Visit Lake Tahoe, The Dream Destination That Locals Rave About

Around every corner is another beautiful landscape

I was born and raised in California, so I grew up visiting Lake Tahoe on a regular basis. Even so, I am never prepared for just how gorgeous it will be when I get into the mountains. The bright blue lake practically forces you to feel relaxed. If you are visiting during the warm season, be sure you find time to get on the water (via boat, paddleboard, kayak, etc.) as you are guaranteed to be stunned by how clear it is. Keep Tahoe Blue is a local organization dedicated to eliminating pollution from the lake and they take their job seriously. This is the second deepest lake in the United States, and yet you can almost see the bottom. Which is why it is surprising that no one has seen the legendary friendly sea creature, Tahoe Tessie, hiding below.

Tahoe is a winter wonderland reminiscent of the North Pole

When winter hits, snow covers the mountains and everyone embraces the holiday spirit. Yet the California sun still shines, making this the ideal place to spend your winter. Ski and snowboard fanatics flock to Tahoe in the winter to enjoy the mountain’s legendary slopes, famed for their soft powder and unmatched scenery.

The ski resorts are the place to be during this season. Squaw Valley, one of the biggest resorts in the area, puts a giant ice skating rink in the center of Squaw Village. It’s definitely worth a trip, even if you aren’t interested in testing your balance on the ice. The rink is surrounded by outdoor fire pits where visitors spend the day eating, drinking, and watching the ice skaters twirl (or scoot) across the rink.

Once the snow melts, explore the endless network of hiking trails

Hikers, bikers, and nature-lovers, rejoice! You can stay as long as you want in Lake Tahoe and you will never run out of wilderness to explore. The seemingly infinite network of hiking trails throughout Lake Tahoe is perfect for the amateur adventurers and hardcore outdoorsmen alike. Some trails lead to smaller lakes in the mountains, some wind through the trees, and others lead to magnificent views like the one above.

One of the favorite activities for people traveling to Tahoe is to pack a picnic and spend half a day lost in the woods. But keep your eyes peeled! Bears and other wild animals are known to populate these mountains. Though like all Californians, the bears are generally friendly.

Traveling with pets? Even better.

If you are searching for a pet-friendly vacation, look no further. Of course this is a little impractical for foreign travelers, but for all you US travelers out there, it is time to hit the road with your furry friend in the back seat. You may love Tahoe, but your dog will adore it.

Most Tahoe residents think of their dogs as four-legged children. This means there are a ton of dog-friendly beaches, restaurants, and accommodations in Lake Tahoe. Even if you don’t bring a pet of your own, expect to see leashless dogs running around wherever you go.