Why Visit South Lake Tahoe? Mountains, Views, Water & Cuisine…
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Why visit Tahoe South? Stunning vistas, some of the west coast’s best skiing, the largest alpine lake in North America and a buzzing nightlife scene can all be found in one place straddling the border of California and Nevada.
South Lake Tahoe is a uniquely positioned destination that offers outdoor enthusiasts the best of both worlds, with incredible views of the lake from the mountains and vice versa, as well as an impressive selection of bars, restaurants, dance clubs and casinos.
Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, enjoy a romantic getawawy, party hard, or a little bit of all three, here are the must-see spots during your trip to South Shore.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
The best place to ski and snowboard in South Tahoe is the Heavenly Mountain Resort, which boasts a whopping 4800 acres, 97 trails, and over 300 inches of snow per year. With a higher elevation, the most skiable terrain in South Shore, and the west coast’s largest snow making machine, Heavenly Mountain Resort guarantees good ski conditions throughout the season.
The mountain is a huge draw for intermediate and expert skiers looking to explore its numerous trails and try new challenges. And, of course, the best views of Lake Tahoe from every run on the mountain bring in the crowds as well.
Renoe Tahoe Helicopter Tours
While the views from the mountain are breathtaking, nothing beats the sight of South Lake Tahoe from the sky. Hop on one of the several scenic helicopter tours offered by Renoe Tahoe Helicopters for an unbeatable airborne experience.
Renoe Tahoe Helicopters offers tours year round, ranging in length from 10 minutes to an hour. As you fly over the brilliantly blue waters, you will spot tiny boats dotting the lake far below, dense forests, beautiful mountain peaks, and perhaps even the Vikingsholm Castle, an impressive reproduction of a Viking castle.
One of the newer helicopter tours offered showcases the stunning waterfalls and cascading ephemerals of South Tahoe, ending with close-up views of 800-foot Horsetail Falls. And romantic types will want to book their tour right around the sunset to capture one of the most beautiful moments of the day from the sky.
The Hungry Bear Restaurant
After all that adrenaline pumping ski and helicopter activity, you’ll be ready for some comforting home cooking. Head to The Hungry Bear Restaurant inside Ridge Tahoe Resort to fill up and fuel up for the next adventure.
Serving classics like steak, seafood and pasta in an elegant setting, the executive chef at The Hungry Bear likes to keep things simple yet delicious. This homey restaurant is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a satisfying meal in a warm, welcoming atmopshere with excellent service. It’s the type of place where the chef might even stop by your table to make sure you are enjoying the meal.
Don’t forget to arrange for a reservation so you won’t miss the chance to enjoy The Hungry Bear Restaurant’s superb food, beloved by locals and repeat Tahoe South visitors alike.
MS Dixie II
You may have seen South Lake Tahoe from the ski slopes and the sky, but trust me when I tell you you’ll never get bored of taking in the beautiful views.
Another must-do activity in South Lake Tahoe is a lake cruise. Jump aboard the award-winning M.S. Dixie II or Tahoe Queen at Zephyr Cover Resort for a mesmerizing boat ride around the sparkling waters and picturesque peaks of Lake Tahoe. With live music, cocktails and food on board, these affordable cruises are the perfect way to relax and unwind while taking in some of the most incredible scenery in the world.
Some of the sights you’ll spot along your cruise include the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Emerald Bay, Fannette Island and the Vikingsholm Castle.
Edgewood Tahoe
For a truly special South Tahoe evening, make a reservation at the beautiful Edgewood Restaurant. There’s not a bad seat in the house at this lakeside alpine chateau, which ensures that every diner has an unimpeded view of the sunset from their table with wall-to-wall windows and two graduated levels of seating.
Come to Edgewood Restaurant for the view, but stay for the food. The menu incorporates locally sourced seafoods and produce, mixing high-end dining with comfort food staples for a delicious, crowd-pleasing selection. For a satisfying meal, choose the seared scallops in lobster sauce, the Cypress Island salmon with sweet Dungeness crab, or the fresh ahi tuna with wasabi crème.
With its unparalleled romantic atmosphere, Edgewood Tahoe is a natural choice for engagements, anniversaries and other special events.