Lake Tahoe

Memorial Point Scenic Overlook - This is the starting point for the journey around the east side of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. As you travel south along Highway 28 through Incline Village, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the lake, the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the California side, and the Carson Range to your left. The East Shore Trail, a fantastic walking and biking path, runs alongside this part of the lake and is perfect for those staying in Tahoe for more than a day. You can park at Memorial Point for about 20 minutes for free, walk down the stairs to the trail, and even go further to touch the water or stand on some of Tahoe’s iconic boulders. Capture some photos and enjoy the view!

Sand Harbor Beach - This beach is absolutely stunning, featuring three distinct beachfronts with varying landscapes and views, along with a must-see nature boardwalk. It’s a beautiful, leisurely walk filled with opportunities to discover wildlife and enjoy water views stretching for miles. Pay the entrance fee and park wherever you can. A path connects all three beaches. The southernmost beach has a sandy shore and shallow water extending far into the lake, ideal for stand-up paddleboarding! The middle section houses the Visitor Center and a delightful cafe where you can dine outdoors overlooking the lake. The two northern beaches have large boulders that are fun for kids to climb and add character to your photos.

Logan Shoals Vista Trail - As you head toward South Lake Tahoe along Highway 50, this overlook is a favorite for wedding and engagement photos. Once you park and walk up the short paved path, you’ll understand why. Previously, you were close to lake level, but now you’re high above Lake Tahoe, offering breathtaking panoramic views!

Cave Rock - Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park - Another must-see stop! For just two dollars, you can enjoy a 10-minute photo opportunity. After approaching Cave Rock and driving through the short tunnel, head down to the shoreline and look up at the entire rock formation and cave. It’s truly a marvel!

Zephyr Cove - If you’re not planning to spend the day at the beach, you might not want to pay another entrance fee. However, you can enter, bear left for the restaurant and general store, and park there to take a few minutes to admire the beautiful beach and surrounding forest, complete with charming log cabins available for rent. If you decide to pay the fee and spend some time at the beach or book a ride on the M.S. Dixie Paddlewheeler, it’s a great choice! Volleyball and water activity rentals are also available here.

Nevada Beach - This is another must-see beachfront. The beauty of this beach is truly astounding. As you drive down the road, you’ll notice a wooden fence along the side. If you prefer not to pay for parking, you can turn around and find a spot along the fenceline. A lovely walking path leads you to the shoreline of this stunning beach. The view of the surrounding mountains and towering trees along the shoreline creates a unique and glorious landscape!

Heavenly Village Way - Heavenly Village is filled with shops and dining options. Once you park, head to the main hotel lobby to purchase tickets for a gondola ride offering heavenly views of the lake.

Camp Richardson Resort - You’ll recognize the street to turn down for the beachfront by the charming log cabin General Store on the corner! It’s a cozy spot, and on a chilly day, the fire will be lit. You can enjoy a meal from the cafe or shop for souvenirs.

Tallac Historic Site - Definitely worth exploring. Park and take the trails through the historic summer estates. The Baldwin Museum, if open, is an old log cabin you can tour. Other log cabin mansions by the water are fascinating to explore, all set in a beautiful forest along the lake.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center - The next road from Tallac leads to another visitor center and nature trails. If you’re short on time, this stop is optional unless it’s salmon spawning season, in which case you can follow the creek along the Rainbow Trail to watch the bright orange salmon swimming upstream!

Inspiration Point Vista - After leaving Taylor Creek, you’ll climb to about 8,000 feet above sea level. Keep your eyes on the road, as there are no guardrails, and the drop-off is significant. At the top, Inspiration Point offers a breathtaking view of Emerald Bay, which truly lives up to its name! You’ll also see Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, situated in the middle of Emerald Bay.

Eagle Falls Trail - If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, consider taking the popular Eagle Falls hike to see a stunning waterfall, flowing strongly from melting snow. In late summer or fall, the waterfall may be reduced to a trickle, so you can skip this stop unless you want a pleasant forest hike. This is one of the few stops on the left side of the road.

