Commons Beach - This is one of the nicest places to get down to Lake Tahoe, with a large playground (climbing structures and swings for little kids), lots of grass and picnic tables, a sandy beach, and super views of the lake.

Watson Cabin Museum -Up the way from Commons Beach, check out this cabin, typical of life at the turn of the 20th century. Built in 1908, the Watson family lived in the cabin year round, and it had real amenities such as indoor plumbing, the first in Tahoe City. The house is filled with household utensils, furniture, and period clothing. Open June - Labor Day.

Lake cruise - May to October, ride around the lake with the paddlewheer Tahoe Gal. There's 1 ½ hours brunch cruises along the west shore, or longer lunch and sunset cruises.

River rafting - Everyone in the family will enjoy leisurely rafting on the Truckee River. Pick up the rafts in the center of town, near the bridge and dam. It takes about 2 - 4 hours to float from Tahoe City to River Ranch Pond, about a five mile stretch downriver. A shuttle brings you back to Tahoe City. Summers only.

Rent bikes - Tahoe City is an origin point for the Tahoe Trailways Bike Path, 15 miles of paved path along the west side of Lake Tahoe. If you're camping along the lake, this is a great way to get to and from your campground. Also, there's another wide path that goes right along the Truckee River (pick up the path at the 64 Acres Park in town), all the way up to Olympic Valley. There are several shops in Tahoe City to rent bikes.