Lake Tahoe (California) Apartments & Houses - 296 Rentals Available

Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake on the border of California and Nevada, just west of Carson City, NV. A Lake Tahoe lakefront vacation rental connects you to the majesty of nature and the wonder of the earth without sacrificing the modern conveniences. The Lake Tahoe area has two sections – North Tahoe in Nevada and Tahoe South in California. Tahoe affords visitors the opportunity to enjoy the largest alpine lake in North America set amidst the jaw-dropping beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Communities Around Lake Tahoe

There are many different communities that offer Lake Tahoe rentals, and they are all equally wonderful places to take a family vacation. Kings Beach is located at the top of Lake Tahoe and is a great beach for visitors, with shopping, restaurants, and beach access for sand volleyball, concerts, and art shows. Meeks Bay is quiet and sits on the West Shore, and Lake Tahoe house rentals there can have luxurious lake views. Zephyr Cove is a historic district located southeast of the lake. There are many activities there, including dinner cruises, boating, kayaking, parasailing, and horseback riding. South Lake Tahoe is an entertaining place to book cabin rentals in Lake Tahoe. It has the largest casinos in the area and includes great nightlife. South Lake Tahoe is bike-friendly, and there are bicycles for rent to enjoy the scenery.

Things to Do

Mother Nature is on center stage in Lake Tahoe, and her pleasures are simple, from watching gorgeous sunsets to hiking, skiing, or spending the day on the water. She puts on a show year round and invites everyone to enjoy the natural beauty of this spot. With so many beautiful vistas and outdoor activities, most travelers to this area would be content just exploring nature, but Tahoe at night offers plenty to do and see. From headlining concerts to nightclubs and dive bars, Tahoe nightlife shines almost as brightly as its glorious stars.

While staying in Lake Tahoe, be sure to visit the Gondola at Heavenly. This eight-passenger cabin made of glass will take you up more than 2 miles of mountainside for a scenic view of the lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located in Tahoe City, Alpine Meadows offers exceptional skiing in the winter for intermediate and advanced skiers, while in the summer, they offer long, leisurely horseback rides through the mountains to enjoy the views. Lake Tahoe Balloons in South Lake Tahoe will give your family a one-of-a-kind balloon ride. During May through October, you can enjoy a continental breakfast and a one-hour scenic hot air balloon flight overlooking the lake area. A great place to take kids older than 5 is the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park. It is an aerial adventure park that has tree platforms, bridges, and zip lines. There are courses for adults as well as lots of other activities for families.

Climate

Lake Tahoe experiences all four seasons. Summer temps are generally in the seventies, and the weather is clear and sunny. But Tahoe is in the mountains, and mountain weather changes drastically. It’s not uncommon, especially for hikers, to rely on hourly weather reports instead of daily ones. Spring temps average between 40-60, while fall temperatures drop from the 70s to the 40s, and winds often pick up during this time. Winter is not the harsh climate you would expect. Temperatures average in the 40s. January is the coolest month of the year, with the temperatures dipping into the mid-teens, but they can get as high as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The precipitation range is between 25 and 50 inches per year. Most of this occurs as snow between November and April.

Food

Lake Tahoe is a mountain dining destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re feeding a large family on a budget or want a more romantic 4-star experience, Lake Tahoe can accommodate you. Tahoe even has dog-friendly dining options like Blue Angel Cafe. Many Lake Tahoe lakefront vacation rentals have kitchens so don't leave your leftovers at the restaurant. Bring them to your home away from home and enjoy them again.

The Driftwood Cafin South Lake Tahoe offers American cuisine for families that may be on a budget. Breakfast/brunch and lunch are served. Everyone loves pizza, and the Fireside Pizza Co. in Olympic Valley, CA, is a great casual place to come and get this Italian treat at a reasonable price. Log Cabin Cafand Ice Cream in Kings Beach is a wonderful place to bring the kids for breakfast/brunch or lunch, then enjoy some ice cream in this family-friendly environment. Also in Kings Beach is the Char-Pit, which is a burgers-and-fries joint that caters to families with kids who might be dining on a budget. They offer lunch and dinner and have the option for delivery. Rosie’s Cafin Tahoe City offers American cuisine, barbecue, and a coffee shop at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a budget-friendly restaurant. For families with dietary issues, the Sprouts Natural Foods Cafin South Lake Tahoe has American, Californian, vegetarian, and healthy foods for families on a budget. They offer local cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeout.

Shopping

Tahoe offers a number of shops to help you find that perfect souvenir, splurge on something luxurious, or add to your necessary gear. There are many galleries with items that capture the beauty of the crystal waters and majestic mountains. After a long day of shopping and treasure finding, you’ll be happy to know Tahoe businesses offer a number of spa and beauty treatments.

Events

Tahoe South knows how to have fun, and there’s no better proof than in their events. The Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Musical Festival is a highlight in May. During the summer, you’ll find car cruise-ins, outdoor summer concerts, and lovely farmers markets. Summer also brings the Paddle Festival, Shakespeare Festival, and a jazz and funk fest. Tahoe’s Great Gatsby Living History Festival in August at the Tallac Historic Site is a fantastic way to enjoy the Golden Age with vintage cars, music, period items, and flappers. Fall ushers in the popular Sample the Sierra event, The Lake Tahoe Fall Fish Festival, and Camp Richardson’s Annual Oktoberfest.

Visiting Lake Tahoe

The best time to book a Lake Tahoe trip generally depends on your favorite activities. During the summer, the area is busiest with families spending time on the lake swimming, boating, water-skiing, and visiting the area parks. This is also the time to visit the historic districts as well. Lake Tahoe is known to have some of the best fireworks displays during its Fourth of July festivities. The winter is almost as busy, as this season brings snow for families seeking fun by skiing and snowboarding.

A Lake Tahoe lakefront vacation rental places you in the middle of year round activity. Spring and fall seasons are the least populated times to visit as well as the least expensive. Come experience Tahoe South. You’re in for an adventure.