parasail Tahoe offers you the opportunity to soar above the pilot watercraft with up to 800 feet of line. If your children want to join you, the harnesses have the ability to carry up to three people at once.
4. Learn a Little History at the Gatekeeper’s Museum
One of the premier attractions in North Lake Tahoe is the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City. The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society runs this fascinating facility, which includes a history of Lake Tahoe resorts and clothing, a photographic display of a 1916 geological survey of the area, and a history of steamers and other boats that have plied the lake. There’s also a history of the local Native American Washoe tribe and examples of Washoe weaving. On the second floor of the building is the Museum of Sierra Ski History and 1960 Winter Olympics. Exhibits include photos, ski equipment, trophies, profiles of athletes, and other memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley.
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5. Go Kayaking with a Rental From Tahoe City Kayak
Kayaking provides an exciting method of exploring the beaches, coves, and other scenic wonders of the North Lake Tahoe shoreline, and Tahoe City Kayak rents single kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and related equipment to meet your adventurous needs. If you don’t want to go it on your own, the facility also offers lessons and guided tours. Once you feel confident enough, pick up a map of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail, which provides a comprehensive guide to the boat launches, dining opportunities, and other aids for kayakers along the 72 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline.
6. Ride Horses at Alpine Meadow Stables
Horseback riding is a great way to explore the Tahoe National Forest that surrounds North Lake Tahoe. Family-owned Alpine Meadow Stables provides gentle horses and experienced guides to help you make the most of your excursion on horseback. Choose from one hour, two hours, or half day rides through pine forests and meadows, along rushing creeks, and up and down hillsides. The stables also offer special pony rides for young children along an easy trail with gentle slopes.
7. Enjoy Winter Sports at Northstar California Skiing and Snowboarding
North Lake Tahoe is renowned for its superlative skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and Northstar California on Lookout Mountain has excellent slopes suitable for beginning, intermediate, and advanced skiers and snowboarders. You can also rent equipment on site. If you need help, Northstar offers lessons for all ages and levels of experience. At mid-mountain, you can also try out snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
8. Go Ice Skating at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park is the perfect place to take the whole family for fun winter activities. Enjoy the iconic sport of ice skating on the ice rink. For some safe, speedy thrills, head for the sledding hill. The slope is gentle enough even for younger children, and the hill fee includes sled rental. When you need some refreshment, hit the clubhouse for some food and hot cocoa.
9. Plow Through the Snow on a Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling Tours
Snowmobiling provides an exciting way to tour the forests around North Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe Snowmobiling takes you on tours through aspen and pine groves and along ridges that oversee the lake and offer a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Choose from a group or private two to four-hour tours. Children five years and up can ride behind an adult driver, and clothing packages of gloves, boots, and suits are also available to rent.
10. Tour the Park With Sand Harbor Sleigh Rides
Sand Harbor State Park lies just south of the town of Inverness on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe. There’s no better way to explore its winter wonderland than by a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-frosted forest and along the pristine lakeshore. Select a cozy sleigh that holds two to four people or a party sleigh that accommodates up to 20 passengers. During the summer, substitute a horse-drawn sleigh ride for a horse-drawn carriage ride at the same location.
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