Lake Tahoe Pictures

Lake Tahoe is a popular summer destination thanks to its beaches and a popular winter vacation spot thanks to its slopes. World of Raes Photography Getty Images

This off-the-beaten path cove is just south of Incline Village on Lake Tahoe's northeastern shore. chucklepix (Steve) Flickr

The spectacular scenery in Lake Tahoe makes for some great photo ops. JodiWomack Flickr

Wake up early to catch the sunrise one day — you won't be sorry. Doug Letterman Flickr

A hiker enjoys the colorful views found in Emerald Bay State Park. Will Hart Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

While the waters of Lake Tahoe may be cold, the beaches are the perfect temperature for sunbathing. David Berkowitz Flickr

Visit between September and November to see Lake Tahoe's alpine trees display their fall foliage. Will Hart Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

A skier tests out the fresh powder at Squaw Valley. Courtesy Squaw Valley

Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Courtesy Squaw Valley

The Heavenly Ski Resort is the only resort located on Lake Tahoe's southern shore. It's also within easy reach of the casino district. Courtesy of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

There are many marinas on Lake Tahoe that offer fishing and sightseeing cruises. morgan-holmgren Flickr

Carved by glacial movement several million years ago, Emerald Bay is known for its colorful granite walls and beautiful vistas. Howcheng Wikimedia Commons

Many visitors agree that the best way to experience Lake Tahoe during the warmer months is by boat. Courtesy of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Along with a memorial and a museum dedicated to the Donner Party, Donner Memorial State Park also offers plenty in the way of hiking, fishing, camping and boating. zrfphoto Getty Images

After a long day, relax with some evening entertainment (and maybe a card game or two) at Harrah's Casino. Courtesy of Harrah's Lake Tahoe

A view of the sunset from the casino district in Stateline, Nevada. Charles Shaprio Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Head to Emerald Bay at sunrise for a spectacular photo op. Jeff Hunter Getty Images

Northstar is considered one of the top ski resorts in the West. Courtesy Vail Resorts

The stunning, 744-acre D.L. Bliss State Park is home to the deepest section of Lake Tahoe and some of the area's most breathtaking sites Susanne Neumann Getty Images

Homewood is a slightly smaller resort comapred to other giants in the area, but skiers love its laid-back feel and less crowded slopes. IJ Venezuela Homewood Mountain Resort

Alpine Meadows is one of the premier ski resorts in Lake Tahoe. Jason Abraham Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

The aerial tram at Squaw Valley climbs more than 2,000 feet to offer spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra. Kjell Linder Getty Images

The Lake Tahoe area is a winter wonderland attracting skiers from around the world, but it is just as gorgeous in the summer. Zeiss4Me Getty Images

In warm weather, sailing on Lake Tahoe offers a lovely way to enjoy the area. Michael Okimoto Getty Images

Kayaking is just one of the many activities visitors can enjoy on Lake Tahoe, especially at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Gary Pearl Getty Images

Families love the kid-friendly activities at Alpine Meadows. Trevor Clark Courtesy Alpine Meadows

Outdoor activities at the Donner Memorial State Park include hiking. Justin Bailie Getty Images

It's easy to launch a boat at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area, a popular summer activity. Getty Images

Kids will love snowtubing at Squaw Valley's SnoVentures Activity Center. Courtesy Squaw Valley

A plaque indicates which members of the Donner Party survived their fateful journey. melfoody Flickr

The crystal-clear water is a signature of D. L. Bliss State Park. Susanne Neumann Getty Images

Recent visitors raved about the scenery at Alpine Meadows. Courtesy Alpine Meadows

Squaw Valley boasts six peaks and nearly 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. Courtesy Squaw Valley

Make the most of a Northstar summer visit with a mountain bike ride. Courtesy Vail Resorts

Northstar California Resort boasts 3,170 skiable acres and almost 100 runs. Courtesy Vail Resorts

Families praise Northstar for its kid-friendly amenities, such as an ice skating rink. Courtesy Vail Resorts

This wildly popular resort truly is heavenly. Getty Images

Along with its groomed trails, Heavenly Ski Resort also boasts two terrain parks. Markus Spiering Flickr

For a wide variety of outdoor adventures, consider booking with Tahoe Adventure Company, which offers land and water-based activities, including paddleboarding. Gary Pearl Getty Images

Cruise through Emerald Bay on a Lake Tahoe scenic cruise. Michael Marfell Getty Images

On a clear day, you'll be able to spot the peaks in Yosemite and the coastal foothills more than 150 miles away on a hot air balloon ride. grantmg Getty Images