Top 12 Lake Tahoe Beaches in California & Nevada
- Lake Tahoe’s beaches are mostly first-come, first-served, and parking lots fill up quickly during summer.
- Water temperatures rarely exceed 65°F even in July and August, so swimming can feel surprisingly cold.
- Bring cash for parking fees, check dog rules in advance, and arrive early for the best shoreline spots.
Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is North America’s largest alpine lake.
At 6,225 feet above sea level and surrounded by peaks topping 10,000 feet, it’s famous for crystal-clear waters, mountain views, and 72 miles of shoreline.
Beaches here are beautiful for paddleboarding, boating, and kayaking, though the water stays chilly—rarely warmer than 65°F in summer.
Many beaches are managed by state parks or the U.S. Forest Service, with first-come, first-served parking that often fills quickly.
Some welcome dogs, others don’t, so check ahead if you’re bringing a pet.
In the meantime, here’s a look at some of the best beaches—each with its own charm.
California Side of Lake Tahoe
1. Pope Beach
Located on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is a family-friendly destination featuring a wide, shaded, three-quarter-mile stretch of sand.
It’s got picnic tables, barbecue grills, and shallow waters for swimming. Amenities include kayak, paddleboard, and jet ski rentals.
This beach is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. $10 per vehicle per day, 8 a.m. until sunset.
2. Camp Richardson Beach
Lizzie Gerecitano
On the southwest shore, there is a popular lakeside destination in South Lake Tahoe. It’s part of the Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, log cabins, dining, excursions, and boat rentals.
This beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, hiking, dining, and camping (or staying in a log cabin).
You’ll also find music festivals and craft fairs in the summertime, as well as the cutest General Store at the entrance to the beach (it’s got a fireplace and hot food), open year-round.
The beach is managed by the Camp Richardson Resort. No specific hours are designated, but the restaurant and beach bar on the sand — Beacon Bar and Grill — are open from:
- 11:30 - 7 pm on Fridays/Saturdays,
- 11:30 - 6 pm on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays
- Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
A varying parking fee applies if you park on Jameson Beach Road in the summertime.
3. Baldwin Beach
On the southwestern shore along Highway 89, there is an expansive, half-mile sandy beach that’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking (with rentals available).
It offers picnic tables and barbecue grills, making it ideal for family outings.
This beach has stunning views of the mountains.
And, for seasoned kayakers, Baldwin Beach is close enough (two miles each way) to paddle over to Emerald Bay and Fanette Island (although the closest place for paddling to Fanette Island is from Vikingsholm Castle, which you’ll read about next on this list).
Baldwin Beach is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Tahoe Recreation (a division of California Land Management). $10 per vehicle per day from 8 a.m. until sunset.
4. Vikingsholm Castle/ Emerald Bay Beach
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On the western shore of Lake Tahoe sits a teardrop section of the lake with an island in the middle of it and a hidden castle on the beach.
To get there, you’ll need to hike down a long, roughly paved path—but it’s worth every step.
At the bottom, you’ll discover a secluded, quiet beach on Emerald Bay, where you can paddle out to Lake Tahoe’s only island—Fannette Island. (Seasonal kayak rentals are available.)
But the main draw of this beachfront is to explore the historic castle!
The hike down to the beach (and back up) is magnificent in and of itself, but it’s a little steep, takes about 20 minutes each way, and has an elevation change. And no, you can’t drive down to it.
This beachfront is one of the most stunning and enchanting places on the lake. Open sunrise to sunset, Visitor center hours 10 am - 4:30 pm. $10 per vehicle per day or $3 per hour.
Guided tours inside the castle are every half hour, 10:30 - 4 pm (tickets available at the visitor’s center, $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and students).
5. D.L. Bliss State Park and its Riviera Beach
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This beach is less crowded compared to some of the others, so it’s peaceful and tranquil, with gorgeous lake and mountain views.
It’s ideal for swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and there are lots of hiking trails nearby.
But don’t miss the iconic Rubicon Trail and especially the trail to Balance Rock.
The waters from this state park are among the deepest on the lake, making it a popular site for scuba diving.
You can also do some great birding from here!
$10 per vehicle per day, 8 a.m. until sunset, with limited parking near the beach, especially during peak summer months, so get there early.
6. Meeks Bay Beach
Found on the western shore, this spot offers white sands and sparkling, clear waters. You can enjoy:
- swimming
- boating
- volleyball
- hiking
- fishing
- camping
The adjacent resort offers amenities like a snack shack and watercraft rentals. This beach is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Parking is $10 per vehicle per day, 8 a.m. until sunset.
7. Commons Beach
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On the north shore of Lake Tahoe, you’ll come across the idyllic small town of Tahoe City.
It’s got a sandy, pebbly beach, great for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with shallow waters near the shore. It’s the town’s gathering spot.
Stroll the beautiful walking path along the lake, and walk out to the end of the long public pier.
In this sweet little town, you’ll find wonderful restaurants and shops along the main street and waterfront, along with seasonal farmers’ markets and festivals.
There’s a children’s playground, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a grassy area.
Unlike the other beaches surrounding the lake, Commons Beach is free, as is parking around town.
You can also enjoy summer concerts and outdoor movie nights along this beachfront.
While you’re here in Tahoe City, be sure and check out the Lake Tahoe Dam and the pathways along the crystal-clear Truckee River.
And don’t leave town without stopping by the “Penny Bear” statue!
