Holding down the fort along the quiet north shore of California’s Lake Tahoe is the tiny hamlet of Tahoe City. But don’t let the ‘city’ part of this town fool you, because it’s little more than an outpost for stocking up on supplies and arranging excursions into the amazing wilderness area that surrounds America’s deepest and largest alpine lake.
Tahoe City is the kind of place you can drive through in a couple of minutes, so don’t blink as you round the northern corner of the main road that encircles Lake Tahoe. Most of the shops and amenities are located along the lake’s shore and a couple of blocks inland. Here on the north shore the emphasis is on high quality outdoor resorts and rustic cabins so don’t stay here if you want to spend your nights in the casino.
Along the town’s shoreline district, paddlewheel boats depart for excursions around Lake Tahoe. Otherwise, you’ll probably be spending your time in one of the nearby outdoor recreation spots or lounging on the deck of your cabin. But if it’s peace and quiet amid a truly stunning environment you’re after, then the north shore’s Tahoe City may be the place to base yourself.
Highlights
Lake Tahoe: America’s largest and deepest alpine lake shimmers with a mind-boggling blend of blues and greens, providing endless opportunities for water sports, boating and fishing excursions.
Gatekeeper’s Cabin Museum: check out the little-known history of the gate keeper, whose job it was to monitor the lake’s level, as well as the fascinating museum dedicated to the art of Native American basket weaving.
Watson Cabin Living Museum: right in the middle of town is this 1909 log cabin filled with furnishings and memorabilia from a century ago, and open for tours.
Commons Beach Park: the sandy beaches, picnic areas and playgrounds make this a popular lakeside destination where the brave can attempt to swim the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe.
North Tahoe Regional Park: if you don’t fancy the big ski resorts that ring Lake Tahoe, check out this low-key winter playground.
Eagle’s Rock: a 10-minute hike from the Kaspian picnic grounds gets you to this wonderful lookout from where the blue lake’s waters can be admired.
Squaw Valley: the one-time host of the 1960 Olympics is now the site of rampant development and California’s largest ski resort.