Tahoe's Top 10 Attractions

by Elisabeth Korb

While The Lake itself is the Basin's number one attraction (see page 18 for ways to get out on the
water), there is plenty else to see and do while you're here.

1. Emerald Bay

Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 for its brilliant panorama of glacially carved granite, this bay provides a remarkable juxtaposition of mountain and lake. Make your trip extra special and arrive by boat, stopping at Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe's only island. The bay also features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian-inspired architecture in the western hemisphere. (530) 541-3030 or www.parks.ca.gov

2. Squaw Valley's Cable Car

Grab a bird's-eye view of Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe on this ride, which travels 2,000 vertical feet. At the top await a wide mountain meadow, hiking trails down to Shirley Lake and up to Emigrant Peak and High Camp's restaurants, ice skating, swimming, tennis and Olympic museum. (530) 583-6955 or www.squaw.com

3. Heavenly's Gondola

In just 12 minutes, eight-passenger cabins whisk riders up to 9,123 feet and spectacular views of the entire length of Lake Tahoe. At the top, Adventure Peak offers a restaurant, hiking trails, a 25-foot climbing wall and the Heavenly Flyer, a new 3,300- foot zip line cable ride, the longest in the continental United States. 1-800-HEAVENLY or www.skiheavenly.com

4. Thunderbird Lodge

This handsome stone estate, built between 1935 and 1940, is known for its craftsmanship, beauty and the idiosyncrasies of its original owner, George Whittell, who cut secret tunnels through the site's solid granite and kept a zoo of wild animals, including an elephant, on the grounds. Arrive at this remote spot by shuttle or wooden tour boat for public tours Tuesdays through Thursdays. 1-800-GO-TAHOE, 1-888-867-6394 x3 or www.thunderbirdlodge.org

5. Tallac Historic Site/Taylor Creek

Visitor Center A lovely testament to a bygone era, South Shore's Tallac Historic Site includes three Old Tahoe estates and also hosts the summer-long Valhalla Arts and Music Festival. Just a few miles north, Taylor Creek Visitor Center features winding nature trails and a stream profile chamber that provides glimpses of spawning kokanee salmon during the fall. (530) 541-5227 or www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu

6. Donner Memorial State Park Near Donner

Lake's east shore, the Pioneer Monument and Emigrant Trail Museum recount the story of the ill-fated Donner Party. The site includes a large boulder that once formed the fireplace and portion of the back wall of the group's cabin. (530) 582-7892 or www.parks.ca.gov

7. Sand Harbor State Park

Just a few miles south of Incline Village. Sand Harbor State Park includes a boat launch, visitor's center, restaurant and long, sandy beach with shallow, clear waters and unique rock formations. The park also features an outdoor stage that lays claim to "the most scenic venue in the world," home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. (775) 831-0494 or www.parks.nv.gov/lt.htm

8. Tahoe Maritime Museum

Immerse yourself in The Lake's maritime history at this new 5,800 square foot facility in Homewood. Along with the historic boats on display, see hydroplanes, antique fishing poles and early waterskis made of barn doors and ropes. (530) 525-WAKE or www.tahoemaritimemuseum.org

9. Gatekeeper's Museum/Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum

A reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper's Cabin—home of the water master who controlled the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe—this Tahoe City museum is now a showcase for local history. Stroll the grounds dotted with interpretive signs, and peek over the railing of Fanny Bridge to see monster trout in the current below. (530) 583-1762 or www. northtahoemuseums.org

10. Historic Downtown Truckee

Although this old logging and railway town's saloons and brothels have been replaced by upscale boutiques, galleries and restaurants, its original pioneering charm remains throughout Commercial Row's restored buildings. Those hankering for real history can visit the railroad depot or the old jail that once held the likes of Baby Face Nelson and Machine Gun Kelly. (530) 587-8808 or www.truckee.com