Top 11 Beaches in Lake Tahoe: Sandy Shores & Scenic Mountain Views

A popular vacation destination throughout the year, Lake Tahoe is gorgeous in summer when sunny weather attracts visitors to its sapphire blue water and stunning mountain views. The lake’s 72-mile shoreline, shared by California and Nevada, is lined with rocky coves, tall pine trees, and a variety of sandy beaches.

Facilities at the beaches vary, and while some are small and not easily accessible, others offer picnic areas, food concessions, and equipment rentals. While relaxing on a sandy beach is a delightful way to spend a summer day, many visitors choose to explore the lake by paddling along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail, launching from one of the beaches designated as a “trailhead.”

With more than 40 Lake Tahoe beaches, visitors can find the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of this alpine lake. We have selected these as an introduction, while urging you to check on parking, facilities, and schedules as you plan your Lake Tahoe beach day.

Pope Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California

This three-quarter-mile stretch of sandy beach, shaded by native pine trees, features picnic tables, restrooms, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Moreover, food concessions and equipment rentals are available. The beach is open from Memorial Day through mid-October, and a fee is required for parking and day use. Dogs are not permitted.

Regan Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California

This city-owned beach features swimming, a playground, picnic tables, volleyball courts, restrooms, and a seasonal restaurant open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Furthermore, there’s a dog park located on the east end of the beach near the park’s entrance. Fires and alcohol are prohibited, while parking is free. A setting overlooking the lake is available for private events.

El Dorado Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California

Amenities at this beach include picnic tables, barbeques, restrooms, and a public boat launch. Additionally, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats are available for rent. Parking is free, and the beach is open from May to October, depending on the weather. Nearby campsites are also available.

Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove, Nevada

Located on National Forest land, Nevada Beach offers a half mile of sandy beach with stunning views of the lake and the Sierra Nevadas. Paddle board and kayak rentals are available, along with food concessions, picnic tables, and restrooms. Moreover, at nearby campsites and in picnic areas, leashed pets are permitted.

Round Hill Pines Resort, Zephyr Cove, Nevada

This family-friendly beach offers a snack bar, cocktail bar, catering facilities, barbeques, and picnic tables. Consequently, it is managed by a concessionaire, Round Hill Pines Beach Resort, and offers boating, jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boats, and bike rentals. Please note that there is a fee for parking and day use.

Zephyr Cove Resort Beach, Zephyr Cove, Nevada

Situated on National Forest land on Lake Tahoe’s southeast shore, this resort features a restaurant, bar and grill, and general store. Operated by Aramark Corporation, the resort provides opportunities for boating, parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and volleyball. Additionally, picnic tables, restrooms, boat rentals, and barbeques are available, along with a parking and day-use fee. Year-round narrated cruises aboard a paddle wheeler take guests to Emerald Bay.

Sand Harbor, Incline Village, Nevada

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park’s Sand Harbor features a main beach for swimming and sunbathing, in addition to a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft. Divers Cove is particularly popular with SCUBA divers and swimmers. The park also offers food concessions, picnic tables, restrooms, and shaded areas. Paddle board and kayak rentals are notably available, while a parking and day-use fee is required.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area, North Lake Tahoe, California

This is the largest public-access sandy beach on the lake’s north side, featuring a wide stretch of white sand and swimmable shore. Visitors can enjoy recreational opportunities such as a playground, barbeque and picnic areas, kayak and paddle board rentals, and volleyball courts. Additionally, shops and restaurants nearby enhance the experience, along with boat and jet ski rentals.

Skylandia State Park and Beach, Tahoe City, California

This 24-acre California state park includes a swimming beach, barbeques, picnic areas, restrooms, a pier, and boat ramps. Campsites and fishing areas are nearby, alongside biking and hiking trails, as well as shaded areas for comfort.

Baldwin Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California

This beautiful half-mile sandy beach is renowned for its panoramic views of the lake and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located on National Forest land and operated by concessionaire Tahoe Recreation, the beach offers paddle board and kayak rentals, picnic tables, and restrooms, with a parking and day-use fee.

Lester Beach, Rubicon Bay, California

Lester Beach is a popular spot in the northern portion of D.L. Bliss State Park. The swimmable beach features soft white sand and is located on one of the deepest parts of Lake Tahoe. Amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, shaded areas, and showers, along with nearby fishing opportunities. The park operates from sunrise to sunset, and there is a parking and day-use fee.