North or South Lake Tahoe for vacation? (Vista, Kings Beach: apartments, rental)

[Mister 7]

Traveling to Lake Tahoe for a family reunion. My mother booked a hotel in Tahoe City, but I'm convinced there are better areas to stay if we are making a vacation out of it. Which side is better? I know the Ritz is in the north area, so I assume that's the nice area? Or, is Tahoe City a perfectly fine choice? I'm seeing there's a north side and a south side, trying to decide.

We are into relaxation (though definitely good food and drinks), rather than people in your face with cameras everywhere. That said, not looking to be bored either.

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!

[Hemlock140]

We have been going to Tahoe nearly every year since we got married in the 70s and now go with grandkids. Before that we went with our families often. We have stayed in Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach and South Lake Tahoe. The last few years we have rented VRBO condos at Incline, and like it the best. The north shore in CA is a place to visit but way too commercial and busy now, almost like the south. We still like the west side, too, the best for fairly flat bicycling. There is a great hiking trail with incredible views at the north state line, behind the Biltmore.

Stateline Lookout Trail: an easy hike with spectacular views of North Lake Tahoe - CalEXPLORnia

[Ruth4Truth]

If it's going to be a big family thing, why not pool your resources, and see if you can rent a big cabin in Tahoe Meadows, near South Lake Tahoe? Homeowners in the gated community rent out their summer places (wonderfully rustic, some of them) when they're not using them. It's a large section of former wetlands, and park-like area that all the homeowners pay to preserve. Great place for kids; they can play safely on their own, ride bikes, swim.

https://www.homeaway.com/d/3652/taho...FQIKaQod37YKIg

[NCN]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

We have been going to Tahoe nearly every year since we got married in the 70s and now go with grandkids. Before that we went with our families often. We have stayed in Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach and South Lake Tahoe. The last few years we have rented VRBO condos at Incline, and like it the best. The north shore in CA is a place to visit but way too commercial and busy now, almost like the south. We still like the west side, too, the best for fairly flat bicycling. There is a great hiking trail with incredible views at the north state line, behind the Biltmore.

Stateline Lookout Trail: an easy hike with spectacular views of North Lake Tahoe - CalEXPLORnia

Trail views are incredible!

[Mr5150]

North Shore for the real Tahoe experience.

South Shore if all you care about is casinos and high rise hotels.

With that said, Tahoe City is a good choice as are the towns to the east along Lake Tahoe. And good luck finding a bad place to eat on the north shore. Rosies and the Blue Agave are a good start. Spindleshanks is excellent, but a bit pricey

Check out lake cruises from Tahoe City.

[movinon]

Originally Posted by Mr5150

North Shore for the real Tahoe experience.

South Shore if all you care about is casinos and high rise hotels.

With that said, Tahoe City is a good choice as are the towns to the east along Lake Tahoe. And good luck finding a bad place to eat on the north shore. Rosies and the Blue Agave are a good start. Spindleshanks is excellent, but a bit pricey

Check out lake cruises from Tahoe City.

I second this. Especially the part about the Blue Agave!

I much prefer North Shore . . . it doesn't seem as commercial as South Shore. Plus it's close to Incline, which I also like a lot.

[Mister 7]

Thanks for all the responses! CD.com is so resourceful, if only everyone knew that...

It's actually just my mother and me.

I am starting to lean towards renting a cabin/condo/house etc., I've skimmed over prices and it's not much more than staying at some of the nicer hotels, and I'd rather have a house than share one room--we're there for 6 days and a hotel room no matter how nice gets old bc I miss having my own space, and my mother is the same way.

The reunion is actually in Tahoe City, but I just assumed the north side would be nicer and it's not a problem, at all, to drive 30 mins or so to and from where we stay and back.
If, for example, we rent a cabin etc there in T.C. and that's enough to "enjoy Lake Tahoe", then that's perfectly fine.

Please keep information coming, and thanks again!

[Mammina71]

We prefer North Tahoe for the reasons stated above. You might like Cedar Crest Cottages. We stayed there and liked the fact you have a separate kitchen and living space upstairs and we had two bedrooms downstairs. They have a nice fire pit for smores. The cottages are very stylish. The only downside is a bit of noise from traffic along the road but nothing too bad. We have friends who stay in Squaw at the apartments there and the Hyatt in Incline village. Tahoe is beautiful wherever you go but the West and North shore for us is where you'll find some peace and quiet and beautiful vistas. Enjoy your visit.

[04kL4nD]

I like both about equally, but if I was really forced to choose, I'd probably go with South Lake (I had to make the decision last year when my parents came from the East Coast, and everyone was glad we stayed South instead of North). To me, North Lake is more laid back and has a more "local" vibe, while South Lake has more of a variety of restaurants (most aren't great, but at least you have more options), and actual nightlife/entertainment (decent comedy shows, live music, happy hour specials, no clue about nightclubs though). I don't gamble at all and pretty much HATE casinos in general, but the casino resorts aren't all that bad near South Lake and compare much more favorably than downtown Vegas or Reno. We typically do a Costco run and cook most meals ourselves, but the best meals I've had in Tahoe have all been at Nephelle's in South Lake- reservations are a good idea. Azul is pretty decent for overpriced trendy tacos and margaritas, and Scussa is nice, but expensive Italian. Expect lots of mediocre pizza, burgers, and overpriced 'California Cuisine' scattered around the lake. I've never been impressed with any of the food I've had in North Lake, but YMMV.

