60 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe offers breathtaking scenery for landscape and waterscape photography. It is especially picturesque during winter for snow-covered landscapes.
Offers sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, located on the California–Nevada border with easy access.
A scenic viewpoint overlooking Lake Tahoe, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It's ideal for capturing panoramic views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
As the tallest bridge in California and the fourth highest in the U.S., Foresthill Bridge offers dramatic views of the valley below. It is perfect for capturing architectural landscape photography, especially when the bridge is highlighted against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
Known for its unique historic chimney on the beach, this location offers beautiful lake views and scenic hikes.
A scenic trail known for its challenging hike and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It offers unique opportunities for capturing rock formations and wildlife.
This location offers a scenic backdrop with the American River, an arched bridge, and rugged hills. It is ideal for capturing dramatic landscapes and portraits with a natural setting.
This canyon offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains, ideal for landscape and nature photography. It provides vast opportunities for capturing scenic vistas and wildlife.
This reservoir is ideal for serene waterscape photography, offering reflections of the surrounding forest and mountains. It’s also a great spot for capturing outdoor activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
An iconic arched bridge spanning the North Fork of the American River, nestled in a rugged river canyon with dramatic rock faces and foothill foliage. This spot is especially photogenic at sunset, with the bridge’s silhouette framing the river and canyon.
Located below Foresthill Bridge, this area offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. It is excellent for landscape and architectural photography, especially capturing the unique No-Hands Bridge.
This spot offers breathtaking views of Donner Lake, especially after a snowstorm when the trees are covered in snow. It requires chairlift access or snowshoeing during winter.
A ski resort overlooking Lake Tahoe, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It's perfect for capturing mountain landscapes and ski activities.
Located on the Nevada side, this overlook provides sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. It's perfect for panoramic landscape shots.
This park offers dark skies and excellent views of the lake, making it ideal for stargazing and night photography. It's equipped with picnic areas and restrooms, providing a comfortable setting for photographers.
A scenic trail offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. It's perfect for capturing serene water reflections and forest scenery.
This river offers scenic views and opportunities for waterscape photography, especially during peak flow seasons.
An elevated viewpoint offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, ideal for capturing scenic landscapes and sunsets.
A scenic reservoir with opportunities for capturing water reflections and nature photography.
A scenic beach on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, offering tranquil lake views and a picturesque pier. It's ideal for capturing beach scenes, sunsets, and peaceful moments.
A loop trail featuring dramatic waterfalls, deep pools, and a panoramic canyon vista. The falls are most impressive in winter and spring, but the granite cliffs and oak woodlands are photogenic year-round.
Offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing water and land vistas.
Features giant boulders and a vast landscape, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.
A picturesque spot on Folsom Lake with opportunities for capturing dramatic sunsets and lake activities.
A resort offering a mix of natural landscapes and action sports photography, with vibrant colors during winter.
A scenic viewpoint near the entrance to Foresthill, offering expansive vistas of the America River canyon and Sierra foothills. The area is especially photogenic in fall and spring.
A popular beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, known for its scenic views and vibrant community. It's great for capturing beach life and natural landscapes.
This spot offers serene shoreline views and panoramic vistas of Lake Tahoe. It's perfect for capturing peaceful landscapes or portraits against a natural backdrop.
This location features a serene shoreline and panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. It's ideal for capturing peaceful landscapes or portraits against a natural backdrop.
This scenic drive offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe with several pull-outs and parks, making it ideal for capturing the lake's beauty from different angles.
A scenic spot on Folsom Lake with opportunities for capturing natural beauty and lake activities.
This venue offers picturesque gardens and rustic architecture, making it ideal for portrait and wedding photography. The gardens provide a serene backdrop for capturing intimate moments.
This spot is ideal for capturing the energy of the river and the fun of outdoor activities like rock jumping. It offers a blend of natural scenery and action photography.
Located on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, this beach offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape, making it ideal for beach and landscape photography.
These trails offer scenic views of rivers and forests, providing opportunities for nature photography and capturing serene natural environments.
A scenic lake offering tranquil views and opportunities for water and nature photography.
A scenic spot on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It's great for capturing lake views, mountain vistas, and tranquility.
Known for its beautiful golf course and patio, this venue offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, making it ideal for outdoor and architecture photography.
Located near Newcastle, this dam offers a unique mix of industrial and natural landscapes. It's an excellent spot for capturing dramatic water flows and surrounding landscapes.
Features a forested stretch of tall trees and Dry Creek, offering foliage and fields with taller grasses. The creek is low in dry seasons, allowing for photos on its shores.
A picturesque orchard with rows of apple trees, offering opportunities for landscape and still-life photography.
A scenic loop trail through meadows and oak woodlands, with glimpses of Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon. Offers peaceful, rustic compositions and seasonal wildflowers.
A lesser-known ridgeline offering panoramic views of the Auburn Valley, the American River, and distant Sierra foothills. The area is especially beautiful in wildflower season.
A historic railroad tunnel now part of the American River Canyon trail system. Offers unique architectural, urban exploration, and dramatic lighting opportunities for creative photographers.
A charming church with a historic architecture, offering opportunities for exterior and interior photography.
A popular ski resort with picturesque trails and mountain views, ideal for capturing winter sports and landscapes.
Located in Kings Beach, Secline Beach provides a superb view of Lake Tahoe, looking east and south. It has picnic areas and is accessible without fees, making it a convenient spot for casual photography.
This historic downtown area captures the charm of a small Gold Rush town, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography.
A historic town with preserved Gold Rush architecture, offering opportunities for architectural, street, and historical photography.
Located nearby, this historic district offers opportunities for capturing rustic architecture and street scenes.
This area offers boulders and a bridge, providing a unique setting for capturing natural landscapes and textures.
This winery offers a charming atmosphere with lush vineyards, perfect for capturing rustic landscapes and architecture. It's a great spot for capturing the beauty of agriculture and rural life.
This site hosts annual festivals celebrating the town's heritage. It is ideal for capturing cultural events and candid street photography.
The surrounding trails offer beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and are ideal for nature and landscape photography.
Known for its scenic views and recreational activities, Granite Bay offers beautiful lakeside settings and parks. It's a great spot for capturing family moments or lake activities.
Tahoe City is a charming area with a mix of commercial, residential, and natural scenery, offering opportunities for street and landscape photography. It features a variety of local shops and scenic views.
This location offers scenic views of the lake's shoreline and surrounding mountains. It is ideal for capturing serene landscapes during the golden hour or for portraits against a natural backdrop.
The downtown area offers a charming rural setting with historic buildings and quaint shops. It's perfect for capturing street life and architectural details.
Kings Beach is a bustling area with a beautiful shoreline, offering opportunities for street and people photography. It features a mix of commercial and residential scenery with a lively atmosphere.
A unique spot with two horse staging arenas and a dog park, offering opportunities for wildlife and action photography.
