Situated along the southern shores of California’s Lake Tahoe, the largest and deepest alpine lake in America, South Lake Tahoe is this recreation mecca’s main center of unnatural activity. Seemingly out-of-place high rise casino complexes, shopping malls and mega-hotels pack this little town, injecting it with an atmosphere more akin to Las Vegas than the Sierra Nevada mountains. But tourists love it, and flock here in droves in summer and winter alike.
In stark contrast to its laid-back counterpart on the northern shore of this massive and beautiful lake, South Lake Tahoe is buzzing with neon-glazed activity day and night. Most visitors choose to stay on this side of Lake Tahoe precisely for the gambling, entertainment, skiing and abundance of civilized amenities. Most of the action is strewn along the main road, which eventually winds its way around the entire lake. A few side streets shoot off from the strip, but the entire town can be easily walked.
With steep mountains rising to one side and the kaleidoscopic waters of Lake Tahoe on the other, it’s Heavenly Village and its lovely gondola that anchors this town. When the weather isn’t too extreme, this modern gondola whisks passengers to the Heavenly Ski Resort, which lies just behind South Lake Tahoe. The pedestrian village itself is a focal point for the lake’s tourism, with a cinema, little shops and even an ice skating rink.
Highlights
Lake Tahoe: the largest alpine lake in America is truly a wonder to behold, as well as an excellent environment for water sports, fishing, boating and seemingly endless outdoor activities.
Heavenly Gondola: even if you don’t ski, you’ll want to ride to the top of Heavenly Mountain for the stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area.
Heavenly Village: the most charming section of town is this alpine-like pedestrian village where you can catch the gondola, see a movie, or get some shopping done.
Heavenly Resort: the south shore’s only ski resort is extremely popular thanks to its 30 lifts, 86 runs and three snowboard parks.
Tallac Historic Site: two restored estates and a museum show you how the upper crust lived it up during the 1920s.
Vikingsholm: once a summer home, built in 1929, this unusual building resembles a Viking castle and is open for tours.