Visiting one of our many beaches is one of the most popular things to do in Tahoe since Lake Tahoe has a 72-mile perimeter, and its beaches dot around it like pearls. Though the water doesn't get to exactly balmy temps, beach-going is still a favorite thing to do in Tahoe. Rumor has it that there's even a nude beach somewhere around here!
Featured for Your Visit
Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District
Lake Tahoe Beaches
15888 South Shore Drive, Truckee, CA
Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of its own: Donner Lake. While not as big and broad as Big Blue, Donner Lake offers up a good bit of watery fun too. One of the best places to access Donner is West End Beach. In summer months, there is a modest admission fee to enter the 10-acre west end area. The sandy beach and roped-off, kid-friendly swim area is the place to take youngsters to build sandcastles and splash in the water all under the watch of lifeguards. Operated by the Truckee-Donner Park and Recreation Department, West End Beach also has paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats available to rent. There is plenty of fun on the beach area: two playgrounds for kids to get their kicks on, a sand volleyball court, tennis court and horseshoe pits. A snack bar serves up soft drinks, hot dogs and ice cream. Get there early and stake out a picnic table and grill. There are shady group picnic areas available by reservation.
Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of its own: Donner Lake. While not as big and broad as Big Blue, Donner Lake offers up a good bit of watery fun too. One of the best places to access Donner is West End Beach. In summer months, there is a modest admission fee to enter the 10-acre west...read more
Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Beaches
Whale Beach is the last of a series of secluded beaches accessed off of Highway 28 on the east shore of Lake Tahoe and is also known as Black Sand Beach. Accessed via a trailhead that begins at the free public parking area 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor, the trail begins steep than quickly levels off. When the trail Ys take a left (walking...read more
Lake Tahoe Beaches
Wild Society is a adventure rental outfitter best known for its clear kayaks and paddleboards, which make it possible to see deep into the water while you paddle. These kayaks and paddleboards are hugely popular, and you can rent or buy them here. Wild Society is also a travel concierge and guide service, helping newcomers participate in a range of activities and learn a new landscape...read more
Lake Tahoe Beaches
Two miles south of Tahoe City, William Kent Beach is a free, public, pebbly beach sandwiched between the water of Lake Tahoe and Highway 89. This beach strand is connected to the William Kent Campground. William Kent Beach and Campground are located on National Forest land managed by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. An excellent beach for swimming and lounging, it...read more
Lake Tahoe Beaches
Zephyr Cove Beach is a lively, easy-access and pay-for-parking beach that offers visitors plenty of recreational choices. Not only can beachgoers go parasailing and rent power boats, water skis, tubes, wakeboards, knee boards, Jet skis, canoes, kayaks and paddle boats, but they can also board a paddlewheeler for a cruise to Emerald Bay. Zephyr Cove Beach offers two dining options, including the Sunset Bar and...read more
Lake Tahoe Beaches
Zephyr Cove Resort is a true beach and mountain retreat with all that the label suggests. As a place to stay, it offers lodge rooms, individual cabins and an RV park. Dining is available at the historic Zephyr Cove Restaurant or at the Sunset Bar & Grille in the warmer months. The beach part of the resort is the Zephyr Cove Beach, a long stretch...read more
