The world's traveling community knows something we locals so often overlook: Lake Tahoe is a year-round playground with endless possibilities.

Recently it was chosen as the No. 2 destination among all U.S. cities by TripAdvisor.com, the travel-centric website powered by the firsthand experiences and opinions of its 15 million registered members. (The No. 1 place was San Francisco, another short drive from Sacramento.)

Tahoe has it all – including summer crowds. An estimated 750,000 visitors will play at the lake this summer, said Andy Chapman, director of tourism for the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

That's a lot of traffic. The solution: Plan carefully, choose wisely, be patient and practice your smile.

Look at this 10-course sampler as a helping hand to get you on the lake, by the lake and above the lake. Once there, you won't find a bad view.

1. Watch the wheels go round

Round-trip excursions to Emerald Bay aboard two paddlewheel boats are relaxing ways to sightsee and learn local lore.

• The tri-deck M.S. Dixie II is a replica paddlewheeler with two-hour trips featuring amusing taped dialogue about Tahoe history and landmarks. Departs daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; $39 adults, $15 children. The sunset dinner-dance cruise departs daily at 6 p.m.; $65 adults, $35 children.

Where to board: Zephyr Cove Resort Marina, 760 Highway 50, Zephyr Cove, Nev.

• The Tahoe Queen is an authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler with bewigged actor McAvoy Layne performing "Mark Twain's Tales of Tahoe" during the 21/2-hour cruises. Lunch and cocktails are available. Departs daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; $46 adults, $15 children. The dinner-dance cruise starts at 6 p.m. daily; $75 adults, $41 children.

Where to board: Ski Run Marina, 900 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe.

Information for M.S. Dixie II: (775) 589-4906.

Information for Tahoe Queen: (530) 543-6191.

Information for both: www.zephyrcove.com/play/cruises/scenic-cruises.aspx and www.zephyrcove.com/play/cruises/dinner-cruises.aspx.

Reservations: (800) 238-2463.

2. These will float your boat

The floodgates that control flow from Lake Tahoe into the Truckee River are expected to open by July 1. That means self-guided river-rafting tours on the five-mile stretch from Tahoe City to the portage point, the River Ranch Lodge (530-583-4264). There, sunburned rafters party hearty on the patio. Look for live music and stand-up comedy.

Two companies are taking reservations. They're near the intersection of highways 89 and 28 in Tahoe City:

• Truckee River Raft, (530) 581-0123, www.truckeeriverraft.com.

• Mountain Air Sports, (888) 584-7238, (530) 583-7238, www.tahoetruckeerafting.com.

Details for both: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily; $35 adults, $30 ages 6-12, group rates available. All the gear is supplied, along with a return bus ride.

3. Ride into the sunset

Lake Tahoe by horseback is a world most visitors never see. Two sites that have operated since the 1930s offer family-friendly romps (instructions and guides included).

• Camp Richardson Corral: Choose from two easy trail rides ($38 per rider for one hour, $75 per rider for two hours), a dinner ride (concludes with a barbecue around a campfire, $76 per rider) and a wagon ride ($28 per person).

The corral is on the south side of Highway 89, just west of the Camp Richardson Resort entrance.

Information and reservations: (530) 541-3113.

• Zephyr Cove Stables: The one-hour trail ride is $40, the two-hour tour is $70. Breakfast and lunch rides are $50 each. The dinner ride is $60.

The corral compound is across the highway and just north of the Zephyr Cove Resort on Highway 50.

Information and reservations: (775) 588-5664, www.zephyrcove.com.

4. Catch a concert or play

Let the music (or acting) move you, whether you're under the stars or in a showroom.

• The Lake Tahoe Music Festival: This eight- concert series runs July 21 to Aug. 7, with a variety of musical styles and stars at six venues around North Lake Tahoe and the Truckee area. Information and tickets: (877) 772-5425, www.tahoemusic.org.

• Summer Concert Series at Harvey's, 18 Highway 50, Stateline, Nev.: Saturday through Sept. 11; (775) 588-6611, www.harveystahoe.com.

• Blues, rock and comedy at the Crystal Bay Club, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay, Nev.: (775) 831-0512, www.crystalbaycasino.com.

• Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and Sand Harbor Music Series, July 9 to Aug. 22. It's at Sand Harbor, just north of Incline Village, off Highway 28; (800) 747-4697, www.laketahoeshakespeare.com.

