Even if you look forward to spending some vacay days in Lake Tahoe every winter, there's no reason you shouldn't use the rest in summer, right? The greatest wintry place ever is also the greatest summery place ever; there's beautiful weather, awesome events, and ways for basically every kind of person to get out in the water. Here are five things to remember about Tahoe South when you're planning that summertime trip out of the city.

All The Best Fireworks Are Framed By A Mirrored Lake

You have two choices for Lake Tahoe fireworks: 4th of July or Labor Day. Either one is guaranteed to blow your swim shoes off with its display of pyrotechnical patriotism.

This isn't Uncle Eddie's Back Forty Blast, either. The 4th of July display is the largest synchronized show west of the Mississippi, put on by the same guys behind several Super Bowls, Olympic Ceremonies, Macy's parades, and the anniversaries of the Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge.

You can see both shows from all over town, but do yourself a favor and pack a picnic for a view from El Dorado Beach, Nevada Beach, or Lakeside Beach. Watching the sun set over an alpine forest with a sandwich in hand, soon to be blown away by 3,500 shells to the tune of "America the Beautiful"—is there anything better in life?

The Concert Bookings Are No Joke

The guys making headliner decisions here are not messing around. In one summer, you can do three things:

Finish off your A-list festival circuit with a capstone of Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, or Carrie Underwood.
Get nostalgic with school dance and slumber party favorites like Sheryl Crow, Train, and Sarah McLachlan.
Unironically celebrate the ultimate Dad Rock with Aerosmith (and special guest Slash!), The Eagles, Journey, The Steve Miller Band, Sammy Hagar, The Yardbirds, Three Dog Night, Boston, and the Doobie Brothers. Seriously. All of them.

The Marathon Will Ruthlessly Punish, Then Reward You

There's a marathon every summer in Tahoe South that's unparalleled in its scenery. Yes, scenery that will uplift you as you wheeze, stumble, and inhale bananas through miles of questioning your life decisions. The high altitude makes it an extreme marathon, but once you finish you'll be rewarded with an incredible sense of accomplishment, one of the most beautiful lakes in the country by your side.

If you're so amazing that 26.2 miles isn't enough, you can test your resolve by running in the double or triple marathon that weekend, or take it a little easier and run the comparatively breezy 10k course, which is 99% downhill with stunning lake views.

You Can Paddleboard, Wakeboard, Waterski, Jet Ski, Swim, Sail...

...fly-fish, paddlewheel, kayak, cruise on a speedboat or yacht, parasail, scuba dive, snorkel, whitewater raft, innertube, kneeboard, or you know what? Just float on your back and find canoes in the clouds.

Or, if you're feeling lazy (or sunburnt) that day, you can simply sit on the shore and watch other people paddleboard better than you'd ever hope to. Race the Lake of the Sky is the premiere flatwater paddleboarding competition (yes, it is a thing!) in the country, and there's tons of vendors, food, and music throughout the weekend of competition, June 28-29.

And Yes, There's Culture For the Gaps In Your Busy Jet Ski Schedule

2014 marks the 34th year of the Valhalla Arts, Music, and Theatre Festival. The calendar this year has a full lineup of comedy, music, and art for anyone who might happen by the picturesque Valhalla Estate.

The season kicks off June 25th, when you'll see tons of artists in residence, tribute musicians (this year, one for Johnny Cash and one for Patsy Cline), family bands, award-winning solo artists, the Native American Arts Festival, stage productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and August: Osage County, and of course, the Great Gatsby Festival. Find your flapper dresses and spats and head to tea, or just check out everyone else's costumes for free—it's one of the most beloved events in the area.

Well, that about does it! If you've learned anything in the last five minutes, it's that you should get out of the Bay Area this summer by going to Lake Tahoe. It's only three hours away, and it isn't just for skiing and snowboarding—and don't you forget it.