There are lakes and then there are lakes. Glacially formed 2 million years ago, Tahoe, the continent's largest alpine lake, is the latter. At more than 122 million acre-feet, it's America's largest body of water outside the Great Lakes, and with depths of about 1,650 feet, only Crater Lake is deeper. So clear and pure is this water, visibility extends 90 feet down.
A state of mind as much as a geographic location, Tahoe, like any island whose name ends in a vowel, is synonymous with leisure. And while there's plenty of rum and sunshine -- rumshine, as no one calls it -- the lake and surrounding mountains provide a variety of recreational family-friendly and canine-friendly activities, as well. So, without further adieu, here's a list of fun to be had at South Lake Tahoe:
Accommodations
The cushiest beachfront resort in South Lake Tahoe, The Landing resides across from a sandy strip of beach with a grassy picnic area where children of all ages frolic. The recently remodeled dog-friendly hotel is a resort/wedding destination marrying rusticity and modernity, providing views of the beach from most rooms, including a second-floor deck with live music, ideal for gathering at sunset.
Views of the lake and pines right off your balcony at The Landing - Photo by Gina Hall
If, however, you're looking for a more nature-y vibe, check out Basecamp. The pooch-friendly charmer has a minimal, hardware-chic aesthetic with furnishings fashioned from common tools. A nightly beer garden becomes a watering hole around which imbibers gather at the end of an adventurous day as s'mores are cooked over an open fire. Some rooms have TVs, some don't. Coffee is served with a complimentary breakfast in the commons, where you'll have to interact with other human and possibly canine beings.
Basecamp offers up a communal vibe - Photo by Gina Hall
Beaches
For the back-to-nature urbanite, there's no better way to absorb the beauty of the lake than to jump in. A pair of beaches -- Camp Richardson and Nevada Beach -- are ideal locations to do just that. The former, while not suited for your furry friend, is a paradise among the pines, with hiking and biking trails.
Enjoy a Rumrunner at The Beacon at Camp Richardson - Photo by Gina Hall
Boats
Larger and faster watercraft also cruise the lake. The M.S. Dixie II, departing from beautiful Zephyr Cove, is perfect for a sunset dinner cruise. The tour heads to Emerald Bay for views of Viking House, circles the lake's only island and returns in three hours, after three courses (and maybe three Glenlivets). The band plays country classics and oldies as diners (drinkers, to be precise) break into dance. If speed's more your speed, a speed boat is just the ticket (unless you want a ticket, save the Scotch for later). Get up on a pair of water skis or break out the fishing rod and reel in some trout.
View of Emerald Bay from the M.S. Dixie - Photo by Gina Hall
Mountains
Tahoe, as skiers know, is home to Heavenly Mountain. But in the months before snow season, the mountain offers other amenities. The gondola provides breathtaking panoramic views of the basin.
The gondola ride provides a bird's-eye view - Photo by Gina Hall
For adventure-seekers, the Blue Streak -- a 3,300-feet-long zip line -- recreates the speed that powder junkies crave, reaching 50 mph. Ropes courses, tubing and other adventures are also to be had. Dog-friendly hiking awaits at the top of Stateline Road.
Muster up your courage and try the zip line - Photo by Gina Hall
Golf
There's a few courses in the area, including Edgewood Tahoe, host of the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, held annually in mid-July. Cool breezes off the lake moderate the summer temps on the links. Edgewood is also home to Brooks' Bar & Deck, one Golf Digest's best 19th holes in the country. In addition to an enormous A-frame dining room, a patio in the center of the course provides 270-degree views of aspen-lined fairways and emerald greens.
Enjoy a drink with a view of Edgewood - Photo by Gina Hall
Eating
The Beacon: On the deck of the only waterfront restaurant on the lake, delve into a Rum Runner, the beverage of choice in these parts: a sort of passion fruit margarita with rum, rather than tequila. Cares drift away like kayakers and paddleboarders on the beach below. Line your stomach first with the Sunset Burger: Kobe beef with jalapenos, bacon and sriracha mayo. Just wait 30 minutes before swimming.
Base Camp Pizza: Neapolitan pizza and Southern Italian-style pasta so good, in fact, I ate here twice on a four-day trip. The namesake Base Camp pizza is the best slice for many miles. Located in the Heavenly Village shopping center, this seems to be the most popular spot in town for parents and kids, alike.
McP's Tavern: More than 40 carefully curated craft beers are on tap, most from around California. The tavern specializes in loaded burgers and traditional pizzas, crispy appetizers and comfort-food entrées, among them, favorites from beyond the Pond, such as Mulligan Stew and Shepherd's Pie.
Getaway Cafe: For the decade, this indoor/outdoor cafe off Highway 89 in Meyers, has been the locals' most beloved breakfast/brunch joint, with from-scratch cooking and menu items like the Cowboy Meatloaf Sandwich, with bacon, cheddar, bbq sauce and and fried shoestring onions; as well as some of the best homemade soup to be had.
Nightlife
Across the state line, casino resorts provide the sort of entertainment that only Nevada can offer. On this side of the border, the 36th annual Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival offers live musical and theatrical performances, improv comedy and cultural experiences in a boathouse-turned-theater where picnics sprawl on the grand lawn of a lakeshore estate.
Afterward, head to Darts Beverage Center for the region's best selection of adult beverages and an upstairs speakeasy with artisanal cocktails, karaoke, billiards, arcade games and other entertaining pursuits.