Lake Tahoe, California Vacation Rentals

Lake Tahoe, California Vacation Rentals

Overview
It's not surprising that Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are in high demand on a year-around basis. Outdoor activity options are abundant in the area, and range from enjoying a day on the beach to skiing down a snow-drenched mountain (average snowfall is 409 inches). Besides outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy the non-stop action in one of the many casinos, which boast first-rate entertainment and dining. The first step in making arrangements for this amazing destination is picking out a place to stay. VacationHomes.com makes it easy by providing a robust listing of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals.

If you're unfamiliar with the area, it's important to become acquainted with its dichotomous nature. The South Shore is filled with casinos, motels and shopping malls, while the North Shore is known for its outdoor splendor and generally has a greater abundance of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals. Located approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, the shores cut across the Sierra Nevada range and fall within the states of both California and Nevada.

Weather
Searching for Lake Tahoe vacation rentals in time for the summer season is quite popular. At a range of 65-70°F, summer temperatures are fairly moderate, compared to the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills, which can become quite hot. In the winter, it gets into the 20-30°F range, making for ideal skiing weather. No matter when you go, you're likely to get some sunshine. The sun shines approximately 80 percent of the time.

Attractions and Activities
A popular way for those staying in South Lake Tahoe cabins, or other accommodations, to get acclimated to the area is to drive the 72-mile road that meanders the lakeshore. This will take you through the wooded flatlands, beaches, the hilly southwest side, as well as the hubbub of the commercial developments and casinos on its northeastern and southeastern sides.

After gaining familiarity, the activity options you have are quite overwhelming. A popular destination is Emerald Bay State Park located nearby in Tahoma, California. Molded by a glacier millions of years ago, the park surrounds Fannette, the lake's only island. You can take in the whole breathtaking scene from the Emerald Bay lookout. A steep one-mile hike away, lies Vikingsholm, a 38-room estate built in the late 1920s (needless to say, a far cry from typical South Lake Tahoe cabins). It is an exact replica of a 1,200-year-old Viking castle complete with Scandinavian antiques and period reproductions. Tours are available 7 days a week from mid-June until the end of September and take approximately one-half hour.

Also popular among tourists, including guests of Lake Tahoe condos, is the Heavenly Gondola. It's a 138-seat tram that travels up 2.5 miles from the middle of town in a mere 13 minutes. From the mountaintop, the view of the area is simply spectacular. For those lodgers of Lake Tahoe cabins who enjoy to hike, they'll be happy to know that there are three trails to choose from on the top. You can have lunch at the convenient Adventure Peak Grill, and don't have to worry about watching your children – daycare is available.

During the winter, visitors book South Lake Tahoe cabin rentals to enjoy the area's first-class skiing. There are 15 downhill resorts and 10 cross-country ski centers. One of the world's finest is Squaw Valley USA, the site of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. The resort sports six peaks with more than 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. And you don't have to be a professional to enjoy the slopes – approximately 70 percent of the area is intended for those with beginning or intermediate skills. For tourists staying in South Lake Tahoe condos who don't care for skiing, there are always other activities at Squaw Valley located at the top of the cable car, known as High Camp. Throughout the year, you can skate at the Olympic Ice Pavilion, and during spring and summer you can take advantage of the swimming lagoon and spa.

And let's not forget about the stunning lake itself. Tourists often stay in Lake Tahoe condos overlooking the body of water to take in the gorgeous views. Known for its blue-as-sky water (one can see as far down as 75 feet), it is the largest alpine lake in North America, measuring 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. Its average depth is 989 feet and contains nearly 40 trillion gallons of water. Amazingly, the water temperature remains a chilly 39°F throughout the year.

Restaurants
Reserving Lake Tahoe cabin rentals that are close to good restaurants is always important. The area boasts a number of quality eateries. During peak season and on weekends you can expect a longer wait at the more popular restaurants. During off-peak periods, it's a good idea to call ahead because some places close or limit their hours. In addition to finer fare, most casinos feature bargain meal deals to attract gamers, though the food may not be the best.

One of the finer restaurants enjoyed by tourists staying in South Lake Tahoe cabin rentals is the Wild Goose. It serves contemporary American cuisine in a casually elegant setting. The comfortable leather seating and mahogany tables make for the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the spectacular view through the restaurant's panoramic windows. Another restaurant popular with the crowds living in South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals is PlumpJack Café located in the Squaw Valley Inn. The restaurant serves modern American cuisine focused on seafood, game and meats. Like its cousin restaurant in San Francisco, the PlumpJack Café is known for its outstanding, reasonably priced selection of wines.

Nightlife and Events
Tourists staying in South Lake Tahoe cabins do not flock to the area for its nightlife, though a nightlife does exists. In South Shore, particularly in the Nevada side of the border in Sideline, there are a number of casinos that have showrooms featuring an array of shows and headliners. Most shows cost anywhere from $15 to $40. Harrah's, Harveys, Ceasers, and the Horizon are some of the larger casinos. Ceasers is one of the nicer ones in the area. It contains a full-featured spa, and for those in the mood for an all-night outing, it has Club Nero, a nightclub that showcases top DJs, hip-hop and R & B superstars, as well as a laser light show.

In the North Shore, those residing in South Lake Tahoe condos often migrate over to Tahoe City at night. A few bars, including Bullwhacker's Pub, features live music, especially of the pop and country-western variety, on a nightly basis. There are also places, such as the River Ranch Lodge, which are more conducive to a quiet drink with friends.

During the summer, there are a couple of outdoor music events that attract visitors staying in Lake Tahoe cabin rentals. Notable venues include Sand Harbor and the Lake Tahoe Visitors Center amphitheater. There's sure to be something of interest for everyone; the music ranges from chamber music to the latest pop acts. A popular event that draws many, including tenants of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals, is the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival, which is held annually towards the end of May. During the festival, locations in and around Incline Village, Crystal Bay and the North Shore play host to the finest jazz musicians in the country.

Other well-attended summer events for inhabitants of Lake Tahoe cabins include the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in Incline Village at Sand Harbor Beach, as well as the Lake Tahoe Festival of Fine Arts. The arts festival is sponsored by a non-profit with proceeds going towards art programs for local schools and the youth community.

Accommodations
Visitors to the area have many options when it comes to lodging. The area is notable for Lake Tahoe cabins as well as Lake Tahoe condos. Tourists prefer these units because it gives them an easy and affordable way to enjoy the many activities in the area. By staying in one of the Lake Tahoe condos, the fantastic beauty of the region is just outside your doorsteps. A perfect day for guests staying at Lake Tahoe cabin rentals may be having breakfast on the balcony overlooking the lake, followed by a rigorous hike on a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile path that circles the ridgeline of the lake. And of course Lake Tahoe cabin rentals are popular in this area because of the terrific skiing – the accommodations allow for a large group of people to stay together.

Whatever type of vacation accommodation you're looking for in this year-around wonderland, VactionHomes.com is the best place to look. You can search for Lake Tahoe vacation rentals by many criteria, including number of beds, baths, the number it sleeps, and weekly rates. The listing of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals is updated on an on-going basis so it makes sense when you are in the market for a unit to check the site often. Once you pull up an appropriate list of Lake Tahoe vacation rentals, for each property, VacationHomes.com provides you with the owner's contact information so you can call or email and inquire about the availability of the unit, as well as ask any questions you may have.

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