Picturesque Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains between California and Nevada. A remnant of the ice age, this large freshwater lake is the ideal honeymoon destination for newlyweds looking for that perfect Eden.
There is skiing in the mountains, beaches by the lake, casinos, and every imaginable activity all year round. It’s quite the fairytale setting, filled with the finest accommodations and restaurants. The lake is split into two parts, the north and the south. Each side has different types of activities, but you will be enchanted regardless of which one you choose. It’s quite difficult to go wrong at Lake Tahoe.
The north side is less crowded and more laid back, which is ideal for your Lake Tahoe Honeymoon. You can still hike the mountain trails, swim, and engage in all types of watersports. You can also bike, and stroll by the lake. Some visitors insist that the scenery while biking is the best you’ll find in the country. This side also has the finest resorts and restaurants. You will get utterly spoiled here. If you are here during the winter months, you have eight fabulous ski resorts from which to choose. It’s the place for snowboarding, cross country skiing, and any other winter activity. A cup of hot chocolate should always be included.
The artsy south side is far more crowded. It has a thriving nightlife, and the art scene is au currant. In June, the Valhalla Arts festival draws a crowd. It’s a happenin’ scene here.
The south side is at its best during the summer months. The clear lake was made for every type of watersport. The water is so clear and pure, it almost qualifies as drinking water. There is great hiking here, as well. The south side has fewer resorts, but the ones that are here are first-rate.
Honeymoon Hint: to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude of 6,225 feet, drink as much water as possible.
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Table of Contents
Best Hotels for Your Lake Tahoe Honeymoon 🏨
About Lake Tahoe 📖
Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe 📅
Top Things to do in Lake Tahoe 👫
Weather in Lake Tahoe ☀️
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Discover The Beauty Of This Breathtaking Region
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, located in the mid-mountain, offers access to a family-friendly ski-in-ski destination offering endless snow activities and a lively après-ski. Enjoy the luxury spa, a vibrant program for kids. In the Village at Northstar California Resort, as well as historic downtown Truckee, explore nearby shopping and dining.
A luxury alternative to traditional rentals, the rooms at this Lake Tahoe resort feature gas fireplaces, contemporary mountain décor, and floor-to-ceiling windows with inspiring views. For couples to celebrate their big day, the magic of the mountains coupled with the luxury of the resort creates an unforgettable destination. In outdoor venues, including the Meadows, set against the mountains, or the aptly named Woods, ceremonies can be hosted. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom is perfect for an evening reception with friends and family. To help select the right wedding package and all the customizable details, couples are guided by a dedicated event manager.
More Information on The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Average Price Range: $387 to $951
All Inclusive: Yes
Adults Only: No
Villas Available: No
Distance to Airport: 12 minutes
Number of Rooms: 171
About Lake Tahoe
Mark Twain was enamored with Lake Tahoe. To quote the great American writer, “The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine. Bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? It is the same the angels breathe.”
The amount of water in Lake Tahoe could cover the Empire State Building or the entire State of California. Its average depth goes down to 1,000 feet, or 1,645 feet at its deepest. It’s the second deepest lake in the country. Going from depth to height, the tallest peak at the Lake is Freel Peak, with an elevation of 10,892 feet.
Lake Tahoe has rightly been called a jewel. If it were a diamond, it would rival anything Richard Burton ever presented to Liz Taylor. This glittering lake is surrounded by beaches, alpine trees, colorful foliage, streams, waterfalls, and winter snow. You expect to hear some yodeling any moment. There is an abundance of outdoor activities. Lessons are available for those needing to brush up on their fishing, water skiing, boating, or jet skiing. Of course, you can simply hang around the beach. There is a road that provides you with a 72-mile scenic route around the lake. This allows you to view this crystal beauty from every angle.
Winter changes Lake Tahoe from a colorful landscape to a blanket of white that is picture postcard breathtaking. Hikers love donning their boots and plotting through the snowy paths. Of course, the skiing at Lake Tahoe is sublime.
If your ideal Lake Tahoe honeymoon includes more relaxed activities, the Lake Tahoe area offers concerts and festivals throughout the year. Local artists perform in small bars and provide entertainment for the patrons. Harvey’s Outdoor Arena hosts well-known entertainers such as Kenny Chesney and the band Phish.
If you need a break from all these activities, Lake Tahoe has some wonderful shopping at the Village Center. Many of the shops offer interesting artistic and craft novelties.
Lake Tahoe has a reasonably good public transportation system. For fun, try the trolly in South Lake Tahoe that circles in a loop. Get off anywhere, shop, explore, and hop onto the next trolley. All for a fixed price of $3.00. Get onto the North Tahoe troller at Emerald Bay. This one also costs $3.00. Call 530-541-7548 for more information.
A special place such as Lake Tahoe deserves special transportation. For a honeymoon treat, take a Barefoot Limousine to explore the Lake or to get somewhere in style. Call 530-277-3018 for more information.
Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe
If you want to take advantage of the incredible skiing at Lake Tahoe, the best time is obviously the winter months, when everything is covered in glorious white. Lake Tahoe’s winter can last from November through May. For the least crowded ski resort, consider the Sugar Bowl Resort, which is easily accessed from the Bay Area. It has the most snowfall compared to the other Lake Tahoe resorts.
Lake Tahoe in the summer, of course, is for the beach, when the temperatures can reach 90 degrees. There are a number of beautiful ones from which to choose. For the best bargains, visit Lake Tahoe during the spring or fall months.
By May, much of the snow is melted, turning Lake Tahoe into a veritable Garden of Eden for outdoor lovers. While it is a busy time, it is also the perfect time for exploring the magnificent trails and mountains surrounding the Lake. You will find it comfortable enough to hike without worrying about the winter cold or summer heat.
Large crowds usually arrive at Lake Tahoe during the summer or during special holidays, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. During these times, Highway 89 and U.S. 50 can become parking lots. If possible, you might want to avoid those times. People love to treat themselves to a weekend at beautiful Lake Tahoe at any time, so weekends also tend to be busy and filled with traffic. Planning your arrival and departure time for a weekday would be a smart move.
Top Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Wedding Destination
You are wisely considering the incomparable Lake Tahoe as your honeymoon destination. Have you thought about the type of destination wedding this gem could make happen for you? Lake Tahoe has two incredible beaches that would create the wedding memories of a lifetime. And you are already here for your honeymoon, so you can’t beat the convenience.
Lakeside Beach in South Lake Tahoe has the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background. The clear lake and the mountains are all the wedding decorations you could want. You can arrange for the site to be prepared with chairs, music, a photographer, and anything else you might need for your fantasy wedding.
Another South Lake Tahoe beach is Regan Beach. Instead of directly on the beach, this wedding site stretches out beneath the lush pine trees near the water. The vista is just as exquisite as the one at Lakeside Beach. Here, however, you can arrange for a catered meal and champagne to be included.
Outdoor weddings do not get any more spectacular.
As spectacular as the vista around Lake Tahoe is, you’ll be venturing indoors at some point. Harrah’s Casino has everything you want from a casino. Its high energy serves as a counterpoint to the peaceful atmosphere outside. Best yet, you can reach Harvey’s Casino from Harrah’s Casino by way of a tunnel. Try your luck at either. There are poker tournaments every day. Both have a huge selection of slots. Harrah’s has a keno lounge and several craps tables.,
Emerald Bay shimmers brilliantly against the mountains and granite cliffs which serve as the perfect backdrop to this landmark. You will find the Bay within Emerald Bay State Park. The park itself showcases Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room mansion built in iconic Scandinavian style, one of the prime examples of Scandinavian architecture in the US. It is worth taking a tour of the mansion with its antique Nordic furnishings and fireplaces. See Scandinavian design before there was IKEA.
When you reach Emerald Bay, drive to Inspiration point using Highway 89. This Point is located 600 feet above the Bay and presents perfect views during the drive up and when you reach the top. It offers some of the best sights of Lake Tahoe. Even the bald eagles flying overhead seem impressed. You can kayak and take a boat onto the Bay. There are also cruises available sponsored by Tahoe Queen.
Is there anything more magnificent than Lake Tahoe? Yes, there is. It’s Lake Tahoe seen from the air.
Tahoe Helicopters provides helicopter tours over the lake and the mountains for the most astonishing views. The tours last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. This ride is nothing short of remarkable. Most people have never seen any sights like this. But even this can be topped at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Helicopters also provides romantic sunset tours which are timed perfectly to catch the setting sun. This experience is second to none. Call (530) 544-2211 for more information.
The atmosphere is filled with romance. The dinner is delicious grass-fed beef. Sit back and watch the sunset while enjoying dessert. There will also be live music. Dance and enjoy champagne on deck by moonlight. It’s all a once-in-a-lifetime experience and ready-made for your Lake Tahoe honeymoon. Call (888) 651-9785 for more information.
Weather in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is warm in the summer and chilly in the winter. But that is a bit of an over-simplification. When the sun is out, skiing during the winter can be comfortable enough for just a long-sleeved shirt. The constant sunshine keeps the days warmer than you would expect, even during the snowy season, and the temperature can rise into the 40s. Keep in mind that the snow can last until the end of May.
Summer days are almost always sunny and perfect for beach activities. Summer nights may have you yearning for a heavy jacket.
The main problem in the winter is driving on snowy and icy roads. Make sure you have snow tires or chains. For walking, be sure and bring a pair of sturdy boots.
At Lake Tahoe, there is little difference between spring and winter. They are both filled with cold and snow. If the snow melts early, it’s a good time to go hiking.
Regardless of when you are going on your Lake Tahoe honeymoon, pack something light for daytime and something warm for the evenings. That should keep you comfortable year-round.