Best Things to Do in Tahoe

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Emerald Bay State Park

Item: Emerald Bay State Park
Author: Christina Nellemann

Type: Active, Adventure, Great Views, Historic Sites, Parks, Recreational Facilities, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, Sightseeing, Water Sports

10Best Says

Emerald Bay State Park on the southwest area of Lake Tahoe is home to park is home to Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion that is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The views from any part of the Bay are fantastic, from the beach you can see the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island where a small teahouse was built by the owner of the Vikingsholm Castle. There are several camping areas in Emerald Bay including Eagle Point Campground, Bayview Campground and the boat-in campground on the West side of the bay. The bay is also home to one of the first underwater parks of its type in the state, protecting the various wrecks and other items on the bay's bottom.

Address:

138 Emerald Bay Rd
Emerald Bay, CA 96150

Phone:

530-541-3030

Website:

parks.ca.gov

Hours:

May-mid Jun: Sat-Sun
Mid Jun-Sep: Daily 10am-4pm

Admissions:

Day Use
Entry Per Vehicle $6
Camping Fees $20 - $25
Boat Access $11 - $15

EXPERT TIPS BY: Christina Nellemann
Reno and Tahoe Local Expert

Beaches, Things to Do with Kids, Free Things to Do, Parks, Best Attractions & Activities: "Plan to get to the park early in the morning to get parking. This is the most popular area of the lake."
Sightseeing: "Emerald Bay has the lake's only underwater trail. Throw on a snorkel and check out several sunken barges just a few feet under the surface."

Best for Beaches Because: A mile hike down to the water will bring you to Emerald Bay's beautiful beach
Best for Sightseeing Because: No trip to Lake Tahoe is complete without a stop at Emerald Bay. You can spend an entire day here hiking and swimming.
Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: Emerald Bay is perfect for families who love hiking and the outdoors.
Best for Free Things to Do Because: You can hike along the Rubicon Trail to reach various parts of Emerald Bay.
Best for Parks Because: The most popular state park at the lake, Emerald Bay has hiking, sightseeing, kayaking and camping in one place.
Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Emerald Bay is the most visited part of the lake for good reason.