Lake Tahoe is known for its towering peaks, outrageous skiing, gorgeous backpacking trails, and, of course, its glacial blue waters. 300,000 people, on average, visit Tahoe during the peak summer months, looking for some of the best areas the lake can provide for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and paddleboarding.  Here’s a list of some of Lake Tahoe’s best finds for beaches – where they are, how to get to them and the characteristics that make them the perfect fit for what you may be looking for. Oh yeah, and we can’t forget about our furry friends! This list includes beaches where your pup can also soak in some Tahoe summer fun in the sun. Beach parking lots fill up quickly, so arrive early!

SOUTH SHORE BEACHES

Baldwin Beach

Among the most popular beaches on the South Shore, Baldwin Beach’s soft, sandy shores and stunning views make it a well-sought-after Tahoe beach destination. Launching a kayak or paddleboard here is not uncommon, especially if your sights are set on Emerald Bay. From Baldwin Beach to the mouth of Emerald Bay is a roughly 2-mile paddle. Kayak rentals are available on site. Hiking trails are also located nearby such as the Rainbow Trail and Lam Watah Nature Trail.

Terrain: fine to medium grain sand

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Accessible by: Bike Path. Vehicle – daily fee. 

Dogs: Not allowed

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Amenities: Restroom facilities, picnic tables

Location: Baldwin Beach Rd, Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Kiva Beach 

When you go to Kiva Beach, it’s a dog’s world, and we’re all just living in it. This is the dog beach of the South Shore. Located on the edge of a marsh zone at the mouth of Taylor Creek, this beach offers a smaller, more intimate beach setting. The views of Mt. Tallac are utterly breathtaking, making you want to pinch yourself just to ensure you’re not dreaming. Perfect walking beach as it’s only 200 meters long. Disclaimer: If your dog doesn’t play nicely with others, this beach is not recommended. 

Terrain: soft, fine-grained sand

Accessible by: Bike path. Vehicle – Free parking lot located near the Tallac Historic Site and Taylor Creek Visitor Center 

Dogs: Allowed and encouraged. Please adhere to leash laws 

Amenities: Porta-potty

Location: Heritage Way to Tallac Rd, Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach

Picnics, yoga, strumming a guitar – these are just some of the activities you’ll find folks enjoying at Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach, commonly known as Regan Beach. Located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe and about half a mile from Lakeview Commons, this park offers beach access on either side of a large, grassy area and playground. This is another popular kayak and paddleboard launching spot due to its location being nearly the midpoint between the east and west sides of the South Shore. This beach is considered one of the more tranquil areas of Southern Lake Tahoe. A sloping grassy hill leading to the water makes it a fun time to play fetch with your furry friend, too. 

Terrain: rocky shoreline, small patches of soft, fine-grained sand

Accessible by: Bike path. Vehicle – Free parking lot 

Dogs: Allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities, volleyball court, playground and picnic area

Location: 3199 Sacramento Ave in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Ski Run Marina and Beach

The one-stop shop for dining, art, boating, and swimming, the Ski Run Marina and Beach is a tourist hotspot. Located near Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe and the Postmarc Hotel and Spa, it allows visitors a quick walk to the lake to take in the views. Riva Grill sits poised and ready to offer fresh drinks and food while enjoying the scenery. The beachfront itself is not very big, and in the summer, it fills up very fast. Tahoe Sports powerboats and jet ski rentals, along with Tahoe Cruises including the “Safari Rose” and “Tahoe Spirit,” operate out of this location, so if you’re in the mood to take to the waters, this is a great place to climb aboard a vessel and get out there. 

Terrain: Fine to medium grain sand

Accessible by: Bike path. Vehicle – paid parking; The first hour is free, fees increase per additional hour

Dogs: Allowed

Amenities: Water sports and rentals, waterfront dining, boutique shopping, cruises

Location: 900 Ski Run Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

EAST SHORE BEACHES

Nevada Beach 

Among Tahoe’s larger beaches, Nevada Beach has 0.7 miles of stunning views on Lake Tahoe’s southeast side. Located on National Forest land, it provides clean shores lined with Jeffrey pines. It’s a popular RV and tent camping spot due to its picturesque setting and relaxing atmosphere. The beach offers a Day Use pavilion along with kayak and paddleboard rentals. 

