Mancation Guide to South Lake Tahoe – Winter Edition

Lake Tahoe, land of beauty, anytime of the year. This city is one of my favorite cities for all things outdoor. During the summer, there are amazing hiking trails, water sports on Lake Tahoe, camping, zip lining and cycling. During the winter months, you can experience and array of sporting opportunities, such as skiing, snowboard, sledding and X-country skiing. As most outdoor sporting destinations, this place is great for singles, families or friend families.

I had the opportunity to visit South Lake Tahoe with my buddies and it was quite the experience. Between the skiing/snowboarding, amazing restaurants, fun nightlife and chill bars, we couldn’t get enough. Besides all the things to do, the people are genuinely nice. No faking, they are just high off life, which is awesome!

For New Yorkers, JetBlue has direct flights to Reno/Lake Tahoe. This flight is a game changer for quick access to an outdoorsy west coast trip. Also, what’s so great about the trip is that it is super cheap!

Below are my recommendations of places to stay, eat and play in South Lake Tahoe during the winter.

Stay

Grand Marriott Residences in Heavenly Village

Centrally located, the Marriott Grand Residences is where you should stay while in South Lake Tahoe for a large group winter trip. Why? The hotel is located in Heavenly Village and is steps from the gondola to the mountain.

We got the two bedroom, three bathroom suite for five guys. The suite actually can sleep up to eight people, and even more if people are willing to take the floor or a pull out sofa. The suite was massive, as it was three huge room that were combined to make the space.

The suite offered a large kitchen, dining room, huge living room (with a working fireplace) and a massive terrace that overlooked the entrance to the gondola. I suggest if you get suite, buy some food at the Raley’s grocery store that is only a five minute walk.

Eat

Driftwood Cafe

Hands down – this is the place you have to go to for brunch. No exceptions! The portions are large and the drinks are strong. What more can you ask for? There will be a bit of a wait, so I would advise you to make a reservation. Driftwood Cafe can get really busy. We waited for an hour, but it was well worth it.

Azul Latin Kitchen

One word – margaritas! Azul Latin Kitchen has the best margaritas in the area. Also, they have a pretty awesome happy hour that includes margs and tacos.

Nestle Toll House Cafe

Feed your sweet tooth while devouring some fresh hot cookies, while downing a hot chocolate. You can’t go wrong with this Nestle Toll House Cafe, ever!

Base Camp Pizza Company

Great pizza, live music, corn hole and an excellent beer selection sums up Base Camp Pizza Company.

Play

Heavenly Mountain

This is a given. You should not go to South Lake Tahoe and not ski at Heavenly Mountain…honestly. The slopes are pretty awesome and there is always good powder. So for the beginners, if you fall, you really wont feel it.

Also, you have to experience the Unbuckle Apres Party. This day party is fun and slightly debaucherous with beautiful Heavenly Angel dancers, food and drink specials and lots of dancing. I highly recommend attending this event, which is located in the Tamarack Lodge.

Arty the Party in Harrah’s Casino

This one man show is THE pre-game you need before heading out. Arty is quite masterful in gauging the audience and delivering the tracks that he knows will get the party all the way started. Also, he’s a really cool guy.

Cabo Wabo in Harveys Casino

Think a college party, but with “real” adults and less rage. The drinks are cheap and there is always a crowd at Cabo Wabo. Go hear to “let your hair down” and dance as if no one is looking. There are also great cover bands that often play on weekend nights. When I was there, they band played 90’s rock and r&b.

Xhale Bar & Lounge

If you like hip-hop, this is the place to go. Xhale is cavernous in design, which adds to the nightclub nature of the space. But unlike most nightclubs, this place isn’t full of people buying bottles. People here are much more chill and content with a drink and hookah.

Peek Nightclub in Harrah’s Casino

Want to pop bottles? Check out Peek Nightclub. This is the spot where you should go if you want to ball out for a night and live like your favorite entertainer.

Been to South Lake Tahoe? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!