In collaboration with Hotels.com, I have been remembering a past trip. When I took a whirlwind trip to the Lake Tahoe area, I made one big mistake…I did not schedule more time in the South Lake Tahoe region. Yes North Lake Tahoe and the Reno area have lots to offer, but if you want a true vacation stick to beautiful, accommodating hotels in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy some of my what not to miss in South Lake Tahoe from my personal experience.
The region of South Lake Tahoe is a true California resort city located on Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area is known for nearby ski resorts and even some beaches. El Dorado Beach is a favorite of many. You can always see family and friends surrounding picnic tables around the lake and enjoy many of the local favorite foods like pastries such as bear claws. You can also find restaurants and bars on the main drag with a few casinos near the adjacent state line of Nevada. So when visiting this area of the USA, do not miss South Lake Tahoe.
Where to Stay in South Lake Tahoe
What makes this area special to me is how you can find good down home cooking next to upscale luxury food. One can spend the morning in a luxury spa and the afternoon on a snowmobile. When I was there it was a bit of the opposite. I checked out of The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe and went snowmobiling with my husband and had a big adventure. Let’s just say we only turned over once. One thing I did not realize was the windburn you get on your face while snowmobiling…
When we arrived at our South Lake Tahoe hotel The Landing Resort and Spa, I was in need of an emergency facial. Yes that is right! They took me straight into The Spa at the Landing Resort and gave me a custom facial with soothing Eminence skincare products. This is definitely a spa not to miss in South Lake Tahoe.
What to Eat in South Lake Tahoe
We had dinner at the resort at Jimmy’s Restaurant. They definitely have the best gourmet dining in the area. This restaurant had amazing service and was also a local favorite. I saw a wedding proposal at a nearby table take place, while live music played in the background.
The next morning I was hungry as a bear (probably a layover from all that snowmobiling the day before). Since this is a very walkable town, we headed out on foot to the Driftwood Cafe. They have the best traditional breakfast dining experience, which includes made to order omelets, eggs Benedict, potato pancakes, buttermilk pancakes and waffles. They also have sandwiches, burgers, homemade soups, black bean chicken chili, and fresh squeezed orange juice. A locally roasted coffee made my day. Remember, I told you we walked there early in the morning? It was pretty frigid for this southern gal.
Next time I visit, I am going to find more information here about Tahoe South. There I learned that Tahoe South has so much more to offer than I discovered on my short visit.
What did I enjoy the most in South Lake Tahoe
Natural scenery that borders on the ridiculously beautiful lake with snow capped mountains in the background. This luxury gal was so intrigued at the style of laidback luxury here. One can dine on world class food in jeans and then enjoy world class casinos at night. With big name entertainment, luxury spas and top-notch restaurants you can have it all here right outside of your hotel door.
Remember those amazing lake and mountain views? One can get a bird’s eye view from a paddlewheel boat or a gondola car there. This is definitely one of my not to miss activities next time I visit. I also hear that there are epic adventure ropes courses where one can zoom down a zip line. My zip lines days are done, so I will let you tell me about this one.
Traveling During Covid
As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.
If you do decide to travel at this time, here are our recommendations:
- Wear a face mask.
- Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands on a regular basis.
- Check official websites before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures and status of local businesses.
- Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.
Related: Spa Day at Lake Tahoe
