South Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series:

• JUNE 28TH ROBERT PLANT
• JULY 12TH JOURNEY, HEART, CHEAP TRICK
• JULY 26TH JAMES TAYLOR
• JULY 27TH TONY KEITH 'BIGGEST BADDEST TOUR'
• AUG 2ND STEELY DAN
• AUG 9TH SAMMY HAGAR & THE WABOS
• AUG 15TH ALAN JACKSON
• AUG 23RD SHERYL CROW
• GET TICKETS THRU WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM 

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.

2. Squaw Valley’s Cable Car

Grab a bird’s-eye view of Squaw Valley and Lake Tahoe on this ride, which climbs 2,000 vertical feet. At the top await a wide mountain meadow, hiking trails and High Camp’s restaurants, ice skating, swimming, tennis and Olympic museum.

3. Heavenly’s Gondola

In just 12 minutes, these eight-passenger cabins carry riders up to 9,123 feet and spectacular views of the entire length of Lake Tahoe and surrounding peaks — all within easy reach of South Shore’s six casinos and dozens of shops in Heavenly Village.

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 on the grounds, including an elephant!

5. Tallac Historic Site/Taylor Creek Visitor Center

A lovely testament to a bygone era, Tallac Historic Site includes three Old Tahoe estates and also hosts the summer-long Valhalla Arts and Music Festival. Just a few miles north lies the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, which features winding nature trails and a stream profile chamber that fills with Kokanee salmon during the fall.

6. Donner Memorial State Park

Near Donner Lake’s east shore is the Emigrant Trail Museum recounting 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.

7. Sand Harbor State Park

Just a few miles south of Incline Village on the East Shore is one of The Lake’s most spectacular beaches and entertainment venues. There’s a boat launch, a visitor’s center and a long, sandy beach with shallow, clear waters and unique rock formations. The park features an outdoor stage that lays claim to “the most scenic venue in the world,” home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and other cultural events.

8. Mt. Rose Highway Overlook

For an easily accessible overview of the Tahoe Basin, pull off on the Mt. Rose Highway overlook, just up Highway 431 from Incline Village, where plaques identify the major peaks that surround The Lake.

9. A Drink by The Lake

One of Tahoe’s classic summer experiences is an afternoon or evening on the deck of one of area’s favorite waterfront restaurants, several of which are accessible by boat. Check out West Shore’s Chambers Landing, West Shore Café and Sunnyside Restaurant and Lodge; Tahoe City’s Jake’s On The Lake and Sol y Lago; North Shore’s Gar Woods Grill and Lone Eagle Grille; and South Lake Tahoe’s Riva Grill, Fresh Ketch, Beacon Bar & Grill, and Blue Water Bistro; and East Shore’s Zephyr Cove Restaurant.

10. On the Water

Whether by kayak, canoe, sailboat, speedboat or raft, getting out on the wide surface of the Big Blue is an unforgettable experience. A boat trip along Tahoe’s southwest shore near Meeks Bay promises some of the clearest blue-green water your eyes have ever seen. For more ways to get out on The Lake.