Your Guide to the Best Beach Spots in Lake Tahoe

For the uninitiated, Lake Tahoe is just as much a summertime sun and sand escape as it is a sparkling winter wonderland. In itself, Lake Tahoe is a stunningly beautiful alpine lake straddling both California and Nevada. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, majestic mountains, hiking trails…but breathtaking beaches? Oh, yes. With over 70 miles of shoreline, Lake Tahoe offers some of the best inland beaches in the world. 

From secluded coves to bustling boardwalks, there is something for everyone at these spectacular beaches. It should be said that the beach lifestyle is also a large part of the Lake Tahoe experience. There are numerous beach bars and restaurants that offer a laid-back atmosphere for enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun or an exciting adventure, Lake Tahoe has it all. From swimming and boating to kayaking and paddle boarding, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the lake. 

And, on that note, here are some of the best beaches on Lake Tahoe that you should definitely check out.

Beaches on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore

Sand Harbor Beach

Sand Harbor Beach is one of the more popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. Located on the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe, this beach offers stunning views west across the lake and surrounding mountains. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There is also a small boardwalk with shops and restaurants for those looking to explore the area. 

Kings Beach

Kings Beach is perhaps the most popular beach in Lake Tahoe and its prime location is the reason why. Located smack in the middle of the North Shore, this beach offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Kings Beach has a large sandy beach area with plenty of room for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also many restaurants and shops nearby for those looking to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.

Secret Cove

It should be said that Secret Cove has few secrets. This nude beach is a hidden gem located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. This secluded beach is surrounded by towering pines and offers stunning views of the lake. It is the perfect spot for a peaceful day in nature, with plenty of room to relax. The beach itself is made up of soft sand and pebbles, making it an ideal spot for swimming or sunbathing in all your glory.

What to expect around Lake Tahoe’s North Shore Beaches

Generally speaking, Lake Tahoe’s best beachside bars and restaurants are located on the North Shore, where you can find a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. If you are feeling hungry, Moe’s Original BBQ. This bar has a great selection of beer and fun cocktails, as well as a menu of small plates to share. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, check out the Beacon Bar & Grill. This bar has a large outdoor patio with a fire pit, perfect for enjoying a summer night. If you are planning on spending time in the area, we recommend choosing from our line-up of popular North Lake Tahoe vacation rentals. 

Beaches on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore

Meeks Bay Beach

A mile south of Tahoma on Lake Tahoe’s west shore is Meeks Bay Beach, another popular beach in Lake Tahoe. It beach offers stunning views, North, East and South of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach also has a boat launch, so you can easily access the lake for fishing or boating. 

Lester Beach

A little south of Meeks Bay is Lester Beach. The sandy beach is quite large and has plenty of room for swimming, sunbathing, and other activities. There are also several picnic tables available for visitors to enjoy a picnic and BBQ.

Emerald Bay State Park Beach

Halfway between South Lake Tahoe and Meeks Bay is Emerald Bay State Park Beach. Located on the west shore of the lake, this beach offers stunning views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. The beach is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. It also has a large picnic area with plenty of tables and grills for a perfect day out with family or friends.

What to expect around Lake Tahoe’s West Shore Beaches

Generally speaking, the beaches on the West Shore are a little quieter than either the North or South Shores and there are fewer services to match. That said, they can still get crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax, you may want to visit during the week. 

Beaches on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore

Zephyr Cove Beach

Zephyr Cove Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. Located on the Nevada side of the lake, a few miles north of Stateline, this beach offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the crystal-clear waters that make Lake Tahoe a hit. The beach is equipped with a boat launch, a picnic area, and plenty of parking. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more in the relatively calm waters of Zephyr Cove.

Baldwin Beach

Baldwin Beach is located in the Southeast corner of Lake Tahoe. It is one of the more popular beaches in the area and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The beach features a large sandy shoreline, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. There are also plenty of picnic tables and grills available for barbecues and picnics.

Kiva Beach

Kiva Beach is a stunning beach located in South Lake Tahoe. This beach is perfect for those looking to relax and soak up the sun, as it offers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the views. The sand here is soft and white, making it ideal for swimming or simply lounging around. Kiva Beach also has a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms for your convenience.

Pope Beach

Just a little east of Kiva Beach and a little closer to town, Pope Beach is also one of the more popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. Located on the south shore, this beach offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also plenty of amenities to enjoy such as volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic tables. 

Keys Beach

Keys Beach is a stunning beach located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including ospreys, bald eagles, and mule deer. Keys Beach offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and of course birdwatching.

Thomas F Regan Memorial City Beach

Thomas F Regan Memorial City Beach is the King’s Beach equivalent on the South Shore. A conveniently located beach with lots of nearby services. It is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is easily accessible and has plenty of amenities including restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. There are also several volleyball courts and a playground for the kids. The beach is well-maintained and offers stunning views north of the lake.

El Dorado Beach

El Dorado Beach is known as a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding and is very easy to get to. It’s home to Lakeview Live and their free concert series every Thursday over the summer months. The beach also features a large grassy area with both picnic tables and BBQ grills, making it perfect for larger family gatherings or group getaways. 

What to expect around Lake Tahoe’s South Shore Beaches

Due in no small part to its proximity to South Lake Tahoe, the beaches on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe are some of the busiest in the area. Visitors can find a number of different activities to enjoy while they are here and services aplenty. It’s worth mentioning that hiking is another popular activity around Lake Tahoe’s South Shore Beaches. There are a number of different trails that people can take advantage of, including the Rubicon Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail. If you are planning on staying in the area, we recommend choosing from our portfolio of South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals.

A few final thoughts about the beaches of Lake Tahoe

Yes, the beaches of Lake Tahoe are some of the most beautiful and serene in the world and it’s no wonder why so many people flock to them every year. Yet, what makes them even more special is that as beaches go, they are relatively untouched by commercial development – so you can really feel like you’re getting away from it all. While never being too far away from it all.

A few commonly asked questions about Lake Tahoe’s Beaches