Best Guide to the Top Beaches in Lake Tahoe (2021)
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Traveling to Lake Tahoe this summer? Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. With crystal-clear water and snow-capped mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite destinations in the United States. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, you have come to the right place. Today I am telling you all about the best beaches in Lake Tahoe to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and water sports.
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Here are our favorite beaches:
1) Sand Harbor State Park (North Shore)
Sand Harbor Beach in my opinion is the most beautiful beach in Lake Tahoe. Do not take a trip to Lake Tahoe and miss this beach! When I first saw a picture of this beach, I didn’t believe this was Lake Tahoe. I had been to Lake Tahoe several times growing up and I had never been to this beach. I am always on the search for crystal clear blue water and white sand. This beach is picture-perfect!
Make sure you go early because this beach parking lot fills up fast in the summer months and there is limited parking on the highway. After you park make sure you head to the small beach on the right and not the one directly in front of the parking lot. This is where this magical view is (pictured below). There is also a lovely path where you can walk around and enjoy the views. Don’t forget your floats! This beach is easily accessed from both the North and South Shore of Lake Tahoe and is located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village. Daily use fees are $15.
Sand Harbor Beach, Lake Tahoe
Why I love this beach
This beach is the definition of picture-perfect. The turquoise water is gorgeous, It’s hard to find a view as great as this at other beaches in Lake Tahoe. It is also so easily accessible and the trail around the beach is perfect for wheelchairs and strollers.
2) Round Hill Pines (South Shore)
Round Hill Pines Beach is a great south shore beach. We loved this beach because it has everything you need for a full day at the beach. There is a restaurant and bar, Beach Bums Bar & Grill, right on the beach with the most amazing views and good food. It is more than just a snack bar as it serves lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks. They can deliver right to you on the beach so you will not have to leave your lounger.
The marina at Round Hill Pines offers a wide variety of water activities such as paddle boats, jet skis, boat rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for daily rent as well. The daily parking fee is $12.
Round Hill Pines Beach, Lake Tahoe
Why I love this beach
I love that you can do almost any water activity here and that you can order food and drinks right on the beach! This is the perfect place for a full day at the beach.
3) Pope Beach (South Shore)
Another great beach in South Lake Tahoe is Pope Beach. Plenty of shade will be found here as this beach is lined with pine trees. There are incredible views of snow-capped mountains and there is a long sandy beach. Excellent beach for swimming, picnicking, and kayaking. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. Daily parking fee is $10.
This beach is easily accessed via the Pope-Baldwin bike path. If you come without a bike, you can walk or drive over to Camp Richardson for bike rentals. They rent both adult and kids’ bikes. Riding bike trails is one of my family’s favorite activities while at the beach or lake.
Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe South Shore
Camp Richardson is across the street which makes it easy to grab lunch after a morning spent here. Do not miss the Ice Cream Parlor at Camp Richardson. The line is long because the ice cream is delicious! It is definitely worth the wait.
Camp Richardson’s Ice Cream Parlor
Geese seem to love this place and this beach is covered with them. One downside to this beach is the number of pine needles and geese droppings in the sand. It can be uncomfortable for some without proper footwear.
While on this side of Lake Tahoe, you can drive 25 minutes north to see beautiful Emerald Bay. A little further up the road is where you will find D.L. Bliss State Park and the start of the Rubicon Trail.
Why I love this beach
The beach is in proximity to Camp Richardson, which has bike rentals, restaurants, and the Ice Cream Parlor.
4) Kings Beach State Recreation Area (North Shore)
If you’re staying on the North Shore, Kings Beach is a popular spot. And if you are not staying on the North Shore, Kings Beach is the perfect day trip up north. Here you will find the cutest beach town. There are so many restaurants and shops within walking distance. If you’ve forgotten your beach towel, floats, or sunscreen, you can walk across the street and find almost anything you need. Parking is on the street in town and you will be just steps from the sand. There are water activity rentals and a playground for kids.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area (North Shore)
We grabbed sandwiches at Tahoe Central Market and they were some of the best sandwiches we’ve ever had.
One downside to Kings Beach is that it does get crowded, so get there early and avoid the weekends if possible. Parking can be hard to find so the earlier the better.
Why I love this beach
Who doesn’t love beach town vibes? With easy access, to some of the best restaurants in Tahoe and the wide variety of shops, you will love spending the day here.
5) Nevada Beach (South Shore)
Nevada Beach is one of the best south Lake Tahoe beaches and is located on the southeast shore. If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches, this one is for you. A half-mile of sandy beach with panoramic views is what you will find here. This beach is perfect for large group gatherings and parties because there is a huge covered group pavilion here with picnic tables and BBQs. The pavilion is right on the beach with views of the snow-covered mountains. Reservations are available for this space.
Public restrooms and kayak and paddleboard rentals are available. There is a parking lot with daily parking fees. A campground is nearby for tent and RV camping.
Before you get to the beach, grab some sandwiches from the grocery chain Nob Hill for the perfect beach picnic.
Nevada Beach Lake Tahoe (South Shore)
We found this beach was perfect for sunsets. We loved stopping here before heading to our hotel for the evening to watch the sunset.
Why I love this beach
This beach is perfect for celebrations, parties, and large family gatherings. And sunsets!
Sand Harbor Beach Lake Tahoe (North Shore)
We enjoyed these beaches when we visited Lake Tahoe. Remember to pack lake floats for your family and water shoes are useful as well. The individual enclosed river run tubes are perfect for enjoying the water. The water is very chilly so it’s nice to have an enclosed tube. Remember to start your day early because the beach parking fills up quickly.
Have you been to any of these beaches? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Affiliate Disclosure: Melissa's Travel Addiction has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Melissa's Travel Addiction and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
