#1 most popular destination in the US
Blessed with sparkling natural beauty, has been selected as in the #1 most popular destination in the United States, Lake Tahoe is considered the jewel of the High Sierra. The lake is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. At 6,229 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its size in the United States, measuring 22 miles long by 12 miles wide, has a surface area of 191 square miles and an average depth of 989 feet and 72 miles of shoreline. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, trailing only Oregon's Crater Lake.
Climate
The mean annual precipitation ranges from over 55 inches in watersheds on the west side of the basin to about 26 inches near the lake on the east side of the basin. Most of the precipitation falls as snow between November and April. There is a pronounced annual runoff of snowmelt in late spring and early summer, the timing of which varies from year to year.
The National Weather Service reports that August is normally the warmest month with an average maximum of 78.7 °F (29.5 °C) and an average minimum of 39.8 °F (4.3 °C). January is the coolest month with an average maximum of 41.0 °F (5.0 °C) and an average minimum of 15.1 °F (-9.4 °C).
Towns
Incline Village
Incline Village comes by its name honestly. It is named for the Great Incline Tramway, built by loggers in the late 1870's. Today, Incline is where some of the world’s wealthiest people have built stunning mountain retreats. This eastern North Shore enclave features some of Tahoe’s most peaceful beaches and a refined approach to Lake Tahoe life.
In summer, theatergoers flock to see the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at nearby Sand Harbor. Mountain bikers get their game on with perfect trails down the Flume trail, which drains into the Village. Winter sees snow boarders and skiers maneuvering to Diamond Peak and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. Additionally, the Reno casino gaming is only a short drive away.
Crystal bay
Ever been in two states at the same time? The California/Nevada state line carves a line through Crystal Bay and you can actually swim from one state to the other in the Cal-Neva Resort's swimming pool. This is a very cool event, similar to the “four corners”. The Lake Tahoe neighborhood of Crystal Bay surveys its namesake and sits upon a magnificent granite boulder spread peninsula.
This is where Frank Sinatra, Jack Kennedy , Marilyn Monroe and Sam Giancana – stayed and played here in the '60s. There are four lively casinos with an extensive quantity of Lake Tahoe lodging and dining, plus an incredible amount of live entertainment.
Carnelian Bay
Boating is to Carnelian Bay what blue is to Lake Tahoe. In summer, it is life. The Sierra Boat Company, considered a premier US wooden boat builder, opened here in the early 1950’s, annually draws boat fanatics from around the world to see their classic woodies to the Concours d'Elegance wooden boat show for a weekend of nostalgic cruising and flair.
The town was christened Carnelian Bay in 1860 because of the semi-precious yellow and red stones sprinkling the shoreline. Today, a plentiful prize of vacation rentals contour the bay as well. Carnelian Bay is also considered the place where big, hungry Mackinaw trout can be found lurking in the depths.
Tahoe City
Tahoe City is perched on the north shore of Lake Tahoe at the headwaters of the Truckee River (the only river outlet for Lake Tahoe). A concoction of lively year-round activities awaits every visitor. Bike/walk/jog/skate the unspoiled trail system along the Lake, across the historic Lake Tahoe dam and down the river. Soak up the summer sun with a host of challenging water sports, family fun, outdoor concerts, art shows, movies at the beach, farmers’ markets, lakeside camping, back country hiking and mountain biking. Also, don’t forget to feed the colossal trout from Fanny Bridge (sorry, no fishing there).
