Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to escape, relax, breath in some fresh air and just enjoy nature. It's about 4.5 hours away from the Bay Area but once you get there it's 100% worth it.
Where to stay: I've only ever stayed at North Star and I highly recommend it. Click here to check out what's available. It's a cute area that has everything near by; from nightlife, coffee shops, grocery store, movie theatre, restaurants, yoga, the slopes the lake etc. You can have an awesome view of the ice skating rink (in the winter) or roller blading rink (in the summer). At night there is a DJ and this area really comes to life.
What to do in the winter:
Go skiing or snowboarding. If you don't have gear you can rent everything at the Northstar Sport Village Rentals store. If you are going to rent gear you should go the day before you decide to go on the slopes so you skip the lines during peak hours.
Go ice skating.
Go tubing.
Go snowshoeing.
What to do in the summer:
Rent a boat from Motorboats Tahoe. I've called over a dozen boat rental companies in Tahoe and the only one I had a good experience with was this company. They were very professional and the whole process was smooth. I rented a boat 2 weekends before going and met up with the Motorboats team at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area & Boat Launch. The boat was already in the water ready to go. There was a 15min overview on how the boat operates and what the rules are in the lake and then we were off. It was an amazing experience. The cost is all inclusive so there is no hidden fees that magically pop up later on. Pro tip: Stop at the Safeway before hand to grab some sandwiches and have a picnic on the boat in the middle of the lake.
What to do no matter the seasons:
Take a yoga class at Tahoe Spa & Wellness.
Make candles at the Villager candle shop.
Go see a movie at the Village Cinemas. It's an old theatre but I kind of like it's rustic vibe.
Cross the California border to go to Nevada and take a picture with the welcome sign.
Go gambling at the Grand Lodge Casino.
Go on a stroll through Kings Beach.
Where to eat:
If you only have time to try one place please go to Rubicon Pizza. It's delicious. My favorite is the classic pizza margherita.
Manzanita at the Ritz Carlton for the weekend brunch is great. There is a free gondola that takes your from North Star village to the Ritz.
If you see anything that you think should be added on here don't hesitate to reach out at napatheyorkie@gmail.com and I will add it!