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

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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 Name | Emerald Bay State Park |
| Location | South Lake Tahoe, California, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.9540° N, 120.1087° W |
| Total Area | 1,533 acres (620 hectares) |
| Established | 1953 |
| Founder | State of California / California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Managed By | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Region | Lake Tahoe Basin, Northern Sierra Nevada |
| Address | 138 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA |
| Zip Code | 96150 |
| Area Code | 530 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Natural Scenery, Alpine Landscapes, Glacial Bay, Historical Landmarks |
| Key Features | Vikingsholm Castle - Emerald Bay Overlook - Fannette Island - Eagle Falls - Rubicon Trail |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1–1.5 million |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Parking & Day-Use Fee |
| Entry Fee Range | $10 per vehicle (day use) |
| Activities | Hiking - Kayaking - Boating - Sightseeing - Photography - Picnicking |
| Best Time to Visit | June–September for warm weather; May & October for fewer crowds |
| Nearby Airport | Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 60 miles (97 km) |
| Transportation | Car - Shuttle (seasonal) - Bicycle - Hiking access |
| Official Website | https://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)
- ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓÆµwood, 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)
Top Places to Visit in California
Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.
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