South Lake Tahoe Vacations

South Lake Tahoe is a town located, as you would expect, on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, and is a year-round hotspot for tourists of all kinds. This destination is well-known for great weather and plentiful activities, and perhaps most notably, is the site of 8800 total acres of skiing space.

Heavenly Mountain Resort, one of the more famous attractions, is home to the area's longest ski run (5.5 miles) and the greatest vertical drop (3600 feet). This resort is busy during all months of the year, but ski season is when most travelers make the trek to this expansive and accommodating mountain retreat. An annual snowfall of 360 inches and a backdrop of natural beauty provide skiers with nearly ideal conditions for a fabulous winter vacation.

In the summer months when the weather warms up, water and beach activities become a popular pursuit for those seeking a few days of rest and relaxation. Boating, whether in a rented watercraft with friends and family or as part of a sailing team competing in one of the many regattas, is the most popular activity for many summer visitors to South Lake Tahoe. Marinas line the town's shore, and guided cruises are available for those hoping to just sit back and leave all the responsibility to someone else. Fishing is also a fun way to spend a day on the lake, and is guaranteed to erase any memory of stress or strain you might have been feeling in your everyday life.

For travelers hoping to get some exercise, there are plenty of hiking trails to take advantage of. Ranging from strenuous to family-friendly, several routes exist that will lead nature lovers through the Sierra forest and offer breathtaking views of the sparkling lake below. Twenty miles of designated bike paths have been incorporated into the mountainside, so adventurers will be given the chance to break a sweat.

True thrill-seekers can check out the scenery from high in the air, either by being taken up into a hot air balloon or by going parasailing. If you choose to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground, however, you can stay busy on the greens. Golf enthusiasts have several options, as there are a few world-famous and picturesque courses within a reasonable distance of the south end of the lake.

If you've come to South Lake Tahoe feeling lucky, be aware that gambling is legal on the Nevada side of the lake. Located a few miles from the lake is the town of Stateline, a high-traffic area for risk-lovers. All told, there are six 24-hour casinos in the South Lake Tahoe area, containing over 7,000 slot machines and over 400 gaming tables. Perhaps after a few hands of poker or a roll of the dice, travelers will find themselves able to return home with fatter wallets than they had when they arrived.

Because South Lake Tahoe is a top tourist destination, there are numerous choices when it comes to lodging. Many travelers decide to take advantage of vacation rentals, which are often located just minutes from the most desirable attractions. Following a few hours on the lake, families might enjoy being able to come home and recharge in a space ample enough for everyone. Or, after a day on the slopes with your significant other, nothing is better than soaking in your own private hot tub and preparing a casual meal to be enjoyed in front of a cozy fire.

The wide variety of activities to be enjoyed in South Lake Tahoe is reflected in the array of different vacation home options. From rustic lodges to lakeside chalets, every taste has the potential to be satisfied. For those who have the means, waterfront homes with their own docks are available, but the cottages tucked away into the woods can be just as charming, and are often more accessible to grocery stores and the casinos.

No matter what is drawing you to visit South Lake Tahoe, be it the allure of the water, the mountains, or just the thought of getting away from it all, you are sure to find the perfect place to call home while you are there. Think about the peace of mind that goes along with living on your own terms, transplant that feeling to the shores of America's largest alpine lake, and get started making your next vacation a reality. At HomeAway.com you can find http://www.homeaway.com/Lake-Tahoe-vacation-rentals/South-Tahoe-vacation-rentals.htm">South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals.