South Lake Tahoe area is famous for 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley. It is also the starting point for the Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance ride (horseback) and another that is a run on foot in one day from Squaw Valley, CA to Auburn, CA (Google the details).
Emerald Bay is a gorgeous area and part of Lake Tahoe. There are outstanding views from the surrounding ski resorts especially from Heavenly Valley Ski Resort in North Lake Tahoe that overlooks the lake and surrounding mountains. Lake Tahoe is mostly in California and the other third is in Nevada. It's a must see!
I got ya that much closer to Santa Monica!
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