15 Best Lake Tahoe Photography Spots

The best Lake Tahoe photography locations for photographing Lake Tahoe: Sunrise at Emerald Bay

Lake Tahoe is the absolute prettiest lake in California, if not in the US, in our opinion. With its crystal clear water, big boulders, and mountain backdrop there are countless photo locations in Lake Tahoe to take breathtaking pictures.

In this Lake Tahoe photo spots guide, we will show you our favorite and in our opinion best Lake Tahoe photography spots to take amazing pictures from.

Photographing Lake Tahoe

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Where Are The Best Photo Spots In Lake Tahoe?

With its crystal clear blue water, the surrounding mountains, and stunning nature, there are many beautiful photography locations in Lake Tahoe to take amazing pictures.

We will split up the Lake Tahoe photo spots by area, so you know where they are located around the lake.

Let’s take it away with our top Lake Tahoe photography locations:

South Lake Tahoe Photo Spots

As there is lots of photo spots to cover, we are starting with our absolute favorite Lake Tahoe photo spot in South Lake.

1 | Photographing Emerald Bay Sunrise

Emerald Bay sunrise, one of the best Lake Tahoe photo spots — Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe photo location

About a 20-minute drive from the city of South Lake Tahoe you will find iconic Emerald Bay.

Emerald Bay, Tahoe’s most famous bay is already super impressive during daylight and draws in a lot of visitors and photographers. The bay is Lake Tahoe’s most iconic photography spot.

Lake Tahoe Sunrise Photography Spot

Emerald Bay’s full magic comes to life early in the morning for sunrise. During this time, the sun slowly rises above the mountains and creates a beautiful reflection on the bay and a play of colors in the sky.

Emerald Bay is, hands down, our favorite sunrise photography spot in Lake Tahoe!

Best Time To Photograph Emerald Bay

There is an official parking lot at Emerald Bay and a few pullouts on the way there, coming from South Lake Tahoe, which fill up very quickly.

During the day, this iconic Lake Tahoe photo spot is always very crowded, especially during the summer months. Therefore the best time to take a photo of Emerald Bay is early in the morning at sunrise. You will not encounter many people if any at all and the sunrise colors will make the photo and reflection of Emeral Bay super epic.

Pro Tip For Photographing Sunrise At Emerald Bay

If you are planning to get up early and photograph sunrise at Lake Tahoe, be warned that it will be chilly. Even in the summer, the nights and early mornings are super cold in Tahoe. You are at an altitude above 6000 feet/ 1900 meters. Therefore, you should bring warm clothes and dress in layers which you can then shed later during the day.

2 | Fallen Leaf Lake Hammock Spot

Piscoandbier hammock time at Fallen Leaf lake at Lake Tahoe — Chilling in the hammock at Fallen Leaf Lake.

Between Emerald Bay and South Lake Tahoe, you will pass by Fallen Leaf Lake and its campground.

The lake is very pretty and secluded and an oasis in itself and another great photo spot in South Lake Tahoe. The tree lining at the edge of the water is perfect to hang out and take hammock photos.

3 | South Lake Tahoe Photography Spots For Camping Photos

Fallen Leaf Lake campsite with tent and string lights spanning between redwood trees

If you are into camping, Fallen Leaf Lake Campground is one of the prettiest campgrounds in Lake Tahoe. That’s why this place can’t be missing on our South Lake Tahoe photography spots list.

The campground is great to take outdoor camping photos. Especially, when you manage to get a spot closest to the lake you will have a lot of space with just forest around and unobstructed views of the big redwood trees.

Usually, as with so many campgrounds in California, Fallen Leaf Lake is very popular and you need to book your spot early in advance. Or, get lucky when spots open up due to cancellations.

Check out availability and reserve a campground here.

Night photo of piscoandbier in hammock with string lights lighting up the forest

4 | Capturing Lake Tahoe Photos In Winter From The Slopes

Photo spot of Lake Tahoe from the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort — Photo of Lake Tahoe from the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort

Lake Tahoe is not only amazing in the summer, but also in the winter. When everything is snow-covered, the blue of the lake shines even brighter than usual against the snowy white landscape.

South Lake Tahoe Photo Spot From The Slopes

During the winter season, you will have one of the best Lake Tahoe views and best photo locations in Lake Tahoe directly from the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort. So, be sure to bring a camera when hitting the slopes in the winter. This view (…and maybe also the altitude 🙂 ) will take your breath away!

You will get the best lake views at Heavenly Ski Resort from the top of the Ridge Run on the California side.

North-East Lake Tahoe Photography Locations

Photo Locations At Lake Tahoe To Capture The Crystal Clear Water

Sand Harbor Beach at Lake Tahoe in summer — Using a polarizing filter to capture the crystal clear water and big boulders

5 | Sand Harbor Beach

We are now heading North to Sand Harbor Beach to find the clearest and bluest water of Lake Tahoe. If it wasn’t for the mountains and pine trees, you’d think you are somewhere in the Caribbean.

