Looking for a fun afternoon activity while visiting Lake Tahoe? Take a joy ride around the lake and check out all beautiful vistas that will leave you awestruck. The circumference of Lake Tahoe is 72 miles, encompassing two states (California and Nevada) so that means there are plenty of inspirational spots to take in the view. The drive generally takes 2.5 hours, depending on what you have planned for your road trip. Here are our must-see spots:
Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook (North Lake Tahoe)
Though technically located on Highway 431 south of Mount Rose, this vista overlook offers the most expansive and spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. You can see clearly from east to west, and north to south from this vantage point. Depending on your starting point, you will need to travel north on Highway 431 from Highway 28, but we promise it’s worth the short drive.
Inspiration Point: Emerald Bay/Fannette Island (West Shore)
Some of the most famous photos of Lake Tahoe are snapped from this vantage point, looking east over Emerald Bay. Parking is limited. As one of the most popular destinations for millions, it can get crowded here. Hot tip: rise early in the morning, grab a coffee from Tahoe House on the West Shore, and enjoy the sunrise over Emerald Bay (don’t forget to take photos). It’s especially stunning looking east over Emerald Bay and Fannette Island with the alpen glow.
Sand Harbor (East Shore)
It’s no surprise that Sand Harbor offers one of the best backdrops for open-air live entertainment, as this state park hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival annually. With it’s 2,500 feet of white sand beach it’s a wonderful spot to swim in the summer and tranquil place to sit on the quintessential east shore rocks.