Where is Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Emerald Bay State Park is located in California, USA. It lies between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City and is situated on the western shore of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The park is famous for its beautiful emerald-colored bay, Fannette Island, hiking trails, and scenic lake views.

Emerald Bay State Park Location Map, South Lake Tahoe, California

Top Attractions Inside Emerald Bay State Park

  • Emerald Bay – Stunning turquoise bay perfect for kayaking, boating, and scenic photography.
  • Vikingsholm Castle – Historic Scandinavian-style mansion open for guided tours and exploration.
  • Eagle Falls – Scenic waterfall accessible via short hiking trails from the bay area.
  • Bay Hiking Trails – Trails offering panoramic views of the lake, bay, and surrounding mountains.
  • Camping & Picnic Areas – Facilities near the bay for day-use or overnight stays amid nature.
  • Boat Tours & Rentals – Options to explore the bay by kayak, canoe, or guided boat tours.
  • Wildlife Viewing – Opportunities to see birds, fish, and other local wildlife around the lake and forested areas.

Emerald Bay State Park Facts

Official NameEmerald Bay State Park
LocationSouth Lake Tahoe, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude38.9540° N, 120.1087° W
Total Area~1,533 acres (620 hectares)
Established1953
FounderState of California / California Department of Parks and Recreation
Managed ByCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation
RegionLake Tahoe Basin, Northern Sierra Nevada
Address138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA
Zip Code96150
Area Code530
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNatural Scenery, Alpine Landscapes, Glacial Bay, Historical Landmarks
Key FeaturesVikingsholm Castle - Emerald Bay Overlook - Fannette Island - Eagle Falls - Rubicon Trail
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1–1.5 million
Entry Fee TypePaid Parking & Day-Use Fee
Entry Fee Range~$10 per vehicle (day use)
ActivitiesHiking - Kayaking - Boating - Sightseeing - Photography - Picnicking
Best Time to VisitJune–September for warm weather; May & October for fewer crowds
Nearby AirportReno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – ~60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar - Shuttle (seasonal) - Bicycle - Hiking access
Official Websitehttps://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21410

Distances from Emerald Bay State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Emerald Bay Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Vikingsholm – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Fannette Island – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
  • Lake Tahoe – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Castle Rock Trailhead – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Sugar Pine Point State Park – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Tahoe City, CA – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Sunnyside, CA – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • South Lake Tahoe, CA – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Heavenly Mountain Resort – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Tahoma, CA – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Meeks Bay – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Camp Richardson – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Tahoma Beach – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Homewood, CA – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Echo Lake – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Carson City, NV – 90 km (56 mi)
  • Incline Village, NV – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Stateline, NV – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Truckee, CA – 50 km (31 mi)