Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed spots in Lake Tahoe—and for good reason. It offers some of the most stunning lake views, and no matter how many times I visit, I never get tired of photographing it! My favorite times to go are at sunrise or sunset, especially on a calm, low-wind day.

After taking in the views from the overlook, you can hike down the Vikingsholm Trail to the bottom of Emerald Bay. There, you can explore Vikingsholm Castle, pick up the Rubicon Trail, or hike to Lower Eagle Falls. You can also walk across the street to access Upper Eagle Falls and the trail to Eagle Lake.

Parking note: There is a fee if you park in the main Emerald Bay parking lot. There’s also a free lot across the street, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

Tip: Emerald Bay is one of the busiest spots in Lake Tahoe. To avoid crowds, visit during the week or get there early in the day.