Terrain: course, reddish-tan granitic sand 

Accessible by: Bike path from Kahle Drive. Vehicle – paid parking; fee per vehicle at Nevada Beach Campground. Free available parallel parking along Elk’s Point Rd. 

Dogs: Prohibited on most of the beach, but allowed in designated picnic areas and on a small portion of the west side 

Amenities: Picnic tables, charcoal grills, campsites, multiple restroom facilities, pavilion 

Location: Bittlers Road in Zephyr Cove, Nev.

Zephyr Cove Resort Beach

Zephyr Cove Resort Beach has a mile-long shoreline, offering guests an amazing view of Mt. Tallac while facing the west shore. If you’re in the mood for some beach volleyball, their free courts are a great place to serve it up. Home to some amazing east shore dining, this place makes for a great all-day experience, whether that’s on a daytime or dinner cruise on the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler, or drinking a refreshing cocktail at Sunset Bar & Grille. Kayaks and paddleboard rentals are available here.

Terrain: Fine, soft sand with occasional rocky patches near the shoreline

Accessible by: Vehicle – Daily parking fees range from weekdays to weekends. Fees raised for holidays. 

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: general store/giftshop, beach chair and umbrella rentals, volleyball courts, parasailing, kayak and paddleboard rentals, bathroom facilities 

Location: 760 U.S. Hwy 50 in Zephyr Cove, Nev.

Logan Shoals Vistas 

If you’re up for a hike, this is the perfect place for you. Although it’s not a traditional beach in the sense of having sandy shores, Logan Shoals Vistas have giant lakeside boulders that make for great sunbathing and sunset picnic outings. From the pullout down to the water is a short 0.2-mile hike downhill. This is a prime swimming spot, so if you’ve got a good pair of goggles, jump off the boulders into the clear waters of Lake Tahoe for a great opportunity to observe aquatic life. 

Terrain: steep dirt path leading to rocks and boulders

Accessible by: Vehicle – pullout parking on lakeside of Hwy 50, situated south of Glenbrook and North of Zephyr Cove

Dogs: Allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities

Location: 1500 U.S. Hwy 50 in Zephyr Cove, Nev.

Skunk Harbor 

Another beach to hike to, but not all great things come easy! Skunk Harbor is a gem you don’t want to miss on the east shore. Located in a remote spot about 2 miles downhill from the parking pullout, it’s a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of peak summer crowds. This place truly is one of the most picturesque coves in Tahoe with its turquoise blue water and scattered rock features. The shores provide ample sunlight and a piece of history in the form of an abandoned stone cabin built in the 1920s. 

Terrain: soft, fine-grained sand

Accessible by: Hike-in – park vehicle at one of two pullouts along SR- 28. 

Dogs: Allowed 

Amenities: none

Location: SR-28, 2.4 miles northeast of Spooner Summit Snow Play

WEST SHORE BEACHES

Meek’s Bay Beach 

Meek’s Bay Beach sits on a wide, curved shoreline and offers plenty of sun in the summertime. It’s popular for its easy access, white sand, extremely clear water, and the beautiful views only west shore can offer. The area is ancestral land to the Washoe Tribe who operate the Meek’s Bay Resort and Campground. It makes for a great place to camp, horseback ride, and take in its rich history.  The Wa She Shu Grille provides great-tasting, beachside food. 

Terrain: soft, bright white sand 

Accessible by: Vehicle – parking at Meek’s Bay resort for a fee, limited parking on Hwy 89

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities, kayak and paddleboard rentals, dining, general store, picnic tables

Location: 7901 Emerald Bay Rd in Tahoma, Calif.

