Travel

6 Things You Didn't Know
About Lake Tahoe — But You Should

July 20, 2022

1. The lake really is that big

You’ve seen it in photographs; but when people see it in person, they still think “Woah, that lake looks huge!” You’re not wrong. Lake Tahoe is one of the biggest and deepest lakes in the world: 1,600 feet deep, 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and 72 miles around. If you go up the mountain on the Nevada side, look down — you’ll see a 4,000-foot vertical drop down to the valley below you; yet that valley floor sits above the bottom of Lake Tahoe.

2. But wait — there's another lake?

Several besides famed Tahoe, actually! Ask any north shore local what they like to do at the end of a busy day, and hanging out on Donner Lake in Truckee will usually be at the top of the list. You can rent boats, kayaks and paddle boards, or just chill out on a public pier. Drive up Old Highway 40 to take the stunning and vastly underrated views. Usually less crowded (and less expensive) than Tahoe, this is a place to rediscover the mountains, forest and water.

3. Summer is busier than winter

While skiing and other snow sports often come to mind with Tahoe (after all, it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics), summer is officially high season. In fact, the Fourth of July is the single most popular holiday here. The weather is absolute perfection, and there are nearly endless things to do. On the lake and rivers, you can fly fish, kayak, take a sailboat or yacht cruise, wake-surf, water ski, stand-up paddleboard or go whitewater rafting. On land, go hiking, road or mountain biking, tour a local brewery, take a gondola ride, shop ‘til you drop or try your hand at the local casinos.

4. There is no real downtown

Tahoe is so spread out, and the communities around it so diverse in layout and character, that there is no one central area to call “downtown.” Sound a little intimidating to navigate? Don’t worry, that’s what KEY is for! Each community has its own little hidden treasures and reasons to visit. Truckee has the best dining scene, South Lake Tahoe has the nightclubs, Tahoe City has the best boat cruise, and the three Ski Villages (Heavenly, Northstar and Squaw) have not only awesome snow sports, but the most convenient retail therapy opportunities year-round.

5. There are no vineyards here, but wine tasting is very accessible

Lake Tahoe’s elevation makes grape growing virtually impossible — but luckily, there are several opportunities to get your winery on. Just downhill, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, is one of California’s most underrated wine regions: the Apple Hill area. Fall is an especially stunning time of year to go, with the explosion of autumn colors, pumpkins, apples, and cider doughnuts. Or, if you really want to go all out or impress for a special occasion, have your concierge book a helicopter trip down to Napa Valley. For either option, a gourmet picnic of a lifetime is always a great addition.

6. Tahoe tap water is some of the best in the world

Move over, Evian. The water that flows right out of the tap here is some of the cleanest and tastiest in the world. Our water is pure Sierra snowmelt and spring water, naturally filtered through our mostly granitic or basaltic soil. There is simply no reason on earth to purchase a bottle of water in Tahoe. Snag a snazzy refillable bottle, and fill up anywhere there’s a tap. And, such fantastic natural water makes a fantastic pint of beer; visit a local brewery, and you’ll taste the difference!