Vacation Rentals and Cabins in Lake Tahoe for Family Travel

Family travelers, coming from all parts of California, make Lake Tahoe rentals their vacation homes during all seasons of the year. Family time couldn't be spent in a better vacation hot spot with the wide variety of activities available in Lake Tahoe. The locals know all of the hidden secrets of the area, and there are many. After locking down your Lake Tahoe rental for an extended stay in one of the hundreds of cabins around the enormous lake, get ready for some fun.
A little bit of planning will go a long way to enjoying your stay. A Google or Yahoo! search for activities in Tahoe will provide an extended list that short-term travelers will not be able to conquer on a three-night getaway. However, after spending many of my younger years on both the North and South shores of the lake, there are some regular finds that most travelers overlook. Here are a few local favorite hidden secret activities, hot spots and yummy food stops that may have you calling in sick to extend your Lake Tahoe rental (skip over all the advertisements found in your internet search):
* SECRET 1: search 'Book Tahoe Rentals' for deals on Lake Tahoe rentals around the entire lake. Book your accommodations as far in advance as possible for the best deals. However, if you have the flexibility to wait until the last minute you may end up with the deal that can't be beat.
* SECRET 2: locate 'highway 431' on Google Maps. Driving from Lake Tahoe to Reno, about seven minutes up the mountain toward Mt. Rose on the left you will find a hidden sledding hill that is free of charge. Simply park on the side of the road (be careful of moving traffic) and let the kids do the rest. You must bring your own sled or saucer.
* SECRET 3: search 'Northstar-at-Tahoe' for a great resort that offers family skiing, ice skating, roller skating and cross country trails for the more adventurous vacationer. This pristine location offers an all-in-one for a day's worth of family fun.
* SECRET 4: search for 'Sand Harbor' located on the North East corner of the lake and park either in one of the pay=to-park lots or on the side of the road for free. Families enjoy all beaches in this area because of the shallow depth of the lake and beautiful sandy beaches.
* SECRET 5: search for the 'Log Cabin, The Old Post Office and GarWoods Grill' on Lake Tahoe's North shore. And on the South shore check out Cafe Fiore, The Cork & More and the smaller restaurants within the Heavenly Valley outdoor mall. The best hidden secret for a night out with the wife has to be the Chart House located on the South shore. Most travelers are unaware of this restaurant and its location. A simple search of Lake Tahoe Chart House will send you in the right direction.
* SECRET 6: search 'Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours' for a great getaway into the Lake Tahoe Mountains for some scenic views of the Lake. If you are into off road 4-wheeling, check out the hills off highway 267 just outside of Kings Beach on the North shore.
* SECRET 7: search 'Lake Tahoe Chamber' and 'South Lake Tahoe Chamber' and click on visitor information and then lodging. Here you will find deals posted by local businesses around the lake. Many deals on Tahoe activities are offered right there. This secret will keep a bunch of money in your pocket for numerous other activities during your vacation.
Lake Tahoe is an outdoor adventure for all activity enthusiasts and finding the right Tahoe vacation rental is the most important first step. Consider the nightly rates, number of bedrooms, amenities, and overall quality of homes suitable for your family vacation. Knowing the general location with the estimated distances from the secret hot spots near restaurants, ski resorts and other major attractions in Lake Tahoe will help to secure more local activities during your visit.
Availability is another important consideration. Lakefront and ski in / ski out properties are in high demand. Rental properties up the hill in the mountains, overlooking the lake shores or in a nice forested setting, are less in demand but still fill up during the holidays.