In general, I think the variety outdoor activities (closer proximity to Emerald Bay, boating, easy hiking trails everywhere) is a bit better in South Lake, but the traffic is generally a lot worse and the crowds can be annoying, so take that for what it's worth. If you just want to relax at your rental and be away from people, I'd definitely go with North Lake, but Tahoe City isn't exactly isolated and still has a pretty cramped feeling overall that's just a much smaller scale of South Lake Tahoe. I prefer Incline Village on the Nevada side than Tahoe City, but that's just me.

Overall, Tahoe is a hiker's and photographer's paradise. My favorite long, difficult hike is the Ellis Peak Trail and that's in the NW corner. It takes about a half a day, but the rewarding views at the very top are pretty exceptional. My favorite quick/easy hike with a breathtaking view at sunset is Cave Rock, which is just over the border from South Lake in Zephyr Cove (Google it and thank me later).

When it comes down to it, it's more about personal preferences, as opposed to one being the 'better' choice. I think the stereotype of South Lake being a tourist trap is a bit overblown, and there's plenty to do off the beaten path if you ask around. At the very least, drive around the entire lake and take your time to get out and see the different vistas. It doesn't take all that long, and it's one of the most scenic drives in CA/NA, which is really saying something. It's probably wise to stay North since you've got a reunion in TC, but think about the type of experience you're looking for overall. There's a few reasons why South Lake is the more popular destination than North Lake, but I think the best approach is to try a see as much of the lake as possible to decide for yourself.

Be mindful of the weather during summer and plan by the hour instead of by the day. Thunderstorms come out of nowhere and if you aren't prepared, it can be pretty miserable. If you want to book activities, book sooner in your trip, rather than later.

Have a great time!

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by 04kL4nD

I like both about equally, but if I was really forced to choose, I'd probably go with South Lake (I had to make the decision last year when my parents came from the East Coast, and everyone was glad we stayed South instead of North). To me, North Lake is more laid back and has a more "local" vibe, while South Lake has more of a variety of restaurants (most aren't great, but at least you have more options), and actual nightlife/entertainment (decent comedy shows, live music, happy hour specials, no clue about nightclubs though). I don't gamble at all and pretty much HATE casinos in general, but the casino resorts aren't all that bad near South Lake and compare much more favorably than downtown Vegas or Reno. We typically do a Costco run and cook most meals ourselves, but the best meals I've had in Tahoe have all been at Nephelle's in South Lake- reservations are a good idea. Azul is pretty decent for overpriced trendy tacos and margaritas, and Scussa is nice, but expensive Italian. Expect lots of mediocre pizza, burgers, and overpriced 'California Cuisine' scattered around the lake. I've never been impressed with any of the food I've had in North Lake, but YMMV.

In general, I think the variety outdoor activities (closer proximity to Emerald Bay, boating, easy hiking trails everywhere) is a bit better in South Lake, but the traffic is generally a lot worse and the crowds can be annoying, so take that for what it's worth. If you just want to relax at your rental and be away from people, I'd definitely go with North Lake, but Tahoe City isn't exactly isolated and still has a pretty cramped feeling overall that's just a much smaller scale of South Lake Tahoe. I prefer Incline Village on the Nevada side than Tahoe City, but that's just me.

Overall, Tahoe is a hiker's and photographer's paradise. My favorite long, difficult hike is the Ellis Peak Trail and that's in the NW corner. It takes about a half a day, but the rewarding views at the very top are pretty exceptional. My favorite quick/easy hike with a breathtaking view at sunset is Cave Rock, which is just over the border from South Lake in Zephyr Cove (Google it and thank me later).

When it comes down to it, it's more about personal preferences, as opposed to one being the 'better' choice. I think the stereotype of South Lake being a tourist trap is a bit overblown, and there's plenty to do off the beaten path if you ask around. At the very least, drive around the entire lake and take your time to get out and see the different vistas. It doesn't take all that long, and it's one of the most scenic drives in CA/NA, which is really saying something. It's probably wise to stay North since you've got a reunion in TC, but think about the type of experience you're looking for overall. There's a few reasons why South Lake is the more popular destination than North Lake, but I think the best approach is to try a see as much of the lake as possible to decide for yourself.

Be mindful of the weather during summer and plan by the hour instead of by the day. Thunderstorms come out of nowhere and if you aren't prepared, it can be pretty miserable. If you want to book activities, book sooner in your trip, rather than later.

Have a great time!

It depend some on what you enjoy doing, but I much prefer So Tahoe like you say. there is so much to do and if one decides to rent a cabin you are away from the hussle bussle, but still close enough to go to town when you want some busy time. We also enjoy either the cabin rental idea or renting a time share. You have more room, can fix some of your own meals with can be more relaxing and less expensive than eating every meal out. For relaxation you can always walk along the lake. We love Tahoe have been going there since the late 1960s, but now we are too far away.