Most people think of skiing instead of diving up here, but America’s largest, highest alpine lake offers great diving with good visibility in the cobalt-blue waters. The Emerald Bay Maritime Heritage Trail is one choice, perfect for snorkelers or divers. It offers historic underwater features at four dive sites along Emerald Bay State Park’s shoreline on the lake’s west side, including two large barges and all kinds of fish, including lake trout (mackinaw), rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, and largemouth bass. Other popular dive sites surrounding the lake are Sand Harbor, Hurricane Bay, Carnelian West Beach, Sunny Side, Rubicon Wall, and Cave Rock State Park. scubadiverlife.com NOTE: You’ll need to be high-altitude certified to dive Lake Tahoe and the snow-fed water temperatures range from 40 degrees in winter to 70 degrees in summer, so dry suits are definitely recommended. Parking is free in lots around most of the lake and most have public bathrooms.