As a teenager growing up in South Lake Tahoe, my favorite place to go was Angora Lakes. To this day it retains a special place in my heart. The Angora Lakes are two small freshwater lakes in the Lake Tahoe basin. To reach Angora Lakes you have to trek a short 1-mile uphill hike, but its well worth it. Once you have arrived at your destination, you have multiple activities to choose from. There is a large sandy beach with plenty of shallow water for the kids. You can paddle boat around the lake, hike, or if you’re feeling a bit adventurous you may swim across the lake to cliff jump. There are small rocks for the younger adults and larger ones for those who are able.

This is a great place to take the family for a day at the beach. However, if you’re in search of tranquility, this may not be the ideal spot for you. During the peak summer months it can be crowded and is not a great place to get away from people. Also, because of the alpine nature of this lake, it can be much windier and cooler than the Tahoe beaches. But if you’re looking for adventure and family fun Angora Lakes is definitely worth the trip.