San FranCelia

Happy 4^th of July everyone (even if it’s slightly in the past)! One of the best parts and reason to live in San Francisco is it’s close proximity to everything wonderful.  California is lucky enough to have some of the most beautiful and complex climates in the world, and from San Francisco, all are within about a 3 hour away radius; dry deserts, mountains full of fluffy snow and fresh water lakes, and beaches so unbelievably gorgeous, it’s like you’re in another space and time.  For the 4^th this year, we went up to Lake Tahoe, and for anyone who hasn’t been, all I can say is go.  No matter what, go.  This stunning fresh water lake is home to several charming small towns that are picturesque, and for the 4^th of July, it explodes with people.  You’ll want to make sure you get your cabin early, and even if you camp, which we did, you’ll want to call early to get a site near the Lake’s waterfront. 

The weather was perfect, around 85 degrees with a slight breeze.  We left early Friday, and headed straight to the Truckee River.  I purchased River Rat large inner tubes before we ever left the City, and that turned out to be the easiest way to simply get there and go.  If you go about four miles up the river past River Ranch Lodge Bar and Grill, there are several gas stations dedicated to raft filling and are across the street from the river entrance point.  For the next 3 – 4 hours, you can float down the sometimes slow, sometimes fast moving river.  With outside temperatures reaching the 90s, you couldn’t ask for a better view or feel.  A helpful tip is buying a tube

[caption id="attachment_229" align="alignright" width="300" caption="King's Beach from the Pier"][/caption]

with a mesh bottom so you can throw in your water shoes (helps you avoid the ever popular “water sock tan”), zip lock baggy for money/keys, etc, and of course your beverage of choice.  Avoid cans, as those are frowned upon by the rangers.  After your trek down, you’ll end up at River Ranch and can order food and more adult beverages – it’s a really fun, casual, and lively spot. 

 

Next day we headed to the Lakefront at King’s Beach.  What a great spot for all of those who stay on the North Shore.  On the 4^th, there was a great little street fair where you could purchase American flags, tie dye clothes, and dream catchers.  Make sure when you go you get a big spot so you can set up games, coolers, etc.  We were lucky enough to get there early, so everyone could set up their belongings and a corn-hole game board.  As I looked out over the waterfront, the view took my breathe away – snowy mountain peaks in full view with a massive expanse of blue as the Lake spreads out in front of you.  It’s kind of surreal looking at snowy peaks while you are swimming in 90 degree weather.  Nowhere else on Earth is like it, I’m sure of that.  The entire beach was full of people celebrating and having fun, and everyone was relaxed, which makes it a perfect vacation spot.  A lot of San Francisco locals head up to Tahoe for the holiday, so we even met up with friends that were in town.  You are allowed to bring all sorts of food and drinks on the beach (except glass), so it’s the perfect cheap way to spend a holiday.  Many people come up for just the day and then leave, so really, it can be as cheap as gas and food/drinks.  How lucky are we that this is our cheap getaway destination! 

I definitely recommend heading to Lake Tahoe at least once over the Bay Area summer.  As Mark Twain famously said, the coldest winter you can spend may very well be a summer in San Francisco, so this short drive to hot days and cool lake breezes is a definite must.

 

Peace and love

Tweet This Post Delicious Digg This Post Reddit