Emerald Bay Guide

Emerald Bay is one of the most visited locations in all of Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay is a National Natural Landmark and just off the shore contains the lake’s only island formation. Whenever you see pictures online of Lake Tahoe, odds are they are shots taken from Emerald Bay. There’s no doubt that this is the most photographed shore on Lake Tahoe. Take a look at this picture and you’ll see why.

Flickr photo provided by the_tahoe_guy

One thing that makes Emerald Bay unique (and I’m not talking about the beauty) is the way it is protected. Emerald Bay is a California State Park and not only is the land protected, but so is the surrounding water and everything beneath it – rock formations, ship wrecks, etc. You can’t disturb any of it.

The bay is about 1.7 miles in length, and about two-thirds of a mile wide at its widest point. In extremely harsh winters, it’s not uncommon for parts of the bay to freeze. You can get to Emerald Bay by State Route 89. It’s near the southwest shore of the lake, on the California side.