Here’s an oft-asked question: Can you swim in Lake Tahoe? The answer is yes, especially if cool/cold water is your thing! And, if you look at all the water sports outfitters and popular beaches in the area, it’s clear that it’s absolutely a preferred thing to do in Tahoe for a lot of people. Summer/early fall temperatures for Big Blue reach around mid- to upper 60s – invigorating, right? And there are other places to enjoy Lake Tahoe swimming such as Donner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Spooner Lake and the Truckee River. These waters are also popular for water skiing, Jet Skiing, tubing, boating, diving, SUPing, paddleboating, kayaking and more, with rentals available for all of it. If you’d rather do your Lake Tahoe swimming in man-made structure – aka, pools – you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of them, even one that’s a tram-ride to the top of a mountain! Recreation centers in the area offer passes to visitors so they, too, can make use of the exceptional workout equipment, competition-size pools, classes and activities. Of course, all the resorts offer pools, outdoor and indoor for year-round Lake Tahoe swimming.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Swimming
CA State Park Road, Tahoma, CA
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained and is an excellent representation of the wealthy side of Tahoe. Tours are offered during the summer by Sierra State Parks Foundation (sierrastateparks.org). There are various trailheads, swimming beaches and great fishing within the park as well as a Nature Center that helps visitors identify the local flora and fauna. In the winter the foundation hosts full moon snowshoe expeditions, and this is a great place for sledding and snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed on leash only. Visitors should remember to pack it in, pack it out and leave no trace. An entrance fee is charged.
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained...read more
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a park system found on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. With six different management units that total 14,301 acres, the park protects miles of dense Tahoe forest and beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. Within the park are the swimming areas of Sand Harbor, Chimney Beach, Hidden Beach, Secret Cove, Creek Beach, Boaters Beach and Whale Beach as well...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Local Tahoe Adventures is a one-stop-shop for standup paddleboard (SUP) and snorkel rentals, boat cruises and SCUBA charters. They also offer free delivery of kayaks and standup paddleboards right to your preferred destination, spanning from Tahoma to Zephyr Cove. Their range of inflatable and hard-shell kayaks as well as paddleboards caters to specific preferences and skill levels. Add a mask and snorkel to any
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Lake Tahoe Swimming
Meeks Bay Resort & Marina offers camping, lodging and outdoor recreation within its 2,000 acres. A full-fledged marina providing boat service, boat tours and kayak, paddleboard, motor boat and pedal boat rentals, Meeks Bay is home to a beautiful white-sand beach that was once an ancestral Washoe Indian site. The resort offers full water ski and water tubing packages. There are three varieties of accommodations...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Memorial Point Overlook is on Highway 28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor. The easiest way to see the expansive beauty of Lake Tahoe, this overlook gives you a bird's-eye view of the variations in water color and the large granite boulders that frame the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. The free parking area accesses a visitors center and a quick trail that accesses the shore....read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Moon Dune Beach may be tiny and not offer many services or allow pets, but it does have the softest, whitest sand found in Lake Tahoe. And it offers free access. The beautiful beach provides some shady areas off the water and portable bathrooms in the summer. Please note that there is no designated parking lot. Parking is on Highway 28 only. Located across from...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
North Tahoe Beach is a large offering for free public access to Lake Tahoe and includes parking. Almost 3 acres with nearly 600 feet of shoreline, the park has a multitude of amenities to offer. There are three beach volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit (although you do need to bring your own horseshoes), barbecue grills and picnic tables available for use. For large parties of...read more
The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Palisades Tahoe's Aerial Tram is a wonderful way to see the sights of the area. A two-towered ride that takes about 7 minutes to climb 2,000 vertical feet, the cable car brings groups of people up over the mountains in a heated cabin. With just a few swings as the cabin passes the towers and a smooth entry into the loading and unloading bay and...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Patton Landing Beach is a pebbly version of Lake Tahoe shoreline. A free public beach that offers picnic tables and summer-only bathrooms, the park also has free parking and a car-top boat launch. To help with the fun factor, Waterman's Landing Beach Cafe adjoins the free public beach and offers yummy treats and delicious drinks as well as kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals. This is...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Pebble Beach, otherwise known as Dog Beach (or lesser known as Elizabeth Williams Beach), is a small strip of Lake Tahoe shoreline with a park-like setting that is legal for canines. North by a few miles of the U.S. Forest Service Kaspian Campground (approximately 4 miles south of Tahoe City), the beach is extremely easy to access. Although close to Highway 89 and the bike...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Pope Beach, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is a wonderful place to spend the day with or without kids. The $10 (subject to change) per vehicle fee and pet prohibition keep some folks away, so it tends to not be as crowded as some other Tahoe beaches. Visitors can make use of picnic tables and restrooms are available. Although there...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Regan Beach is a great place to take the whole family for the afternoon. It has a playground and swings for the kids and a dog-friendly portion of the beach to walk your furry friend. There is also a large section of grass for the kids to run around, restrooms and a small seasonal cafe for when everyone gets hungry. Visitors can take advantage of...read more
Lake Tahoe Swimming
Round Pines is a great beach for those who like a lot going on but also like a beach that is tucked away. Not only does it have a deli and a bar, but it also has a wonderful selection of available water-activity rentals, including boats, Jet Skis, kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats. Visitors can also choose to go parasailing, play volleyball, swim in the...read more
