A Lake Tahoe “bucket list”: boating, hiking, biking, festivals and more

Here are some things to do this summer in Lake Tahoe:

1 Try stand-up paddle boarding at one of the race series in North Lake Tahoe, including the 10th annual Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival August 12-14 in Kings Beach.

2 View antique and classic wooden boats at the 44th Annual Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Aug. 12-13 in Homewood.

3 Choose from a handful of Fourth of July celebrations, from fireworks on the beach to the multi-day Red, White and Tahoe Blue in Incline Village.

4 Enjoy a night lakeside at Sand Harbor State Park, where the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival performs July 8-August 21.

5 Bring a picnic blanket and watch a summer movie on the beach or outdoors at resorts.

6 Hit the road on two wheels, pedaling around Lake Tahoe’s 72 miles or heading up historic Old Hwy. 40 to iconic Rainbow Bridge.

7 Appreciate “Sunset Serenades” classical music performances at the Lake Tahoe Music Festival on August 16 and 18-21.

8 Explore the Thunderbird Lodge National Historic Site, including its stone mansion, gardens and a 600-ft. tunnel leading to the boathouse for the famous Thunderbird yacht.

9 Try cooking alongside celebrity chefs at the 31st Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival on September 9-11, held outdoors at the Village at Northstar.

10 Hike the 8.3 mile Rubicon trail between D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay on the West Shore, and view the lake’s crystal-clear waters (with a visibility of 70 feet down).

For more information, visit GoTahoeNorth.com, TahoeSouth.com and SierraCulture.com, our magazine’s companion website.

100 Years of National Parks
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service. Today it includes 411 protected areas, including 59 national parks, encompassing 84 million acres. The centennial goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates. FindYourPark.com

(Photo: Rubicon Trail)