Cruises

If you can fit a lake cruise into your vacation plans, you won't regret it -- it's one of the best ways to see the lake. The MS Dixie II, located at Zephyr Cove Marina (4 miles north of the South Lake casinos on U.S. 50; tel. 800/238-2463; www.zephyrcove.com), is a 570-passenger paddle-wheeler with bars, a dance floor, and a full dining room. Emerald Bay scenic cruises cost $41 for adults, $20 for children. They also offer champagne-brunch and breakfast cruises ($53), dinner cruises ($61), and sunset dinner-dance cruises ($71).

The Tahoe Queen (tel. 800/238-2463; www.zephyrcove.com), which departs from the Marina Village at Ski Run Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, is also an authentic paddle-wheeler offering Emerald Bay sightseeing tours ($46 adults, $22 children) and dinner/dance cruises ($106 adults, $71 children). Live music, buffet breakfast, dinner, and appetizers are all available onboard.

The Tahoe Gal (tel. 800/218-2464 or 530/583-0141; www.tahoegal.com), departing from the Lighthouse Marina (behind Safeway) in Tahoe City, is the only cruise boat on the North Shore. Cruises include the Scenic Brunch Cruise ($34 adults, $16 children), Emerald Bay ($38 adults, $19 children), Happy Hour (4:30-6pm; $25 adults, $14 children), and Sunset Dinner ($35 adults, $16 children). Note: Prices are for the cruise only; food and beverages cost extra.

Woodwind Sailing Cruises (tel. 888/867-6394) runs daily sightseeing tours ($32 adults, $15 children 3-12), and a Sunset Champagne Cruise ($42). The Woodwind II, a 50-passenger Searunner catamaran, sails from Zephyr Cove Marina.