Summer is almost done and am sure most of you have had your share of beautiful California coastline and lakes.
Lake Tahoe is the most popular destination for Bay Areaites. Quick getaway, moderate weather, beautiful beaches.
However this time we tried Lake Shasta. We rented a houseboat for 3 days.
Due to drought condition in California, Lake Shasta has lost 40 feet of water. Thus there was TravelZoo coupon floating around for BridgeBay Houseboat Rentals. With the coupon, our trip cost was reduced by almost 40%.
Checkout the details here: http://www.houseboating.org/Summit-Houseboat
Boat was almost like a house on water.
Had a operational kitchen, full bathroom and could sleep 10 people, BBQ grill and 2 decks.
Beds reminded me of sleeper trains back in India. Kids had a blast on the bunk beds.
One needs to carry food for all meals as not much is available near the dock (specially vegetarian food). Also one needs to carry their own bedding (comforters and pillows).
Before we started, the rental company guide gave us a lesson on how to operate the boat. It was relatively simpler than we had thought. Every evening by 7.00 PM we had to find a place to dock our boat. That was quiet an experience. Find a good spot, pull in the boat in the spot without hitting any rock, anchor the boat…….that was the most difficult part.
We had the pleasure of viewing the stars in the clear skies, enjoy the quietness of the lake by the night. It was just serene! Though during the day the temperature would reach as high as 100 but nights would cool down and a cool breeze would refresh one.
There are bunch of sight seeing places near the lake – Caverns, Shasta Dam. But we decided to stay by the lake and enjoy the water. There is also a Water Sport rental company and one can rent Kayaks, speedboats, etc.
Since this was our first time, we had done very little research on the Houseboat. But we learnt there are tons of Houseboat Rental companies that offer variety of Houseboats. Some were super luxurious ones with individual Staterooms, television and spa. Those are worth it if 4 families are planning a trip together.
Check this: http://www.silverthornresort.com/houseboats/queen-elite-of-the-fleet
I personally liked this vacation a lot. Different experience, houseboat seemed like a personal cruise. You wake up to the beautiful lake every morning, spend your entire day sailing on the lake, enjoy the coolness of water, just get disconnected with the outside world, seems like a true vacation .
Great Article Sneha. We wanted to do this since some years now. Did you manage to swim in water? What was your group size? And more importantly how much does this cost with and without the discount. Will be helpful to many others.
Prashant
Yes actually we spent most of our time in lake. Water was perfect temperature for swimming. Also we did some JetSki.
We were two families on this houseboat. However Silverthorn houseboats can accommodate abt 15 plus people (4 families maybe).
Cost for BridgeBay houseboat without discount was $1350 for 2 nights-3 days. We had a TravelZoo and with that the cost was abt $800.
However for houseboat rental another major cost is Gas. Expect at the minimum additional $200 worth of gas.
Also about 30 mins before Lake Shasta, is a small town Redding. It has the famous Sun Dial bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration center. Nice picnic spots available and perfect stopover for lunch on your way to Lake Shasta.
Thanks for sharing the details Sneha. So your water activities were at shore or also in the middle of the lake ?
Bhavini the water activities rental company is at shore. However you could take those equipment anywhere in the lake.