Big Boulders & Crystal Clear Water At Sand Harbor Beach

The turquoise water with the big boulders and the green contrast of the trees make the North-East of Lake Tahoe a popular Instagram spot at Lake Tahoe. For good reason, the water is incredibly clear.

At Sand Harbor Beach you will see people snorkeling and paddleboarding or just floating around and enjoying the amazing scenery. The gigantic boulders make a nice photo op.

Paddle Board Photos At Sand Harbour Beach

At Sand Harbor Beach, you can rent kayaks and SUPs to explore the boulders and clear blue water. If you prefer to buy a paddleboard, we have a post about affordable paddle boards that don’t break the bank. We decided to buy our own SUPs since they amortize pretty quickly if you use them a few times. Smartest decision ever!

Where To Rent The Clear Kayaks To Take Instagram Photos At Lake Tahoe?

If you are looking to rent the clear kayaks that you probably have seen on Instagram, visit The Wild Society located at Kings Beach. Heads up though, it won’t be cheap!

More Famous Lake Tahoe Instagram Spots

There are several little coves and beaches past Sand Harbor Beach on the East side of the lake. Super pretty photography locations at Lake Tahoe to capture the big boulders and crystal clear, blue water are the not-so-secret Secret Cove, Chimney Beach, Whale Beach, and Bonsai Rock.

6 | Secret Cove

Overlooking Secret Cove at Lake Tahoe with turquoise water and big boulders

One of our favorite photo spots in Lake Tahoe to capture the beautiful turquoise water is at Secret Cove. It is a little secluded cove that requires a short hike to get to. Heads up, Secret Cove is clothing optional. So don’t be surprised when you get there! 🙂

Getting To Secret Cove

Secret Cove is located past Sand Harbor Beach. A quick search on Google Maps will guide you there.

Official parking around these areas is almost non-existent. Like almost everyone else, you will have to park your car on the side of the road. From the road, it takes a 20-30 minutes hike down some steep paths to get to the lake. It’s not for everyone, as it can be very steep at times, but absolutely worth it if you are up for it. The easier path to get to Secret Cove will be from the official parking lot.

Over underwater photography at Lake Tahoe with crystal clear water and big boulders — Awesome over/ underwater photography at Lake Tahoe

7 | Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe

Bonsai Rock and big boulders at Lake Tahoe

Another Lake Tahoe Instagram spot is Bonsai Rock. It famously has a little tree growing on the big boulder that is sticking out from the water.

This popular Lake Tahoe photography location is frequented by photographers during the summertime as well as during the wintertime when the surrounding rocks are snow-covered. It’s great for long exposure shots to smoothen the water.

Kayaking and paddle boarding Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe — Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe Photo Spot

Best Time To Photograph Bonsai Rock

In the summer, photographing Bonsai Rock during the day without any people in the picture is nearly impossible. The photo location is not only popular among photographers but also among all other people that like to spend the day by the water there. To get a good shot, you have to show up early in the morning or later in the day for sunset.

8 | East Shore Tire Swing At Lake Tahoe

On the way down to Bonsai Rock, you will come across a tire swing hanging on a tree on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe East Shore Photography Tipps

When Is The Best Time To Take Photos Of Lake Tahoe’s Crystal Clear Water?

The best time of day to take amazing photos of Lake Tahoe and the clear blue water is early in the morning when the lake is still calm. That way you will see the underlying boulders better and have a smoother and waveless surface.

On top, you will also encounter fewer people early in the morning.

Over underwater photo of Lake Tahoe's Bonsai Beach — Over/underwater shot at crystal clear Bonsai Beach.

How To Take Half Underwater Photos?

To create these over/underwater photos we use a GoPro and a dome casing. The GoPro underwater dome allows you to see over and under the water at the same time.

Crystal clear water at Secret Cove in Lake Tahoe in summer

How To Take A Photo Of The Water Surface Without A Glare?

To take pictures of the water from above, without getting a lot of glare, a polarizing filter helps filter out the reflection. It also makes the blue tones pop more.

9 | Sunset Over Lake Tahoe From Cave Rock

The top of Cave Rock on the East Shore is one of the most popular sunset photography spots at Lake Tahoe. For good reason, the hike up to Cave Rock is fairly short and easy and the view is just mindblowing.

Since the Cave Rock sunset spot is quite popular expect company.

West Shore Lake Tahoe Photography Spots

10 | Ski Lift Chair Swing

Ski lift chair swing at Obexer's, an instagrammable spot at Lake Tahoe: — Ski lift chair swing at Obexer’s, an instagrammable spot at Lake Tahoe

Bringing the ski fun from the slopes to the lake with this ski chair swing. We discovered the swing some time ago while we were in the area. What a cool idea!

Where To Find The Ski Chair Swing In Lake Tahoe

The ski lift chair swing is located in Homewood at Obexers Boat Company.

11 | Photogenic Lake Tahoe Pier

Gar Woods Restaurant & Pier Lake Tahoe photo spot at Carnelian Bay

At Gar Woods Restaurant & Pier in Carnelian Bay, you will find this Lake Tahoe photo spot.

