4 Gorgeous State Parks to Visit in Lake Tahoe
The Best State Parks In Tahoe
The scenery in Lake Tahoe is unlike any other on Earth. With mountains circling you on all sides and the bright azure jewel of the lake in the center of it all, any scenic vista feels like a little piece of heaven. Thankfully, those who live in Tahoe know how to protect the natural beauty of the land, which is why this area is filled with endless miles of state parks and recreation areas.
Today, we’ll dive into some of the best state parks in the Tahoe area to help you choose a few to add to your itinerary.
Discover Scandinavian Architecture and Panoramic Vistas at Emerald Bay State Park
Out of all the state parks in Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park, located on the southwestern shoreline, offers the most to visitors. Not only will you be awed by beautiful mountain scenery and lake views from just about any trail in the park, there’s also plenty more to explore and discover in Emerald Bay.
Those who are interested in Scandinavian architecture and Tahoe history, for instance, should visit Vikingsholm, which is said to be the best representation of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Built in the 1920s by Lora Josephine Knight, a famous philanthropist, this incredible two-story home still contains much of the same furniture that was chosen by its original owner.
If you’re a fan of underwater exploration, you’ll be pleased to know that Emerald Bay is also one of the only underwater state parks in California, and the first to boast an underwater heritage trail for scuba divers and snorkelers. Step back in time in the underwater world of Lake Tahoe–there’s plenty of maritime history to be explored.
There’s no shortage of fun to be had at Emerald Bay State Park, and it’s well worth a visit next time you’re in town.
Spend a Day on the Shore at Sand Harbor State Park
Tucked away on the eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe lies one of the most serene state parks in the area: Sand Harbor State Park. Anyone who wants to spend a day exploring the shores and sandy beaches will fall in love with this park, which boasts an array of water activities like kayak and stand up paddle board rentals as well as swimming and scuba diving. If you’re visiting during the summer months, check out the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which puts on productions on Sand Harbor’s Warren Edward Trepp Jr. Stage so you can enjoy incredible views during your favorite play.
For those who want to spend a day in the sand and sun, a visit to Sand Harbor State Park is never a bad idea.
Visit The Highest-Elevation Lighthouse in California at D.L. Bliss State Park
D.L. Bliss State Park, located on the southwestern end of Lake Tahoe, has an unusual claim to fame: it is the site of the 2nd highest-elevation lighthouse in the country, the Rubicon Point Light. If you’re expecting a tall and stately lighthouse, however, be prepared to temper your expectations–this one resembles a wooden shack, though it has been recently restored to its original glory.
This state park is also home to the Rubicon Point Trail, which connects D.L. Bliss to Emerald Bay in a gorgeous 5-mile route studded with endless pine forests and incredible panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe. Aside from hiking, there’s also plenty of lake access, with activities such as fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving available for visitors.
Explore the Historic Pine Lodge at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
The history of Lake Tahoe is a fascinating one, and if you’re interested in investigating the area’s past, a visit to Sugar Pine Point State Park should be on your itinerary.
Not only is this park home to the site of Tahoe’s first permanent settlement and its first resort, but it also offers access to the historic Hellman-Ehrman Lodge. Built in 1903, the Pine Lodge (as it is also known) was the summer home of an important California banker and one of the founders of the University of Southern California, I.W. Hellman, and his daughter, Florence Hellman Ehrman. Today, it stands as a fine example of luxurious Tahoe architecture, and is open to the public as a museum.
Even if your visit doesn’t fall during the summertime, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at Sugar Pine Point, which offers 11 miles of cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the winter months. Interestingly, if you ski this area, you’ll be covering the same ground that athletes did during the 1960 Winter Olympics, which were held at the nearby Palisades Tahoe and were partly sponsored by the generosity of the Hellman/Ehrman family.
Delve Into Even More Lake Tahoe Activities
Lake Tahoe is one of the most majestic places on the planet, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to a myriad of state parks, each with its own insight into Tahoe history and geology. From the highest-elevation lighthouse in California to an underwater window into the past, you can’t go wrong visiting any of these beautiful Tahoe state parks.
Interested in more ways to make your next Tahoe trip one to remember? Get a look inside the best dog-friendly activities in North Lake Tahoe or check out our ideas for a solo summer trip to Tahoe.