Worth the drive to see. Plans about an hour to make frequent picture stops. Easy drive we did this winter from stateline area (10 min) but the weather was incredibly warm and dry. In the 50s F. Overall a beautiful place and breathtaking. Don't take the Bleu Wave boat cruise though. Either do the drive or take a different cruise line. See our review of Bleu Wave for more information.
Little snow, 60-70 degree weather, and beautiful scenery made this a nice side trip. Beautiful woods, and views of the lake, and the white capped mountains. Very nice interpretive stations. But, due to the nice weather, extremely crowded so visit on a weekday, not a weekend.
Emerald Bay State Park美国翡翠湾国家公园,我们按计划前往到太浩湖(South Lake Tahoe, CA): 途经加州翡翠湾州立公园(Emerald Bay State Park),在停车场停好车,下车沿着沿湖栈道徒步,翡翠湾是Lake Tahoe的一部分,四周的山围绕出一个湾区,水面又蓝有景,周围都是参天大树,空气很清新,很舒服。
We have seen Emerald Bay from two angles, both wonderful. Several years ago we rode the Tahoe Queen paddle wheel tour boat from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay and back for a terrific 2.5 hour narrated look. The second view is from a scenic stop along California 89 just 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe. Both experiences are well worth the time.
We headed out here on a recommendation by a friend and I think it may have been the highlight of our trip! Absolutely gorgeous scenery with breathtaking views!We came to visit during the winter months (Feb 1) - so the tours were all closed down, but honestly it really didn't matter. We were fortunate that although it was winter, there really wasn't much snow in the area (still at the resorts though!) so we were able to really enjoy the beauty of emerald bay.TIPS1. Parking lot gets full fast! Make sure to get there early or park on the street if you can2. There are no bathrooms in the parking lot - you have to hike down to the bottom (1 mile) for the bathrooms and visitor center.3. You can rent kayaks in the summer time from the base and explore the bay.4. There is a boat tour you can do that takes you out to the small island but you don't actually get to get off the boat.5. The best view was from the top (the lookout right near the parking lot). We hiked all the way to the bottom and took pictures and then went back up and stopped by the lookout. I wish we had done the lookout first - it was absolutely gorgeous (where all the photos come from). I HIGHLY recommend walking out into the rocks lower down - the view is so much more gorgeous and makes you feel a bit more remote (despite being right near the parking lot)
We drove here and wow, this place was incredible. The drive itself was very windie and you do have to be careful when driving on the roads. The giant trees are amazing too. The contrast between the mountains, lake and the snowy backdrop Is just gorgeous.Emerald Bay is just incredible. The little island in the middle is beautiful. I can see why its the most photographed place in this part of the USA.
We came out for a trip in April. The season should have been clear but they had just received a late seasonal snow fall. It was gorgeous and the trails were still easy to access. The view was spectacular.
We stopped here on a 72 mile drive around Lake Tahoe and were mesmerized by the view. The scenery is just amazing and it is so quiet and peaceful. The overlook is large and shaded by giant trees with walkways and information boards explaining the history of the area. It was easy to see why this was one of the most photographed areas on Lake Tahoe!
We drove around the state park and rode jet skis out to the Tea House on the island. The castle on the beach was inspiring. Water so clear you can see over 60 feet deep. Amazing
I'm not sure about the "emerald" part but it sure is pretty. We spent a lovely day on a friend's boat. But do use sun protection!