 
One of the most photographed spots in America, this secluded bay on Lake Tahoe has its share of sight-seeing delights. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969, Emerald Bay boasts clear blue waters rimmed with evergreens and granite cliffs.
Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, with Lake Tahoe and Nevada mountains in distance
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Emerald Bay is home to two State parks, so if you're after picnicking, exhibits, history, artifacts, trails, swimming, diving, camping, fishing, or boating, you'll find it all here.
Emerald Bay State Park includes an exquisite Norse castle called Vikingsholm in authentic Scandanavian style; the remains of an exclusive Tea House on Fannette Island; Emerald Bay State Underwater Park, an aquatic museum of unique artifacts and barges from the turn of the twentieth century; and a Boat Camp where the historic Emerald Bay Resort once stood. The nucleus of Emerald Bay State Park, including Vikingsholm, was given to the State by Placerville lumberman Harvey West in 1953. From the crest of Eagle Falls, you can see a panorama of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, and the distant Nevada shore. Call 530-541-3030.  More...
 a campsite in Emerald Bay State Park
Fannette Island - The only island on Lake Tahoe, this is the site of Mrs. Knight's Tea House, a rustic structure that resembled a mini-castle with a large oak table and a small fireplace. Only the shell remains today. The island is inhabited by Canada geese in springtime, and families of geese can often be seen swimming along the shoreline of Emerald Bay. Call 530-541-3030. More...
The boat dock, with
Hwy. 89 at top
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Emerald Bay Boat Camp - The 20-site Boat Camp is located on the north shore of Emerald Bay, about a half mile east of Fannette Island, where the old Emerald Bay Resort stood. Call 530-541-3030 for more information.
Emerald Bay State Underwater Park - Not to be overlooked is the unique opportunity, if you scuba dive, to visit Emerald Bay State Underwater Park, so designated in 1994. This aquatic museum houses many long-since submerged boats, launches and barges used in Lake Tahoe before the turn of the twentieth century, when Emerald Bay Resort was in its glory, and in the construction of the Vikingsholm estate. Interesting items dumped into the Bay from the Resort can be found at this underwater site. You can see and touch but not remove these nicely preserved artifacts in the frigid waters of Emerald Bay. Call 530-541-3030. More...
D.L. Bliss State Park is named for a pioneering lumberman, railroad owner, and banker of the region. His family donated 744 acres to the State Park system in 1929. From Rubicon Point in you can see over one hundred feet into the depths of Lake Tahoe. The Balancing Rock has long been a natural attraction on Lake Tahoe's western shore. Visitors to the Lake Tahoe area in the late 1800's and early 1900's enjoyed being photographed next to this geological marvel. More...
a campsite in D.L. Bliss State Park
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