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Lake Tahoe Attractions
Emerald Bay & Eagle Falls
— Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay and Fanette Island, Lake Tahoe, California

Emerald Bay
— Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe. When you see it, you'll know why.

In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark. The tiny bay sits at the southwest corner of the lake and the views from the vistas above are spectacular.

Scenic Emerald Bay Cruises in Lake Tahoe aboard the MS Dixie II and Tahoe Queen paddlewheelers

Take a scenic Emerald Bay Cruise aboard the Tahoe Queen or M.S. Dixie II Mississippi-style paddlewheelers.

Book MS Dixie II
Lake Tahoe Cruises

Scenic Emerald Bay Cruises in Lake Tahoe aboard the MS Dixie II and Tahoe Queen paddlewheelers

Emerald Bay State Park is located 22 miles south of Tahoe City and about 30 minutes from the South Shore casinos. The drive up the windy mountain road from the South Shore is very picturesque — note that areas of the road have no guardrails, so drive carefully.

Fannette Island
Fannette Island — Lake Tahoe's only island — sits in middle of Emerald Bay.

Click here for more info and photos of Fannette Island

Vikingsholm Castle
Vikingsholm Castle sits at the head of Emerald Bay — and is accessible only on foot or by boat.

Click here for more info and photos of Vikingsholm Castle and Hiking Trail

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Emerald Bay Overlook at Emerald Bay State Park "Vikingsholm" parking area

The Best Views of Emerald Bay
For the best views of Emerald Bay, Fanette Island, Eagle Falls and the surrounding area, stop at the Vikingsholm Parking Area Overlook (approximately 1.1 mile up the road from Inspiration Point vista), on Hwy 89.

View of Emerald Bay, Fanette Island, Emerald Bay State Park and Mountains from Vikningsholm parking area overlook

Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point (photo below) is a popular tourist "photo" stop. The vista overlooks Emerald Bay, the lake, Tahoe's majestic mountains — and Fanette Island, Tahoe's only island. And, if you look really closely (bring binoculars or a zoom lens), you can see the historic Vikingsholm Castle.

Inspiration Point vista overlooks Emerald Bay and Emerald Bay State Park

Eagle Falls
Take a scenic hike to nearby Eagle Falls — a short trail leads from Vikingsholm Castle to the falls.

Eagle Falls at Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California

To get a closer look at Eagle Falls, stop at Vikingsholm Parking Area (just up the road from Inspiration Point) or at the Eagle Falls vista (directly over the falls).

Beautiful Eagle Falls at Emerald State Beach, Lake Tahoe, California

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