Contrary to popular belief, autumn is actually one of the best times to head to Tahoe.

Not only are the crowds gone, but the water is warm, the winds are calm, and there's enough craft beer and solid cuisine to keep you full until winter.

1. Go swimming. Seriously. Tahoe and alpine lake waters stay tolerable until mid-October.

2. Take a Sunset Champagne Cruise with Tahoe Cruises to soak in the beauty of Lake Tahoe from a 1959 yacht, with plenty of gourmet appetizers and drinks to go round. // tahoecruises.com

3. Learn to SUP (stand up paddleboard) on calm Kings Beach waters with Tahoe Paddle & Oar. //tahoepaddle.com

4. Chow down on German food and beer at the Camp Richardson Oktoberfest. // camprichardson.com

5. Eat a massive slice of pumpkin or apple pie at the Hope Valley Resort. // hopevalleyresort.com

(Courtesy of Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe)

6. Luxuriate in a fall spa treatment at the The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe's glamorous facilities. Their signature organic massage, facial, and mani/pedi are between $175-195 each. // ritzcarlton.com

7. Tour the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. // sierrastateparks.org

8. Head to the Thunderbird Lodge, and take a lake tour in the 75-year-old Thunderbird yacht. // thunderbirdtahoe.org

9. Join a CULT. The Craftheads United in Lake Tahoe is a new year-round craft beer club at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe's Cutthroat Saloon and features access to limited-edition or rare brews. // laketahoe.hyatt.com

10. Enjoy outdoor vinyasa yoga at Nevada Beach or paddleboard yoga on the water with Lake Tahoe Yoga. // laketahoeyoga.com

(Leitao Chen)

11. Hike through any of the aspen forests in Hope Valley, Fallen Leaf Lake, Squaw Valley, or Ebbetts Pass.

12. Explore lesser known alpine lakes like Star Lake, Independence Lake, and Fourth of July Lake (patriotic theme not required).

13. Reel in a mature German Brown trout, Rainbow trout, or Kokanee salmon from the Tahoe depths with Tahoe Sport Fishing. Grill up your catch at the Riva Grill. // tahoesportfishing.com

14. Take a guided horseback ride with Zephyr Cove Stables for views of Lake Tahoe from above. // zephyrcovestable.com

15. On clear days, hike to the top of Mount Rose, Mount Lola, or Mount Tallac for stellar views.

16. Mountain bike the infamous Flume Trail, Van Sickle Trail, or the Downieville Downhill.

(via Tahoe Activities)

17. Challenge your squad to the mountaintop ropes courses at Heavenly Mountain Resort. // skiheavenly.com

18. Play nine holes of golf, followed by a three course dinner for just $79 at Squaw Creek. // destinationhotels.com

19. Warm up on chilly mornings with hot drinks from Coffeebar in Truckee, Alpina in South Lake Tahoe, or Ernie's Coffee Shop. // coffeebartruckee.com, alpinacoffeecafe.com, erniescoffeeshop.com

20. Warm up on chilly nights with a s'mores martini at the Resort at Squaw Creek, spicy blood orange margarita at Base Camp Pizza, or pinecone infused hot chocolate at The Living Room at the The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. // squawcreek.com, basecamppizzaco.com, ritzcarlton.com

21. Warm up chilly toes in the hot tubs at Basecamp Hotel or 1862 David Walley's Hot Springs Resort. // basecamphotels.com, davidwalleys-resort.com

(Courtesy of Restaurant Trokay)

22. Warm up your tummy with blackened mahi mahi at Moe's BBQ in Tahoe City or any seasonal dish at Trokay in Truckee. // moesoriginalbbq.com, restaurantrokay.com

23. Head down to Apple Hill for fresh picked nuts, fruit, and Halloween pumpkins. // applehill.com

24. Bring the pooch to Kiva Beach or Coon Street Beach. // gotahoenorth.com

25. Crash a wedding or gather inspiration for your own. // tahoesouth.com