Best Scenic Spots on Drive Around Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the world.  No matter how many times you’ve been, that first view you get of the lake is one you’ll never forget: it’s breathtaking.  Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, & one of the deepest: second only to Crater Lake in Oregon.  On a recent drive from California to Oregon, we stopped at Tahoe after visiting Mammoth ~ & drove around the entire lake, a 72-mile circuit.  I had my puppy Charlie with me, & we found some of the best scenic spots to stop on a drive around Lake Tahoe, getting all the best views of the lake…

Your first view of Lake Tahoe is always unforgettable. This shot was taken at Logan Shoals Vista Point, where Hwy 50 drops into Lake Tahoe near Glenbrook.

Map of Scenic Stops on Tahoe Drive

With no stops, the 72-mile drive around Lake Tahoe takes about 3 hours.  With stops, particularly if you stop for a nice meal or hike: prepare to spend at least 6-7 hours driving around the lake.  If you need to get gas, fill up in Tahoe City, Kings Beach (where I did), or in South Tahoe; options are limited on the east & west sides of the lake.

Best Scenic Stops Around Lake Tahoe

1. Emerald Bay

We’ll start at Tahoe’s most famous viewpoint: Emerald Bay.  This is one of the most scenic parts of the lake, with famous Vikingsholm Castle on the shoreline, & Fannette Island striking an iconic shadow in the middle of the bay.  Things to do here include: hike one of the trails above Emerald Bay (such as Eagle Falls or Bayview); take photos along the roadside (there are several turn-outs); park & hike down to the bay; visit Vikingsholm Castle; or swim out to Fannette Island & hike up to the little tea house on top of the island.

The small island in Emerald Bay is called Fannette Island ~ there are remnants of an old tea house at the top of the island.

The view FROM Fannette Island, looking towards the bay & highway.

2. Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock is one of my favorite quick hikes in Lake Tahoe.  It takes less than 15 minutes to climb to the top of the rock, & you’ll get sweeping views of the entire lake; literally anyone can do this hike!!  Park in a dirt lot on the side of Hwy 98 in Tahoe Pines; you’ll be able to see Eagle Rock’s stony outcrop looming above the highway. 

For more kid-friendly & dog-friendly hikes in Tahoe: read this article.

For such a short hike (with only 1-2 switchbacks), you get AMAZING views of Lake Tahoe!

3. Sunnyside Restaurant

By this point in your drive, you might be getting hungry….so just past Eagle Rock is my favorite Tahoe restaurant: Sunnyside Resort & Lodge.  They’ve got a massive outdoor deck & it’s a favorite with locals, many who bring boats & park along Sunnyside’s main dock, while enjoying lunch views over the lake.  

Sunnyside, with its HUGE outdoor patio on the lake, is my favorite restaurant in Tahoe.

4. Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City

This is the funniest stop on the list: good old Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City!  Right off the main drag (Hwy 89), you’ll cross a bridge when entering the city: look to your right & you’ll see all kinds of people enjoying the view & leaning over the bridge: hence the name.  Two great places to stop here: the Dam Cafe if you’re looking for good coffee & sandwiches, or River Grill for something fancier. 

Fanny Bridge is perched right over the Truckee River….

FANNY BRIDGE in Tahoe City!!

Best Scenic Spots Around Lake Tahoe

5. Gar Woods Restaurant

Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay is my second favorite lakeside restaurant in Tahoe! And like Sunnyside ~ you can drive your boat right up & park it on their dock.  Gar Woods is known for having a more rambunctious atmosphere, largely due to their legendary Wet Woody rum drinks!  Just make sure you have a designated driver if you stop here…

Park your boat at Gar Woods’ dock & enjoy a “Wet Woody” on their massive outdoor patio…

6. Sand Harbor

The main thing you need to know about Sand Harbor is…..GET HERE EARLY!!!  This is the most popular beach in Lake Tahoe, & if you’ve seen any Instagram paddle-boarding pics of Tahoe: chances are, they were taken here.  The parking lot opens at 8AM & costs $10 cash to enter ~ but if you just want to take photos, look for a turn-out on the highway, or approach via boat or paddle board (which can be rented in nearby Incline Village).

Sand Harbor is the most POPULAR beach on the lake: get there EARLY!!

Our family visited Sand Harbor last year & we climbed out on the big rocks on the harbor’s north edge: STUNNING!!

7. Secret Cove

Secret Cove is less well-known than Sand Harbor, but just as gorgeous: & there’s a parking lot here as well.  At 3PM on a Wednesday, I was able to sneak into one of the only parking spots ~ & though I could’ve hiked down to the beach, I stayed up top & got a shot of the cove from above.  There aren’t many amenities here, but it’s a great spot for hikers & dog-walkers, as the trail is dog-friendly.

See that beautiful little sliver of turquoise water?? That’s Secret Cove…

8. Logan Shoals View Point

Finally, we come to Logan Shoals Vista Point ~ a hidden gem.  It’s just south of Glenbrook, & you’ve got a couple options here: stay up top & take photos (there are bathrooms here too), or hike the steep trail down to the shoreline (Charlie & I hiked down!) & enjoy a fantastic mile-long, sandy path along the lake. 

There were only a few people on the trail: I think the steep descent prevents more people from using it.

Logan Shoals is one of the most underrated view points on the lake ~ & a perfect spot to watch the sunset, as it faces west.

Best Scenic Spots on Drive Around Lake Tahoe

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