North America's Oldest Lake Is A Crystal-Clear Vacation Haven Straddling Two States

The U.S. boasts a stunning array of natural wonders and is particularly blessed when it comes to lakes. From New York's "Queen of the American Lakes," Lake George, to Crater Lake, the country's deepest lake, you'll find freshwater bodies coast to coast perfect for swimming, boating, casting a line, or just relaxing in a cabin on the shore.

While each possesses its unique charms, Lake Tahoe is one of the best known, and for good reason. Situated in the Sierra Nevada range, this cold, extremely clear natural reservoir is famous for its brilliant turquoise waters and gorgeous mountain surroundings. Not only is Tahoe the nation's largest alpine lake and second deepest of any kind of lake in America, but it also holds the distinction of being the oldest lake in North America, according to the Geological Society of America. Research conducted by Western Nevada College's Dr. Winnie Kortemeier has determined that Lake Tahoe formed some 2.3 million years ago. This makes it not just the oldest lake on the continent but also the third-oldest on the planet.

As a sizable and scenic lake, Tahoe straddles two Western states. Around two-thirds of its roughly 75 miles of shoreline sit in California, while the eastern third is under Nevada's jurisdiction. Each state's piece of Lake Tahoe features different attractions and features, and to really know the lake, it's best to experience them both.

Lake Tahoe's California shore is the more developed of the two, with upscale homes and lakeside developments, as well as towns such as King's Beach, Tahoe City, and South Lake Tahoe. You'll find plenty of establishments in these settlements that'll scratch your itch for food, coffee, or something stronger. Oozing deep woods vibes, Tahoe City's Bridgetender Tavern & Grill sits on the Truckee River and serves burgers and other hearty pub fare, while the fancier Sylva features wood fire-cooked New American cuisine, along with a nice selection of natural and independently produced wines. If you're headed to South Lake Tahoe, check out The Hangar. This local favorite boasts roughly 30 different beers on tap along with an array of cans and bottles and also hosts live music in the summer, making it one of the lake's hotspots after dark. 

The California shore is home to a number of stellar beaches and reserves where you can experience Tahoe's beauty up close, such as Emerald Bay State Park. Situated along the lake's only inlet, this gorgeous public property is perfect for swimming, hiking, and heading out onto the water in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard. You can also board the Tahoe Queen — a classic Mississippi paddlewheel boat — for cruises offering unparalleled views of Emerald Bay and beyond.

When it comes to where to stay on California's Lake Tahoe shore, Eagle Point Campground offers the chance to pitch a tent or pull up an RV and sleep under a shimmering blanket of stars. For those looking for a bit more comfort, The Cottage Inn offers an "Old Tahoe" experience, featuring rooms with wooden beams and stone fireplaces that are sure to kindle a deep feeling of coziness.

While the Nevada side is a bit less built-up than its western counterpart, development is more concentrated and focused on luxury. The best example of this is Incline Village & Crystal Bay, an exclusive residential settlement on the northeast shore that features a golf course, tennis courts, and ski trails. There are also some nice shops and restaurants such as Sage Leaf Tahoe, which does everything from brunch fare to elevated burgers and dishes like citrus-brined pork loin. You'll also find the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort here, which features a deluxe spa and — this being Nevada — a 24-hour casino.

Despite the decidedly upmarket flavor of developments such as Incline Village, there are also plenty of free, natural things to do on the Nevada shore. These include public access points to gorgeous stretches of shoreline (all of which require a bit of hiking) such as Chimney Beach, Whale Beach, Secret Harbor Beach, and Secret Cove Beach, which is clothing optional, so don't be shocked to see some beachgoers baring it all.

However, you don't need to get into the water to appreciate the lake's beauty from the Nevada side. There are also a number of excellent viewpoints, including Logan Shoals Vista Point. Nestled amongst the boulders and pines, this outcropping affords amazing views across the whole of Lake Tahoe, and just may be the best spot on the shoreline to take in the sunset. For more exploration of this amazing body of water, jump on a bike and hit the easy, paved Tahoe East Shore Trail beside the lake's shimmering beaches.