If you’re planning a trip to Sierra Nevada, you need to know about the best beaches in South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe is a dream destination for most people, especially during warmer months. It’s one of the places specifically designed by nature for summer and beach lovers.
The Lake sits in the Sierra Nevada mountains and extends across Nevada and California borders. This means you’ll enjoy picturesque beaches and much more. This blog post lists the best 12 beaches that you should visit.
The Best Beaches In South Lake Tahoe
1. Sand Harbor Beach
- Location: North Shore
- Contact: 775 831-0494 (8 am – 9 pm)
- Visit site: Sand Harbor Beach
Highlights
- Have granite boulders
- Visitor center
- Picnic tables and trees
- Cove
The Sand Harbor beach is on Lake Tahoe’s north shore; you can find it in Incline Village. The beach is 32 minutes from South Lake Tahoe.
Sand Harbor Beach is secluded with cliffs that drop down to the water’s edge. The untouched natural beauty makes this one of the best beaches in South Lake Tahoe.
This beach is great for swimming and is a popular spot for scuba divers. Some trails near the beach and a nearby state park are perfect for hiking and exploring.
The park also includes a tow vehicle parking and a boat launch. However, during summer, especially on weekends, you should visit the beach early to get a great parking spot.
2. Baldwin Beach
- Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Contact: (530) 543-2600 – Park Office
- Visit Site: Baldwin Beach
Highlights
- Bathrooms and showers
- Lifeguards
- Barbeques
- Covered pavilions
- Picnic
The beach has a great Kayaking distance, making it one of the most beautiful beaches on the Lake. Baldwin beach is beautiful, with long white sand.
It’s the best destination for families, and its parking lot is easy to access from the Lake. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, and the shallow water makes it a great spot for kids.
Baldwin beach is quite long, more than a mile. From the beach, you’ll have great views of Mount Tallac. The gentle slopes of the beach usually warm its water fast, thus you can enjoy swimming for a long time.
There is a nearby trail that’s great for hiking and exploring. You can also find a small gift shop and restrooms at Baldwin Beach. This beach is open to the public and is free to visit.
Suppose you are packing for a picnic for your trip and carrying a shade structure. It’s because there isn’t much shade at Baldwin Beach.
Remember to include a portable gas grill, as charcoal grills are banned. That’s because hot charcoal increases the risks of fire in the area.
3. Lester Beach
- Location: DL Bliss State Park, West Shore
- Contact: (530) 525-7277 – Park Office
- Visit site: Lester Beach
Highlights
Lester Beach is inside D.L. Bliss State Park. It’s the northern part that is known as Lester Beach.
Generally, it is a wonderfully quiet place with several summer cottages. The only visitor amenities around the beach are rental accommodations, a restaurant, and a general store.
You’ll love the fine, white sand and the surrounding forest. Swimming at Lester Beach is unsupervised, and the south end connects it to the amazing Grand beach hiking trails.
Lester Beach has scenic lagoon-like views, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. However, be cautious when swimming; the water gets icy sometimes, creating unexpected waves.
4. Secret Cove Beach
- Location: East Shore
- Contact: (530) 543-2600
- Visit Site: Secret Cove Beach
Highlights
- Shade available
- Dogs allowed with restrictions
- Public bathrooms
The Secret Cove Beach is on Highway 18, approximately 1.5 miles from Sand Harbor south. People love visiting the beach during the day, and it offers the best scenic Lake Tahoe view.
The beach is easily accessible from the parking area, just a few minutes walk. However, there are no picnic tables or barbeques. Secret Cove Beach is 300 yards long and is accessible by boat.
Lastly, you’ll love the beach’s crystal-clear water, pretty boulders, and soft powdery sand. All these make it a great place to hang out with your family, friends, or yourself.
5. Kiva Beach
- Location: Tallac Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Contact: (530) 543-2600
- Visit site: Kiva Beach
Highlights
- Dogs allowed only on a leash
- Free Parking
- Public bathrooms
- Shade available
The Kiva beach is also known as Kiva/Tallac point or visitor center beach. It is in the National Forest land and has about 200 yards of the shoreline. The narrow sandy shoreline is adjacent to a marsh zone.
The beach’s rules state that you shouldn’t enter the marsh zone to protect wildlife. There’s minimal sand, mostly from the Kiva picnic to Tallac point.
