Capture the perfect family photo against the picturesque landscape of Lake Tahoe this Fall! Tahoe's gorgeous scenery sets a flawless backdrop for seasonal portraits and goofy family candids for the ideal holiday card. We've got the best locations for snapping beaches painted in sunset colors, rock formations bathed in golden light, and waterfalls nestled amongst pine trees surrounded by Tahoe's cobalt blue waters and stunning mountain peaks. Get ready to frame moments you'll cherish forever at our favorite photography spots!
Take gorgeous sunrise photos on the California side of Lake Tahoe and striking sunset photos on the Nevada side. Find our favorite sunrise spots on the south west shore at Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls, and Vikingsholm. Capture incredible sunset pics on the north east shore at Sand Harbor, Bonsai Rock and Secret Cove. Bring a tripod and play around with the landscape in relation to the direction of light, and carry a selfie stick to get a fun angle on a goofy family photo. You can even hire a local photographer to do a family photo shoot!
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is everyone's favorite for its stunning teal waters set amongst beautiful brown and grey boulders. It's literally picture perfect and the beautiful sunrise hues reflected on the water make this an iconic location. It's Instagram worthy and absolutely stunning with the Sierras in the background and pine trees dotting the shoreline. With endless spots to choose from, you'll have no trouble creating the perfect photo.
Bonsai Rock
Find Bonsai Rock just a mile south of Sand Harbor Beach. With little trees growing out of a crevice at the top, it's a great rock to jump off of for fun family or couple photos! Huge boulders sitting below the water's surface make Bonsai Rock a great place for a beautiful shot. Come early in the day or visit at sunset and stay for the blue hour. It doesn't disappoint.
Secret Cove
Couples love the crystal clear emerald waters at secret cove! It's actually a nude beach but in fall/winter, you won't find many people in their birthday suit, so you'll have the place to yourself early in the morning. If you're looking for a picture with quintessential Tahoe blues, this is it! Bring your camera to the sandy beach and snap away for stunning pics.
Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm
Get a striking sunrise photo with all the natural elements at Eagle Falls above Emerald Bay. This waterfall shot is framed perfectly by the vibrant colors of the pine trees bathed in the gentle light of the morning. With Emerald Bay in the background, this is one photo op you don't want to miss.
The picturesque Emerald Bay is beautiful any time of day and the cobalt blue waters below the sprawling forest trees make it one of the most photographed locations in Lake Tahoe. With Fanette Island perched in the middle of the Bay, you can't get a more Tahoe photo than the Emerald Bay lookout! After snapping shots of Emerald Bay from up high, change your vantage point and walk to Vikingsholm via the Rubicon trailhead for a stunning beach and pier shot with Fanette Island in the background. The scale from here is beautiful and makes for a great eye level shot.