Lake Tahoe, California

Heavenly Mountain Resort combines 4,800 acres of nightlife venues, fine dinings and outdoor activities. Winter-based activities draw thousands of visitors to the area each year. Beautiful snow-capped mountains stand mightily over the scenic Lake Tahoe, making Heavenly quite distinct from other destinations. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling during the winter and hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, water skiing and rock climbing during the summer months.

Since 1953 Tahoe Sport Fishing has been giving excited visitors and locals the opportunity to fish at the top tier Alpine Lake. All of the boat captains are highly experienced in jigging, drifting, and trolling, showing guests the hottest spots all year round. You can seasonally expect to see Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mackinaw, and Kokanee Salmon. There is a combined daily limit at 5 fish per person.

Stunning views, a friendly staff and the world's only U.S.C.G. certified aircraft carrier vessel for hot air balloons. Come experience all three with Lake Tahoe Balloons in the 1-hour flight that takes you above Tahoe's interminable beauty. Flights are available mid-May through October via reservation, and it's recommended that you wear warm clothing! Departures are early in the morning, and they serve you a continental breakfast and the traditional champagne toast.

Tahoe City Treetop Adventure Park is considered by some to be "the coolest thing" they've ever done. The Adventure, vaguely reminiscent of the Endor scenes from "Star Wars," is a series of courses linked platform to platform atop the trees via bridges and zip lines. There are many types of courses for children of age 5 and above and regardless of athleticism.

With an elevation of approximately 6,600 feet, the Eagle Falls Trail is a favored hiking destination in Lake Tahoe. The short hike takes you along waterfalls, green mountains and native pine trees. Arrive early and bring your camera to capture the views.

Dedicated to the members of the Donner Camp who perished in the winter of 1846 and 1847, the Donner Memorial State Park offers activities for both seasons. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are among the activities you can do in the winter, and fishing and hiking can be done in the summer.

After taking in the beauty of Emerald Bay, head down to the historical Vikingsholm Castle. Built as a summer house in 1929, Vikingsholm is a testament to the Scandinavian architectural finesse. The 38-room mansion has received several renovations for preservation.

Twice a year (July 4 and Labor Day), South Lake Tahoe puts on a fireworks show in the basin. Launched from several barges, it is recommended to view the fireworks at Edgewood or at Lakeside Beach.

Baldwin Estate, the Pope Estate, and Valhalla encompass the Tallac Historic Site. Begin the tour at the Baldwin Museum, where exhibitions depict the life in early Tahoe. Continue with the Pope House, where a Gatsby-esque lifestyle is explored with a grand kitchen and dining room. Walking around the nature and history of Valhalla is the last stage and here are held arts, music, and theater festivals. Check the website for a listing of events.

Mount Tallac is perfect for the seasoned hiker. With a length of 9.5 miles, the trail takes you to Lake Tahoe's tallest peak. The vistas are overwhelmingly breathtaking, with ridges, meadows, and alpine lakes.

Magic Carpet Golf is a miniature golf course with fun pirate ships, gargantuan mushrooms, webs, and a giant dinosaur. A pizza parlor and game arcade are located onsite.