The parking area is great and has portable toilets. You can check out the visitor center, just a 1-mile walk on the sky trail.
It’s a 3-minute drive from the parking area. There’s an unmaintained shoreline trail it leads to the Tallac Historic site.
From the site, you’ll have incredible views of the Lake. Plus, the interpretive panels will help you understand the place’s rich history.
6. Vikingsholm Beach
- Location: Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Contact: (530) 543-2600
- Visit site: Vikingsholm Beach
Highlights
- Special events
- Parking
- Amazing castle view
- Hiking
Vikingsholm is a popular spot in the USA. It’s at Emerald Bay head and one of the most visited and photographed places in the US. The popular Vikingsholm packs Scandinavian architecture and sits on 232 acres.
While at Vikingsholm, you can visit its beautiful Vikingsholm beach. There are many activities that you can do at the beach. They include hiking, kayaking, etc.
If you’re planning to stay here for some time, you can check out the many nearby hotels. Additionally, you’ll have an amazing view of the castle and some scenic views of Lake Tahoe.
7. Pope Beach
- Location: CA-89 South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Contact: Email: info@clm-services.com or (530) 543-2600
- Visit site: Pope Beach
Highlights
- Food concessions
- Kayak/ paddleboard rentals
- Picnic tables
- Public transit nearby
- Parking/ day-use free
The beautiful Pope Beach is in the National Forest Land. It covers about ¾ miles long and has a sandy beach. This makes it a great place to visit; you’ll enjoy excellent swimming and other picnicking opportunities.
Pope beach is shallow, and this makes it safe for kids. You’ll have an incredible view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe from Pope Beach.
You can rent a kayak and food concession from the site. You can bike to the beach using the Pope/Baldwin bike path; it’s clear with no trips. Keep in mind that the beach doesn’t allow dogs.
8. Commons Beach
- Location: 400 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
- Contact: (530) 583-3796
- Visit site: Commons Beach
Highlights
- Group facilities
- Fishing nearby
- Barbeques
- Picnic tables
Commons Beach is the best destination for the entire family. The 4+ park is on Lake Tahoe, the downtown Tahoe City. People visit the beach to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy its beautiful picnic.
The children’s playgrounds and group picnic sites are in the large sand area and lakefront grass. There’s an amphitheater that seats 65 people and a barbecue area that can hold up to 75 people.
These areas and other outdoor venues are available for rent. During summer Commons Beach hosts free concerts (Sunday afternoon) and movies (Wednesday nights). Generally, it’s the best family spot.
9. Kings Beach Recreation Area
- Location: 8318 North Lake Blvd
- Contact: (530) 523-3203
- Visit site: Kings Beach Recreation Area
Highlights
- Boat rentals
- Public transit nearby
- Personal watercraft (jet ski) rental
- Volleyball courts
The Kings Beach State Recreation Area is in the North Tahoe area. It has a 1700 feet lakefront, the largest sandy beach on Lake Tahoe’s north shore.
The wide stretch has soft white sand that attracts visitors and residents. The beach’s floor gradually deepens, making it one of the warmest on Lake Tahoe.
It has a great playground area that overlooks the water. You kids can play here after swimming. There are barbecue and picnic areas, but they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Kings beach is adjacent to restaurants, shops, and the North Tahoe Event Center. You can get all the information about tourist activities in this place. However, remember that no overnight parking is allowed in this place.
10. Hidden Beach
- Location: Hwy 28, 1 mile south of Incline Village
- Contact: (775) 831-0494
- Visit site: Hidden Beach
Highlights
- Public bathrooms
- Dogs allowed but with restrictions
- Fishing nearby
The hidden beach stretches approximately 750 ft. long and is 33 minutes away from Lake Tahoe. It has plenty of adjacent boulder shorelines and rocky nooks.
While at the beach, you’ll enjoy the picturesque views, which makes it one of the best in Lake Tahoe.
The beach is ideal for boaters, kayakers, and anyone who wants to swim. However, it has limited highway parking that stretches about 1 mile.
The beach is a non-free area, but you can give donations. It has vault toilets on the trail, so you can do other interesting activities like hiking, biking, etc.
11. Lakeside Beach
- Location: 4081 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Visit site: Lakeside Beach
Highlights
- Volleyball net with a volleyball
- Beach umbrellas and chairs
- Event space
- Men’s and women’s bathrooms
Unlike other private beaches, Lakeside beach is open to the public year-round. The lakeside beach features a volleyball net with a volley; enjoy the game with your friends after swimming. You can confirm its availability from the front gate attendant.