Lester Beach and Callawee Cove at D.L. Bliss State Park

D.L Bliss State Park is home to the famous Rubicon Wall and Rubicon Point, which overlooks some of the deepest waters in Lake Tahoe. Named after railroad tycoon and pioneering lumberman, Duane Leroy Bliss, the park offers sought-after camping, hiking, and astonishingly clear water views. A popular boating and scuba diving destination, Lester Beach occupies the north end while the south portion, Callewee Cove, makes for a great snorkeling spot. After undergoing massive infrastructure upgrades, the park is set to be fully open and operational starting May 21, 2026.

Terrain: medium-grained sand

Accessible by: Vehicle – day-use parking. Walk-in. Hike-in.

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities, picnic tables, designated campgrounds 

Location: Lester Beach Rd in D.L. Bliss State Park

Vikingsholm/Emerald Bay Beach

Historic Emerald Bay has been a cherished jewel of Lake Tahoe, named by settlers since the 1860s. It’s home to the Emerald Bay Underwater State Park where divers have been observing artifacts resting in its depths since the park’s inception in 1994.  Accessible only by hike or boat, the beach offers a remote get-away with a view overlooking Fannette Island and the turquoise waters of the glacier-carved inlet. 

Terrain: coarse sand and gravel

Accessible by: Boat. Hike via the Rubicon Trail; trail is steep and not recommended for those with health issues. 

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: Seasonal kayak rentals, picnic tables, restroom facilities, nearby campgrounds

Location: 9691 Emerald Bay Rd in Emerald Bay State Park

Tahoe City Commons Beach

Beautiful Tahoe City is known for its charming shopping centers and quaint small-town feel. Summer music concerts, sunset strolls, or noon sunbathing on the sand, Commons Beach has it all and rests on more than four acres. It’s the perfect place for all ages, offering a playground, a 65-seat amphitheater, a group BBQ area, and picnic tables. Tahoe City Kayak & Paddleboard offers guided tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals right on the beach. From May to October, folks can enjoy the Tahoe City Farmers Market. 

Terrain: A mix of grass, course sand and in-water cobbles 

Accessible by: Bike path. Vehicle – free parking lot on Commons Beach Rd and on-street parking 

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities, playground, guided tours, paddleboard and kayak rentals, group bbq station, amphitheater 

Location: 400 North Lake Blvd in Tahoe City, Calif.

NORTH SHORE BEACHES

North Tahoe Beach

North Tahoe Beach offers a bustling and lively summer beach destination. A serene park sits at the top of the tree-lined shore, offering picnic tables where people can hang out and enjoy a yummy treat from one of the many food establishments within walking distance. North Tahoe Beach provides beach volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit and pavilion, making it a great place to spend your day. 

Terrain: soft, fine-grain sand

Accessible by: Vehicle – free parking located on site

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities, volleyball courts, group area for rent, picnic tables

Location: SR-28 at Hwy 267 in Kings Beach, Calif.

Moon Dunes Beach

Among the smaller beaches, this little beauty is not visible from the road. Just past some quaking aspen trees and up a sandy path, you’ll find some of Tahoe’s most glassy waters. Popular among the younger crowds, it’s a great place to relax, sunbathe, or play some frisbee.

Terrain: soft, very fine-grained sand

Accessible by: Vehicle – free parallel parking along North Lake Blvd

Dogs: Not allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities 

Location: 7530 North Lake Blvd in Tahoe Vista, Calif.

Hidden Beach

Tucked away on the northeast corner of the lake is Hidden Beach. Located one mile south of Incline Village, it’s a diamond in the rough of navigating where to park to get to it. Once you find a spot and make your trek down, it’s one the prettiest beaches in Tahoe by far. Depending on the lake’s water levels, sometimes there isn’t much of a sandy shoreline, but you can still find a nice, mighty boulder to lay upon. The turquoise, alpine waters are a sight for sore eyes, making it a beautiful place to paddle in on a kayak or paddleboard. 

Terrain: boulder-lined shores with soft, fine-grained sand attainable depending on lake levels

Accessible by: Vehicle – paid parking lot available at Tahoe East Shore Trail, free limited parking along Hwy 28. 

Dogs: Allowed

Amenities: Restroom facilities near trailhead

Location: Hwy 28 along East Shore Trail in Washoe Valley, Nev.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of Tahoe Magazine.