Tahoe is suffering from a sorrowful lack of snowfall this season, but on the brighter side, the weather up here has been beautiful for other outdoor sports that we don't normally get to enjoy in January. It's even better if you can enjoy them with a date or significant other. For the upcoming month of love, here are five romantic things to do in Lake Tahoe that will take you both outdoors into the sunlight and indoors into the candlelight.
Bike
The bike paths in South Lake Tahoe are free of snow and ice, and on a sunny day, a romantic bike ride along the lake from Eldorado Beach can end with a picnic on the sands of Kiva or Baldwin Beach. You can also ride the bike paths or the bike lanes to the Tallac Historic Site and Fallen Leaf Lake. Bikes can be rented at Anderson's Bike Rentals or Sierra Ski and Cycle Works for about $30 a day.
Soak
Most visitors who travel up to the lake specifically to visit Sierra Hot Springs know about the large warm pool and the roasting Temple Dome pool, but many visitors skip the intimate and romantic Meditation Pool, located under the pine trees that surround this hot spring resort in Sierraville. For even more intimacy, the Phoenix Baths are seasonal baths inside private rooms. The Sierra Hot Springs pools can be enjoyed for a day rate of $15 per person and a $5 month membership.
Hike
The snow is sticking to the higher elevations, so the lower elevations are now good for hiking. One place that's normally full of snow and snow play is the Mount Rose summit on Highway 431. Right now, the snow is patchy and hiking to Chickadee Ridge can be done without snowshoes. Chickadee Ridge, as it's called by the locals, is the slope on the far south of the Tahoe Meadows area and is named after the chickadees that come flying down at your head looking for food. Bring some unsalted sunflower seeds or birdseed and let them eat out of your hands.
Rock
If your favorite gift for each other is a new pair of rock climbing shoes, then maybe your favorite Valentine's Day climb can be on Lover's Leap. This cliff just south of Route 50 has over 150 established climbing routes and rises to about 500 feet.
Clink (glasses)
Café Fiore has made a name for itself as one of the best places to kiss in Northern California, and since it only has seven tables in the entire café, it's an even more intimate place to have a romantic dinner. Their menu includes Italian dishes like Bruschetta Siciliana, Aragosta Melodia and homemade ice cream that can be shared with one spoon. Clink glasses of wine from Fiore's significant wine selection.