Emerald Bay State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Very crowded, parking fills up early
Best: Visit in off-season or try alternatives
Home to Lake Tahoe's most photographed vista, Emerald Bay is a spectacular glacial bay with turquoise waters and the only island in Lake Tahoe - Fannette Island with its historic tea house ruins. Vikingsholm mansion, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America, sits at the bay's edge. The steep mile-long trail down to the bay offers stunning views, while the Rubicon Trail provides scenic shoreline hiking. Eagle Falls cascades nearby, and the clarity of Tahoe's waters creates unforgettable swimming and kayaking.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Donner Memorial State Park
Lake Tahoe area park with Donner Party history, alpine lake, and year-round recreation.
Why go: Similar alpine terrain, swimming, hiking experience
Around 27 miles away
