Lake Tahoe is known for its astounding beauty and crystal clear waters—but this place has more to it than just a picture-perfect background. Lake Tahoe is an all-season destination, with plenty of summer activities, such as spending time on the beach, parasailing, and hitting the lake with watercraft rentals. During the colder months, Lake Tahoe is a great place to experience lake cruises, guided snowmobile tours, and snow tubing.

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway, we’ve put together our list of hidden gems in Lake Tahoe. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and even a few ideas for the adventurer in your group.

Cruise the Lake

A boat cruise is the perfect way to see Lake Tahoe at its finest. Lake Tahoe Cruises offers a number of different cruise options, which set sail aboard a 500-passenger paddle wheeler, the M.S. Dixie II. As the largest cruising vessel on the lake, it’s a local favorite. The paddle wheeler has plenty of space for visitors to move around and get the best view, has climate controlled areas, and offers food and drinks for purchase.

Some of the more popular cruises that depart from the Zephyr Cove Resort and Marina include:

• Daytime Scenic Cruise: Enjoy the sunshine and fresh lake air as you cruise to Emerald Bay.
• Sunset Dinner Cruise: On the dinner cruise, you’ll get to enjoy a three-course dinner, a sunset over the lake, and live music.

If you’re looking for a slightly more intimate setting for your lake cruise, you can book a tour or private event on the Tahoe Paradise, a two-story, luxury yacht, which features a window-lined dining room, galley, full bar, and open sundeck.

Experience the Exhilaration of Parasailing

If you’re ready to get your heart pumping and feel the exhilaration of the lake air on your face, enjoy the ultimate parasailing on Lake Tahoe. During your tour, you’ll be piloted by an experienced, licensed captain as you soar through the air. Fly solo, or bring a friend with you and go tandem. And, if you just want to ride along in the boat, ask about being an observer. Take off and landing are dry and gentle.

Hit the Lake with a Watercraft Rental

One of the best ways to see Lake Tahoe is from the water. Luckily, you can rent watercraft from the Zephyr Cove Resort Marina at South Lake Tahoe. For rent, you’ll find:

• Powerboats
• Pontoon boats
• Water skis
• Tubes
• Wakeboards
• Kneeboards
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Four-person pedal boat
• One or two person kayaks
• Jet skis

Hop aboard, and hit the lake to enjoy all it has to offer. And, when you need to refuel, you’ll find a fuel station at Zephyr Cove Resort.

Where to Stay: Zephyr Cove Resort

One of the best places to stay in South Lake Tahoe to put you near all of the hidden gems of Lake Tahoe is the Zephyr Cove Resort. The resort has several private cabins available or airstreams for the more adventurous. Everything at the resort is a short stroll from Zephyr Cove Beach and Marina, where you can find plenty of lake activities, or just sit in the sun with a good book and enjoy the view.

If you’re planning to stay in one of the private cabins, you can choose from a studio all the way up to a four-bedroom cabin. The cabins have been beautifully renovated to maintain their original charm, while offering modern conveniences.

Where to Eat: Zephyr Cove Restaurant

At the resort, you’ll also find on-site dining at the Sunset Bar & Grille or the Zephyr Cove Restaurant. The restaurant specializes in local, sustainable cuisine and is open year-round. At the resort, you’ll also find a full bar, where you can get beer, wine, and cocktails.

If you’re ready for an escape into nature where you’ll get to see spectacular sunsets and enjoy the beauty of clear, blue waters, it’s time to book your vacation to Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove Resort is the perfect basecamp for all of your South Lake Tahoe activities.