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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

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North America United States Lake Tahoe, California Do & See Emerald Bay State Park

Overview

Emerald Bay State Park

The guide was updated: 2022-07-07

It almost feels as though your heart stops for the brief second in which you glance upon Emerald Bay for the first time: the beauty and grandeur are second to none on the planet. This National Natural Landmark is one of Lake Tahoe's main attractions, glittering the sunlight off pristine waters and breaking breezes through the trees lining the bay. It truly just needs to be visited.

Useful Information

Address: 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe
More Info: The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Please call the park for the current visitor center hours.
Website: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506
Phone: +1 530 541 3030
Email: info@sierrastateparks.org

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

M.S. Dixie II Cruise

M.S. Dixie II Cruise

Cruise South Lake Tahoe in the M.S. Dixie II - a genuine paddle wheeler. With 3 decks and spacious dimensions, the award-winning M.S. Dixie II can carry up to 500 passengers. Departing from Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, the M.S. Dixie II floats atop the beautiful waves and currents of the waters, giving visitors a whole new perspective of the lake.

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort combines 4,800 acres of nightlife venues, fine dinings and outdoor activities. Winter-based activities draw thousands of visitors to the area each year. Beautiful snow-capped mountains stand mightily over the scenic Lake Tahoe, making Heavenly quite distinct from other destinations. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling during the winter and hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, water skiing and rock climbing during the summer months.

Tahoe Sport Fishing

Tahoe Sport Fishing

Since 1953 Tahoe Sport Fishing has been giving excited visitors and locals the opportunity to fish at the top tier Alpine Lake. All of the boat captains are highly experienced in jigging, drifting, and trolling, showing guests the hottest spots all year round. You can seasonally expect to see Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Mackinaw, and Kokanee Salmon. There is a combined daily limit at 5 fish per person.

Lake Tahoe Balloons

Lake Tahoe Balloons

Stunning views, a friendly staff and the world's only U.S.C.G. certified aircraft carrier vessel for hot air balloons. Come experience all three with Lake Tahoe Balloons in the 1-hour flight that takes you above Tahoe's interminable beauty. Flights are available mid-May through October via reservation, and it's recommended that you wear warm clothing! Departures are early in the morning, and they serve you a continental breakfast and the traditional champagne toast.

Tahoe City Treetop Adventure Park

Tahoe City Treetop Adventure Park

Tahoe City Treetop Adventure Park is considered by some to be "the coolest thing" they've ever done. The Adventure, vaguely reminiscent of the Endor scenes from "Star Wars," is a series of courses linked platform to platform atop the trees via bridges and zip lines. There are many types of courses for children of age 5 and above and regardless of athleticism.

Northstar

Northstar

Northstar is a luxury snowsports destination, featuring 3,170 acres of 20 lifts, 97 skiing and snowboarding trails, 7 premier terrain parks, a world-class snowmaking system, and California's largest lift-enforced bike park. As Northstar is a resort, there are also plenty of non-sports entertainment activities. High fashion stores, fine dining and even a golf course are available as well.

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park

It almost feels as though your heart stops for the brief second in which you glance upon Emerald Bay for the first time: the beauty and grandeur are second to none on the planet. This National Natural Landmark is one of Lake Tahoe's main attractions, glittering the sunlight off pristine waters and breaking breezes through the trees lining the bay. It truly just needs to be visited.

Pope Beach

Pope Beach

Pope Beach: the sand is smooth and the winds are diminished by the pine trees. There is a parking fee during the summer, but biking and hiking are completely free year round. With picnic tables and grills, Pope Beach is a great family getaway. Just some tips: pets are not allowed; you have to bear in mind that the water can be quite cold. There are dining options all around as well.

Eagle Falls Trail

Eagle Falls Trail

With an elevation of approximately 6,600 feet, the Eagle Falls Trail is a favored hiking destination in Lake Tahoe. The short hike takes you along waterfalls, green mountains and native pine trees. Arrive early and bring your camera to capture the views.

Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park

Dedicated to the members of the Donner Camp who perished in the winter of 1846 and 1847, the Donner Memorial State Park offers activities for both seasons. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are among the activities you can do in the winter, and fishing and hiking can be done in the summer.

Vikingsholm Castle

Vikingsholm Castle

After taking in the beauty of Emerald Bay, head down to the historical Vikingsholm Castle. Built as a summer house in 1929, Vikingsholm is a testament to the Scandinavian architectural finesse. The 38-room mansion has received several renovations for preservation.

Tahoe South's Lights on the Lake Fireworks

Tahoe South's Lights on the Lake Fireworks

Twice a year (July 4 and Labor Day), South Lake Tahoe puts on a fireworks show in the basin. Launched from several barges, it is recommended to view the fireworks at Edgewood or at Lakeside Beach.

Tallac Historic Site

Tallac Historic Site

Baldwin Estate, the Pope Estate, and Valhalla encompass the Tallac Historic Site. Begin the tour at the Baldwin Museum, where exhibitions depict the life in early Tahoe. Continue with the Pope House, where a Gatsby-esque lifestyle is explored with a grand kitchen and dining room. Walking around the nature and history of Valhalla is the last stage and here are held arts, music, and theater festivals. Check the website for a listing of events.

Mt. Tallac Trail

Mt. Tallac Trail

Mount Tallac is perfect for the seasoned hiker. With a length of 9.5 miles, the trail takes you to Lake Tahoe's tallest peak. The vistas are overwhelmingly breathtaking, with ridges, meadows, and alpine lakes.

Magic Carpet Golf Lake Tahoe

Magic Carpet Golf Lake Tahoe

Magic Carpet Golf is a miniature golf course with fun pirate ships, gargantuan mushrooms, webs, and a giant dinosaur. A pizza parlor and game arcade are located onsite.

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