North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe might share part of their name but these towns definitely do not share the same identity. North Lake Tahoe is all about activities for the whole family and community events. South Lake Tahoe is all about nightlife and great casinos. They do, however, both have great access to various outdoor recreation activities. We've broken down the in's and out's of each town -- including resort overviews and activities -- to help you plan your next trip to one of these unique towns.
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The North Shore of Lake Tahoe offers it all during the summer seasons, from leisure to day-long activities. Whether you want to wake up and have breakfast on the shore of the lake before soaking up some rays at any of the many beaches or channel your inner-angler and take a day-long fishing expedition, North Lake Tahoe will have the accommodations. If you are seeking a thrill, take a helicopter ride around the lake. For the less thrill-seeking visitors who still want to sight see, bus tours around the lake may be better suited. |
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Northstar
Northstar Resort's tagline "The Way Is Should Be" aptly describes this refined yet laid-back resort. You will have a luxurious mountain experience from start to finish at Northstar between their five-star lodging, impeccable grooming, world-class-terrain parks and upscale shops. Northstar is home to Northern California's largest mountain bike park. If you are an experienced rider, be sure to visit their signature trail, LiveWire, which is the first fully-irrigated mountain bike trail. Chairlifts are also available for scenic sightseeing and hiking. At Northstar, you'll be sure to vacation "the way it should be". |
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Squaw Valley USA
Squaw Valley offers a variety of daily activities and events, all within minutes of eachother. Get a great view of Lake Tahoe from their aerial tram or join in on an intense game of paintball. Play a quick match of tennis and then go savor a glass of wine at any of the several fine dining experiences. Foodies will enjoy taking a trip into the Village to visit the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant, Bar One, Cornice Cantina Mexican Bar & Grill, or Batch Cupcakery for the kids. |
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Alpine Meadows
Alpine Meadows is a tranquil, no frills resort. If you are looking for a place with a small-town feel and favorite of the locals, Alpine Meadows is the place for you. Enjoy an Alpine Meadows favorite and hike the Five Lakes hiking trail which is 4 miles round trip and takes along a wall of exposed granite and volcanic rock. You can also visit the stables for a horseback ride through some of the most scenic wilderness. |
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Tahoe South is full of diversity, with activities and events for every personality. The South Shore is home to a thriving art scene, saturated with color, and an out-of-this-world nightlife with nightclubs with gogo dancers and hipster dive bars. Try your hand at wakeboarding and paddle boarding upon the gorgeous, clear waters of Lake Tahoe or simply relax on a kayak or sailboat for the day. |
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Heavenly Mountain Resort Heavenly Mountain Resort in the summer season is just as the title suggests--heavenly. This resort overlooks the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe and offers a variety of water and nature-based activities for the whole family. Within an hour of the Reno-Tahoe airport and located off three major highways, Heavenly Mountain Resort gives visitors a beautiful day experience with a rockin' and unforgettable nighttime atmosphere. |
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Kirkwood
Kirkwood may be the real deal for winter enthusiasts, but the summer season does not disappoint. The resort offers world class rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Experience disc golf at 7,800 feet at Kirkwood's famous disc golf course, praised by many visitors and locals as one of the most challenging courses on the West Coast. Make sure to stop by the Red Cliffs Day Lodge for all your summer needs such as lift tickets, golf score cards, and hiking information. |