The 7 Best Lake Tahoe Beaches
Looking to beat the heat this summer and enjoy some relaxing time on the beach? Look no further as we have compiled a list of the Top 7 beaches to visit when coming to Lake Tahoe! Grab your cooler, some snacks and your loved ones and get ready for some fun in the sun!
1. Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor has a little bit of everything for everyone! Explore Sand Harbor’s famous rocks in the crystal clear water by kayaking, paddle boarding or even scuba diving then head up to the beach for a picnic. There is plenty of picnic tables as well as barbecues available for the public to enjoy while hanging out under the shady cedar and Jeffery Pine trees. This beach offers two ramps for easy launching of boats so if you are looking for easy access to the water this is the place to go. Sand Harbor is definitely a family beach and will be sure to be one of your favorites!
2. Secret Harbor Beach
Secret Harbor Beach is slowly becoming less a secret but it is still one of the less crowded areas to visit. This beach offers free parking and clearly marked trail heads to get to the beach. While there is no picnic tables or barbecues here this beach does have some of the best views that will not disappoint. This beach is a favorite of local hikers and photographers as well as boaters. Located on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe this beach is fairly easy to access.
3. Pope Beach
Pope Beach is a Lake Tahoe classic. With close to 3/4 of a mile of beach to explore this beach is a favorite of both tourists and locals. There is plenty of parking available and the beach is large which means you can either join the crowd or find your own patch of the beach to enjoy some solitude. There are food concessions available on the beach if you are looking for some quick food and Pope Beach makes a great picnic location. This beach offers amazing views of the lakes and the mountains if you are looking to get some quality scenic shots. Barbecuing is allowed in the provided BBQ pits. Unfortunately no dogs are allowed.
4. Kiva Beach
This beach is one of the more popular beaches for locals and often times you can find a ton of happy dogs running around having a blast. This beach is located on the South Shore just 2 minutes from Camp Richardson. There are lots of trails nearby for hiking and biking and is easily accessible. Barbecuing is not allowed on this beach but it makes a tremendous picnic area. This beach is a great place to launch kayaks and paddle boards from if you are looking to cruise the water. There is free parking available here and portable toilets as well as dog bags located at the trail head for your convenience but they do run out so make sure to bring spare bags.
5. Regan Beach
Regan Beach is a smaller more casual beach for families looking to enjoy some time on the shore. This beach has a dog friendly section and offers amenities such as restrooms, a snack bar, volleyball, picnic benches as well as shady, grassy areas for lounging. Located on the South Shore this beach is extremely close to town and does have limited free parking. This beach is one of the most centrally located in town and is a short trip from anywhere within South Lake Tahoe.
6. Nevada Beach
Nevada beach offers 1/2 mile of sandy shoreline with some of the best panoramic views in Lake Tahoe. This is a great area for kayaking, swimming and paddle boarding if you are looking to get into the water. On the 4th of July this beach has some of the best views in the area for the firework display that goes on. This is a dog friendly beach so feel free to bring the entire family to enjoy some time on the shore. There are picnic benches available as well as shady areas for cooling off. This beach does have ample parking but it is not free. This beach can get crowded so make sure to secure your spot early in the day.
7. Bonsai Rock
While not exactly a beach this area is a place you must visit if you are looking to spend some time in the water cooling off. Bonsai Rock is simply iconic and offers a great place to lounge for a little bit or catch some air before diving into the water. You can swim, kayak, paddle board or snorkel to get to this location. While dogs are allowed on Bonsai Rock getting them there and back may prove challenging. The popularity of this location combined with its isolation means it can either be extremely crowded or completely empty.