Tahoe Things to Do: Attractions

DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of stunning turquoise water, old-growth forests and giant cartoon-like granite boulders that balance themselves like toys in amazing ways. There are multiple hiking trails that lead from the park, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the splendor that outdoor Tahoe has to offer, and you'll find several good dive spots here too. To help enjoy the area even more, there are 150 regular campsites and one group site, all having easy access to the water via various points around the park. The park is also good for dogs as long as they're on a leash at all times and not on the trails. If you're coming to the park for day use only it is highly advised that you come early, as the park tends to be very busy and parking is limited. The park does not allow day use visitors once the parking lots are full. The park closes in the winter, although access to trails is still available. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace. 

If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay State Park. The park includes two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat and foot only) and Eagle Point Campground. Within the park are various treasures including Tahoe's hidden castle, Vikingsholm, the scenic Rubicon foot trail that connects Eagle Point Campground with Vikingsholm and DL Bliss State Park. The park also encompasses Fanette Island, the only island of Lake Tahoe. The park extends below the surface of the lake, where visitors will find a historical story book of days gone by in the form of sunken barges, ships and launches. The park closes down in the winter, though people are able to walk the mile-long, steep trail to Vikingsholm Castle to enjoy the grounds and beaches. The trail can be a bit treacherous in winter if snowy or icy. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace. 

Lake Tahoe has only one outflow – the Truckee River. And for 20 years IRIE Rafting Company has given visitors a close-up view of the waterway as well as the region's north and middle forks of the American River and the Carson River. For those wanting to stay closer to Truckee, IRIE offers half- and full-day trips on the Truckee River after it flows past the town of Truckee. There is ideal paddling to be had for a range of ages and abilities as well as some thrilling rapids as the river runs down into the Truckee River Gorge. IRIE transports guests to and from Truckee to the put-in and take-out points on the river and provides helmets, personal flotation vests and paddles. Expect a two-hour trip that will be perfect for the whole family.

Lake Tahoe Balloons lets you see the Lake Tahoe region from a very unique perspective. Imagine flying with the golden eagles and osprey while gliding with the currents of wind in your own hot-air balloon. Below you spreads the immense green forests and granite landscapes of the Sierra Mountains framing the turquoise and azure blues of Lake Tahoe and other smaller alpine lakes. The only sound is the soft whoosh of the balloon, soaring and offering a view like no other. Lake Tahoe Balloons is an amazing way to see the outstanding views in a way that is not possible by any other means. Another interesting and unique aspect to the Lake Tahoe Balloons operation is that the balloon launches from the water of Lake Tahoe on a U.S. Coast Guard-approved double decker, Catamaran-style aircraft vessel (the only one in the world of its kind), allowing guests to experience the stunning views of lifting off from the water. Their season is May 15 through October 15 every year.

Since 1972, the Northstar California Resort has drawn winter sports enthusiasts to the area. Twenty different lifts provide access to some 100 trails on more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The majority of the trails are designed for intermediate level skiers, while about a quarter of them are for advanced skiers and the remainder are just right for beginners. Speaking of beginners, Northstar offers schooling in both skiing and boarding. Fun in the snow at the Northstar California Resort also includes telemark skiing, tubing and cross-country skiing. The resort also offers eight terrain parks. But Northstar isn't just about the wintertime. Year-round amenities include a skating rink, a bungie trampoline, lodging, dining and a wide range of shopping at the Village. Guests at Northstar lodging also have access to the swim and racquet club including outdoor spas and heated lap pool, yoga classes, saunas and teen and fitness centers. In the summer, a whole new world of fun opens up. The ice rink changes over to a roller skating rink, visitors can enjoy an 18-hole golf course, there are some 10 courts available for those who enjoy tennis and fly fishing is available in the Sawmill Lake. And the Northstar California Resort is the site of one of the best lift-served mountain bike parks in the nation, with 52 trails providing more than 100 miles of biking fun.

Northstar California Resort Is Conveniently Located

Located between the High Sierra mountain town of Truckee and Lake Tahoe, the Northstar California Resort is easy to get to whether you are driving from the Golden State of California or the Silver State of Nevada. And if you are lucky enough to be flying in, the airports in Sacramento and Reno are both served by commercial airlines, while the Truckee Tahoe Airport is just 5 miles from the resort.