The Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Lake Tahoe
Updated: Sep 15, 2020
1. Emerald Bay Emerald Bay State Park features Cascade Falls, Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island, and a 38-room mansion. The bay is known for its breathtaking views of its emerald green water and high mountains that surround the lake. There are plenty of trails to walk and hike allowing access to different points around the bay to get different views. Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed areas in the world making it the perfect place for an instagram photo opportunity and a fun way to spend the day.
2. Eagle Rock Hiking Trail The Eagle Rock Hiking Trail is a one to two mile easy hiking trail that offers tremendous views at its peak. As you near the top, the trail disappears and the volcanic rocks take over and the summit is at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. Don’t forget to bring water because you are going up 1000 feet in about 20 minutes so you can get very thirsty by the time you get to the top. The lookout is located on the west shore of the lake so wake up early to catch the sunrise for the best views and photo opportunities.
3. Bonsai Rock Bonsai Rock is located in the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe near Sand Harbor. There’s a steep but short hike down to the beach from the parking spots. This spot is called bonsai rock because of a small boulder close to the shore line that has tiny bonsai trees growing from its top. For the best photos you’re going to want to get in the water so pack some water shoes to wear so you can grip the wet rocks. The summer offers low tide shots that expose more white sand and smaller rocks and the winter offers beautiful snow on the rocks and mountains.
4. Sand Harbor Beach Sand Harbor is the largest alpine lake in North America known for its white beaches, crystal clear water, and interesting rock formations. The beach gets very crowded on the weekends so it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon in order to get a parking spot for ten dollars. The park hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival every summer and there is a little boardwalk and nature trail along the beach.
5. Hidden Beach Hidden Beach is free and easy to find without too far of a trek but contrary to its name, the beach is far from hidden at this point. This is due to the fact that on a sunny day you’d think you were looking into the blue waters of Caribbean and the surrounding environment is covered with wildflowers and trees. It's best to arrive at the beach in the early morning or late afternoon in order to get a parking spot and a piece of sand but the gorgeous spot makes it all worth it.
Planning a trip to Lake Tahoe? We've partnered with Turnkey to get you the best deals on rentals.