After our five hour dinner at the Ritz Carlton and a good nights sleep, we woke up refreshed and ready to explore Lake Tahoe in Northern California. I wanted to make the 72 mile drive around the lake, or rather, I wanted Peter to chauffeur me as I snugly sat in the passenger seat. A prime viewing location. I had heard it would take three hours to make the trek, depending on how much time you spent at each stop.
Judging from the below 40 degree weather, most of this trips sightseeing would be done from the car window.
The 72 Mile Drive Around Lake Tahoe
Our cabin was a short walk to Kings Beach and this was the perfect place to start our tour. The calm waters begged for some rock skipping, but my fingers were frozen and my stone throwing skills were rusty.
Next on the tour was Sand Harbor, which is one of the most popular beaches in Lake Tahoe, but not today. The white sand was free of bikini-clad bodies or musicians playing on the concert stage. I could imagine how lively it must be in the summertime and took note to return here when the temperature climbs another forty degrees.
I couldn’t resist getting out of the car at Camp Richardson for some pine cone hunting. And was rewarded handsomely.
These beautiful Aspen Trees lined the Lake Tahoe South Shore, marking our halfway point.
I risked hypothermia in my fingers to see the salmon run at Taylor Creek. And though all of my ten digits survived, it would have been worth losing one or two.
At an elevation of 9,735 feet, Mt. Tallac had glimpses of snow on its peaks. Because I was sans mittens or any proper cold-weather gear, I was happy to be viewing the snow from a distance.
The view from Inspiration Point made me want to park the car and have a minor make-out session in the back seat. That would have warmed me right up.
Our last stop was a stunner, Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Fannette is the only island found in Lake Tahoe.
I stood, outside of the car, trying to capture all of its beauty, for a moment forgetting the chill in the wind, my chapped lips or numb ears.
How long was the drive around Lake Tahoe?
After a three and a half hour excursion around the lake, we got back in the car, turned the heat on full blast and headed North for dinner.
Note to self: Next time bring mittens, earmuffs and a scarf to Lake Tahoe.
Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe?
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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These pictures are spectacular!!! I would LOVE to return to Tahoe one day!
I am so lucky to live so close!
We did Lake Tahoe in August when it was closer to 90 degrees – it was really warm then! Emerald Bay is beautiful, we did a cruise there on our visit which we really enjoyed.
Remind me to go in August ;)
It truly is beautiful and I would even like to go back when it’s covered in snow.
I have not been to Lake Tahoe…but your pictures make me want to go! Do you go by any of the ski resorts on that drive or are they in another location?
You do go by a couple and the others aren’t really a far detour.