Time in Tahoe: What You Need to Know for a Lake Tahoe Honeymoon

Scenic and famous Lake Tahoe can be found nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains straddling the borders between California and Nevada. This freshwater lake is the largest alpine lake in America and is the second deepest lake in the country. Experts believe that this particular body of water was shaped during the ice age. If honeymooners are looking for a destination to visit that will be beautiful and activity-filled regardless of the time of year or weather, Tahoe is the perfect place. With ski resorts, beaches, hiking, lake activities, and casinos, there is so much to do in Lake Tahoe and there is something for everyone who comes up to spend time at this gorgeous spot.

Although the amount of summer and winter activity draws travelers and honeymooners from all over the country to visit the region, it also mandates that we plan ahead of time and show up prepared. Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind while planning your Lake Tahoe Honeymoon.

Where to stay at Lake Tahoe

Locals divide the lake in two parts: North and South. There are different things to do depending on which months you decide to visit and which side of the lake you choose to camp at. Both sides have beautiful views, sparkling waters and wonderful dining options. You can’t go wrong!

The North Side of Lake Tahoe

For honeymooners looking for something quieter and more laid back, North Lake is for you. Smaller crowds are a commonality up north. But they still have hiking, mountain biking, swimming, paddle boarding and every outdoor activity you’d expect.

North shore also has annual food and wine festivals and concerts at the local outdoor amphitheater. This side is also home to ritzy resorts and famous restaurants in the town. Talk about a honeymooner’s paradise.

The Landing Resort and Spa: this upscale, 5-star resort has sophisticated rooms with beautiful lake views. Each room has gas fireplaces, heated floors, free wifi, and some suites even have a wet bar. The spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub, and sauna are surefire ways to get honeymooners relaxed. The lakeside patio with fire pits and rooftop deck are the perfect places to open a bottle of wine and toast to beautiful views.

The South Side of Lake Tahoe

The southside is home to beautiful waters and breathtaking mountains, just like the north side. But in contrast to the chill North, South Lake has an up and coming art scene and is usually packed with excited visitors. Heavenly Village and South lakeshore are two places where honeymooners can find great lodging and restaurants.

If you want to be in the middle of it all, head south. The nightlife is bustling, and the arts are a big deal in the South. Vahalla Arts festival is a must see if you’re there in mid-June. Lake Tahoe Balloons also offer hot air balloon rides for great views of the mountain and crystal-clear lake. Also, did you know that South Lake Tahoe has been the backdrop of ABC’s The Bachelor? Yeah, it’s that pretty.

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, next to the Heavenly Gondola is a great option. The resort includes a Romance package complete with rose petal bed decoration and champagne and strawberries. Rates start at $199 but are cheaper midweek. This resort has balcony suites with mountain views, an in-room fireplace, an atrium and is located in the midst of all of South Lake Tahoe’s best amenities.

What to do during your honeymoon in Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe

During the summer you can take advantage of the dog friendly beaches, hiking and all the summer activities that come along with spending time on the lake. If you’re into biking, many people argue that North Lake is the best place in America to do it.

In the winter there are eight ski resorts open up north. You can also explore the backcountry in snowmobile tours. Snow skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and probably any other winter activity you can think of are available here, including sipping hot chocolate in front of a warm fire.

South Lake Tahoe

In South Lake, honeymooners can parasail, jet ski, kayak, paddle board or just swim in the gorgeous, clear lake. There’s plenty of hiking in South Lake too. You won’t get bored during a South Lake summer, that’s for sure. Make sure you make it to Emerald Bay to enjoy the surreal colors, clarity and landscape. 

The south has fewer ski resorts than the North, but they do have a few and the skiing in South Lake are some of the best in the world. If you’re heading to Tahoe to ski, you have a tough choice to make between North and South lake.

Honeymoon accommodations in the area

North Lake:

South Lake: Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, next to the Heavenly Gondola is a great option. The resort includes a Romance package complete with rose petal bed decoration and champagne and strawberries. Rates start at $199 but are cheaper midweek. This resort has balcony suites with mountain views, an in room fire place, an atrium and is located in the midst of all of South Lake Tahoe’s best amenities.

Honeymoon Travel tips:

Prepare for the elevation: Higher elevation means less oxygen and travelers who aren’t used to the different air may have a hard time adjusting. There are a few things you can do to help ease you into your new surrounding though.

• Adjust slowly: if you’re driving in from Reno/Tahoe airport, make a stop at a lower elevation spot. There are cute restaurants and plenty of shopping to pass the time in Placerville and give your body time to process and acclimate to the new altitude.
• Water water water: make up for what your body isn’t getting by giving it extra water. It’s easy to get dehydrated with high elevation. While your body is adjusting, Tahoe traveling vets suggest 8 oz every hour.
• Increase your carbs and red meat: An excuse to eat rich and delicious food? This is every honeymooners dream. So, leave your diet at home and stock up on steak, pasta, potatoes and bread help to sustain your body, replenish your body, and ease the effects of high altitudes.

Things to know about Tahoe

• It’s big: the massive lake is almost 200 square miles. The locals divide the lake into two sections, (North and South) each part of the lake has a different and unique vibe from the other. To get the most out of your vacation, it’s wise to choose and area and stay there.
• It’s cold: Even in the middle of the summer, lake Tahoe’s water stays cold cold cold. This is something to consider if you plan to swim. Swimming isn’t discouraged, but you should take breaks to warm up and give your body a break.

• It’s pricey: A Lake Tahoe vacation is going to make a dent in your bank account. Honeymoons are the time for a little splurge and a lot of relaxation, so don’t worry too much about price. If you’re worried, make sure to book as far in advance to save some cash and steak out a good budget-friendly hotel, probably in South Lake Tahoe. You’ll also get cheaper rates if you visit during the week. And hooking up with a resort can always help defer costs. If you’re looking to ski, the slopes are expensive, but resorts often offer great combo deals.

Weather and when to visit:

There really isn’t a bad time of the year to visit Lake Tahoe. From March to May and September to November are peak times. With warm weather comes beachgoers and July and August mean that there is plenty of swimming and water activities to keep honeymooners occupied. Visitors show back up when the cold comes into ski, play, and relax at the lodge. If you’re looking to save money, March or November are great times of the year to go since tourism is winding down during these months.