Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive
Lake Tahoe Eastshore Drive Suggested Tour

Departure: Incline Village, Nevada
Destination: Stateline, Nevada
Time to allow: 2 days

Called "the most beautiful drive in America," the 72-mile "Rim of the Lake" drive affords the traveler breathtaking views of spectacularly-clear Lake Tahoe. This pristine alpine lake is surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada’s. The Nevada side (Hwy 50 and State Route 28) is mostly undeveloped except for the fabulous recreational opportunities afforded nearby (Zephyr Cove Resort, stables, campgrounds, Tahoe Rim Trail, Heavenly Ski Resort, Diamond Peak Ski Resort in Incline, the hotel/casinos on both north and south shores, and golf courses). Part of the Pony Express trail and home to the historic sacred grounds of the Washoe Indians, Lake Tahoe's East Shore offers something for everyone all year.

You may want to begin traveling the byway at the northern terminus at Crystal Bay along the California/Nevada border. From here, the highway winds toward Incline Village, one of Tahoe's finest communities. As an additional side trip you can travel four miles up Mt. Rose Highway, this leads to a lookout over the entire Tahoe Basin.

Day 1

  • Start: Incline Village

    Visit the community that's home to many events and festivals, including the Lake Tahoe Jazz Festival. During the winter time enjoy skiing the slopes of Diamond Peak Ski Resort at Incline Village.

  • Stop 1: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 4.52 mi (7.2 km)
    Directions:

    Begin driving south on State Road 28 toward Winding Way. Continue following State Road 28 until you reach Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park at 2005 Highway 28, Incline Village, NV 89451.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Enjoy the scenic Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and the ample opportunities it provides for outdoor recreation.

  • Stop 2: Sand Harbor State Park

    From previous stop: 1 minute / 2 mi (3.2 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southward on State Road 28 until you reach Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    This state park is one of the most popular sites along the Byway to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, and the annual Shakespeare and Music Festival.

  • End: Glenbrook

    From previous stop: 18 minutes / 11.76 mi (18.8 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on State Road 28 toward US 50 and turn right. Turn right again onto Glenbrook Road, gate access is required to enter. Turn right onto Old Highway 50 and then turn left onto South Meadow Road. Turn right again onto Glenbrook Road, take your next right and then your next left, ending in Glenbrook.

    Enjoy a leisure golfing experience in the old logging community of Glenbrook.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 18.28 miles / 29.2 km
Total Travel Time: 26 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Cave Rock

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 3.74 mi (6.0 km)
    Directions:

    Begin driving southwest from Glenbrook and turn onto Glenbrook Road. Turn right onto US 50 West and then make a U-turn onto US 50 East. Drive until you reach Cave Rock in Glenbrook.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Visit a natural wonder at Cave Rock where the highway passes through 25 yards of solid stone. The site is considered to be a holy spot for the native Washoe Indians who put their deceased to rest in the cold waters below the outcropping.

  • Stop 2: Zephyr Cove

    From previous stop: 13 minutes / 5.23 mi (8.4 km)
    Directions:

    Begin driving east on US 50 East towards US 50 West and turn left. Turn right onto Kelly Circle and turn right again to stay on Kelly Circle. From here turn right onto Glenbrook Road and turn right again onto US 50 West. Turn left onto Martin Drive and turn left again onto North Martin Drive and stay on this road until you reach Zephyr Cove.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    Zephyr Cove is host to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, camping, sailing, picnicking, snowmobiling, and cruises.

  • Stop 3: Tahoe-Douglas Visitors Center

    From previous stop: 4 minutes / 2.27 mi (3.6 km)
    Directions:

    Begin driving west on North Martin Drive toward Lakeview Drive. Turn right onto Martin Drive and left onto Lake Tahoe Boulevard on US 50. Turn left onto Elks Point Road and left again onto Paiute Drive and follow this road until you reach the Tahoe-Douglas Visitors Center at Round Hill.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    The Tahoe-Douglas Visitor's Center offers many resources for visitors to Lake Tahoe. It's a great place to stop to learn about fun activities in the area.

  • End: Stateline

    From previous stop: 4 minutes / 2.29 mi (3.7 km)
    Directions:

    Begin driving east on Paiute Drive towards Elks Point Road and turn right. Turn left onto Lake Tahoe Boulevard / US 50 and drive until you reach the Stateline.
    Suggested time at this stop: 3 hours

    Visiting the Stateline will help you find a variety of entertainment events, including casinos, lounges, restaurants, and theaters.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 13.53 miles / 21.6 km
Total Travel Time: 28 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 7 hours 30 minutes