There are a few places on my winter vacation shortlist: San Diego for a surf and sand staycation, Big Apple for the holidays, Big Sur to see McWay Falls at its peak, and South Lake Tahoe for literally everything else. Boating, shopping, gaming, nightlife, hiking, biking. Dining out or cooking dinner with the family, staying slopeside or near the waterfront: there are endless combinations of fun to be had. Taking a break but staying close to the amenities that make you comfortable at home can be a tough lift, but on the shores of the lake waterfront homes often come with a dock for easy access to get you to whichever activity you’d like.

Split by the massive, magnificent alpine lake in the middle, both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe are easy to navigate and offer an abundance of outdoor (and indoor) attractions and activities year round.

Our family is rather partial to the south shore - many of our best vacation memories were made here over the years. It doesn’t matter which season you visit: whether a winter wonderland or a water enthusiast’s dream during the summer. When snow caps the Sierra Nevadas, there’s snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowboarding, while warmer weather is perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking or simply soaking in the picturesque environs from the shoreline. Pristine waters, deep gorges, craggy mountains and tall green trees define the spectacularly scenic landscape.

A unique way to experience the lake is to embark on a family-friendly daytime scenic cruise aboard the Tahoe Queen for a tour of Emerald Bay – an absolutely must for amazing photo opportunities. Take in some of the most incredible views in the world, enjoy lunch, hot cocoa and a good dose of South Lake Tahoe history with the Captain’s live narration.

For a more comfortable, cozy and convenient option to staying in a traditional hotel room, The Tahoe Keys Resort and Lake Tahoe Reservation Bureau (www.laketahoe.com or 800.698.2463) offers an extensive selection of luxury homes, condos and rustic cabins to suit your specific needs – whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a family with kids or a large group of friends.

For those of us who are working from the confines of our kitchen table or a cramped home office looking for a break, Tahoe Keys Resort features abundant 30+ day-extended stay properties. Perfect for a work-vacation combination trip, or a multi-generational vacation, the opportunities for excitement and relaxation are unlimited.

Traveling with our teens, we have been booking accommodation through Tahoe Keys Resort since they were littles. The process couldn’t be easier and with so many options, we’re ensured plenty of space to stretch out, everyone has their own room to retreat to, we save time and money by being able to cook our meals and dine in rather than eat out three times a day and are within minutes of area attractions, casinos and, of course, the lake. We could easily bike to the nearby beaches, hike Camp Richardson and still be a mere stone’s throw from all the action at stateline.

Unlike vacations where we schedule a series of specific activities designed to keep everyone occupied and entertained away from the hotel room, this trip was all about taking full advantage in what the condo we rented had to offer – the kids were in and out all day long, playing frisbee, tossing a ball and enjoying a “picnic” lunch on the property’s expansive lawn between bike rides to explore the environs.

Lunches and dinners were either easy outdoor affairs – steaks, burgers, hot dogs and grilled corn cooked on the barbecue or on the last evening, a multi-course meal prepared in the chef’s gourmet kitchen – and for the adults, “happy hour” on the upstairs deck was a nightly highlight sipping a glass of fine wine while watching the sun slip over the horizon – a perfect end to each fun-filled day in one of the prettiest places on the planet.

Tahoe Keys Resort features spacious condos, rustic cabins or luxury homes for short and extended stay.