Emerald Bay State Park — Attraction in South Lake Tahoe

Emerald bay us one of my favorite spots at Lake Tahoe. It is generally less crowded there because to get to the beach, you need to hike about a mile. It is worth it though. It is a nice walk with small waterfalls and nice views. It is on a hill which means your hike will descend and need to hike uphill when you day is done. Many people varying in age and physical ability are able to descend and ascend the smooth trail. So pack lightly or use a wagon for your stuff. The parking lot is small and it is 1st come, 1st served. If the lot is full, you can park out on the highway. Those spots fill quickly too and you may need to park a further away. It only adds to your hike. Once down by the beach, you can relax on the sand or the picnic tables, tour the viking house, swim, jump of the small pier (kids favorite! ) or go hiking. There are several hikes there. Two of them are the Rubicon trail and one of my favorites, Lower Eagle Falls. This trail is a short one but follows along side the water fall. There are certain areas that you can get in and relax in the water. Caution is advised. The hike and view are great. There is also a little store there with drinks and snacks available. Don't count on it for a meal though. It is just candy bars, ice cream and other little snacks. Once your day is done there and you hiked back up the hill, Upper Eagle Falls trails is located near by. This trail will not disappoint. It is a lot longer than the lower on but more rewarding! There is much to do and see in this area. Most I would leave so you experience it yourself. For the physically challenged, you can arrange a ride down and up the beach. However, you need to do this before your trip. So call ahead and plan it in advance. Oh, I won't spoil another surprise but if you are traveling from south Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay, you will love the drive! It is very scenic when you are getting close. At one point you will be high up and be able to see Emerald Bay on one side and Cascade Lake on the other. I won't ruin the rest, just make sure to stop and enjoy the scenic view areas and what each stop...

Amazing place to have a good time, get exciting emotions, rest, take pictures and video, get distracted from day to day routine. I have been here already three times and would get back again... by far. The first thing to remark is really crystal clear air all around. Just take a deep breath and feel the air. If you are there from November to February get ready the temperature could fall down (especially in evening and night) to 25F. However it’s great pleasure to feel frosty air for a few hours, to walk, and get back to the inn to warm. The second point is Nature. You won't see anything like that in most of the US states (it's my humble opinion). You can take pictures of any place you are, all the pictures would be as postcards doesn't matter what kind of camera you use iPhone or Nikon with a professional lens. Take a video, definitely, it must be a masterpiece. I took a video in 4K resolution and really really love to watch it again and again. Such a way a 4K screen really conveys the reality of that day I'd been there. The third point is the stunning road around the Lake Tahoe and the Emerald Bay itself. Each time I drive on it with an open-top to get maximum positive emotions and observe tops of the pines. There are lots of observation decks on the way, such a way you have a huge variety where to stop for taking pictures and just walking. The forth is the Lake Tahoe itself. Try to swim while June to August. Actually the water doesn't warm up even in summertime, however, you can see incredibly clear water with huge flat stones on the bottom.

I totally recommend visiting this Lake. It's really amazing especially for romantic weekends. I...

I've lived in the Reno area all my life and had never been to Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe until this past June when my daughter got married here. It was absolutely breathtaking and I said in that moment that I wanted to make another trip back to Emerald Bay where I could spend more time before Winter and yesterday was the day! It is jaw-droppingly beautiful and the Fall colors surrounding the lake made the whole experience even more magical yet! The 2 lane road with no edges and hairpin turns to get there is absolutely frightening but well worth it! I went on a Wednesday afternoon on October 9th, 2024 and had absolutely no problem parking as there was not one car in the parking lot, which was fabulous but quite the contrary compared to the day of my daughter's wedding which was literally packed, with nowhere to park on a Sunday afternoon in June. Good thing we were in cabs for drop off only on that day. Emerald Bay/ Lake Tahoe is definitely the Jewel of the Sierras and I'm so glad I took the time to revisit this magnificent Gem! My daughter's wedding pictures from this wedding venue were off the charts, so incredibly GORGEOUS! Before traveling to Eagle Falls Trail parking area I stopped at Inspiration Point which offers astounding views of the lake with nice walking paths, a telescope and restrooms. That was definitely a worthwhile stop. It says it's a fee area but I only stopped briefly to check out the amazing views and was on my way. You certainly couldn't go wrong getting married here.. it's a definite bucket list item regardless! The weather was perfect and the views...