You can rent beach umbrellas and chairs through the Lakeside beach club. You can host your event at Lakeside beach, but you should contact the management to book an event date and time.
If you’re a member, you’ll get the top priority. Paddles, boats, kayak, and jet skis rentals are available during marina hours, depending on the weather.
Your kids will enjoy playing the set, which is available year-round. However, they must have adult supervision.
Chill at the picnic space, table and chairs, too, after swimming. Several restaurants offer amazing beach views. However, note that there aren’t lifeguards in this place.
12. El Dorado Beach
- Location: 1004 Lakeview Avenue, South Lake Tahoe
- Contact: 503-542-6056
- Visit site: El Dorado Beach
Highlights
- Campsites nearby
- Boat access and ramps
- Shade available
- Picnic tables
- Food concessions
Eldorado Beach offers an amazing lake view. The beach has a park with all amazing amenities such as restrooms, food concessions, picnic tables, BBQ, and a public boat launch.
Rent the different non-motorized watercraft, including peddle boats, stand-up paddle boats, and kayaks.
You can access the Lake Tahoe water trail on the south shore through Eldorado Beach. Lastly, Eldorado offers parking at no charge.
Why Should You Spend Your Vacation in Lake Tahoe?
Are you looking for the perfect place to go during your vacation? Then you should consider spending it in Lake Tahoe.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your special someone or want to relax by the Lake, there are plenty of reasons to spend your vacation in Lake Tahoe.
Vacationing at Lake Tahoe is a wonderful idea for many different reasons. The area has natural splendor that will soothe your soul, as hotels with spectacular views of the Lake from almost every window.
The activities will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired when you return home.
Great Beaches
One of the best things about Lake Tahoe is its many beaches. Whether you want to sunbathe or go swimming in the water, there’s a beach at Tahoe where you can do either or both.
No matter which beach you decide to visit, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Lake. If you visit Lake Tahoe during the fall, you will see the many different types of trees change color.
This makes the views from the beaches even more spectacular. You will also have the opportunity to hike to the nearby waterfalls.
Most Lake Tahoe beaches are open all year round, so you’ll be able to enjoy them no matter what time of the year you decide to visit. If you visit during the summer months, you can attend outdoor concerts and festivals.
Breathtaking Beauty
Lake Tahoe is one of the best lakes in the US. It is also popular among swimmers because of the crystal-clear blue water that is so inviting.
You’ll get to see gorgeous views of the Lake from almost everywhere in Lake Tahoe. You’ll see this beautiful body of water from all these places, from hotels to restaurants to outdoor cafes.
If you visit during the summer months, you’ll even be able to see and hear the nearby waterfall cascading down the mountain. The views of the Lake are so beautiful that it seems like you are looking at a painting.
You’ll want to take as many pictures of the Lake as possible to share Lake Tahoe’s beauty with your family and friends.
Great Weather
Another excellent reason to visit Lake Tahoe is because of the great weather that you’ll be able to enjoy while you’re there. Lake Tahoe is usually so warm during warm, sunny days. Even though Tahoe is in a snowy area, it rarely sees snowfall.
If you visit Tahoe during the fall, you’ll experience the spectacular foliage surrounding the area. During summer, you’ll love spending time at the beach.
The Comfortable Hotels
There are many different types of hotels in Tahoe. You’ll have a wide variety of places to choose from, depending on your budget and needs.
You’ll be able to find plenty of luxurious, five-star hotels at Tahoe. If you want to stay at a fancy place but want to save money, stay at one of the many mid-range hotels at Tahoe. Regardless of where you decide to stay in Tahoe, the hotels are very comfortable.
Conclusion
The article lists the 12 best beaches in South Lake Tahoe. There is nothing better than a day at the beach, and there are plenty of beaches in South Lake Tahoe to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach or somewhere to hike and explore, there’s something for you. The best beaches in South Lake Tahoe are Sand Harbor Beach, Baldwin Beach, Lester Beach, Secret Cove Beach, Kiva Beach, etc.
Now, you and your friends or family head to one of these great beaches. Whether you’re looking to swim in the water or relax with a good book, these beaches are ideal for any occasion.
