Top 10 Beaches in Lake Tahoe: North Shore & West Shore
Summer has arrived in Lake Tahoe bringing long sunny days, crisp cool waters, and endless opportunities for fun along the shores of Lake Tahoe. With over 40 public beaches around the lake, we have narrowed down the list and highlighted the top ten beaches in Lake Tahoe focusing on the North Shore and West Shore. We hope your summer is filled with endless fun in the sun!
*All beach information provided by Tahoe Beaches
Meeks Bay Beach
Meeks Bay is located 2 miles south of Tahoma along Highway 89 on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Meeks Bay Beach is located on National Forest land and is popular for its beautiful scenery, sprawling white sandy beaches and easy access. This gorgeous stretch of sand on Lake Tahoe is perfect for a family day of relaxing. Enjoy kayak and paddleboard rentals, a small food establishment, restrooms and picnic tables are available. If you’re looking to stay longer, Meeks Bay Campground is located adjacent to Meeks Bay day use beach. More information
Sugar Pine Point
On the West Shore, the beach at Sugar Pine Point State Park is primarily sand, and is located within the historic zone, near the popular Pine Lodge mansion. Its size varies with the water level of Lake Tahoe. Two portions of the beach are located north and south of the mouth of General Creek. The north portion is accessed thru the Zberg Preserve north of the historic zone, and the south beach is accessed from the lawn near the mansion itself. The beaches can also be accessed by boat and a pier is available for briefly loading and unloading. Additionally, a waterside trail extends to the south boundary of the park as well as smaller rocky beaches on the outer Meeks Bay. More information
DL Bliss State Park
“Bliss Beach” is a beautiful, popular beach located within DL Bliss State Park. It is composed of two parts: the north portion is known as “Lester Beach” and the south portion is known as “Calloway Cove”. Located just on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, just above Emerald Bay, this beach is popular for day-use and campers camping at the adjacent DL Bliss campground. This area is the northern portal to the famous Rubicon Wall, one of the deepest portions of Lake Tahoe, and the popular Rubicon Hiking Trail. Beach goers can expect a gentle beach; however, there is no designated swim area and boat traffic is common. More information
Moon Dunes Beach
Moon Dunes Beach offers the finest white sand beach in Lake Tahoe and true to its name, you literally climb right over a sand dune to access this pristine shoreline. The beach is located in the community of Tahoe Vista just off of North Lake Boulevard. If you’re looking for something a little less crowded than Kings Beach, this is a great option but it does fill up fast on weekends. Limited parking is available only along the highway so please be careful crossing the road especially with your little ones. There are no developed facilities but garbage services and portable restrooms are provided in the summer near the entrance. Sorry, pets are never allowed at Moon Dunes Beach. More information
Commons Beach
Commons Beach is a great gathering spot for the entire family. This four-plus-acre park is located on the lake in downtown Tahoe City. This extremely popular beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Group picnic sites and children’s playgrounds are located within a large lakefront grass and sand area. The park boasts a group barbecue area that can accommodate up to 75 people and an amphitheater that will seat another 65. Each of these areas and other outdoor venues is available to rent through the Tahoe City Public Utility District. In the summer, Commons Beach is the home of FREE Concerts at Commons every Sunday afternoon and FREE Movies on the Beach every Wednesday night. A great family spot. More information
Skylandia State Park & Beach
Skylandia State Park & Beach is a 24-acre California State Park operated and maintained by the Tahoe City Public Utility District. It is located 1.5 miles east of Tahoe City on Lake Forest Road. Skylandia Park provides bike trails, hiking trails, and picnicking and the beach features a pier and large swimming area. If you don’t have time to pack lunch, walk five minutes to Tahoe City’s best bakery, Sugar Pine Cakery & Cafe and enjoy some of the best food on the North Shore. If you’re looking to plan an event or gathering, Skylandia also offers event space above the beach in the park area. More information
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Kings Beach State Recreation Area is the flagship beach site in the North Tahoe area. Kings Beach’s 1,700 feet of lakefront is the largest public access sandy beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The wide stretch of white sand is a favorite of visitors and residents alike. It’s south facing aspect and a lake floor that gradually deepens makes this one of the warmest swimming areas on the Lake. A beautiful playground area overlooks the water and gives the kids a place to play after they have tired of playing in the Lake. For extra fun at Kings Beach, Adrift Tahoe is located right behind the beach where you can rent SUP, kayak, or canoe gear. We recently heard the latest scoop that Adrift Tahoe is planning to bring back Aloha style shaved ice this summer (yumm!). We also highly recommend after a day at the beach, taking the family to Whitecaps Pizza or enjoying the barbecue and picnic areas along the beach which are available on a first come, first served basis. More information
Speedboat Beach
Speedboat Beach is a small neighborhood beach with beautiful large boulder formations and crystal clear blue water. If you are in need of some rest and relaxation, this is your destination. The little ones especially love fishing for crawdads, jumping off boulders, laying in shallow secluded pools of water and enjoying the expansive lake views. Speedboat beach is located at the end of Speedboat Street within a cozy neighborhood of narrow, windy streets. Enjoy kayaking to or from this small beach while touring the north and east shore of the lake. If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot (parking is extremely limited), you are sure to have one of your best Lake Tahoe beach days yet. More information
Hidden Beach
Located on Hwy 28, 1 mile south of Incline Village and the recently developed bike and walking path takes you right to it! is approximately 750 feet long with rocky alcoves and plenty of adjacent boulder shoreline. Like many area beaches in the summer, it is recommended that you arrive at this beach by 9am to get a parking spot. This beach is very popular for boaters, kayakers, and paddle boarders to swing through and enjoy some beach time. This is a non-fee area but donations are encouraged. Trails and a vault toilet are available in the area. More Information
Sand Harbor Beach
Sand Harbor is one of the most popular and spectacular parks in the Tahoe basin. The Main Beach is 2,500 feet long and is popular for swimming, sunbathing and a wide variety of beach activities. This beach features spectacular panoramic views, white sandy beach, food facilities and restrooms. Sand Harbor is known for its beautiful boulders peeking out of the clear blue crystal waters, perfect for jumping off of. This is also where may attend the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, a truly special place to enjoy theater. Sand Harbor’s hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to one hour after sunset. Insider tip: get to Sand Harbor very early in the summertime (cars start lining up as early as 7am). The parking lot fills up fast and there is no parking along Highway 28. More information
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