By Paul Franson
Bayinsider Contributor

 To many Bay Area residents, Lake Tahoe means skiing, but the prime weekend destination has many other attractions year round.
For many Tahoe visitors, it's gambling on the wicked Nevada side that's a prime attraction -- casino action and big-name shows.

 Others are attracted to the fishing, boating or swimming (brrr!). For still others, however, the big appeal is the beautiful location, with sharp peaks rising high above the deep, beautiful blue lake, the tall pines and rocky cliffs.

 Hiking, biking, climbing and other outdoor activities rank high with visitors, as evidenced by the fact that family-oriented South Shore, for instance, draws twice as many visitors in the summer than it does in the winter.

Something for everyone
The Lake Tahoe region, however, isn't monolithic. The towns and parks that circle the 72-mile shore line have very distinct personalities, and one is sure to appeal to almost anyone.

The southern shore is more family-oriented, with more emphasis on activities kids as well as adults enjoy like snow play, and it has a large variety of modest motels and restaurants. But it also has a number of regarded ski areas, and the biggest casinos with the most entertainment.

The north shore is more focused on skiing, with many world-class resorts, plus a number of upper-end residential areas. Nevertheless, it also boasts a fair number of family-style attractions as well as inexpensive motels and restaurants.

South Lake Tahoe
Once considered a rather tacky town full of cheap motels, the small city has undergone considerable upgrading, including a $450 million in continuing redevelopment. There are still lots of inexpensive motels charging as little as $29 per night off season but the trees and mountains tend to brighten the image of even modest places.

South Lake Tahoe also has also some very nice developments like the Inn by the Lake, with unobstructed lake views, spacious rooms, a sauna, continental breakfasts, free use of bicycles and year-round outdoor pool and spa. Like many other Tahoe inns and hotels, it offers all sorts of special package deals, such as two nights for two people for $93 per person during the week, or skiing plus accommodation: two lift tickets plus two nights lodging for $123 per person.

As is true in many other areas, suite hotels like the Embassy Suites Resort Lake Tahoe have evolved into some of the most desirable places to stay, particularly if you have kids with you. It also offers many attractive deals.

South Lake Tahoe has also sprouted many nice condominium developments, many owned by individuals who rent them out when they're not using them. Some of the nicest properties are along the lake, especially around the Tahoe Keys Marina and development.

Just west of town is the restored Camp Richardson area, an old-time resort with activities for the whole family year round, and very reasonable cabins, a historic hotel, the Beachside Inn or lakefront condos.

Ski resorts in the South include Heavenly Ski Resort, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood Ski Resort.

First-rate food
In the past, it was often observed that no one went to Lake Tahoe, especially the south, for the food. But that situation has changed significantly in the past few years. Though there's no commercial fishing in the lake, restaurants like the hard-to-find Fresh Ketch at Tahoe Keys serve first-rate fresh seafood in imaginative ways. It also boats an impressive wine list with hard-to-find wines, half under $25. It has both a more formal (if anything at Lake Tahoe is really formal) upstairs with fabulous views, plus a cozy bar serving the full menu plus less expensive alternatives like oysters for 50 cents on Tuesdays.

If you like the old standbys, as do many who visit Tahoe, the Fresh Ketch and other restaurants will happily serve surf'n'turf or fried shrimp. One thing you'll notice about the lake Tahoe area: the customer is always right. Even in season, people in Tahoe are friendly and helpful, not trying to prove their superiority to visitors and customers.

Where California meets Nevada at the east of South Lake Tahoe, a number of large casinos including Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harvey's and Caesars Tahoe. As in Reno and Las Vegas, many of these casinos offer incredible deals on rooms and food, so if you have the will power to know when to stop, they can be attractive destinations.

The Eastern Shore
The eastern shore of the lake is largely in park land and remains undeveloped except close to the state line. One exception is Zephyr Cove, with a marina and restaurant.

The park land is beautiful and perfect for hiking and picnicking. Just remember the altitude will make you tire easily, and don't try to do to much unless you've had a chance to acclimatize.

In the northeast part of the Lake is the appealing Sand Point beach. The sandy shore looks like a South Seas beach, but you'd have to swim off San Francisco regularly to find the maximum water temperature of 68 degrees inviting.

Northern Lake Tahoe
Though there are ski resorts in the south, northern Lake Tahoe is the prime ski territory, starting with Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, just west of the lake. Other popular downhill areas include Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose, Olympic Valley, Alpine Meadows (a local favorite), Northstar and Homewood. Cross-country skiing is offered at Diamond Peak and Lakeview, among others.

The classiest address at Lake Tahoe is Incline Village, with gated neighborhoods and parks as well as huge mansions on the lake. Rising incongruously in the middle is the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort and Casino, a nice resort among the nice homes. Being a Casino, it offers great room rates, including $49 per person per night during the week.

There are also a few condominiums and homes available for rent in Incline Village, but very little commercial activity. It also has only a few restaurants, notably the upscale Big Water Grille featuring new American cuisine with spectacular views.