Straddling the California-Nevada border high up in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada is Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in the country. Boasting crystal clear waters surrounded by stunning natural scenery and well-developed tourist facilities, it is no wonder Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular mountain resorts on the West Coast. Scenic drives here are spectacular, making car rental an essential part of your vacation. National travel deals can save you money and time.
Getting there
Self-drive is the favored form of transport among California locals, and the stateеs endless beauty and extensive road network make for a pleasurable experience. U.S. Highway 50 runs from Sacramento, through the American River Canyon to the southern shores of Lake Tahoe. Alternatively, the I-80 passes the lake to the north at Donner Summit on its way to Reno, with several connecting highways to the lakeеs northern and western shores.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport is situated a half-hour from the North Shore and about an hour from the South Shore. Transport to the lake is supplied by a casino shuttle bus and a regular shuttle bus, and car rental via national travel deals can be had at the airport. Most international visitors arrive via one of the West Coastеs two major air traffic hubs, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Greyhound offers a daily service to and from Los Angeles, stopping at Reno and Carson City along the way.
Key attractions
The lakeside is lined with fine resorts, lively bars and excellent restaurants, while you can make your way to the Nevada side of the lake to try your luck at one of the numerous casinos or catch a first class showroom performance. The natural beauty of the area is also popular among artists and there are several excellent galleries to check out. During summer, arts festivals run almost continuously with one of the most popular being the Sand Harbor Shakespeare Festival in August, when the lake forms a stunning backdrop for the beachside stage. Golf is also popular, with several well-known courses nearby.
Out and about
A short drive with your rental car north of Lake Tahoe is Reno, a glitzy version of the gambling oasis of Las Vegas. Downtown is where neon-lit signs and over-the-top architecture fight it out to attract your gambling dollar, and thereеs no shortage of poker tables and gaudy slot machines. Together with the дdrive-throughе wedding chapels, it provides a striking contrast to the cityеs spectacular natural surroundings.
A 30-minute drive south of Reno will take you to Nevada’s state capital, Carson City. Like Reno and Las Vegas, the local economy relies on gambling, but it is also home to fine museums and elegant buildings. The Nevada State Museum showcases Wild West history and the areaеs rich mining heritage. The State Capitol is worth checking out, as are the numerous 19th-century Victorian houses and churches on the western side of town.
Leisure options
Lake Tahoe offers an exceptional variety of outdoor recreation. The lake is lined with lovely beaches easily visited with a rental car, with pristine blue water gently lapping the shores. Explore the waters in a sailboat, powerboat or kayak, or sit back and relax on one of the two ferries that make regular tours of the lake. Surrounding the lake is picturesque countryside popular for hiking, horse riding and mountain biking. Designated four-wheel-drive trails provide fun SUV challenges and during winter the area transforms into a snow-white paradise perfect for downhill and cross country skiing and snowboarding.
Safety
The lake, its surroundings and its pretty towns and small cities are safe to visit, and the locals are helpful and friendly. Care should be taken of your valuables in the casino districts, and common sense is the answer to small risks. Make sure you and your party have travel insurance.