Known for its stunning landscapes, Lake Tahoe is a top destination in California. For those planning a summer trip, South Lake Tahoe’s beaches are the perfect place to soak up the sun and take in the natural beauty of the area.
With vibrant blue waters, mild summer weather, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, these beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. If you’re ready for a memorable summer adventure, check out these 13 must-visit beaches in South Lake Tahoe.
Planning your trip to Lake Tahoe? Here are the best tours, hotels, and car rentals:
📸 Best Tours In Lake Tahoe:
- 4 Hour Private Boat Charter With Captain (includes watersports equipment)
- 4 Hour Polaris Slingshot Rentals (no motorcycle license required!)
- Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls (our favorite activity!)
- Lake Tahoe Photography Scenic Tour (photography tips from a pro)
- Tahoe Coastal Self-Guided E-Bike Tour
😴 Best Hotels In Lake Tahoe:
- Bluelake Inn (💲) (walking distance to beaches & casinos)
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (💲💲) (we loved our stay here!)
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort (💲💲💲) (5-star service!)
🚘 Best Car Rental: DiscoverCars (save up to 70%)
South Lake Tahoe Beaches
Most of the beaches in South Lake Tahoe either have an entry fee or a parking fee. These fees help to clean and maintain the beaches that continue to be popular tourist spots for California visitors and locals.
So choose one of these top South Lake Tahoe beaches and plan to spend a couple of hours to a full day there. Here are the top 13 South Lake Tahoe beaches that’ll be perfect for sunbathing, boating, and swimming this summer:
1. Kiva Beach
Why We Recommend It: Kiva Beach is the best dog-friendly beach in Lake Tahoe. The soft sand on the beach is perfect for your dogs to run around and there is an area of shallow water where your dogs can swim around. It’ll be an unforgettable time for them!
This beach sits at 6,240 feet high and the area is beautiful, especially in fall with its fall foliage. Parking is limited so come here before 10 am or after 5 pm but compared to other beaches, this beach is secluded. Kiva Beach also has some nearby attractions.
Check out the Tallac Historic Site – tour historic homes including a 1920s kitchen and learn about Washoe people, the indigenous people of Lake Tahoe. Stop by the museum for Lake Tahoe souvenirs.
Walk a bit further to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, which is a starting point for 4 hiking trails around. This Tallac Historic Site and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center are both open only during the summer.
Is there a fee? No, it’s free!
When is it open? End of May (Memorial Day Weekend onward) through October; depending on the weather
Amenities:
- Parking Lot
- Restrooms (Portable toilets near the parking area and flush toilets at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center)
- Picnic Tables near the Taylor Creek Visitor Center
- Interpretive Signs
2. Lakeside Beach
Why We Recommend It: Lakeside Beach is very close to South Lake Tahoe’s casinos, Heavenly Mountain Resort, and lots of restaurants. The water is clean and clear enough to reflect the blue sky. The beach is well-maintained and family-friendly.
The sand has pebbles in it so it’s best to wear water shoes when exploring this beach and its waters. This beach is also a popular wedding venue and it’s less than a mile away from the California-Nevada Stateline.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s an entrance fee to access the beach between May and September (between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend). $25 for adults aged 18+, $15 for kids aged 6-17, and free for kids aged 5 and under.
When is it open? Open year-round but hours vary based on the season.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Seasonal beach eatery
- Playground for kids
- Volleyball court
- Rentable beach chairs and beach umbrellas
- Boat, jet skis, paddle boats, and kayak rentals
- Picnic tables
- Water bottle refill stations and water fountains
3. Sand Harbor Beach
Why We Recommend It: A part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Sand Harbor Beach is known for its rock formations and rocky coves scattered around the beach. The water is shallow and still for quite a distance so it’s perfect for kids to swim.
But the water can be really cold, even in the summer so it’s best to buy or bring along your wetsuits. Stop by at the Sand Harbor Visitor Center to learn more about the Sand Harbor or at the Sand Harbor Bar and Grill for burgers, snacks, and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Get one of their 75¢ edible flavored straws that lasts up to 40 minutes for cold drinks. Come by in July or August for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival or between November and March for horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Check out the 0.3-mile Sand Point Nature Trail, 0.5-mile Sand Harbor to Memorial Point Trail, or the 3-mile Tahoe East Shore Trail. There are so many things to do at Sand Harbor Beach that it’s best to spend a full day here.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s an entrance fee of $10 if you have a vehicle registered in Nevada or $15 if it’s registered elsewhere.
