There are many ways to do Lake Tahoe, North America's largest freshwater lake and one of California's prettiest (and bluest) jewels. You can Airbnb one of hundreds of vacation homes or rough the splendid wilderness, setting up camp along the shoreline. But if you're looking for a truly extravagant lakeside experience, look no further than the newly opened Lake Club.

Located in Tahoe Vista, on the north side of the lake, the Ritz-Carlton's two-story waterside venue bridges the gap between the mountainside hotel and Tahoe's irresistible waterfront. Resort guests can access the Lake Club in less than 20 minutes via plush hotel shuttles, which run directly from the hotel lobby.

The Lake Club has a spacious indoor lounge with a fireplace and full bar, al fresco dining (both terrace and rooftop), luxurious locker rooms, gorgeous views, and a private pier with coveted dock access. Guests can feed on upscale barbecue fare—think shrimp kebabs, compressed melon salad, fresh burrata, and handmade macaroons. The venue's environmentally friendly design is LEED-certified, and the prolific use of glass provides a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor experience.

Though guests are welcome to spend the day lounging around the club, they're more likely to take part in one of the lake's many recreational activities: stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, lake cruises, wave runners, luxury boat rentals, parasailing, waterskiing, wake surfing and charter fishing. After a day on the water, take a dip in the outdoor spa or grab a cocktail and hang out on the dock for sunset, or spend the evening snuggling by the fire pit. Unless you've decided not to join the fun at the Lake Club (for guests staying at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, it's an affordable fee for the privilege), wrong decisions just don't exist here. // ritzcarlton.com