Travel Tahoe (Summer)
Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, test your luck at cards, or be pampered South Lake Tahoe California offers something for everyone - especially for us students. (Plus it makes for some aesthetic photos for us superficial Instagram users).
Check out my travel tips and tricks from my trip:
1) Don’t burn
First and foremost, put on sunblock. As a dark brown skinned Filipino I never thought I’d experience the terrible pain that is a sunburn. Unless you’re going to be staying in the hotel all day, protect yo’ self. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Moving on~
2) Stay away from the big hotels
Aside from the obvious like price and the smell of smoke, smaller and more locally owned hotels offer a more personable experience. The staff is more accommodating, no surprise fees (typically), and less people. Plus, they offer a ton of attractions that set it apart like FREE bike ride rentals, bonfire pits, and *good* complimentary breakfast. PLUS many of them have a deal with a local restaurant meaning: DISCOUNTS. Typically they have the restaurant discount on the back of your room key, otherwise check with the front desk for details.
3) Grub
Okay I admit, Lake Tahoe is not a foodies #1 destination BUT they do have some pretty amazing places to checkout while you’re in the area. Check out my favorite must go places to grab a bite to eat:
-Base Camp (Pizza): Located in the middle of the Heavenly Mountain Shopping center it is THEE spot to get a slice of pizza.
-The Loft (Restaurant and Bar): This trendy restaurant is located in the Heavenly Mountain Resort shopping center on the top floor of the Toy Store. It is a more intimate setting with both tables and couches for you and your significant other to relax and enjoy the fire pit (hint hint s’mores!!!!)
McDuffs (Irish pub/restaurant): What’s Irish food? Well let me tell you what Irish food is:.... I honestly don’t know BUT they have every type of food you’d crave on a cheat day. From the most delicious *amazing* mac and cheese to pizza, burgers, and fish, you will walk away full as f**ck. Oh and did I mention they will cook and prepare any fresh fish you catch that day? Located right across from the lake it offers you a unique dining experience~
3) Lake Fun
What’s a trip to Lake Tahoe without visiting the lake? I promise you that there is lake access near practically every hotel resort. However, this post wouldn’t be so helpful if all I did was tell you to go to the lake huh? Well, here’s my insider tip: figure out what you want first. Yeah I know sounds pretty explanatory, but let me explain. Different parts of the lake offer different lake activities for various prices; there’s one lake but many different ways to experience it. My preference is to kayak in Emerald Bay from the Vikinsholm location. Away from the main beaches, it is a short hike downhill hike off the side of the road. The location allows you to kayak to Fannet Island and get a scenic 360 degree view of the bay. Plus there’s free parking. Yes, FREE PARKING (unlike those other resort beach locations *sigh*.
4) Take a helicopter ride
Yeah you heard me, helicopter ride! No it is not too expensive. Yes you, a student, can probably afford it, if you budget accordingly of course. Priced at $80 on TripAdvisors, the attraction takes you up in the air for a scenic 10 minute ride with a private tour guide. Yeah I know what you’re thinking, “10 minutes? That’s it?” Well they do offer longer tours at less student friendly budgets, but trust me the ten minutes of flight is all worth it and doesn’t feel too short at all. Think of it as a fun amusement park ride that beats any attraction Disneyland could possibly offer PLUS there is no line. Book you’re appointment! (Unless of course you’re scared of heights, which in that case hit the lake and see #3).
