While Lake Tahoe is the Basin’s number one sight, there is plenty else to see and do.
Here’s our top ten:
1. Emerald Bay
Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its brilliant panorama of glacially carved granite, this bay provides a remarkable juxtaposition of mountain and lake. Make your trip extra special and arrive by boat, stopping at Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe’s only island. The bay also features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian-inspired architecture in the western hemisphere. (530) 541-3030 or www.parks.ca.gov
2. Squaw Valley’s Cable Car
Grab a bird’s-eye view of Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe on this ride, which travels 2,000 vertical feet. At the top is a wide mountain meadow, hiking trails down to Shirley Lake and up to Emigrant Peak and High Camp’s restaurants, ice skating, swimming, tennis and Olympic museum. (530) 583-6955 or www.squaw.com
3. Heavenly’s Gondola
In just 12 minutes, these eight-passenger cabins whisk riders up to 9,123 feet and spectacular views of the entire length of Lake Tahoe. At the top, Adventure Peak offers a restaurant, hiking trails, 25-foot climbing wall and the Heavenly Flyer, a new 3,300-foot zip line cable ride, the longest in the continental United States. 1-800-HEAVENLY or www.skiheavenly.com
4. Thunderbird Lodge
This handsome stone estate, built between 1935 and 1940, is known for its craftsmanship, beauty and the idiosyncrasies of its original owner, George Whittell, who cut secret tunnels through the site’s solid granite and kept a zoo of wild animals on the grounds, including an elephant! Arrive to this remote spot by shuttle, wooden tour boat or kayak. 1-800-GO-TAHOE, 1-888-867-6394 x3 or www.thunderbirdlodge.org
5. Tallac Historic Site/Taylor Creek Visitor Center
A lovely testament to a bygone era, South Shore’s Tallac Historic Site includes three Old Tahoe estates and also hosts the summer-long Valhalla Arts and Music Festival. Just a few miles north, Taylor Creek Visitor Center features winding nature trails and a stream profile chamber that provides glimpses of spawning kokanee salmon during the fall. (530) 541-5227 or www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu
6. Donner Memorial State Park
Near Donner Lake’s east shore, the Pioneer Monument and Emigrant Trail Museum recount the story of the ill-fated Donner Party. The site includes a large boulder that once formed the fireplace and portion of the back wall of the group’s cabin. (530) 582-7892 or www.parks.ca.gov
7. Sand Harbor State Park
Just a few miles south of Incline Village is one of The Lake’s most spectacular beaches and entertainment spots. There’s a boat launch, visitor’s center restaurant and long, sandy beach with shallow, clear waters and unique rock formations. The park features an outdoor stage that lays claim to “the most scenic venue in the world,” home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. (775) 831-0494 or www.parks.nv.gov/lt.htm
8. Mt. Rose Highway Overlook
For an easily accessible overview of the Tahoe Basin, pull off on the Mt. Rose Highway overlook, just up Highway 431 from Incline Village. Plaques here identify the major peaks that surround The Lake.
9. Gatekeeper’s Museum/Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum
A reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper’s Cabin—home of the water master who controlled the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe—this Tahoe City museum showcases local history. Stroll the grounds dotted with interpretive signs, and peek over the railing of Fanny Bridge at trout in the water below. (530) 583-1762 or www.northtahoemuseums.org
10. Historic Downtown Truckee
Although this old logging and railway town’s saloons and brothels have been replaced by upscale boutiques, galleries and restaurants, its original pioneering charm remains throughout Commercial Row’s restored buildings along Donner Pass Road. Those hankering for real history can visit the restored railroad depot or the old jail that once held the likes of Baby Face Nelson and Machine Gun Kelly. (530) 587-8808 or www.truckee.com
