Lake Tahoe

Bring lunch, dock at the Vikingholm Park (a replica Viking style home built in the 20s) and hike to rushing Eagle Falls. — Afar Magazine

This park takes its name from Duane LeRoy Bliss, a 19th-century lumber magnate. — Fodor's

Soar to the top of the world as you ride this gondola, which sweeps you from Heavenly Village some 2.4 miles up the mountain in just 12 minutes. — Lonely Planet

A few blocks east of the bridge over the Truckee River, this well-preserved 1908 settlers’ cabin is one of the town’s oldest buildings, built overlooking the beach. — Lonely Planet

This 38-room estate was completed in 1929. — Fodor's

With 70 runs covering 2,420 acres on two mountains, Northstar is consistently rated among the top western resorts. — Frommer's

Often referred to as Lake Tahoe's hidden gem, this 2,400-acre ski facility features more than 100 runs, not to mention several snowboarding parks. Its diverse activities suit a variety of interests — U.S. News & World Report

Commons Beach is a small, attractive park with sandy and grassy areas, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a climbing rock and playground, as well as free summer concerts. — Lonely Planet

A massive glacier millions of years ago carved this 3-mile-long and 1-mile-wide fjordlike inlet. — Fodor's

The park and museum commemorate the Donner Party, westward-bound pioneers—about 90; historians debate the exact number—who became trapped in the Sierra in the winter of 1846–47 in snow 22 feet deep. — Fodor's

The north shore's 28-acre Kings Beach State Recreation Area, one of the largest such areas on the lake, is open year-round. — Fodor's

The main attraction at Sugar Pine Point State Park is Ehrman Mansion, a 1903 stone-and-shingle summer home furnished in period style. — Fodor's