The Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is known for its beautiful skiing in the winter and gorgeous beaches in the summer. The crystal clear blue water and rock formations along the edges with the mountain backdrop create the beautiful landscape that is Lake Tahoe. With so many beaches around the lake, I have rounded up the best beaches to visit in the north and south on your next visit.

Lake Tahoe Facts

• Lake Tahoe was formed millions of years ago when the valley sank between two parallel faults as the mountains on either side rose. Water from rivers and streams flowed into the Tahoe Basin, gradually filling it several hundred feet above its present level.
• Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America. It is 1,645 feet deep, 22 miles long, and 12 miles wide with 72 miles of shoreline. It is the second deepest lake in America, next to Oregon’s Crater Lake.
• The surface of Lake Tahoe is blue in part because it’s reflecting the sky, but the water being crystal clear absorbs red light, leaving that rich blue color.
• The water is cold in Lake Tahoe, staying around 39 degrees. However, shallow beach areas around the Lake can warm up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and up during the summer months.
• Lake Tahoe sits on the Stateline of Nevada and California.

Tips for Lake Tahoe Beaches

• Bring hiking shoes – A lot of the beaches are good trekk down from the parking. My recommendation is to keep hiking boots in your car as you are exploring throughout the day just in case.
• Bring cash – Many of the beaches on the lake are part of local or state parks that require a day-use fee.
• Get there early – A lot of the parking lots fill up super early, so I recommend getting there as early as possible to ensure you get parking. You can risk it going later in the day in hopes that someone is leaving by then, but be prepared to wait.
• Bring floats – One of my favorite ways to hang out at the beach was to float in the water. We would carry them down in our beach bag for the day and deflate them before leaving.

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Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe

North Side Lake Tahoe Beaches

Sand Harbor Beach

One of Lake Tahoe’s most popular beaches, Sand Harbor Beach is by far one of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe. It has multiple beach areas surrounding the parking lot. If you are wanting the rockier, boulder-filled beaches, head to the right once you park.

You can rent kayaks and paddle boards on the left, more open beach. Fo clear kayaks, you must book a tour in advance. Other kayaks and paddleboards can be rented the day of on the beach.

• Parking: $10 per vehicle, parking lot inside the state park entrance. The park entrance is completely closed off once the parking lot is full, so I recommend getting here when it opens at 7 am.
• Amenities: Barbecues, paddleboard/kayak, and jet ski rentals, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, and boat launch area

Secret Cove Beach

Known by the locals as one of the prettiest beaches in the area. Beware that it is a nude beach, but most people are clothed. It is a 1.3-mile hike straight down for a total of 2.6 miles. The cove is stunning and surrounded by beautiful granite boulders with the most crystal clear blue water you have ever seen.

• Parking: Free parking along the side of the road. Easy to find when you type on maps. You can also park in the Chimeny Beach parking area and hike across.
• Amenities: No amenities.

Chimney Beach

Chimney Beach is named after the chimney that stands alone on the shoreline of the cove. The brick chimney is all that is left of an old cabin built on the beach between boulders. It features several pristine coves and secluded strips of beach. It is 0.55 miles down for a total of 1.1 miles.

• Parking: Small parking lot at the top of the hike down. You can also park along the road or it can also be accessed via a short and scenic hike from the Sand Harbor parking lot.
• Amenities: No amenities.

Whale Beach

Its name comes from a protruding rock in the bay that appears to look like a sperm whale bursting out of the water. It has also been known as the Black Sand Beach of Lake Tahoe because of the dark color of the sand.

• Parking: It’s accessible by parking at Secret Harbor Parking area and walking down the access road until you reach the vault toilet and take the trail to the lakeshore (1/2 mile walk from the toilet). Total of 2 miles.
• Amenities: No amenities.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is small, but not as popular as other surrounding beaches. So, it tends to be less busy and it is a popular beach among locals.

• Parking: Can find parking on the side of the road and walk down the various trails above the beach.
• Amenities: No amenities.

South Side Lake Tahoe Beaches

Emerald Bay Beach

It is beautifully set inside Emerald Bay. It’s one of Lake Tahoe’s most visited attractions known for its clear waters, boating opportunities, and panoramic views.

At the beach area, you can do a tour of the Vikingsholm Castle built by Lora Josephine Knight in 1929. The island has a tea house on it where she enjoyed afternoon tea with friends. You can rent Kayaks and Paddleboards to go to the island where you can get 360-degree views of the bay.

There are also several nearby hikes that you continue on at the bottom such as Eagle Falls Trail or Rubicon Trail from here.

• Parking: Parking is at Vikingsholm Trailhead. The parking lot fills up fast, so get there early. It is a one-mile hike with about a 450-foot elevation change.
• Amenities: Paddleboard/kayak rentals and restrooms.

Pope Beach

Pope Beach is located right at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe. It is a 3/4 mile sandy beach perfect for swimming. Beacon Bar & Grill is on the beach here, so you can close out your day with dinner and sunset views.

• Parking: There is a parking lot, but parking is limited and there is a small fee.
• Amenities: Paddleboard/kayak rentals, restrooms, food concessions, and picnic tables.

Zephyr Cove Beach

This is a mile-long sandy beach that is more open similar to a normal beach area. It is a great beach for families. Sunset Bar & Grille is located on this beach with cocktail service, as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals.

• Parking: There is a parking lot, but parking is limited and there is a small fee.
• Amenities: Paddleboard/kayak rentals, restrooms, food concessions, volleyball courts, picnic tables, jet ski/boat rentals, and barbeques.

Cave Rock Beach

Cave Rock is a recreation site in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. The beach area is a small cove area with rock formations and sandy beaches. There is also a trail above the tunnel that is amazing for sunset views!

• Parking: There is a parking lot that charges a small fee.
• Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, and boat launching.

Lester Beach

Lester Beach is located in the D.L. Bliss State Park on the southwest shore. Has lagoon-like swimming areas with more private coves with excellent views of the mountains and lake.

• Parking: There is parking for the beach at the bottom of the hill by the water, but spots are limited. Arrive early as once the parking lot is filled, visitors are not allowed to drive into the park, and must walk approximately 2 miles from the highway to the beach.
• Amenities: Restrooms and picnic tables.

 

I hope this list was helpful in planning your next trip to Lake Tahoe!

xx,

Ashley

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