8. Kings Beach
Lizzie Gerecitano
Want a beach with plenty of space and things to do? This features a sandy shoreline, picnic areas, playgrounds, and nearby shops and restaurants in town, making it a bustling hub of activity. Enjoy
- paddleboarding
- kayaking
- jet skiing
- parasailing
- beach volleyball
In summertime, this popular beach also offers concerts and festivals.
This beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Parking is $10 per day per vehicle, open from 8 am until sunset.
Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe
9. Sand Harbor (Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park)
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This Lake Tahoe spot is iconic and world-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and especially for its unique rock formations in the water. If you have to choose just one beach to visit in Tahoe, this is it.
This beach is nothing short of spectacular, and the demand is so high to get in that there is a reservation system during the high season’s peak hours. This gorgeous beach is ideal for:
- swimming
- kayaking
- paddleboarding
- scuba diving
Amenities include:
- boat launch
- picnic areas
- visitor’s center
- gift shop
- summertime evening Shakespeare Festival series (with tiered seating overlooking the lake)
- access to the magical Tahoe East Shore Trail that runs from the beach, along the shoreline, all the way to the town of Incline Village (perfect for walking or biking).
This beach also features a magnificent boardwalk nature trail and a snack bar with outdoor seating that provides the greatest view!
Nevada residents pay $10 per vehicle, and non-NV residents pay $15. You must make a reservation if you plan to enter between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. from April 15th to October 15th.
Before 8 am and after 10:30 am, entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on capacity.
This beach is managed by Nevada State Parks, open until one hour after sunset.
10. Zephyr Cove
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Located on the eastern shore, this beach offers a narrow stretch of sand nestled within the National Forest.
The shallow waters make it perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
You’ll also find volleyball, jet skiing, parasailing, and even a paddlewheeler steamboat offering sunset dinner cruises (advanced reservations required).
You can even stay in an adorable log cabin in the woods on the beach here.
There are also occasional live music events and beach parties here in the summertime. This beach is run by Zephyr Cove Resort.
Parking starts at $20 per vehicle for day-use parking, but prices can rise based on demand or events. Open sunrise until sunset.
11. Cave Rock Beach (Lake Tahoe, Nevada State Park)
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Beneath an enormous cave on Tahoe’s east side sits one of the lake’s most beloved and recognizable formations.
Cave Rock sits along Highway 50, and you actually drive through the cave’s tunnel.
It offers a boat launch, picnic area, hiking, fishing, and a small sandy beach at the foot of the tunnel.
NV residents pay $10 per vehicle per day, and non-NV residents pay $15, with access from 8 a.m. until sunset.
If you just want to drive to the waterfront below the tunnel to take a photo looking up at Cave Rock, they'll let you stay for ten minutes for a couple of bucks.
12. Nevada Beach
Lizzie Gerecitano
This stunning and serene beach is one long, scenic, sandy stretch, which includes a campground and a shaded picnic area.
It’s excellent for viewing scenic sunsets, and the beach is dotted with towering pine trees.
It’s great for swimming as the waters are clear, calm, shallow, and therefore slightly warmer (compared to other parts of the lake), making it a family-friendly spot.
This beach is also pet-friendly, as long as your dog is leashed.
Nevada Beach also has one of the most popular campgrounds on the lake, offering both tent sites and RV spaces right by the lake. It’s managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
*$10 per vehicle per day for NV residents, $15 for non-NV residents, open 8 am - 8 pm.
FAQS
Is it better to stay on the California or Nevada side of Lake Tahoe?
Both sides of the lake offer spectacular lakefront beaches, parks, and towns, each with its own personality, views, and vibes.
If you have to narrow it down to just a few choices, Sand Harbor in Nevada and Emerald Bay in California are your best bets.
But..speaking of bets…if you’d like to mix in casinos and nightlife, South Lake Tahoe sits on the border of Stateline, where you’ll find legal gaming.
Is Lake Tahoe in both California and Nevada?
Yes, Lake Tahoe spans both California and Nevada. The western shore lies in California, while the eastern shore is in Nevada.
What is the best time to visit Tahoe?
It depends on why you’re going. If you want summer water sports and activities, the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
If you want to avoid the summer crowds and take a more leisurely drive around the lake with a better chance of finding hotel lodging, better prices, and available parking at all of the best locations around the lake, September (after Labor Day weekend), October, and May (before Memorial Day weekend) are the best times to visit.
If you’re coming to Tahoe for skiing and snowboarding, then December–April is the snow season.
Is Lake Tahoe safe to swim in?
Yes, Lake Tahoe is safe to swim in. The water is clean and clear, but it’s cold year-round, even in summer. Always swim near designated beaches and follow safety guidelines, especially with kids or in deep areas.
What is the prettiest beach at Lake Tahoe?
Sand Harbor in Nevada and Emerald Bay in California are often considered the prettiest beaches around Lake Tahoe, known for their clear turquoise water and their picture-perfect, dramatic views.
Explore Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide
In my opinion, everyone should drive around Lake Tahoe at least once in their lifetime. Bring Shaka Guide along for stories and tips that make the trip even more memorable.
While the full loop takes about three to four hours, it’s worth spending two days to really experience it—one night in South Lake Tahoe and another in Tahoe City lets you explore half the lake each day.
Even after summer, September is an ideal time to visit: fewer crowds, mild weather, and Tahoe’s beauty at its best. It’s truly one of the most spectacular destinations in the U.S.
Lizzie lives on the northeast coast but is an explorer at heart whose biggest challenge is staying in one place. She finds fulfillment in discovering the beauty that lives in every nook and cranny throughout the world, and often captures those images in photos.
She's continuously in search of new paths to walk, hidden adventures to uncover, local flavors to taste...and she wants to share it all with you.
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