When is it open? Open year-round from 7 am to one hour after sunset.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Parking Lot
- Picnic tables
- Boat Launch Ramp ($20-$25 depending on the where the vehicle was registered)
- Sailing kayaks, kayaks, paddleboard rentals
4. Pope Beach
Why We Recommend It: If you want a beach near pine trees, choose Pope Beach. This beach provides a lot of shade thanks to its pine trees. If you’re bringing a hammock, you can tie it up between these huge pine trees.
This is a no-pets beach but while you can’t bring your pets, you might see other animals here including bald eagles and bears! You might spot some Tahoe yellow cress plants around the beach.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s a $10 parking fee that increases during the July 4th weekend.
When is it open? End of May (Memorial Day Weekend onward) through October
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables
- Parking
- Snack Stand
- Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
5. Camp Richardson Resort Beach
Why We Recommend It: Camp Richardson Resort Beach is another beach with a lot of shade. The beach’s water has pebbles so make sure to wear water shoes when swimming.
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach but they can be on a leash near the picnic tables. Enjoy food and drinks with live music at the Beacon Bar and Grill. Or get hot dogs and snow cones at the Camp Richardson Marina.
During the summer, you can book the Rum Runner Cruise that takes you to Emerald Bay and back in 1½ hours.
There are also theater and music performances going on at Valhalla, a nearby historic venue during the summer as well. Take a 2-mile drive to the Fallen Leaf Lake, a glacier lake surrounded by tall trees.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s a $10 parking fee.
When is it open? Open year-round.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Picnic Tables
- Snack stand
- Volleyball Courts
- Boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayak rentals
6. Baldwin Beach
Why We Recommend It: Baldwin Beach is another family-friendly beach that doesn’t get a lot of crowds. Entertain your kids with ducks and seagulls that pop up on the beach.
Dogs aren’t allowed here. Another beach with pebbles in the water so plan to bring water shoes. Nearby this beach, you can head to Cascade Lake, a glacier lake, or hike to see the Cascade Falls, a 200-foot waterfall.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s an $8 vehicle fee.
When is it open? End of May (Memorial Day Weekend onward) through October
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables
- Parking
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
7. Nevada Beach
Why We Recommend It: Looking to camp at the beach? Head to Nevada Beach! Located in Zephyr Cove, this beach is surrounded by pine trees and is less crowded compared to other beaches.
It’s the perfect place to camp with gorgeous sunrise views at the lake once you wake up. The Nevada Beach Campground has lots of campsites with amenities including grills, campfire rings and picnic tables.
Near the beach, hike the Lam Watah Nature Trail. It’s a 2.8-mile trail that takes you through a meadow, some ponds, and a forest of trees. You’ll also see wildflowers along the way. While dogs aren’t allowed on Nevada Beach, they are allowed on the trail and in picnic areas.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s a $10 parking fee that increases during the July 4th weekend.
When is it open? End of May (Memorial Day Weekend onward) through October
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables & BBQ stations
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Parking
- Snack stand
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
8. Lester Beach
Why We Recommend It: Also known as “Bliss Beach”, Lester Beach is located in DL Bliss State Park. If you love diving, this is your beach.
South of this beach area is one of the entryways to Rubicon Wall. It is one of the deepest areas of Lake Tahoe and if you dive there, you can see rock formations that look like old castles.
At the beach, try to spot the Rubicon Point Lighthouse. At 6,300 feet above sea level, this lighthouse is the second highest in elevation built in the country.
Near the beach, you can hike a portion of the 16.4-mile Rubicon Hiking Trail. Or hike the 0.5-mile Balancing Rock Nature Trail to see a 130-ton rock balancing on a small area of another rock.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s a $10 parking fee
When is it open? Open year-round; sunrise to sunset
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables
- Parking
- Showers
9. Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm Beach
Why We Recommend It: Emerald Bay State Park is one of the highlights of Lake Tahoe. Named after the color of the water, Emerald Bay was carved due to glaciers.
Emerald Bay State Park is home to Fannette Island, a small island in the middle of the bay and to many hiking trails and waterfalls.
The beach is breathtaking and while you’re here, you can visit Vikingsholm, a mansion built in Scandinavian architecture that has 38 rooms to tour during the summer season. A short drive from the beach, try the 2-mile hike to Eagle Falls, one of the easy hikes in Lake Tahoe.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s a $5 parking fee
When is it open? Open year-round; sunrise to sunset
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Parking
Book this Emerald Bay private boat charter that takes you to Fannette Island and back; a personalized tour for up to 5 people.
