beach

Emerald Bay Beach and Underwater Park


Emerald Bay's spectacular beaches are accessed via the Rubicon Hiking Trail or by boat. Parking for the trail is located at Eagle Point Campground to the south, DL Bliss State Park to the north, and the Vikingsholm Parking Lot on the west end of Emerald Bay. The trail down to the beach is steep and not recommended for visitors with health or mobility issues.  Two beaches are located down on the waters edge.  One is directly in front of the historic Vikingsholm castle, and the other is 1 mile north at the boat-in only campground.

Emerald Bay Beach and Underwater Park

Hours of Operation

Park hours- Sunrise to Sunset

Beach Features

  • Boat Access/Ramps
  • Boating (motorized + nonmotorized)
  • Campsites Nearby
  • Drinking Water Available
  • Fishing Nearby
  • Hiking
  • Interpretive Site
  • Paddleboard/Kayak Rentals
  • Parking/Day-use Fee
  • Picnic Tables
  • Public Bathrooms
  • Shade Available
  • Swimming
  • Visitor Center
  • Watertrail Trailhead

Beach Contact

Tel: 530-523-3203
Email or Website: www.parks.ca.gov


Helpful Information

No dogs are allowed. Trail is steep and exposed. Only healthy individuals should attempt this trail. If arriving by boat, anchoring is only allowed on the west end of Emerald Bay. A buoy boat exclusion swim area is located south of the pier at Vikingsholm beach.

KEEP IT CLEAN: Lake Tahoe is recognized as an Outstanding Natural Resource Water. Please, join your fellow beachgoers in protecting this special place! Begin by being an example to others:

  • Dispose of trash properly or pack it out.
  • Never feed birds, squirrels or any other wildlife.
  • Campfires are NEVER allowed on Tahoe beaches.

VEGETATION: Protect Tahoe plants! Keep outside signed or fenced protected habitat.

SWIM and BOAT SMART: Very cold water, sudden storms and unexpected waves deserve respect. Be alert!

PET OWNERS: Pets are permitted only on dog-friendly beaches. Use a bag to pick up after your pet, and use a leash. Protect your pet's privilege to share the beach!

BOATERS: Aquatic invasive species are a very serious threat - completely clean, drain and dry your boat before launching it at Tahoe.

FISHING: Any person over 16 years old must have a valid California or Nevada sport fishing license. Visit one of the many Lake Tahoe fishing sites to learn more about fishing and the special regulations that are enforced at Tahoe.

THE COAST GUARD AT TAHOE: The station near Tahoe City operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency and give the name of this beach!

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR LAKE TAHOE - BUY OR RENEW A LAKE TAHOE LICENSE PLATE: Over 96% of the funds from Lake Tahoe license plate purchase and renewal fees support lake access, hiking and biking trails, and other important projects in the Lake Tahoe basin. Lake Tahoe plates start at $50 in CA and $61 in NV in addition to your usual annual registration fees. Visit www.tahoefund.org or call (800) 510-8246 for more information.