South Lake Tahoe — Destination Guide: Overview

Straddling the California-Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe - North America's largest alpine lake - is the crown jewel of the High Sierra. A mere three-hour drive from San Francisco and encircled by a 72-mile-long road that ranks as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this 191-square-mile emerald lake sparkles at 6,225 feet above sea level. The lake is embraced by snow-clad peaks that offer spectacular downhill and cross-country skiing in winter. And trails offer glorious high-in-the-pines hiking in summer, including along the 150-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. Embracing a glacier-carved fjord, South Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay State Park protects ...

Straddling the California-Nevada state line, Lake Tahoe - North America's largest alpine lake - is the crown jewel of the High Sierra. A mere three-hour drive from San Francisco and encircled by a 72-mile-long road that ranks as one of the most scenic drives in the world, this 191-square-mile emerald lake sparkles at 6,225 feet above sea level. The lake is embraced by snow-clad peaks that offer spectacular downhill and cross-country skiing in winter. And trails offer glorious high-in-the-pines hiking in summer, including along the 150-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. Embracing a glacier-carved fjord, South Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay State Park protects some of the most exquisite alpine settings, and includes the Vikingsholm, a summer house patterned on a Scandinavian castle. You can even take to the waters aboard the Tahoe Queen paddle-wheel steamer. For a fish's-eye view of life, head to the Stream Profile Chamber at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center with its plate-glass cut-away stream. South Lake Tahoe, the main town, spills over into the Nevada community of Stateline, which adds year-round casino action, not least at the world-famous Harrah's and Harvey's casinos. Seeking more highbrow fare? The Valhalla Festival of Arts and Music is held at the Valhalla at Lake Tahoe.

About the Expert

Christopher P. Baker has authored guidebooks to Costa Rica, California, and various Caribbean islands for Frommer's, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic, among others.