Summer at Lake Tahoe

White-sand beaches and water sports under bright sunshine.

Once the snow melts, Lake Tahoe is a summer haven offering everything but palm trees.

RnR Vacation Rentals reminds sun-worshippers and beach-goers that a home-away-from-home vacation is very much part of the summer Tahoe experience.

RnR extended stays in South Lake Tahoe showcase the best of the region in summer, catering to those who yearn to get away for longer.

Here are RnR’s top suggestions on how to best enjoy sun and fun in South Tahoe this summer:

Hit the beach

With temperatures in the mid-70s all summer, you’ll be tempted to go to the beach. Even though you’re in the mountains, you’ll experience some of California’s most amazing beaches in Lake Tahoe. Check out Baldwin Beach, between Emerald Bay and South Lake Tahoe. Big and shallow, the water tends is warmer here. Park in the lot and rent a kayak for paddling around the shoreline. Try Pope Beach for a quiet sunbathing spot. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard here for the afternoon.

Take a hike

Hiking Tahoe’s trails is a must-do experience. The area’s latest park, Van Sickle Bi-State Park offers a trail that runs behind Heavenly Village, from Stateline to the Tahoe Rim Trail. Less than a mile in, you’ll find a waterfall, and stunning scenery dominates the entire journey. Fallen Leaf Lake near South Lake Tahoe features a stunningly scenic loop on a mostly paved road. For more hiking recommendations and updates, check out the local blog, Tahoe Trail Guide.

Visit a beer garden

After an ambitious day hitting the trails, a cold beer might be in order. Settle into one of Tahoe’s shady beer gardens and enjoy your reward. Try South of North Brewing Company’s cool patio, firepits, games and live music. Other South Tahoe offerings include South Lake Brewing Co., Sidellis and The Hangar, which offers more than 30 beers on tap from all over the state.

Hit the slopes minus the skis

Breathtaking doesn’t begin to describe the vistas from the top of Heavenly Resort, where you can ride the gondola to the top and back down. Up top, you’ll find refreshments and hiking trails and outstanding vistas of the lake. Lots of resorts here offer summer hiking trails, many of them challenging. Some offer a ride up so you can hike back down, or vice-versa. While you’re at Heavenly, go for a ride on the gravity-powered alpine rollercoaster, which glides through alpine forests and rock formations.

Take a tour

Take to the lake on a luxury yacht out of Ski Run Marina. You’ll cruise Emerald Bay at sunset and sip champagne. Book at www.TahoeCruises.com. Ride horseback through the mountains: Camp Richardson Corral offers 1- or 2-hour guided trail rides into the National Forest. Board a helicopter and catch dramatic views on an aerial tour of Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Taylor Creek, Pope Beach and Emerald Bay. How about a wine country tour of the Sierra foothills? Begin in South Lake Tahoe, sip Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel and enjoy a picnic lunch.

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