Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park featuring landscape views, forests and general coastal views
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park


This scenic inlet offers a beautiful beach, island, waterfalls, wreck dives, heritage sites and campgrounds with views over the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe.

Declared a National Natural Landmark in 1969, Emerald Bay is surrounded by snow-capped peaks that are a stark contrast to the cobalt-blue water of the lake. It’s no wonder that photographers, hikers and other nature lovers flock here year-round.

Emerald Bay is located 22 miles (35 kilometres) south of Tahoe City. It’s the only inlet in the lake, and home to Lake Tahoe’s only island: Fannette Island. Accessible by boat or kayak, Fannette was home to whisky-loving Captain Dick Barter, nicknamed the “Hermit of Emerald Bay.” He built his own tomb on the land, but it never became his final resting place, because his boat sank in a storm, and he was never seen again.

Hike to the Lower Eagle Falls near the lake’s edge or explore one of the other trails further inland. There’s a short one-mile (1.6-kilometre) trail that leads you to a stunning beach at the mouth of Eagle Creek. It fills up with boats in summer, so get there before the crowds. It’s not uncommon to spot Californian black bears, among other native animals, on some of the hiking trails.

For a cultural experience, take another one-mile (1.6-kilometre) trail to Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929. The elaborate house was built as a summer home for an heiress. Pay for a guided tour to learn about its design and its wealthy owner. You can still see the ruins of her Tea House on Fannette Island.

Scuba divers can jump into the lake and explore the underwater world off Lester Beach or pay for a boat trip to dive shipwreck sites. This is a designated Underwater Park, so leave all artifacts in place.

Emerald Bay is easily accessible by car and has a shuttle service from Tahoe City. The waterfront and sheltered campsites for summer stays have bear-resistant food lockers. There is a visitor centre, and parking along the bay is paid. The island is closed to the public from February to mid-June. The falls dry up in summer.

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Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel
1 Hotel San Francisco
Fitzgerald Hotel

Popular places to visit


Top Emerald Bay State Park Hotel Deals

Camp Richardson Historic Resort

Camp Richardson Historic Resort

2 out of 5
1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Camp Richardson Historic Resort
Fireside Lodge

Fireside Lodge

3 out of 5
515 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Fireside Lodge
Emerald Bay Lodge

Emerald Bay Lodge

3.5 out of 5
735 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Emerald Bay Lodge
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe

3.5 out of 5
50 Highway 50, Stateline, NV
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Apex Inn

Apex Inn

2 out of 5
South Lake Tahoe
Apex Inn
Hotel Azure

Hotel Azure

3 out of 5
3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Hotel Azure
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe

3.5 out of 5
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
High Country Lodge

High Country Lodge

2 out of 5
1227 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
High Country Lodge
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Emerald Bay State Park

At Emerald Bay State Park, visitors can indulge in a variety of outdoor adventures, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Key activities involve exploring the stunning Emerald Bay, embarking on scenic hikes, and leisurely paddling across the beautiful waters. Access to the bay provides an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in nature’s splendour, making it a perfect destination for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.

Shopping

The Shops at Heavenly Village offers a delightful shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes, located 14.5km from Emerald Bay State Park. If you're up for a drive, Boulder Carpet, 19.3km away, is another option. For a broader selection, Commercial Row is 41.8km away.

Recreation

Experience the tranquil Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, where lush greens and stunning views provide a perfect setting for relaxation and sport. For a touch of adventure, visit Heavenly Village Ice Rink for thrilling ice skating. Afterward, unwind at Serenity Spa, indulging in rejuvenating body treatments in a serene atmosphere.

Adventure

Heavenly Ski Resort, located 17.7km from Emerald Bay State Park, offers exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning mountain vistas. For a family-friendly adventure, the Heavenly Gondola, 14.5km away, provides breathtaking views and outdoor fun. Homewood Mountain Resort, situated 16.1km away, promises thrilling skiing and sports activities.

Nightlife

Emerald Bay State Park offers a serene evening atmosphere, perfect for stargazing and enjoying nature's tranquillity. For a vibrant nightlife experience, venture to nearby South Lake Tahoe, where lively bars and restaurants like The Loft and Opal Ultra Lounge provide entertainment and delicious dining options.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning beaches and breathtaking views. Key attractions include the picturesque Emerald Bay, the scenic Emerald Bay Overlook, and the unique underwater park at Lake Tahoe. Whether you're seeking adventure or a relaxing beach experience, this national park provides a perfect blend of nature and exploration to make your visit unforgettable.

  • Zephyr Cove Beach: Experience the serene beauty of Zephyr Cove Beach, located 14.5km from Emerald Bay State Park. This picturesque beach offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and is perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and water activities, embodying the quintessential beach vibes.
  • South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena: Situated 11.3km away, the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena is a fantastic venue for family entertainment. Enjoy ice skating, hockey games, and various events, making it a lively spot for both visitors and locals alike.
  • Lakeside Beach: Just 12.9km from Emerald Bay, Lakeside Beach is another beautiful sandy retreat. With its inviting atmosphere, it's ideal for swimming, picnicking, and soaking up the sun while enjoying the breathtaking lakeside views.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Emerald Bay State Park

To save money during your visit to Emerald Bay State Park, consider travelling in the cheaper months of April or October to November, avoiding the pricier summer and December peak times. Booking your stay on a Tuesday can also lead to significant savings compared to weekends. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodation by filtering options from lowest to highest price, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts. Exploring the park's natural beauty, such as hiking and picnicking, offers free enjoyment amidst stunning scenery.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Emerald Bay State Park are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Emerald Bay State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Emerald Bay State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make considerable savings by combining your hotel stay at Emerald Bay State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.