The best ways to enjoy Tahoe cabin rentals

The best ways to enjoy Tahoe cabin rentals

Whatever the season, the mountain scenery around Lake Tahoe makes this area a great cabin vacation destination, with skiing and snowboarding during the winter, and some great hiking and water sports in the summer. And if you’re looking for a less strenuous break, a gentle stroll along the shore offers up some spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding high peaks. Tahoe City is a laid-back resort town on the lake’s northwestern shore, while the southern end is home to lively South Lake Tahoe, where you can try your luck at the casinos beyond the Nevada state line.

Cabins in Tahoe City

If going to outdoor concerts, enjoying movies on the beach, and checking out a farmers’ market sound like your kind of vacation, then Tahoe City could be the place to look for a cabin rental. The shoreline has miles of paved walkways offering views across the water and regular refreshment stops. In town, you can wander around the shops and cafes, laze on the beaches, or set sail from one of the marinas. Several ski resorts are within a few miles’ drive of Tahoe City, including Olympic Valley, Northstar, and Diamond Peak.

South Lake Tahoe cabin rentals

Two-story cabin with chairs outside, surrounded by trees and set on a lake

South Lake Tahoe is the main resort town in these parts, and is generally busier and more built-up than the rest of the lakeside locales. This is where you’ll find the most bustling nightlife, as well as the best shopping and dining. The area known as Stateline is particularly lively—it’s where California meets Nevada, and you’ll find several large casinos as soon as you cross the border into the Silver State. For skiers, the Heavenly Mountain Resort is up in the hills right above South Lake Tahoe.

Villages around Lake Tahoe

Away from the main towns, the many villages and small communities around Lake Tahoe all have their own flavor, which could be exactly what you’re looking for. Boating enthusiasts might be drawn to Carnelian Bay, which hosts an annual wooden boat show. There’s the scenic mountain village of Donner Summit, perched high above Lake Tahoe and offering some epic views. Or, you might prefer tree-lined Tahoma, well-heeled Incline Village, or laid-back King’s Beach.

What type of cabin is right for you?

There’s so much to see and do around Lake Tahoe that everyone probably has different opinions on the ideal cabin rental. For some it’s stunning views, peaceful seclusion, or a place right by the water. Others might plan to spend their vacation luxuriating in an outdoor hot tub, or you might need a cabin that welcomes pets as well as humans. Some folks come here to party and try their luck in the casinos. Whatever your thing, there’s enough variety of cabins in this area for everyone to find their perfect home away from home.

Cabins with lake views

View of sunlit lake through the trees, as seen from a cabin's deck

All around Lake Tahoe are cabins that look out directly onto the water—many vacation rentals have big picture windows with lake and mountain views, and private outdoor decks with barbecues and even hot tubs. For up-close views of Lake Tahoe from the comfort of your getaway cabin, there’s nothing quite like a place right on the lakeshore. Whether you want to be in the heart of Tahoe City or Stateline, or somewhere quieter with your own jetty, the growing popularity of Lake Tahoe over the years means there are dozens of waterfront cabin rentals to choose from.

Cabins on the beach

Lake Tahoe has dozens of swimming beaches dotting its shoreline, which are perfect for a beach vacation without the sea. And there are plenty of cabin rentals right on the beach, so you can step straight from your living room out onto the sand. Check out the family-friendly delights of Baldwin Beach, with its half-mile stretch of sand. Or you might prefer one of the smaller beaches tucked away between cliffs and rocky outcrops. For the more adventurous, Secret Cove is a favorite with naturists.

Cabins for families with children

There are hundreds of cabins around Lake Tahoe that welcome families with children, whether you’re introducing them to the delights of hiking in the great outdoors, or taking them skiing for the first time. You might want a big yard for them to play in, or indoor games like foosball and table tennis. And there are cabins with bunk beds and hidden cubby holes where children can have an adventure without even going outside. When the kids are finally snoozing, grab a bottle of wine and enjoy a soak in the hot tub.