Editor's Note: While we continue to practice social distancing (opens in new tab), we encourage readers to check the Centers for Disease Control website (opens in new tab) for the latest information on how to travel safely during the COVID-19 pandemic We encourage you to do so. In the meantime, you'll love bookmarking this Instagram travel guide.

Many travelers consider Lake Tahoe a destination for snow sports in the winter and water recreation in the summer. With highs in the 60s and 70s, Lake Tahoe's fall weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming (water temperatures in the lake can exceed 60 degrees).

Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from Reno, the nearest major airport. The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with clear blue water that is over 99% pure. Located at over 6,000 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of pristine shoreline with sandy beaches, rocky coves, jagged cliffs, and dense pine forests.

Wildfires can be a concern in this area, especially during hot, dry weather, so you should check Cal Fire reports before traveling to Tahoe. During the 2020 fire season, the air was unhealthily hazy on some days due to smoke from fires throughout Tahoe. However, much of this was dependent on the wind direction.

Snow season in the Tahoe region typically begins in mid-November and averages 33 to 66 feet of powder annually. But for those who are still in their bathing suits and can't wait until next year to head to their destination, this Instagram guide will show you the best ways to explore Lake Tahoe right now by foot, bike, car, or boat.

No trip to Tahoe is complete without a visit to Emerald Bay (open in new tab). Emerald Bay is a beautiful inlet and state park in South Lake Tahoe, home to the lake's only island, Fannett Island. Take a picture from the high point of Emerald Bay, then hike to Vikingsholm Castle (opens in new tab). Here you can enjoy a good view of Fannet Island, a castle tour, and a day on a secluded beach. The trail is a mile each way and steep, so choose appropriate footwear. For a longer, more accessible hike, head to Van Sickle by State Park (opens in new tab). The heavily forested Van Sickle Connector Trail is easy to follow and provides access to the 170-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, which circles the entire lake.

Bike around the lake or breathe in the clean mountain air as you meander through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For a leisurely ride with spectacular views, take the Tahoe East Shore Trail in Incline Village. It is a 2-mile paved trail that begins near the Tunnel Creek Café and runs all the way to Sand Harbor. Passing through a short tunnel with cool murals and past Hidden Beach, rocks peek out from the turquoise waters, a great place to take pictures. More advanced cyclists gather for the 14-mile Flume Trail Mountain Bike Ride, which is at a higher elevation and offers steep climbs and gorgeous views. Both trails are available for bike rentals at Flume Trail Bikes (opens in new tab).

When in Tahoe, spend a day on the water, whether boating, personal watercraft, or stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy unobstructed views of the lake while paddling a clear-bottomed kayak at the Wild Society (opens in new tab) in Kings Beach. The completely transparent kayaks are wide, similar to canoes. Rentals come complete with wireless speakers, waterproof carrying case, dry bag, and other goodies. Launch a single or tandem kayak from the nearby boat launch and head south along the shoreline to view the beautiful homes and quiet coves. Afterward, browse the trendy boutiques of the Wild Society for houseplants, clothing, home décor, and more.

Finding a typical chain restaurant in North Lake Tahoe is difficult. Don't overlook local favorites like Crystal Bay Casino Steak & Lobster House (open in new tab). This steakhouse has a history of famous guests, including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and members of the Rat Pack. In addition to steaks and seafood, the restaurant is famous for its Caesar salad and bananas Foster prepared tableside. For lakeside dining, try the fried zucchini and specialty hula pies at Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge (opens in new tab) or the Dungeness crab melts and baked Tahoe desserts at Lone Eagle Grill (opens in new tab). On your way out, stop by Mountain High Sandwich Company (open in new tab) for a quick grab-and-go, with vegetarian and vegan options, including homemade smoked barbecue tofu.

After a long day of outdoor activities, rest your feet in cozy accommodations at Coachman Hotel (opens in new tab), a boutique hotel in South Lake Tahoe away from the bustle of the casinos. This Instagram-worthy cabin offers free nightly s'mores kits, bike rentals, and private access to nearby Lakeside Beach. Located on Main Street, the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel (opens in new tab) is just steps from the stores and restaurants of Heavenly Village and the Heavenly Mountain Gondola. The hotel offers easy access to Van Sickle by State Park and a complimentary breakfast each morning. In North Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino (opens in new tab) is a large hotel with private beach access and a heated outdoor pool, located in the charming resort town of Incline Village. Rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis from the private pier, or charter a boat or fishing tour. [Alpine County, the least populated county in California, is located less than 30 minutes south of Lake Tahoe. Weider Hotel Hope Valley (opens in new tab) is a destination property with cozy chic cabins, yurts, vintage Spartan trailers, and a full campground The WiFi is spotty and there is no TV on the property, so complete off-the-grid can easily be achieved, and a wood-fired sauna can be enjoyed in lieu of internet. Wider's well-appointed cabins have full kitchens and spice racks. The on-site restaurant, Sorenson's Café (opens in new tab), has been serving legendary belly cobbler since 1926. During your stay, hike Popo's Trail or take a short drive to Caples Lake. The nearest town, Markleeville, is a 15-minute drive away and offers natural hot springs at Grover Hot Springs State Park (open in new tab) and the Cutthroat Brewing Company (open in new tab). Brewing Company (open in new tab) (open in new tab) for great food and beer.

If you've fallen in love with Lake Tahoe, book your trip here (opens in new tab).