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Trip Planner:   USA  /  California  /  Lake Tahoe (California)  /  Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park, Fallen Leaf

Water Body · Nature / Park
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Emerald Bay State Park is a state park of California in the United States, centered on Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, a National Natural Landmark. Park features include Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion that is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. The architect was Leonard Palme, who was hired by his aunt Laura Knight to design and build Vikingsholm. The park contains the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island. The park is accessible by California State Route 89 near the southwest shore of the lake. Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most photographed and popular locations.

In 1969 Emerald Bay was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the federal Department of the Interior. In 1994 California State Parks included the surrounding water of the bay as a part of the park, making Emerald Bay one of the first underwater parks of its type in the state, protecting the various wrecks and other items on the bay's bottom.

The 1,533-acre (620 ha) park was established in 1953. It is located directly south of D. L. Bliss State Park.

Summer temperatures at the park range from the low 40 °F (4 °C) at night to mid-70 °F (21 °C) during the day, and during the winter visitors will usually experience temperatures between 20 and 40 °F (−7 and 4 °C). During harsh winters the bay freezes over. The bay is about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) in length, and about two-thirds of a mile (1 km) wide at its widest point.
For travelers who use our world travel planner, Fallen Leaf holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Emerald Bay State Park and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.
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Emerald Bay State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
921 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • If you are driving a small hire car, you will be run off the road by these big gas guzzlers that are everywhere inside this park. Ban them. 
    If you are driving a small hire car, you will be run off the road by these big gas guzzlers that are everywhere inside this park. Ban them.  more »
  • Emerald Bay State Park is a truly breathtaking place; it is one of the most scenic spots in the Lake Tahoe area.  There is so much wonderful nature to enjoy here and I highly recommend a day-long... 
    Emerald Bay State Park is a truly breathtaking place; it is one of the most scenic spots in the Lake Tahoe area.  There is so much wonderful nature to enjoy here and I highly recommend a day-long...  more »
  • Driving around all of this week has been incredible with numerous spots to walk, hike and take beautiful pictures. This spot is the must do on your list. Parking is difficult, and you might need to....  more
    Driving around all of this week has been incredible with numerous spots to walk, hike and take beautiful pictures. This spot is the must do on your list. Parking is difficult, and you might need to....  more »

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