Tahoe Vista Recreation Area

A seasonal ice cream stand open since the mid-1980s, with lemonade and coffee too.

A beach of fine white sand a short walk from the parking lot.

Zip lines and rope bridges through the trees in North Tahoe Regional Park, for ages 6 and up.

A shady little beach tucked behind the gas station in Kings Beach, away from the crowds.

Pizza right on the lake, with a patio for warm days and Detroit-style squares with crispy corners.

A lakeside deck and sand bar, and a kids' menu that comes with a cookie and fresh fruit.