What does Summer mean to you? Does it evoke images of splashing in a lake, casting a fishing line, and roasting marshmallows with your friends? Ghost stories told across a roaring fire? An early morning hike through the woods, followed by an afternoon skipping rocks, and an evening spent stargazing?
Have we got great news for you! Cedar Crest Cottages are like a grownup, super luxe version of Summer camp. And the best part? You’re in charge!
Overlooking Lake Tahoe’s gorgeous West Shore, these nine newly renovated cottages are clustered together in an adorable way. Each cottage has its own porch or balcony and features luxurious finishes. A lovely shared firepit area is located at the center of the cottages, and beach access to McKinney Bay is directly across the street!
Rent all nine for the ultimate retreat, or one or two for a more intimate Summer getaway. Now, on to the best part—what can you and the kids do once here?
Lake Tahoe: Create Your Own Summer Camp at Cedar Crest Cottages
![PADDLE THROUGH LAKE TAHOE'S CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAIN PEAKS. [PHOTO CREDIT: MAKENZIE COOPER]](/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--51d102da-6a41-4215-8238-c8c515575cac/2023-07-05-nlt-cedar-crest-blog-3-0.jpg?preferwebp=true&quality=85 "PADDLE THROUGH LAKE TAHOE'S CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAIN PEAKS. [PHOTO CREDIT: MAKENZIE COOPER]")
Experience Lake Tahoe With Your Family
Unwind and Decompress
That’s right. Sleep in, savor coffee on the front porch, and enjoy views of the alpine peaks bordering Lake Tahoe’s glacial waters. This is an ancient land with dramatic views. Soak it in. You deserve it.
Emerald Bay
Along the western shore of Lake Tahoe is an area called Emerald Bay—one of the most photographed areas in Tahoe for good reason. The views here are so incredible they earned a National Natural Landmark title!
Emerald Bay is a public beach, so plan a day kayaking or, even better, rent a boat and begin a quest to Vikingsholm Castle, a Scandinavian-inspired castle built in 1929. Located at the head of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm is considered to be one of the most photographed spots in the United States! The majestic 38-room castle sits on 232 scenic acres that includes a waterfall and a private island! It’s a fun-filled day of exploration for the whole family!
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park has beautiful hiking trails and offers kayaks and paddleboards to rent. Paddle out to Fannette Island and enjoy views of the old Tea House, constructed by the owners of Vikingsholm Castle.
![DISCOVER THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF HIKING IN LAKE TAHOE! [PHOTO CREDIT: SHIMONENKO]](/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--c1177a2f-3130-48c9-b94c-dfdc61eb16ac/2023-07-05-nlt-cedar-crest-blog-5-0.jpg?preferwebp=true&quality=85 "DISCOVER THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF HIKING IN LAKE TAHOE! [PHOTO CREDIT: SHIMONENKO]")
Hiking Around Lake Tahoe
There are lots of trails dotting the alpine forests that line the shore. Pine Drop Trail is a short and easy paved route for beginners that accommodates wheelchairs and scooters. Feeling more ambitious? The Truckee River Trail is a 10.6-mile multi-use paved trail that’s popular with people tubing the Truckee River.
Stargazing
We saved the best for last. Stargazing in Lake Tahoe is like nothing you’ve seen before. And Summer is the best time to view the cosmos. You can either find a comfy spot near your Cedar Crest Cottage and gaze upwards or participate in a family-friendly “star tour” led by an amateur astronomer and poet! You’ll get to gaze at the heavens with powerful help from Celestron telescopes and hear a lively and fun presentation about the cosmos.
The Star Tours are held each Thursday and Saturday and are a ticketed event held at the Spooner Lake State Park Visitor Center.
Lake Tahoe Summer Events
The community of Lake Tahoe knows how to have fun! There are music
festivals, boat shows, theatre festivals, art shows—even an Oktoberfest
celebration! Here’s a sampling of events:
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
June 30-Aug. 20, 2023
The 51st season of the Shakespeare Festival promises some fun surprises, like a production of Little Shop of Horrors!
Classical Tahoe
July 9-Aug. 17, 2023
Classical Tahoe offers a bevy of rich, gorgeous sounds. These outdoor performances are held at the Ricardi Pavilion and feature chamber music, jazz performances, and the Classical Tahoe Orchestra.
Reggae Festival
July 22-23, 2023
Enjoy more than a dozen band performances at the 6th annual Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival. Among the scheduled bands are Rebelution, The Expendables, Pipe Down, Pepper, Stick Figure, Iya Terra, and Claire Wright.
49th Annual Lake Tahoe Concours D’Elegance
Aug. 11-12, 2023
Considered North America’s premier wooden boat show, Concours D’Elegance features the world’s best antique and classic utility boats. The event benefits the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation to help preserve the environment and history of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
![EXPLORE THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF LAKE TAHOE DURING YOUR STAY AT CEDAR CREST COTTAGES. [PHOTO CREDIT: JERRY FROM ADOBE STOCK]](/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--39b93c32-0c40-428c-81d6-e6514d5df726/2023-07-05-nlt-cedar-crest-blog-7.jpg?preferwebp=true&quality=85 "EXPLORE THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF LAKE TAHOE DURING YOUR STAY AT CEDAR CREST COTTAGES. [PHOTO CREDIT: JERRY FROM ADOBE STOCK]")
TaHoeNalu Festival
Aug. 12-13, 2023
The 17th annual TaHoeNalu Festival celebrates fun, family, friends, and the Hawaiian spirit with an event that has grown from a grassroots dedication to a multi-event festival. Novice paddleboarders and experts alike are welcome, with races, clinics, demos, and a vendor village. There will also be live music, food, and raffle drawings each day.
Tahoe City Art by the Lake
Aug. 18-20, 2023
The 13th annual Tahoe City Art by the Lake allows visitors to meet with more than 30 artisans showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts, including photography, oil paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more. The event area offers a stunning view of Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe City Oktoberfest
Sept. 30, 2023
This traditional Oktoberfest event features authentic German beer, Bavarian music and dance, games, and live entertainment. Authentic brats and pretzels, European desserts and pastries, and root beer floats for the kids make this an excellent event for all ages.
Get Ready for a Luxe Summer Camp Experience!
Ready to create your best version of Summer? We are too! Talk about fun possibilities! Call Natural Retreats today to book a Cedar Crest Cottage for your family and a few close friends. Life is short. Travel on.
