Submerge’s Pro Tips For Your Next Trip

Let’s get real: It’s been hot as crap in Sacramento lately, and it doesn’t look like there is much relief ahead. If there was ever a perfect time for a cool-down getaway, that time is now, and there is no better place to do so than South Lake Tahoe. Mid-80s temps, breathtaking scenery, sandy beaches, warm water, endless outdoor activities, tons of concerts and events, late-night debauchery at the casinos, South Lake Tahoe offers it all. Better even, it’s only about a two-hour drive from the greater Sacramento area. So hit up your boss, request some time off and head up the hill on a Thursday afternoon (the best way to beat those annoying weekend crowds and get better deals, too). If you need any help finding things to do, here are some tips from Submerge’s very own recent trip to the south shore.

{Live at Lakeview / Lavish Green  |  Photo by Lauren Lindley}

{Live at Lakeview / Lavish Green | Photo by Lauren Lindley}

Catch a free concert on the beach at Live at Lakeview

Thursdays through the end of August, 4:30 p.m., Lakeview Commons
After South Lake Tahoe’s El Dorado Beach underwent a major renovation a few years back, On Course Events founder and local Rob Giustina saw the new space as a blank slate. Now known as Lakeview Commons, the beach and its new facilities (including a bike trail, boat ramp, concessions stand, picnic areas with tables and barbeques, etc.) were screaming for some sort of signature event. So, Giustina pitched a few ideas to the powers that be and Live at Lakeview was born, a free weekly concert series happening Thursdays throughout the summer. Live at Lakeview features talented touring and local acts right on the beach in one of the most spectacular settings Submerge has ever seen host live music. Imagine a smaller more intimate version of downtown Sacramento’s Concerts in the Park, except right on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Hit up the beer garden, groove to some tunes and take it all in! For a complete series lineup, visit Liveatlakeview.com or Facebook.com/liveatlakeviewcommons.

{Standup Paddle Boarding  |  Photo by Brian Walker }

{Standup Paddle Boarding | Photo by Brian Walker }

Hit the water with South Tahoe Standup Paddle

Lakeview Commons/El Dorado Beach rental location
Standup paddle boarding, or SUP as many call it, is unarguably one of the fastest growing water and/or board sports in the world. It’s no wonder why: SUP is easy (literally children and grandparents can do it) and it offers a great full-body workout (especially working your core). Best of all, it’s really fun! Gliding out there on Lake Tahoe’s clear, bright, blue water is therapeutic and quite frankly, it’s addicting. South Tahoe Standup Paddle is the premier shop in Tahoe for renting SUPs, kayaks or pedal boats. Their location directly on the beach at Lakeview Commons (El Dorado Beach) makes it so easy there really is no excuse not to get out there and see what all the hype is about. Rentals start at just $20 per hour. Visit Southtahoesup.com or call (530) 416-4829 for more information.

{The Blue Streak Zip-Line at Heavenly  |  Photo by Rachid Danhoun}

{The Blue Streak Zip-Line at Heavenly | Photo by Rachid Danhoun}

Fly through the sky on the Blue Streak zip-line

Daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Heavenly Lake Tahoe
Adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers will absolutely want to check out Heavenly’s Blue Streak zip-line. This thing is 3,300 feet long with top speeds up to 50 mph! You’re 10,000 feet above sea level, looking straight down on beautiful Lake Tahoe, taking in the warm sunshine and cool mountain air. It’s a wild and unforgettable ride, well worth the $60 price tag. One of the best parts is the 2.4-mile ride up the scenic Mountain Gondola ($41 for adults, $35 for teens/seniors, $23 for children) where you can stop at an observation deck for photos that will make your Instagram followers and Facebook friends über jealous. When you’re at the top, head to the Tamarack Express chairlift with your Gondola ticket and ride up to board the Blue Streak! After your free-fall, hit up the Tamarack Lodge and Bar for eats/drinks with awesome views and if you’re still jonesing for more fun, try the ropes courses. Skiheavenly.com for more info.

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Lay your weary head to rest at Inn by the Lake

3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
You’re going to need a place to crash, so you might as well snag a room at Inn by the Lake, which is literally steps away from Lakeview Commons, where you can chill on the beach and rent standup paddleboards or kayaks. If their spectacular lakefront location isn’t enough, the bi-level outdoor hot tub, large pool, well maintained grounds, free bike rentals, clean rooms, individual patios, on-site restaurant and bowling alley ought to do it for you! You’re just a short cab ride away from the casinos and walking distance from great restaurants (try MacDuff’s Public House for a great beer list and killer pub fare; Freshies for vegan/veggie friendly cuisine). To book a room or get more information, visit Innbythelake.com or call them at (530) 542-0330.

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Test your luck at the casinos

Montbleu, Harrah’s, Harveys and More
No trip to Lake Tahoe is complete without at least a little time spent in one of the many casinos. Whether you’re into slots, blackjack, poker or just plain old people watching, spots like Montbleu, Harrah’s and Harveys will get the job done and then some. Past 2 a.m. and you still want a drink? Hit up a casino! Want to see scantily clad women and men with way too much money? Hit up a casino! Looking to get into a little mischief? Hit up a casino! Most great stories about party nights begin at a casino, that’s just a scientific fact.

Choose Your Own Adventure!

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Horseback Riding
Camp Richardson Corral
Camprichardsoncorral.com
(530) 541-3113
Family operated since 1934, Camp Richardson Corral and Pack Station offers scenic guided horseback rides, steak dinner rides, wagon rides, back-country pack trips and more. Reservations recommended.
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Jet Skiing
Ski Run Boat Company
Tahoesports.com
(530) 544-0200
Get out and explore that beautiful big blue lake on your very own environmentally safe personal watercraft, starting at just $85 for a half-hour, $110 for a full hour, or take the Emerald Bay guided tour for $135.

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Bicycling
Tahoe Bike Company
Tahoebikecompany.com
(530) 600-0267

South Shore Bikes
Southshorebikes.net
(530) 544-7433
Whether you’re looking to conquer daredevil-esque mountain bike trails, bar hop on a beach cruiser or loop the whole lake on a road bike (72 miles!), South Lake Tahoe is a designated bike friendly community and either of the companies listed here can rent you a bike, so there’s no need to lug yours all the way up the mountain.

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Golf
Bijou Municipal
Golf Course
Cityofslt.us
(530) 542-6097

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course
Edgewoodtahoe.com
(775) 588-3566
Like to hit the links? There’s no better place than South Lake Tahoe with courses like the affordable nine-hole Bijou, or the fancier (and more expensive) Edgewood, arguably one of the most scenic courses in the world and host to the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.

Hot Spots to Eat and Drink

For sandwiches & wraps
Yellow Submarine
983 Tallac Ave

For coffee & bagels
Rude Brothers Bagel & Coffee
3117 Harrison Ave

For street tacos & locally made ice cream
Lakeview Cafe
3176 Harrison Ave, Unit A

For pizza & pasta
Basecamp Pizza
1001 Heavenly Village Way

For sushi
Sushi Pier Tahoe
177 Lake Tahoe Blvd

For local craft brew
The Brewery at Lake Tahoe
3542 Lake Tahoe Blvd

For fancy cocktails with a view
19 Kitchen • Bar
19th floor of Harveys Lake Tahoe

    Jonathan Carabba

    View Articles

    Find me at the bowling alley. Co-founder + Advertising Director + Marketing at Submerge. Contact: jonathan@submergemag.com

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