Summer really shot by in the blink of an eye, didn’t it? Despite the sweltering heat, the season is slowly drawing to a close, with students back to school and temperatures dropping before you know it. Thankfully, there's still time for a few more summer bucket list check-offs before fall fully takes effect. Hopefully, one of those BLIs (bucket list items) is a trip into nature—ideally a lake. Me? I'm headed to Lake Tahoe, California. Tucked away in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, the area is one of the golden state's premier weekender spots from the Bay Area, and a picturesque getaway worth escaping to from wherever you're located. Equal parts mountain, lake, and forest, Tahoe boasts some of the best skiing in the country come winter, but even in the dying days of summer, the options are limitless. Accommodations range from luxury spas to cozy tiny houses, and with opportunities to try your hand at everything from a woodland trek to a day lakeside, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. At 6,225 feet, you'll do best not to ignore the views, either.

Lake Tahoe is a decidedly laid-back location, and your packing should reflect that theme while respecting the mountainous terrain and surprisingly chilly nights. You can probably leave the axe at home, but quality hiking shoes are a must—after all, with trails galore and time to explore, you'll be on your feet quite a bit. Beyond a sturdy base, lightweight basics are the name of the game, both to combat the stifling California heat and to look your best for the obligatory Instagram photos. When it comes to (almost) roughing it, the boy scout mantra is a good rule of thumb. “Always be prepared” at the lake might look a little different than in the wilderness, but we recommend a handy dandy multi-tool, cooler for your drink of choice, and, per mountain-retreat-requirement, lots and lots of lightweight corduroy. Slippers and an extra layer should also receive packing priority—between the altitude and the breeze off the water, temperatures can drop significantly when the sun sets.