Lake Tahoe
About 2 hr by car from Sacramento
A huge alpine lake with ski resorts in winter and beaches in summer.
Why locals go
Two hours up I-80 or Highway 50, closer than from the Bay.
Visiting Sacramento?
At 2 hr by car, it's easy to add a night or two here and still be back in Sacramento for your flight home.
What to book
- Ski Palisades or Heavenly
- Boat cruise to Emerald Bay
- Gondola at Heavenly
Where to stay
One or two nights is enough for most people. Compare places to stay:
See hotels in Lake TahoeDate ideas
For two
- Lake sunset cruise
- Cabin with a hot tub
With friends
- Ski together
- Rent a boat for the day
When to go
Skiing December to April, lake June to September.