Photo Locations In Lake Tahoe Donner Area

12 | Amazing Views From Donner Lake Swing

Swing overlooking Donner Lake, an instagrammable photo spot at Lake Tahoe — The Donner Lake swing is probably to most instagrammable photo around Lake Tahoe

In the area of Lake Tahoe, there is another smaller, but also very pretty lake – Donner Lake. The best views of the lake can be enjoyed near Donner Summit Bridge from Donner Lake Overlook.

Donner Summit Swing

The Donner Lake swing is right in the area of Donner Summit and has most instagrammable spot in Lake Tahoe written all over it. Figuratively of course! The views of Donner Lake from up there are incredible!

How To Find The Donner Lake Swing Location

If you are wondering how to get to Donner Lake swing, we can tell you that you have to be a little on the lookout for the exact location when driving up Donner Pass Road.

Donner Lake Swing Directions

The photogenic swing is located on the left side of Donner Pass Road, coming up shortly after Donner Summit Bridge when driving upwards from the lake.

When you see a ski area, you went too far! Spotting the swing is not that easy, so you gotta keep an eye out for it. We passed it the first time but found it eventually.

13 | Donner Summit Bridge (Rainbow Bridge)

Rainbow Bridge Donner Lake — Donner Pass Bridge

This is another photo spot in Donner Lake. You can take a snap of the Donner Summit Bridge aka Rainbow Bridge on the way to the Donner Lake swing.

Donner Summit Bridge with Donner Lake View underneath — Rainbow Bridge aka Donner Lake Summit Bridge

To take these amazing photos of Donner Summit Bridge you will need a drone to reach those specific angles.

For even more amazing photos, wait until sunset when the sky lights up in orange and red and reflects on Donner Lake’s surface.

14 | Donner Pass Summit Tunnels

Donner Pass Summit Train Tunnels — Donner Pass Summit Tunnel

The historic Donner Pass Summit Tunnels are a quite unique photo location in the Lake Tahoe Donner area.

The former railroad tunnels are accessible by foot from multiple locations around Donner Summit.

In winter, beautiful ice stalactites form from the tunnel’s ceiling. However, as beautiful as they look, don’t enter any tunnel during the winter and spring season, as those stalactites pose great danger.

You can still take amazing photos of the Donner Tunnel icicles from outside the tunnel.

15 | More Photo Locations In Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Photo Spots

Monkey Rock

Eagle Falls

Eagle Lake

Mt Tallac

Mt Rose Scenic Overlook

Flume Trail

Skylandia Pier

Spooner Lake

Lake Tahoe Photography Tour

If you are new to photography and/or would like to know the Tahoe area better, there is a Lake Tahoe photo tour that shows you the best photo spots in Lake Tahoe and gives you photography tips from an experienced photo guide.

Lake Tahoe Photo Tours

You can choose between a half-day photography tour or a full-day Lake Tahoe photo tour. Both are small groups.

The half-day Ultimate Scenic Tour features Emerald Bay and a beach with views of Mt Tallac.

The full-day Grand Tahoe Around The Lake Tour, circles all around Lake Tahoe and provide as many photo locations as possible.

Photography Gear To Take Amazing Photos Of Lake Tahoe

Over-Under Water Photography

For over/underwater shots we use a GoPro and a dome casing. This way you are able to take a photo from underwater and above water at the same time.

Taking Photos With Minimal Reflections

A polarizing filter helps to minimize the glare on surfaces. We use a polarizing filter to get rid of the reflections of the water’s surface. That way you can see the boulders on the bottom of Lake Tahoe very clearly. In addition, to reducing glare, a polarizing filter makes the blue colors pop more.

Protecting Your Photography Gear

For activities around the water, a dry bag is a must-have to keep your things from getting wet. You can get them in different sizes and colors. We use dry bags not only for our photo great, but for anything else as well that we don’t want to get soaked with water.

Lakefront Hotels To Capture The Best Lake Views

Hotel room at South Lake Tahoe with lake view of Lake Tahoe — Lake view from Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa

If you are into taking photos of Lake Tahoe like us, you will want to know about these Tahoe lakefront hotels that are directly located by the lake and have insane views.

The above photo was taken at Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa. It was super cool waking up next to the lake every morning and the views from the balcony were just incredible.

Lake View Hotels In Tahoe

Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa
(South Lake Tahoe)

The Landing Resort and Spa
(South Lake Tahoe)

Sky Lake Splendor
(South Lake Tahoe)

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
(South Lake Tahoe)

West Shore Cafe and Inn
(Homewood)

Sunnyside Resort and Lodge
(Tahoe City)

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort
(Tahoe Vista)

Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge
(Tahoe Vista)

Lakeside Suites at Hotel California
(Kings Beach)

PRO TIP: Lake Tahoe is a very popular vacation destination and accommodations book out super quickly. We always try to book as early as we can to have enough options and safe money.

Popular areas to stay are: South Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach, Incline Village, and Truckee.