The Lake Tahoe-Eastshore Drive follows the east shore of Lake Tahoe for about 28 miles, from Stateline on the California line to Crystal Bay at the north end. It uses US 50 and Nevada State Route 28.
The road was used for timber flumes from the 1880s and paved around 1932. Nevada made it a state scenic byway in 1994, and it became a National Scenic Byway in 1996.
Most of the drive is on or near the lake. It passes Cave Rock, Sand Harbor, Memorial Point, and Incline Village, and ends at Crystal Bay, home of the first casino at Tahoe.
Route Details: Lake Tahoe-Eastshore Drive
Mile markers below are my estimates of distance from Stateline.
Stateline (0 miles)
Stateline sits on the Nevada-California line and is the suggested start. It is known for casinos, entertainment, and skiing, and it has several Tesla Superchargers.
Zephyr Cove (3 miles)
Zephyr Cove has an 8-stall Tesla Supercharger rated up to 325 kW, and it’s the last easy stop for food and supplies before the quiet stretch north.
Cave Rock (7 miles)
US 50 passes through a tunnel at Cave Rock, a prominent natural feature of the east shore. Cave Rock is part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, and the park allows leashed pets.
Spooner Junction and Spooner Lake (12 miles)
At Spooner Junction, SR 28 turns north off US 50, and the scenery changes from open forest to lake edge. Spooner Lake is just south of the junction and has trails.
Memorial Point and Hidden Beach (19 miles)
Memorial Point is a scenic lookout, and Hidden Beach is a quieter beach, both between Spooner Junction and Sand Harbor. They are good places for a short stop.
Sand Harbor (20 miles)
Sand Harbor has three sandy beaches, boat launching, and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival each summer. Pets are welcome in the park but not on the three beaches.
Thunderbird Lodge (21 miles)
Thunderbird Lodge was the estate of tycoon George Whittell, and its 600-foot tunnel is a highlight. You need a scheduled tour to go inside.
Incline Village (24 miles)
Incline Village has lakefront mansions and is considered one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country. It has eight charging locations, including a 50 kW fast stall at Raley’s.
Crystal Bay (28 miles)
The byway ends at Crystal Bay, where the Cal Neva Resort, built in 1928, was the first casino at Tahoe. The road runs close to the water, and the California line is just ahead.
Use the trip planner to build a day-by-day itinerary based on your available time and starting point.
