LIST: Family Fun

Tahoe is a playground.  Pick your sport: biking, boating, hiking, stand-up paddle, kayaking, jet-skiing, snowboarding, skiing, rock climbing, golf ...... the list continues.  Even skateboarders and frisbee golfers have a place to play in Tahoe.  

Not into the outdoors?  Maybe you lost in the family vote and were forced to come.  Don't worry there is plenty to do for you as well.  Aside from gaming, nightclubs and shopping, we have live music, beautiful views, art and theater. 

This entry is a list of:  Family Fun Activities...... all lists will be updated from time to time as the seasons change.  If you have a specific question, please ask in the comment section and I'll try to answer it to the best of my ability.

SUMMER

Camp Richardson Resort  & Surrounding Area-  There is SO much to do on this side of the shore! I play here almost year round.  

There is a bike and pedestrian path that is paved, wide, fairly level and offset from the HWY 89. Definitely a path that even the little ones can do.  Please, make sure that everyone understand trail safety and etiquette. There's a reason cyclists, boarders and skiers often call little kids on the trails "speed bumps."  

This path is about 4 miles end to end and is best done by parking at the town end of the path on HWY 89 and ride north.

First, you will pass Pope Beach.  Great shallow water here for swimming and a lot of beach to spread out on.  There is a parking fee and no dogs are allowed.

Your next stop is Camp Richardson, which truly does offer almost everything.  I've heard some visitors say that they never realized that there was such a large town only 2 miles away.  Take a break for a coffee, ice cream or sandwich from the deli.  

If your in the mood for a longer break, turn right toward the beach to The Beacon Restaurant.  During the summer, we love to come here for live music, lunch on the deck  and the shady trees along the shore.  This area is also accessible by boat where you can tie up to a buoy and be taxied in.

If you are on foot or bike you can follow the beach path north, where you will go through the Tallac Historic Site.  Explore the grounds, look for the foundations of the old Tallac Resort and enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in the beachside garden.  The Valhalla at Lake Tahoe arts and cultural events are held here every summer. 

Keep heading north along the Hwy 89 bike path and turn right at the US Forest Service Visitor's Center turn off (aka The Taylor Creek Visitor's Center and Stream Profile Chamber is here). I've taken many 10 year olds on field trips here and everyone gives it a big thumbs up here. Walk along the paths the the  Chamber and you may be lucky enough to see bald eagles.  The peak time to come here is during the Kokanee Salmon Festival in early October.

Follow the road to Kiva Beach.  Known as the "Dog Beach,"  the rules concerning dogs change frequently, so always check the signs along the foot paths.  Currently, dog are allowed on the beach, but must be on leash even during water play.  You will come to this beach and find many people not following this rule, but be aware..... The Forest Service does monitor the area and many tickets have been written.  They have been know to have somebody patrol by water, who will watch the beach through binoculars and call in somebody on foot shore to swoop in and write the ticket.  True story.  (NOTE: While dogs are ok at the beach, they are not allowed at the visitors center.)

The final beach along this series of sandy beaches is Baldwin Beach, this is a no dog beach with a $5 parking fee.  The shoreline curves here, providing calmer waters that are perfect for wake boarding.  You will often find boats anchored off the north end of the beach.  

Fallen Leaf Lake-

Camp Richardson Corral-

The Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum-  

Take a minute to learn about Tahoe history, the admission is free and the volunteers have lots of great Tahoe stories to tell. Located next to the Visitor's Center on Lake Tahoe Blvd. in the center of town.

Recreation Complex-  

The Recreation Complex offers a playground, fitness center, SLT's only year-round public swimming pool, and the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.  Depending on the length of your stay (or maybe your a local) you may want to look into classes and Summer Camps.  Check out the site for City of SLT Parks and Recreation for more information.

Library- 

Nifty Fifty Trolley-

Easy Hike and Bike Trails-

Welcome to My Little Mountain Town

Lake Tahoe....First, home to the Washoe tribe, then a supplier of timber during Nevada's Comstock era.  It was a prime vacation spot for San Francisco's wealthy families at the turn of the century. In 1944, Harvey's Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall opened at the Stateline area, and in 1955 the Bijou Skyway Park was purchased and renamed Heavenly Valley.  The 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley showed Tahoe to the world, turning the whole basin into a major vacation destination. South Lake Tahoe was incorporated as a city in 1965 and the population has since grown to 21,403 (2010 Census). 

Enough history for now, let's get down to business. 

There has been a great debate over how a person becomes a "local" in Tahoe.  Some say it's all about the length of time living at the lake, while others have said, "Well, you're not REALLY a local unless you've been to .... (insert name of place or event here)."  

I am a 15 year local.  I've been to the historical spots, learned the lore, and danced at the Firefighter's Ball.  I am also one of the many in this town who work with the public.  I get to mingle with the locals, the tourists and the seasonals.  I rarely go a week without hearing questions like, "What is there to do here OTHER THAN ski and gamble?" or "Where can I go for a late night espresso?"  Sure, some of these things can be Yelped and Googled, but really, who knows better than a local?   And one local doesn't know, they most likely know someone who does.   

Hence, this blog. I am YOUR local.  I will provide information not only about the larger annual events in town, but also about the smaller more community-style events and lists of places to go for live music, local eats and a late night coffee.  Do you want to know where to find Kareoke on a weeknight?  How about the best non-fastfood chain burger?  If I don't have it listed, let me know in the comment area and I'll get a list up a quickly as possible.

Keep this in mind, while I am here to turn you on to the places the locals love, I will not be divulging the locals' secret hiding places, like beaches, ski runs and bike trails.  If you want to know those places, become friends with a local.  Trust me, it's worth it.