Emerald Bay State Park - With its emerald-green bay, sandy shoreline, tiny island, and castle, the photo opportunities are incredible! The hike to get there is enjoyable, featuring pocket waterfalls and rugged cliffs along a well-worn path.

D.L. Bliss State Park - Stop by the sweet little Visitor Center for souvenirs, maps, and to chat with a ranger or volunteer. Although Shaka Guide provides directions, it’s helpful to have a park ranger describe the conditions of The Rubicon Trail and where to park for Balancing Rock. After visiting the center, drive through the park’s forest to see three sights worth visiting!

Balancing Rock Nature Trail - Follow a dirt trail to find the short path leading to this unique formation that looks like it might topple at any moment! Capture a selfie while you can!

Lester Beach - This charming shoreline features iconic Tahoe boulder formations. If you’re short on time or parking is unavailable, it’s not a priority to visit the beach itself.

Rubicon Trail - Just past Lester Beach, still within D.L. Bliss State Park, head up a hill to the popular Rubicon Trail. It’s quite long, but a ten-minute walk out and back offers a high-up view of the lake along the cliffs. Stick to the path! There’s also an abandoned lighthouse trail, but it’s more challenging and time-consuming. If you love hiking and have a full day, this trail leads to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle!

Sugar Pine Point State Park - Follow the path along the lake heading south until you see the railroad tracks leading into the lake! It’s an Instagram-worthy photo, especially with the water’s clarity, allowing you to see the tracks almost to the lake floor!

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion - Upon entering the main lot, look for the tall fire-lookout-type building. If open, stop inside the nature center to see the exhibits. Tour the Hellman Ehrman mansion or simply walk around the estate grounds. Be sure to step onto the mansion’s back porch for a lake view before heading down the lawn and walking along the pier over Lake Tahoe!

Olympic Valley - This valley is amazing to see, knowing the ski slopes above hosted the Olympics! In summer or fall, the lush green valley feels like a faraway land. If the gondola is open, take it to the top for the Olympic museum exhibit and Washoe tribe displays!

Lake Tahoe Dam - Lake Tahoe Dam is a vital engineering marvel on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, a stunning freshwater lake straddling California and Nevada. Built in the early 20th century, the dam is a crucial part of the Tahoe Regional Water System, regulating lake water levels and providing various benefits to the surrounding region.

Commons Beach Park - Commons Beach is a charming lakeside retreat in Tahoe City, on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. This inviting public park offers a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground, making it popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning lake views and a tranquil ambiance, Commons Beach is perfect for relaxation, recreation, and community gatherings.

Watson Cabin Museum - Visit the Watson Log Cabin and Penny Bear! Head down the steps or through the parking lot to walk out on the public pier over the lake. You can see across to the opposite side for a view of Heavenly Mountain! There are also wonderful waterfront restaurants in town. On the way to the next stop, pass Carnelian Bay. Make a quick stop for a photo if the view captures your attention, as it’s hard to tire of the lake loop views!

Kings Beach - This popular beach is similar to Sand Harbor, with gradually deepening shorelines, keeping the water shallow and warmer longer than colder, deep-water beaches around the lake. However, the view isn’t as mesmerizing as Sand Harbor. If choosing between Kings Beach and Sand Harbor, Sand Harbor is recommended. Many people love this beach and town, but it offers less than Tahoe City. This stop isn’t a priority if you’re short on time.

Historic Stateline Fire Lookout - This wide, semi-paved path leads to an old fire lookout over 7,000 feet in elevation. You’re already high up before starting the trail, so you’re not climbing that many feet. The view overlooking Lake Tahoe is unique.

Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook - There’s an overlook along a hairpin turn out of Incline Village for one last memorable look down at Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead - Tahoe Meadows South Trail is a scenic hiking path in Lake Tahoe. It winds through picturesque meadows, fragrant forests, and offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. With its gentle terrain and abundant wildlife, this trail provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts to connect with the unspoiled beauty of the region.

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