Getting Oriented in Lake Tahoe
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- South Lake Tahoe. This small city is a gateway to nature: swoosh down slopes at Heavenly Mountain, hike or bike scenic trails, or embark on a lake cruise.
- Pope-Baldwin Recreation Area. Protected forests and several of the west shore’s best beaches line the shores here.
- Emerald Bay State Park. Named for the glistening green waters in its shallow, emerald-shaped cove, this state park is a favorite spot to recreate.
- D.L. Bliss State Park. Hike the Rubicon Trail along 6 miles of shoreline to access white-sand beaches and spectacular views.
- Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. Lake Tahoe’s largest state park encompasses dense forests and nearly 2 miles of shoreline.
- Tahoma. This serene lakeshore village reflects early Lake Tahoe, where rustic cottages housed vacationers who sought refuge from urban commotion.
- Tahoe City. The Truckee River begins its journey to Nevada in this small town, a convenient place to shop and dine.
- Olympic Valley. The area that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics is now the north shore’s year-round recreation center.
- Truckee. This Old West city is a trendy town with a historic depot.
- Carnelian Bay to Kings Beach. Many north shore amenities and services line this scenic stretch.
- Incline Village. The draws of this ritzy Nevada-side community include Mount Rose and Diamond Peak in winter and beaches and lush hillsides in summer.
- Zephyr Cove. This tiny Nevada resort occupies a secluded spot edging the eastern shore.
- Stateline. Towering casinos and 24/7 action give this small city a border-town feel.
- Reno. This busy city has the Tahoe region’s main airport and a revitalized downtown.