It’s easily one of my favorite stops when driving around Lake Tahoe! The smell of the piney scent and the sound of birds and other wildlife around you makes it feel like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. Yup, another one of the best places in California is in Lake Tahoe! Sand Harbor is a gem in the Sierras with crystal clear water and magnificent boulders every where you look! The sand on the beach is perfect and the experience is magnified by the stunning nature all around. Lia Garcia 03 | Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Rich people, amirite? In addition to camping and hiking and random viking villas, you can explore Emerald Bay by boat, kayak, or Stand-Up paddle-board – you’ll want to rent in South Lake Tahoe and cruise over. Oh, and that island in the middle of the bay? That was their tea house. It sits directly on the shore of Emerald Bay and visitors willing to hike the 1 mile trail from the parking lot are rewarded with a beach, tours, and a little gift shop which, you’ll be happy to know, sells ice cream. It winds through gorgeous lake vistas down to Vikingsholm, which was once some eccentric rich person’s Scandinavian style villa, and is now one of the most curious things to see in Emerald Bay. Bliss State Park– camp there if you can – high up in the granite, pine-topped cliffs. One of the best ways to explore Emerald Bay is on foot, by hiking the 9-mile Rubicon Trail. The hike begins in D.L. Exploring this area will take you away from the cozy little towns of North or South Lake Tahoe down a scenic, winding road and through the rugged Desolation Wilderness ( the name is misleadingly depressing).

If you adore shockingly blue waters, snow-capped mountains, and water spots, I have a slight feeling you’ll agree as well.Įmerald Bay is a gorgeous inlet on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco. Ohhh, I’m absolutely enamored with all things Lake Tahoe, and can easily name it one of the best places to visit in California. Tacos, palm trees, and sun? Yes, yes, and yes please! Any nature lovers delight.Īnd if you’re stumped on places in California to visit, just refer back to this post (miiiight be good idea to bookmark it or use that handy dandy pin-it button up there).

From the gushing waterfalls, to the glistening lakes and sparkly, rocky beaches, to the snow-capped mountains, to the colorful wildflower fields, to the towering redwood forests, California really has it all and then some. Looking for the most beautiful places in California? You’re in luck, my friend, this post is just screaming your name! Read on for the ultimate list of the best places to visit in California, and make sure to add them to your very own California bucket list!Įver since moving to California from NYC, I’m still pinching myself that I get to call this absolutely stunning state my home. #Westcoastbestcoast, am I right? And the more I learn about this fascinating state, my list of places to visit in California just keeps getting longer and longer.Ĭalifornia never fails to amaze me, and I become more enamored and downright floored by the beauty of this left-coast state every time I visit a new spot.

Scenery pictures of california