If you're looking for outdoor family adventure in a beautiful natural setting, then South Lake Tahoe is the vacation for you. Located in Northern California on the Nevada border and not too far from San Francisco, Sacramento or Reno, Nevada, this mountain town makes the perfect retreat, no matter what time of year you visit.

South Lake Tahoe's winter activities abound and there is no lack of places for skiing snowboarding or snowshoeing. Try Heavenly Ski Resort, which boasts some of the best powder in Lake Tahoe. Skiers and snowboarders who can handle their sport at a higher elevation may want to check out Sierra at Tahoe or Kirkwood resorts.

If you need to rent or purchase equipment, stop at Rainbow Mountain Ski and Board Rentals, the area's premier ski and snowboard rental and service shop. The Ski Renter, which is centrally located to all resorts, is another good bet.

For those who want to enjoy the snow without plummeting down a mountainside, visit Borges Family Sleigh Rides, a must-do South Lake Tahoe activity. For a romantic South Lake Tahoe experience, Borges offers carriage rides when the weather is amenable.

In the Summer, South Lake Tahoe family fun hits the water. Head to Action Watersports for everything you need for jet skiing, parasailing, water-skiing and more. Enjoy the majestic South Lake Tahoe scenery from an award-winning paddle-wheeler with Lake Tahoe Cruises. For kayaking or canoeing, or lessons in any water sport, check out High Sierra Water Ski School.

For the South Lake Tahoe adventure-seeker, catch a bird's eye view of the landscape by hang-gliding with Soar Truckee. If flying through the air isn't thrilling enough, another exhilarating South Lake Tahoe attraction you many want to try is whitewater rafting with Tahoe Whitewater Tours.

When you've had your fill of the lake, take off your swimsuit, strap on your hiking boots and check out some fabulous South Lake Tahoe hiking trails, including the picturesque Tahoe Rim Trail. And make sure to pay a visit to Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay. Considered to be the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in the United States, this castle features breathtaking views of South Lake Tahoe.

Relax at Body Essentials Day Spa or take in even more spectacular South Lake Tahoe views while knocking some balls around at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, which also features upscale Edgewood Restaurant, where you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while taking in amazing views of the lake and mountains. Don't forget the great indoor pursuits of South Lake Tahoe and take advantage of the legal gambling on the Nevada side of Tahoe with a visit to Harrah's, Harvey's or Horizon Casino.

In South Lake Tahoe, fun evenings on the town start at favorite local hangout Cantina Bar & Grill. For romantic dining, South Lake Tahoe's best bet is extremely small and intimate Italian restaurant Café Fiore. In the mood for casual dining? South Lake Tahoe's Fremont Bistro & Wine Bar has a great, and inexpensive, menu. Riva Grill on the Lake is another great bet for fine dining or Sunday Brunch and, of course, features astounding South Lake Tahoe views.