North Lake Tahoe

Travelers' Takes

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Tahoe Treasure

A July 2003 trip to North Lake Tahoe by finest14

The northwest shore area of Lake Tahoe is wonderful. It's a great place for a family vacation. If you like water, sun, and fun, this is the place to visit!

  • 12 reviews

Tahoe TreasureBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Anything you do on the lake will be worthwhile. We enjoyed Sand Harbor Beach, sailing, swimming, and just staring at the view. Just about everywhere we ate had a view of the lake. We actually stayed in Squaw Valley, just a few miles from the lake, and that area was a lot of fun too! Take the tram to the top of the Squaw Valley Ski Resort and swim in the High Camp pool. It's great, and unique way to spend the day.

Quick Tips:

When traveling to Lake Tahoe, we suggest staying on the north or west shore areas. The south shore is too crowded, and too much like a city. The big casinos are there, if that's important to you.

Best Way To Get Around:

There is a Tahoe Transit bus system, be we feel a rental car is the best and easiest way to travel aroudn the area.

Olympic Village InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Best Things Nearby:
The tram to the top of Squaw Valley Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe, Trukee River.

Best Things About the Resort:
Good location, comfortable, well equipped rooms.

Resort Experience:
The Inn is at the base of the Squaw Valley Ski Resort. You're within walking distance to the Village at Squaw Valley and the cable car to High Camp (the top of the ski resort). Lake Tahoe is only about 15 minutes away. The property has a nice heated pool and several spas. Bike rentals are free (the bikes are good quality) and the bike path down the river to Lake Tahoe is lots of fun to ride.

The rooms are very small. Our one-bedroom was perfect for us and our infant, but two couples sharing this condo would have been rough. Living area has a well-equipped partial kitchen, TV, and VCR. There are gas grills on the property for guest use. The front desk has a good selection of movies for rent ($3).

Unfortunately, the staff wasn't very friendly. They did their jobs well, but with an air of arrogance. Tracy, who runs the activities, was the only employee with a smile. When she saw a guest she'd say hi, and ask how their day was. Just about everyone else had their nose in the air.

The property also has a coin operated laundry room. Some rooms had fireplaces, but ours did not. It didn't matter in the summer, but we would have wanted one in the winter. The rooms have no A/C, but that wasn't a problem. Not much to do after dark in the area.

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Good
  • Amenities: Good
  • Unit Satisfaction: Good
  • Family Friendliness: Very Good
  • Service: Fair
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Olympic Village Inn
1909 Chamonix Place North Lake Tahoe, California
(530) 581-6000

Fireside Pizza Co.Best of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Fireside Pizza Co. is located in the Village at Squaw Valley at the base of the mountain. We sat outside to enjoy the evening weather, but inside dining is also available. My wife and I split a medium gorgonzola and roasted pear pizza and a half a Caesar salad. It was more than enough for two. A local resident ("Igar" the dog) kept us company for a while, and only added to the flavor of the place. There is a firepit with comfortable rocking chairs nearby if you get chilly. The food was wonderful, and the service was great too.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Fireside Pizza Co.
1985 Squaw Valley Road, #25 North Lake Tahoe, California
(530) 584-6150

Hacienda del LagoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Good Mexican food with a great view of the lake. We watched a sailboat race while we dined. Look for a coupon for a free margarita in the local travel guides. However, the free margarita seemed to have much less tequila than the second one we purchased. If you like Mexican food, you'll probably enjoy Hacienda del Lago.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Hacienda del Lago
760 N. Lake Tahoe Blvd. North Lake Tahoe, California
(530) 583-0350

Steamers Beach Side Bar & OvenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Steamers"

Steamers says they are famous for pizza, but we didn't feel like pizza that day. Instead, I had the best garden burger I've ever had. My wife had a great sandwich as well. We sat outside with a great view of Kings Beach and the lake. The service was very good.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Steamers Beach Side Bar & Oven
8290 North Lake Tahoe Boulevard North Lake Tahoe, California 96143
(530) 546-2218

Lakehouse PizzaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Sat outside for another great view of the lake. We shared a very good pizza and a pitcher of excellent microbrew. Service was very good. They also do breakfast if you want to start your morning by the lake.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Lakehouse Pizza
120 Grove Street (On the lake) Tahoe City, California 96145
(530) 583-2222

Gar WoodsBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Gar Woods has indoor and outdoor seating with great views of the lake. They have a pier in front of the restaurant, and people often come right off the lake and into the restaurant. The food was excellent, and the service was what you'd expect from this type of nice restaurant. We enjoyed the experience very much.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Gar Woods
5000 North Lake Blvd. North Lake Tahoe, California
(530) 546-3366

Jakes on the LakeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Jake's is owned by a company that has several restaurants in great beach locations in California and Hawaii. I've eaten at many of them, so I had to try Jake's. The menu was similar and the quality the same as I've come to expect. Everything was great, and the service outstanding. Jake's has indoor and outdoor dining, and a great view of the lake.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Jakes on the Lake
780 North Lake Boulevard North Lake Tahoe, California 96145
(530) 583-0188

Squaw ValleyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Squaw Valley Tram/Cable Car"

The tram takes you up to about 8000 feet. The views are spectacular. From "High Camp" you can see all the way to Lake Tahoe and beyond. We purchased a package for about $23 that included the ride up and access to the "lagoon". It's a very large swimming pool and spa, with restaurants and a bar. It was a great time. The pool is heated, so even if it's a litte cool, you can still swim. We spent the day laying in the sun, eating, swimming, and drinking. A great family activity! You can also hike up there, shop, or just enjoy the view.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Squaw Valley
P.O. Box 2007 North Lake Tahoe, California 96146
(530) 583-6985

Sand Harbor State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sand Harbor"

This a great sandy beach with fantastic swimming for the kids. The water is crystal clear, and not as cold as you may think. If the weather is warm, it's very refreshing. There are virtually no waves, so the water is safe for small kids. The large swimming area is bouyed off so boats can't come near the beach.

We wish this beach had more services. It would have been nice to be able to buy food and drink, and rent some water toys. Make sure you bring everything with you to Sand Harbor, it will be worth it. It's a Nevada state park, and there was a $6 fee.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Sand Harbor State Park
State Route 28 North Lake Tahoe, California 89452
(775) 831-0494

Tahoe Sailing ChartersBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I love sailing, and had to get on the lake. I chose Tahoe Sailing Charters because it looked they they offered the most "real" sailing experience. I wasn't disappointed.

It wasn't very windy when we started, but Captain Mike found some nice wind on the lake. At times, we were cruising really good. Mike will even let you sail the boat. He also provides beverages during the cruise. The trip was money well spent.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Tahoe Sailing Charters
Tahoe City Marina North Lake Tahoe, California 96145
(530) 583-6200

Tahoe Bike TrailBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

We rode the trail from Squaw Valley down to the Truckee River, and then followed it into Tahoe City. It was about 14 miles round trip, mostly flat with just small undulating hills. The trail is a paved two-lane bike path that is mostly well off the highway. It runs right along the river, and the scenery is spectacular. Please wear a helmet.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by finest14 on July 14, 2003

Tahoe Bike Trail
870 Emerald Bay Road North Lake Tahoe, California 96150
(530) 573-2600

About the Writer

finest14
finest14
Mesa, Arizona

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