Emerald Bay State Park - Lake Tahoe, California

Address:Tahoma, California
Tel: (530) 541-3030

Located around Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, this State Park is a National Natural Landmark and Lake Tahoe's most photographed natural wonder. The Bay itself is named for its shape and magnificent colors and in 1994, Emerald Bay was designated an underwater State Park. The park contains the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island, which houses the remains of the "Tea House," a building built by the owner of Vikingsholm; a 38-room castle, open for visitors to tour. Aside from amazing views and an intriguing history, Emerald Bay offers a full-service campground and scuba diving as well, where divers can get up close and personal with turn-of-the-century boats, launches and barges. If traveling in the area, don't miss this beautiful and nature-filled gem of a State Park.

In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain-building processes and glacier-carved granite. The natural beauty, geology, and history of this unique island make it one of the highlights of any visit to the Lake Tahoe area. The park features Vikingsholm, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The "Tea House" on Fannette Island, the only island to be found in all of Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay was designated an underwater State Park in 1994. It is the resting place for many boats, launches and barges used in the lake before the turn of the century, during the heyday of Emerald Bay Resort, and used in the construction of Vikingsholm.