I have liked our trips to Lake Tahoe about 1.5 from Sacramento but take into account that highway 50 is under a lot of repair during the summer so give yourself an extra half hour for the slower speeds, a lot of places to go hiking, boat rentals, bike rental, and visit the beach of Lake Tahoe. There are some specials run by the hotels you have to check though they very by weekend. South Lake Tahoe is on the California side where Lake Tahoe is on the Nevada side. The night life is wonderful, dancing, shows, There are many resorts, spa retreats in the area, that offer all kinds of relaxing treatments. Incline village has cheeper prices it is on the north end of the Lake and Bonanza the TV show was filmed there. Just another option.