Have you stayed anywhere amazing in South Lake Tahoe before?

What area of Lake Tahoe is the best place to stay during a summer weekend?

• I'm looking into renting a house in Lake Tahoe over a weekend this summer, and I'm not too familiar with the area. Criteria below: 1) Easy access to the lake (and preferably a nice beach w/space on the sand to lie out, etc.) 2) Access to nightlife / restaurants / grocery stores / gas stations. I just don't want it to be in the middle of nowhere. I stayed in South Lake last summer, and frankly, I didn't love it. It seemed a little overrun with tourists and families (granted, I am going to fit in the former category), and I'd like something more about the lake and the natural beauty of the area, as opposed to a summer destination. I'd like bars around as an option, but I'm not going to Tahoe to frequent the casinos. Any other info about the area is much appreciated.

• Answer:

  I recently stayed a bit north of Tahoe City with my siblings (3 couples + 1 toddler) in July and had a wonderful experience. There are several nice beaches close by (around Dollar point) and some amazing beaches a bit further south - Meeks Bay and Emerald Bay. Hiking Eagle Falls (http://www.southlaketahoe.com/media/p/Lower-Eagle-Falls-from-River.jpg) is leisurely with beautiful views. Rent a Stand-Up Paddler (http://www.trykauai.com/standup-hanalei-50.jpg) for a very fun and cheap daytime lake activity. Tahoe City is a very charming little beach town, complete with cute restaurants, a lakeside public park and most importantly, ice cream!