Emerald Bay State Park

Lake Tahoe's most visited (and most photographed) destination, Emerald Bay State Park sits between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City showing off the bluest swath of this pristine natural lake. Carved by glaciers, Fannette Island is the lake's only isle. Located here is the "Tea House," a stone structure resembling a castle, which was brought over by boat between 1928 and 1929. Another attraction in the park is Vikingsholm, the most interesting display of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Purchased by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home in the early 1900s, Vikingsholm allows you to travel back in time and explore the ...

Lake Tahoe's most visited (and most photographed) destination, Emerald Bay State Park sits between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City showing off the bluest swath of this pristine natural lake. Carved by glaciers, Fannette Island is the lake's only isle. Located here is the "Tea House," a stone structure resembling a castle, which was brought over by boat between 1928 and 1929. Another attraction in the park is Vikingsholm, the most interesting display of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Purchased by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home in the early 1900s, Vikingsholm allows you to travel back in time and explore the interiors and exteriors of this fanciful structure — but beware, a ghost is rumored to wander these halls. Outdoor adventurers will not be bored at the park as there are plenty of steep trails to explore, a boat-in campsite, and ideal conditions for swimming, windsurfing and boating. The area is also an underwater state park, so scuba divers will enjoy clear water diving to see grounded vessels of all sizes.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.