Discover the Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe

With soft golden sand and clear blue waters reflecting the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe’s beaches are astonishingly beautiful. However, of this alpine lake’s 72 miles of shoreline, only 34 miles are open to the public. Moreover, this public shoreline is in high demand; Lake Tahoe’s beaches are often at capacity from Memorial Day through the end of September.

Therefore, public beach access can be confusing for first-time visitors. This article highlights the best beaches around Lake Tahoe, along with essential tips for gaining entry.

1. Sand Harbor State Park

Chances are you’ve seen Sand Harbor in pictures. Its sandy coves, enormous boulders, and bright turquoise water make it one of the most photographed spots on the lake. As one of four Nevada state parks in and around Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor features several beaches. The Main Beach is a lengthy 2,500-foot-long stretch of wide, golden sand. Additionally, small coves with dramatic rock formations provide platforms for jumping into the water or soaking up the sun.

Sand Harbor is recognized as one of Lake Tahoe’s most accessible beaches, featuring a long, wheelchair-friendly boardwalk overlooking the lake. Other available amenities include an underwater dive park, picnic areas, barbecue grills, restrooms, seasonal kayak rentals, and a boat launch.

Planning tip: If visiting during high season, it’s wise to arrive before the gates open (usually 7 am in summer). Once the parking lot is full, the entrance does not reopen until around 5 pm, regardless of how many people leave.

Parking costs $10 for vehicles with Nevada plates and $15 for vehicles with other plates. If attending a festival show, advance parking is available but only valid after 5 pm on performance days.

2. Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park, located on the California side of the lake, is rugged and wild. A highlight is the historic Vikingsholm Castle, a Scandinavian-style estate that is open for tours. The wide, sandy beach in front of the estate is a popular spot for picnics and swimming, offering stunning views of the bay and Fannette Island, the only island in the lake. A second beach can be found a mile north, adjacent to a boat-in campground.

Planning tip: Accessing the beaches requires a one-mile hike down a steep hill, so be prepared for a workout going back up. Fortunately, there are restrooms, a seasonal visitor center, and kayak rentals available by the shore.

Parking costs $5 per vehicle and tends to be highly competitive during the summer season. If arriving later in the day, space generally opens up again after 3 pm.

3. Kiva Beach

Kiva Beach, comprised of both sand and rock, boasts expansive views of Mt. Tallac and the Sierra Nevada. At 600 feet long, Kiva is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe. With a creek, marsh, and forest nearby, it provides ample opportunities for enjoying nature. Seasonal amenities include restrooms, a picnic shelter, and a beach volleyball court. Kiva Beach is generally less crowded than other beaches in the area, making it a good choice for a spontaneous sun-soaked outing.

Planning tip: Dogs must be leashed at all times. Although parking can be limited, Kiva Beach is only a half-mile walk from Taylor Creek Visitor Center and accessible via the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path.

4. Commons Beach

Commons Beach Park, sprawled over four acres in downtown Tahoe City, is one of the liveliest spots along the Lake Tahoe waterfront. During summer, free Sunday afternoon concerts and Wednesday night movies on the beach rank among the top free things to do in the region. In addition to hosting popular events, Commons Beach includes picnic tables, barbecue grills, a climbing wall, a playground, and a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Planning tip: While parking is free, it is limited. It is advisable to use North Lake Tahoe’s TART Connect, a free, on-demand ride service, instead of driving.

5. Chimney Beach

Chimney Beach lies on national forest land, roughly two miles south of Sand Harbor State Park. The parking lot is on the opposite side of the trailhead on Hwy 28; from there, hikers must undertake a steep half-mile to reach the beach. While amenities at the shore are nonexistent, portable restrooms and trash cans are available in the parking lot. The beach itself is lovely, featuring a curved strip of sand with lagoons and colossal boulders along the lakeshore. It earned its name from the stone chimney standing on the sand, a remnant of an old caretaker’s cabin. Since it is a bit off the beaten path, Chimney Beach tends to be less crowded compared to Sand Harbor.

Local tip: A trail connects Chimney Beach to nearby Secret Cove, Boaters Beach, Creek Beach, and Whale Beach. Each offers stunning turquoise waters and smooth rock features, making them popular among locals who appreciate their clothing-optional environment.

6. Private Lake Tahoe Beaches Accessible to Hotel Guests

While public beach access can be tricky during the summer, a great workaround exists. Those interested in avoiding long lines and parking uncertainties, while willing to pay, can enjoy private beach access at select Lake Tahoe hotels.

The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe operates the Lake Club, which offers exclusive beach access to hotel guests for an additional fee. The club includes fantastic perks such as shuttle service, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, chef-prepared food, and access to luxury speedboat rentals from MasterCraft.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino is conveniently located across the street from a private beach in Incline Village. Guests can reserve complimentary lounge chairs and cabanas. Furthermore, the resort features a seasonal open-air restaurant, a floating bar, and a year-round fine-dining option along the waterfront.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort stands as one of the rare true waterfront hotels in Lake Tahoe. Its long, sandy beach is equipped with lawn games and Adirondack chairs. Lounge chairs and rental cabanas are available just steps away at the pool.