Where to stay in Lake Tahoe?

June 7, 2007 8:17 PM

Looking for the best places to stay in Tahoe the first week in August.

Our previous plans have had to be scrapped because of familial obligations, so this summer's vacation has unfortunately been forced domestic. Me and my better half are looking at a week doing Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

We think we have the Yosemite portion fairly well planned, but now we're looking for details on Tahoe. We're looking for the relaxing, read a book, maybe rent a boat for a day, quiet sitting on a beach approach. We're not looking for the spring break, keggers, frat boy aspect.

In general, which side of the Lake would we be best served in looking for a place to stay? Any suggestions of specific hotels, resorts, cabins or Bed & Breakfasts that you've enjoyed? What other things to see/do in Tahoe that we're missing out on?

Also, if you think Tahoe is just the wrong idea for this type of vacationing in this area, what other nearby locations can provide what we're looking for?

posted by Inkoate to Travel & Transportation around Lake Tahoe, CA (4 answers total)

For quieter, more laid-back, I prefer the north and west - around Tahoe City down to Emerald Bay. There's a bit of town but it's much less developed than the south shore. I usually go with a group and we always rent houses. There are tons of rental services you can comb through to browse.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 11:02 PM on June 7, 2007 [1 favorite]

The great thing about South Shore is that most of it is rather developed, but along the eastern fringe (along Highway 89) it is still pretty quiet. My family has a rental house in South Shore that backs up to the USFS land, and you can hike to the lake from there. Email in profile if you want more info.

North and South do have different "tones" to them, but in August it wouldn't be a problem to drive between the two if you wanted to explore.
posted by Big_B at 8:38 AM on June 8, 2007 [1 favorite]

I live in Tahoe's north shore and obviously prefer it to South Lake. That place just jangles my nerves with the traffic. There's a huge variety of places to stay in - what's your budget? Kings Beach has some cottagey type places.

There are a ton of great hiking trails around the North shore - a mile of hiking will often lead you to small pockets of beaches. Be aware that a few of the beaches are clothing optional though. That said, you can sit in your bathing suit while others aren't and that's totally cool. Pick up a book called the Best Day Hikes in Tahoe, or something like that.

Truckee and Tahoe City are great little towns to wander around in. I highly recommend renting a kayak! Go early in the day before the waves get too choppy.
posted by HeyAllie at 9:13 AM on June 8, 2007 [1 favorite]

I love the Tahoe City/Kings Beach area. We used to stay in Chinquapin when I was a kid. The property is right on the lake, and there is a private beach. The condos are so cute, with knotty pine ceilings. Plus there is a pool and tennis courts.

Ditto on exploring Truckee for a day - what a cute town!
posted by radioamy at 11:17 AM on June 8, 2007