5. On walkabout

A hiker could spend months on the trails around the Tahoe basin. For those with less time, the Tahoe Rim Trail offers 165 miles and eight segments of opportunities for hikers of all skill levels. Details, upcoming events, maps and more are at www.tahoerimtrail.org. Further information: (775) 298-0012.

6. Feel the thunder

The fabulous Thunderbird Lodge is the multistructure estate built between 1936 and 1940 by George Whittell Jr., an eccentric multimillionaire playboy who loved to party and gamble.

Take a tour Tuesdays through Saturdays until mid-October, including a walk through a 600-foot tunnel blasted through the granite. It connects the gorgeous main house with the massive boathouse.

There's no parking at the lodge, so tours must be arranged off-property via reservation ($39; 800-468-2463).

Tour groups can reach the property by land and by water:

Land reservations (meet in Incline Village): (800) 468-2463, www.activitytickets.com.

Water options:

• By kayak from Tahoe Vista ($124 includes $39 Thunderbird tour fee, kayaking instructions and lunch): (530) 913-9212, www.tahoeadventurecompany.com.

• By motor yacht (meet at Tahoe Keys Marina): $110 adults, $55 ages 6-12; includes $39 Thunderbird tour charge; (888) 867-6394, www.tahoecruises.com.

7. Heavenly ride

Amid the shops and restaurants of upscale Heavenly Village is the gondola ride, a 2.4-mile whisk up the hill to Heavenly Mountain Resort ($20-$32).

First stop is the 14,000-square-foot metal deck, where "eco rangers" fill in the details of the incredible views. Second stop is the summit at 9,123 feet, with three hiking trails. Food and drink are at both stops.

Where to board: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Information: (775) 586-7000, www.skiheavenly.com.

8. The view from above:

"Go big or go home" is the motto around Lake Tahoe. Parasailing at 800 feet above the Lake Tahoe basin is plenty big. The only sound is the wind sighing through the parasail, nudging you left, then right. The 360- degree view is spectacular – and there might be a little fear factor to add some spice. (For a list of rental businesses, see story below)

9. Cut a wake

Lake Tahoe is hot with ways to cool off. A favorite is a splashy spin on a personal watercraft.

They're fast, fun and nearly impossible to tip over. Once you get a lesson and master the feel for the handling – and it doesn't take long – you'll wonder why you didn't "go big" before now.

Caution: A PWC is to a boat what a motorcycle is to a car, so it's imperative to pay attention on the water.

10. Dinner as destination

A vacation diet of burgers and pizza is fine for a while, but treat yourselves to at least one upscale dining experience (it helps to hit a casino jackpot). The choices are many. Here's a sampling.

SOUTH SHORE

• Gi Fu Loh at Harrah's, 15 Highway 50, Stateline: Cantonese cuisine in a gorgeous setting.

Entrees: $15-$38. Our favorite: filet mignon in Beijing sauce.

Hours: 5:30-11 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays.

Reservations: (775) 586-6668, www.harrahstahoe.com.

• Sage Room at Harvey's, 18 Highway 50, Stateline: The retro menu and decor show off their 1940s roots.

Entrees: $29-$51. Our favorite: rack of lamb.

Hours: 5:30-9 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays.

Reservations: (775) 588-2411, www.harveystahoe.com.

• Edgewood, 100 Lake Parkway, Stateline: A massive chateau on a lakeside golf course.

Entrees: $24-$34. Our favorite: elk chop with cherry relish.

Hours: 5:30-8:30 p.m. daily.

Reservations: (775) 588-2787, www.edgewoodtahoe.com.

• Evan's Cafe, 536 Emerald Bay Road: Charm abounds inside a cabin in the trees.

Entrees: $24-$35. Our favorite: duck with Grand Marnier sauce.

Hours: from 5:30 p.m. daily.

Reservations: (530) 542-1990, www.evanstahoe.com.

NORTH SHORE

• PlumpJack Cafe, 1920 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley: Rustic meets sophisticated.

Entrees: $21-$33. Our favorite: three-cheese risotto with truffle oil.

Hours: 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

Reservations: (530) 583-1578, www.plumpjackcafe.com.

• Captain Jon's, 7220 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista: The compound was built in 1903.

Entrees: $17-$25. Our favorite: mixed grill (lamb, shrimp and scallops).

Hours: From 4 p.m. daily. Reservations: (530) 546-4819, www.tahoesbest.com.

View Endless possibilities in Lake Tahoe in a larger map

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Call The Bee's Allen Pierleoni at (916) 321-1128.

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