A practical day trip from Edgewood: Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm
From Edgewood Tahoe Resort, a practical day trip to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm is a scenic drive along Highway 50 to Emerald Bay State Park where you can park, walk the viewpoint, and descend to the lakeshore to tour Vikingsholm (seasonal tours). Plan for roughly a half- to full-day outing depending on whether you hike, picnic, or take a short boat/kayak from the park.
In this guide
Getting there from Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Edgewood Tahoe Resort sits at 180 Lake Parkway in Stateline, NV. Emerald Bay State Park and Vikingsholm are reached by driving west on Highway 50 toward Tahoe City; published distances from the resort to Emerald Bay vary by source (roughly 8.5–14 miles).
Depending on traffic and your exact route, expect a drive of roughly 20–35 minutes each way; the route follows the south shore and climbs slightly before the bay. If you prefer not to drive, the resort offers a complimentary local shuttle within a few miles of property—check with concierge for coverage and timing.
- Drive time: typically 20–35 minutes (varies with route and traffic).
- Route: Highway 50 west along the south shore to Emerald Bay.
- Ask Edgewood concierge about complimentary local shuttle service and parking tips.
| From | Typical travel time |
|---|---|
| Edgewood Tahoe Resort (Stateline) | About 20–35 minutes by car |
| Heavenly Village area | A few minutes more depending on pickup |
| Reno-Tahoe International Airport (for reference) | Roughly 1 hour drive to Edgewood, then day-trip time to Emerald Bay |
What to expect at Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay is known for steep forested slopes and clear blue water; the roadside viewpoint is an easy stop with panoramic views of the bay and Fannette Island. The park includes parking, trails, picnic areas, and beach access in season.
Facilities and access at Emerald Bay are seasonal and subject to change; parking can fill on busy summer weekends. If you plan to descend to the lake level or hike, wear sturdy shoes and bring water; the path down to the lakeshore involves switchbacks and steps.
- Scenic roadside viewpoints with parking (limited at peak times).
- Trails and switchback path descend to the lakeshore and Vikingsholm (steep in places).
- Picnic areas and seasonal beach access; check park signage for closures.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint | Short stop for photos and panoramic views |
| Trails/beach | Steep descent; allow time to walk back up |
| Parking | Can be limited on busy days |
Vikingsholm: the historic Scandinavian house
Vikingsholm is a historic house at the head of Emerald Bay notable for its Scandinavian-style architecture. Public tours operate seasonally; check the park or tour information for current hours and tour availability.
To reach the house you can walk down the trail from the parking area to the shoreline and follow the short lakeside path to Vikingsholm. Guided interior tours (when offered) describe the house's architecture and restoration history.
- Interior tours are seasonal—confirm current schedule before you go.
- The walk from the parking/viewpoint to Vikingsholm involves a downhill stair/trail and a short lakeside walk.
- Photography is allowed outside; interior tour rules are set by the park.
| Planning item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Tour availability | Seasonal—check park site or visitor center |
| Trail difficulty | Downhill to lakeshore; moderate return climb |
| Nearby amenities | Limited at the park—bring water and snacks |
Activities you can combine with the trip
Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm work well with short hikes, a picnic at the lakeshore, or a kayaking/kayak-touring stop in season. If you prefer to stay on land, the viewpoint and Vikingsholm tour alone make for a satisfying half-day visit.
If you return to Edgewood in the afternoon or evening, you can use resort amenities like the year-round lakefront heated pool (open 9 AM–9 PM for lodge guests) or reserve a table at one of the resort restaurants.
- Short hikes and viewpoint stops (allow 1–2 hours minimum).
- Picnicking at designated areas—carry out trash if no receptacles are nearby.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding from the park shore when permitted (seasonal).
- Return to Edgewood for dinner at The Edge Restaurant & Lounge (dinner 5:00–9:00 PM) or a casual meal at The Bistro.
| Activity | When to do it |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint & photos | Any time during daylight |
| Vikingsholm interior tour | Seasonal—check park listings |
| Kayak/paddle | Summer months when water access is open |
Practical tips and timing
Arrive early in summer or on holiday weekends to secure parking at the Emerald Bay turnout and to avoid the heat on the return climb from the lakeshore. Bring layered clothing—weather can change quickly at Lake Tahoe.
If you're staying at Edgewood Tahoe Resort, note standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. If you want to shower and relax after the trip before dinner, plan your day so you can be back at the Lodge in time for your restaurant reservation or spa appointment.
- Wear good walking shoes for switchbacks and shoreline trails.
- Bring water, sun protection, and a light jacket.
- Check Vikingsholm tour times and Emerald Bay parking/closures before you go.
- If you plan spa time after the trip, Spa Edgewood reservations run daily from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (sanctuary open until 6:00 PM).
| Edgewood timing | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check-in 4:00 PM | If arriving the same day, plan travel time so you can check in comfortably |
| Pool hours 9:00 AM–9:00 PM | Lakefront pool access is reserved for lodge guests |
| Spa booking hours | Book early for afternoon treatments after your trip |
Returning to Edgewood: dining and recovery options
After the trip you have several on-site dining choices. For a fine-dining evening, The Edge Restaurant & Lounge serves dinner daily from 5:00 PM–9:00 PM; The Bistro offers all-day New American/Tahoe-inspired options and weekend brunch service when available.
If you want a casual meal or a drink after exploring, Brooks' Bar & Deck provides relaxed gastropub fare and a seasonal deck beside the golf course. Edgewood is a cashless property—check your payment options before dining.
- The Edge Restaurant & Lounge — dinner 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (business casual to semi-formal dress code).
- The Bistro — breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch; casual dress.
- Brooks' Bar & Deck — casual bites and happy hour; outdoor deck seating assigned seasonally.
| Restaurant | Best for |
|---|---|
| The Edge Restaurant & Lounge | Formal dinner service and tasting menus |
| The Bistro | All-day casual dining and brunch |
| Brooks' Bar & Deck | Casual lunches, happy hour, and deck seating |
