Top 10 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
Situated along the southwest shore, it’s a popular spot near South Lake Tahoe. It’s part of the Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina, which offers a variety of:
- outdoor activities
- log cabins
- dining
- excursions
- 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 summertime, as well as the cutest general store at the entrance to the beach, open year-round.
The beach is managed by the Camp Richardson Resort.
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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If you’re willing to hike the paved path down to Vikingsholm Castle, you’ll reach a secluded, quiet beach on Emerald Bay, mere yards away from the only island on Lake Tahoe — Fannette Island.
Emerald Bay Beach offers kayak rentals in season to paddle out to the island, and, of course, you’ll have a giant, historic castle on the beach to explore!
The hike down to the beach (and back up) is magnificent. This beach, on the ‘teardrop’ bay at the southwestern point of Lake Tahoe, is one of the most stunning and enchanting places on the lake.
Additionally, you can hike up to Eagle Falls from the Vikingsholm lot, which is one of Tahoe’s most famous waterfalls.
Parking can be hard to come by, so get there early. The fee is $10 per vehicle per day, 8 a.m. until sunset.
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, including the iconic Rubicon Trail and the trail to Balance Rock.
The waters here are among the deepest on the lake, making it a popular site for scuba diving. You can also do some great birding from here!
The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle per day, with limited parking near the beach, especially during peak summer months.
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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Set along Lake Tahoe’s north shore, this beach rests in the charming town of Tahoe City.
This is a sandy, pebbly beach, great for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking with shallow waters near the shore.
There’s also a great walking path along the shore, a long pier so you can walk out over the lake, and many restaurants along the water, shops you can walk to, farmer’s markets, and festivals.
There’s a children’s playground, barbecue and picnic tables, and a grassy area. Unlike everything else along the lake,
Commons Beach is free to enter, and street-side parking is free, too!
You can also enjoy summer concerts and outdoor movie nights along this beachfront.
Open sunrise to sunset. Be sure and look for the “Penny Bear” statue while you’re there!
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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In Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park, this beach is celebrated for its impossibly clear waters, soft sands, and dramatic rock formations.
This beach is nothing short of spectacular, and the demand is so high to get in that a new reservation system has just been implemented.
This gorgeous beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scuba diving. Amenities include:
- a boat launch
- picnic areas
- a visitor center
- a gift shop
In summer, you’ll find an evening Shakespeare Festival and access to the Tahoe East Shore Trail, which runs along the shoreline to Incline Village—perfect for walking or biking.
This beach also features a boardwalk nature trail and a snack bar with the greatest view around!
Sand Harbor costs $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents, $15 for non-residents, and requires a new reservation system. If you plan to enter between 8 am and 10 am, it costs an additional $5.
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 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, too.
This beach is run by Zephyr Cove Resort. Entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for day-use parking from 8 am until sunset.
11. Cave Rock Beach (Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park)
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Ever wondered what that massive rock formation is along Highway 50? That’s Cave Rock — one of Lake Tahoe’s most famous landmarks, with a small beach, picnic area, and boat launch tucked right beneath it.
Located along Highway 50, Cave Rock offers a boat launch, picnic area, hiking, fishing, and a small sandy beach beneath the historic Cave Rock Tunnel.
The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle per day from 8 am until sunset.
But if you just want to park for ten minutes to snap a photo of Cave Rock, you can do so for just a couple of dollars in cash!
12. Nevada Beach
Lizzie Gerecitano
Set on the southeastern shore, this tranquil beach offers a long stretch of sand, shaded picnic areas, and one of the lake’s most scenic sunset views.
It’s excellent for viewing scenic sunsets, and the beach is dotted with towering pine trees.
This beach is 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. Parking fee: $10 per vehicle per day.
FAQS
Is it better to stay on the California or Nevada side of Lake Tahoe?
Stay on the California side for more beaches and family-friendly towns like South Lake Tahoe. Choose the Nevada side for casinos, nightlife, and lakefront resorts with fewer crowds.
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?
The best time to visit Lake Tahoe is summer (June–August) for hiking and beaches, or winter (December–February) for skiing and snowboarding. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
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 is often considered the prettiest beach at Lake Tahoe, known for its clear turquoise water, dramatic boulders, and scenic views. It’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, and photography.
Explore Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide
Although there are plenty more small beaches along Lake Tahoe, the ones featured here are among the most popular and your best bet for enjoying the natural beauty of the lake — along with the best photo ops and Instagrammable images you’ll ever take!
That said, these beaches have parking lots that fill up fast between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the heart of the summer, so be sure and get an early start to nab your spot. And hey — be sure and tag Shaka Guide in your photos!
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