Lake Tahoe, from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay.
Togoboat Guide to water adventures along with reviews and helpful tips from nature lovers just like you.
Route duration (min 3 hours)
What to expect
There’s a lot to love about Lake Tahoe. It's vast, clear waters have been the backdrop for movies and TV shows: scenes from Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner The Bodyguard, Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage “City of Angels”.
Tahoe means “big water” in Washo, language of the Native Americans who first inhabited the area. Artifacts confirm the presence of the Washoe Tribe of Native Americans at Lake Tahoe over 10,000 years ago.
Our route starts at Baldwin beach, it stretches for approximately one-half mile with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is conveniently close to the parking lot, no need to hike with a boat, you can drive directly to the launching spot. Take some food for a picnic in Emerald Bay.
Kiva Beach is a pet-friendly alternative. It’s one of the few South Lake Tahoe beaches that allow dogs, but make sure to keep your pet on a leash throughout your visit.
Safety tip: A nice day out can be ruined if you forget to take your sunscreen. This is the most obvious and yet most important item.
Passing by Eagle Point you will most likely spot a number of ospreys as they utilize this location for nesting. We highly recommend to keep the distance close to the coastline, the water is crystal clear and you’ll be protected from the wind.
Next stop is Emerald Bay, an oasis of shimmering greens, turquoise and blues. Mark Twain called Lake Tahoe "the fairest picture the whole earth affords." Due to its location Emerald Bay has limited access, parking lots are full, to get there by water is the best way.
Safety tip: don’t open your canopy in case of a strong wind. Cold water, sudden storms and unexpected waves deserve respect. Be alert!
Interesting fact: Lake Tahoe is so clear that in some places, objects can be seen in depths of over 70 feet.
You can find a hidden beach or a place to stay on the stones to enjoy the picnic. Emerald Bay State Park, which includes Emerald Bay as well as the land surrounding it, is a popular recreation area. It’s home to Lake Tahoe’s only island, as well as a soft, sandy beach and Vikingsholm Castle. It’s a 38-room mansion that is long considered as one of the finest and most incredible examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Vikingsholm Castle was built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Knight, and still holds some of its original features, symbolic of 11th century stone churches in southern Sweden.
Note: Vikingsholm is only open for tours June-September, but you can admire the castle from the outside year round!
Insider’s tips: Lake Tahoe is not a budget-friendly destination. If you’re tight on cash, consider staying outside of the Tahoe Basin in towns such as Donner, Truckee, or even Reno to save on accommodation.
If you have any tips to add, leave a comment below so everyone can see.
