So you’re done visiting Arizona and are now planning to go to California, which destination should you not dare miss? One of the best places that you should make sure you visit whenever you are in California is Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to go in California for many reasons. It is a place that attracts people from all over the world with its natural beauty, hiking trails and activities, water sports, and so much more. This could be the next destination you book your summer vacation to.
The History Of Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a place that has an interesting history. The first people to live in the region were the Washoe tribe, who believed that the lake was created when a great Spirit formed the earth and then threw a large rock into the center of it. They named the lake “Tahoe” which means “The Place Where The Earth Meets The Sky”.
In 1844, John C. Fremont and his team were the first non-Native Americans to see Lake Tahoe. He described it as “the fairest picture the eye could behold”. Fremont also named two of the surrounding mountains – Mount Tallac and Castle Peak.
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 led to an influx of people coming to the area and by the 1850s, Tahoe was already a popular tourist destination. People would come to enjoy the lake’s natural beauty, as well as its fishing and hunting.
Lake Tahoe Comes Under Federal Protection
In 1969, President Nixon signed into law the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act which gave Lake Tahoe federal protection. The act aimed to protect the environment of the lake and control the development around it. As a result, over the years many laws have been put in place to protect the lake, such as measures to prevent soil erosion and controls on the size of buildings that can be constructed around the edge of the lake.
The Importance Of Tourism To Lake Tahoe’s Economy
Tourism is one of the main sources of income for the region and plays a significant role in the local economy. In 2016, it was estimated that tourism generated over $1.3 billion in revenue for the Lake Tahoe region.
What To Do And See In Lake Tahoe
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Lake Tahoe. Here are some of the top attractions:
Enjoy The Natural Beauty
One of the main reasons why people visit Lake Tahoe is its natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by mountains which make for some stunning scenery. There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore in the area.
Take A Boat Ride
Another great way to enjoy the views is by taking a boat ride on the lake. There are plenty of boat rental companies located around the lake.
Participate In Water Sports
Lake Tahoe is a great place to participate in water sports. There are plenty of places where you can go swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
Visit The Casinos
If you’re looking for some excitement, you can head to one of the casinos located in the area.
See Some Wildlife
The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, coyotes, and bobcats. You may be lucky enough to see some of these animals while you’re there.
Enjoy Some Fine Dining
There are a number of restaurants in the area that serve up some excellent cuisine. Whether you’re looking for something casual or want
Hit The Slopes
If you’re a fan of skiing or snowboarding, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with the number of slopes in the area.
Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe
There are a number of accommodation options in Lake Tahoe, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and camping.
One of the most popular places to stay is at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino. The resort has a casino, spa, restaurants, and bars. It’s also located right on the beach so you can enjoy stunning views of the lake.
If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, then you may want to stay at one of the camping or RV parks in the area. There are a number of these parks located near the lake, including Camp Richardson Resort and Marina, and Kirkwood RV Park.
How To Get To Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is about a 5-hour drive from San Francisco. There are a number of ways to get to the lake, including by car, bus, train, or plane.
The closest airport to the lake is Reno-Tahoe International Airport. There are a number of shuttle services that operate between the airport and the lake.
If you’re driving, then there are a number of highways that will take you there. The most popular route is via Highway 89 which goes around the eastern edge of the lake.