10. El Dorado Beach
Why We Recommend It: El Dorado Beach is the place to be on summer evenings! You’ll see live performances happening at the stone amphitheater on Thursday evenings. Walk a little further to the nearby pier.
Is there a fee? No, it’s free.
When is it open? Open seasonally between May and October.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables and BBQ grills
- Snack stand
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Parking
Enjoy this 2-hour sailing cruise with good music and beverages included.
11. Keys Beach
Why We Recommend It: Keys Beach is a private beach accessible to hotel and condo guests in the Tahoe Keys community.
So if you’re looking for a private beach experience, then book your stay in Tahoe Keys and relax at this beach. Head to the Tahoe Keys Marina to rent boats or book boat tours and cruises.
Is there a fee? No, it’s free.
When is it open? Open year-round
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Playground
- Picnic Tables
- Tennis Court
- Volleyball Court
- Parking
12. Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach
Why We Recommend It: Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach is great for swimming for its shallow waters. It’s less crowded than El Dorado Beach and offers a more peaceful experience whether you’re at the beach or in the waters.
You can walk out to the observation deck for excellent sunset views. This beach is also great for dogs where they can swim at the dog water park on the beach.
Is there a fee? No, it’s free.
When is it open? Open seasonally between April and September.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Picnic Tables
- Volleyball Court
- Parking
13. Cave Rock Beach
Why We Recommend It: Cave Rock Beach is a smaller beach of only 400 yards but provides a dramatic view of Cave Rock, a rock that once was a part of a volcanic core. It’s great to sunbath, swim or snorkel to explore its rocky formations. You can also go fishing here.
Is there a fee? Yes, there’s a parking fee of $15 for Non-Nevada vehicles and $10 for Nevada-vehicles.
When is it open? Open year-round; sunrise to sunset.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Picnic Tables and BBQ grills
- Boat Launch Ramp ($20-$25 depending on the where the vehicle was registered)
- Parking
Map of South Lake Tahoe Beaches
Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe
Whether you’re packing your beach bags for a long vacation or weekend getaway in Lake Tahoe, you’ll be looking for accommodations near these beaches.
Some of the beaches provide campgrounds but if you’re looking to stay in a hotel or a vacation home, we recommend these 3 options:
Budget-Friendly Option: Bluelake Inn @ Heavenly Village
Mid-Priced Option: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino
Lux Option: Edgewood Tahoe Resort
What to Pack For Lake Tahoe For The Summer
What should you wear to Lake Tahoe in the summer? Well, that depends on your plans. Will you be spending a lot of time on a boat? You’ll need water shoes and clothes that dry quickly. And make sure to bring a nice compact cooler to keep your drinks cold.
Plus things like what temperature it is and what type of activities you’d like to participate in will help inform what you should pack for your trip. But don’t forget these essentials:
- Water (carry at least a bottle of water per person with this reusable water bottle)
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a lot of beach options to choose from at South Lake Tahoe. Have questions about these beaches? Here are the most frequently asked questions about South Lake Tahoe beaches:
Are Tahoe beaches open?
Some beaches are open year-round from dawn to dusk while others are open only during the summer months.
Which is the best beach in Lake Tahoe?
Sand Harbor Beach is the best beach for its many rocky coves and formations. It stands out from other beaches and there are many attractions to do near the beach.
What is the prettiest side of Lake Tahoe?
While every part of Lake Tahoe is pretty, Lake Tahoe is known for the famous Emerald Bay. We took this helicopter tour and the view of Emerald Bay was beyond fascinating!
Where can we swim in South Lake Tahoe?
You can swim in any of the beaches but we recommend heading to Regan Beach to swim for its shallow waters and fewer crowds.
Are there any Lake Tahoe beach restrictions?
To enter most beaches, you would need to pay an entry or parking fee. Charcoal and wood fires aren’t allowed at the beaches. Only a few beaches allow pets on the beach.
If you’re planning to start a barbecue, campfire and use a portable stove, you must have a California Campfire Permit.
Final Thoughts
With water temperatures around 70-80 Fahrenheit in the summer, South Lake Tahoe beaches are a popular choice among California beachgoers.
Plus, add in the fresh air, Vitamin D from the sun, and outdoor time during the dog days of summer, and you’ve got a perfect day at the beach.
Drive out to one of these South Lake Tahoe beaches this summer and enjoy a beach day at Lake Tahoe.
Grab Your 1-Pager California Packing List!
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
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