The string of smaller communities and state parks along Hwy. 89 is collectively known as the West Shore. It’s Lake Tahoe’s very own Black Forest (with a history just as compelling), and boasts a mossy, deep-woods aesthetic, not to mention Sugar Pine Point State Park, one of the most seductive at the Lake.
There is so much to see and do on Lake Tahoe's Magical West Shore, it’s difficult to call out any one thing, much less 7 or 8 things. This side of the lake attracted the Washoe Indians, Lake Tahoe’s earliest residents reportedly 9,000 years ago. Several years later, gold rush miners came to relax. In fact, Chambers Landing, est. 1875, is the region’s oldest bar and is still bustling today.
In May 2008, the Tahoe Maritime Museum opened an incredible new facility modeled after historic wooden boat houses in Homewood. The Museum is open year round and exhibits include classic wooden boats with significant local ties, a hands-on activities area for children, restoration display and a sample of one of the largest outboard motor collections in the country.
Granlibakken, today a conference center, completed the Olympic Hill ski jump in the 1930s, where jumpers entertained spectators with their daring acrobatics. Recently, the 1960 Winter Olympics Nordic course trails were restored and are ready for personal ski touring. History – with a capital H! Your drive will reveal several restaurants. If you’re even the least bit hungry, pull in. You can’t make a wrong turn.
Personality Traits
Reading: A Bear Named Trouble by Marion Dane Bauer
Eating: African Pheasant at West Shore Cafe & Inn
Sponsor: Historic Homes of America
Ride: Porsche, any Porsche outfitted with a snowplow
Animal: Alaskan Malamute
Soundtrack: Summer music concerts at Homewood
Sport: Hiking Ward Canyon, XC Skiing at Page Meadows, driving down Talmont in winter without chains
Historical Marker: Westshore Runabouts wooden boat restoration, Olympic Cross Country Trail system
Must-Do/See: Boat camp at Emerald Bay, Chambers Punch at Chambers Landing, waterskiing in Hurricane Bay
Etc.: Find yourself in Desolation Wilderness at least once in this lifetime