Lake Tahoe holds a very special place in my heart not only for its crystal clear blue water but also because my husband and I exchanged our marriage vows here! In the fall of 2005, we had a very intimate wedding with the sunset as a backdrop, beach-side in Zephyr Cove Beach. Aside from my fond memories, there’s no denying that Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination attracting tourist of various interest throughout the year! In summer, Lake Tahoe has some incredibly beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and dramatic views! Water activities are highly popular from kayaking to boating to parasailing and snorkeling! Hiking trails are also abundant with views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountain! Historic hiking trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and the Rubicon Trail brings in avid backpackers around the world! In winter, Lake Tahoe attracts skiers and snowboarders and a popular family winter destination for many types of snow activities.

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake tucked away in the middle of the Sierra Nevada Mountain with about 2/3 of its area being in California and the other 1/3 in Nevada. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and the 2nd deepest lake in the United States with a maximum depth of 1600 feet ( Facts About Lake Tahoe). This big blue lake is one of the purest large lakes in the world holding a record of up to 77 feet in clarity! As a resident of Sacramento, Lake Tahoe is easily one of my favorite local vacation destination year-round being less than 2 hours away from home!

So this summer, I made it a mission to explore as much of the beaches around the lake! It’s important to note that because of its depth, Lake Tahoe never wholly warms up, however, the shallow waters in the beach areas can warm up as much as 70 degrees (Fahrenheit) making a perfect cool dip for a hot summer! While the water is generally cold, I have been able to stay immersed in the water for hours at times! But of course… always take caution!

If you’ve done any amount of research for best beaches in Lake Tahoe, you’ll see right away that my list is mostly different from the results you’ll find on the first pages on Google. This list is based on my preference and experience and I will point out my reason for picking each beach below! I tend to gravitate towards off-the-beaten-path beaches that are likely less crowded, however, on this list are also family-friendly beaches!

Top 8 Beaches in Lake Tahoe

1. Lester Beach

Noteworthy Information… Entrance Fee $10, dogs not allowed, bathrooms available, no hiking needed to get to the beach if early enough to get a parking spot, no kayaks and other water activities for rent, ideal for families with young kids.

Lester Beach is also rightfully called Bliss Beach located on the west shore of DL Bliss State Park. Nearby is the portal to the deepest portion of the lake, the Rubicon Wall as well as the historic Rubicon Trail. To get to Lester Beach, you have to drive up through Highway 89 with some of the best aerial views of Emerald Lake. From the entrance, drive down through the campsites to get to the beach. This is a small beach and I can imagine can get packed in the summer, however, during our visit on a first week of August - it was surprisingly not crowded.

What I like about Lester Beach… first is its accessibility with a parking lot closest to the water just less than 50 feet away! As a vanlifer, I’m always on the lookout for parking spots with the best views! The parking lot is small and can get full pretty fast but there are overflow parking spots about a quarter mile away. Second, it has one of the calmest water in the lake making it perfect to snorkel or swim in. The sand was finer than many other beaches and the is an excellent point to launch a kayak or a raft. Third, the water was clear as to be expected in Lake Tahoe, however, I find it the warmest compared to all other beaches we dipped in.

Tips… come early to get a parking spot near the water and reserve your beach-side picnic spot! DL Bliss has a campground and many campers set up their beach tents as early as sunrise in the beach.

2. Secret Cove

Noteworthy Information… no entrance fee (FREE), a known NUDIST beach, dogs allowed, no designated parking lot - park along Highway 28, 3/4 mile steep but moderate hike down to the beach, not ideal for family with young kids because of the hike and potential nudity, not ideal for carrying heavy kayaks because of the steep hike down and the strong waves making it harder to launch, no restrooms near the beach.

Secret Cove is one of the series of beaches located along Highway 28 on the remote east shore of Lake Tahoe (Secret Cove Nevada). To get there, get one of the very few free parking spot in the area or find a safe parking along Highway 28. Take careful caution when parking along the highway, it is narrow and can get very busy. Once parked, you can find multiple trails to start the hike down to the beach. It is a steep hike to begin with but eases as it reaches closer to the water. The beach in itself is small and can feel crowded because of the limited space! There aren’t many young families and kids making it a popular spot for the nudists and teenagers. The sand is coarser than other beaches like Sand Harbor and the waves are larger since it’s not a cove. There are huge boulders on the water to hangout out in, though not deep enough for diving. They make an excellent Instagram photos though!

What I like about Secret Cove… if you’re the one with a good sense of adventure then Secret Cove is for you! I love that there is a hike with some amazing views of the turquoise water as you get closer to the beach! This feels very much like an off-the-beaten-path experience with no amenities like restrooms or snack shack! It’s clean and undeveloped - perfect for a simple beach day! Secret Cove is also definitely less crowded compared to more popular beaches around the lake.

Tips… pack light otherwise hiking up and down the trail will be difficult! We brought a backpack that carried everything we needed and it worked well for us! Wear tennis shoes or hiking shoes for the hike and bring flip flops for the beach.

3. Sand Harbor

Noteworthy Information… $10 entrance fee, no dogs allowed, crowded but it has plenty of beach space, clean bathrooms on premise, cafe/grill for food, perfect for everyone of different interest!

The Sand Harbor Beach has consistently been named the no. 1 in the north shore! And for a good reason! Sand Harbor beach has a place for everyone! For the beach-bumming crowd, there is a 2500-ft wide sandy beach in the main area. If you walk farther to the right are 2 very stunning coves! One is filled with interesting boulders where the adventurous dive from and the other is where the kayaks and paddle boards are rented as well as boats launched. The sand is one of the finest in the lake and the water is calm making it perfect for a leisurely swim. There are boulders across the beach that you can swim to as well as potential boulder diving. The water is clear as expected from most beaches in Lake Tahoe and also warm enough to dip in.

What I like about Sand Harbor… we rented a kayak for a few hours and had an amazing time! Sand Harbor is a part of a series of beaches and you can get to the other beaches by kayak. During our visit, the main beach looked really crowded but people were dispersed doing water activities! So even though the sandy beach looked packed, the lake never got crowded! Also, if you walk a little farther to the right is a beautiful calm cove with boulders surrounding it!

Tips… Be there early! The first time we visited, we arrived at 10:30 AM and the parking lot was already closed! So on our next visit, we were there as early as 7 AM, gate opens at 8 AM. If you want a more secluded experience, from the parking lot, walk farther right pass the restroom and grill. There are a few private areas there with the best views in the beach! If you don’t like crowded beaches, skip this! Sand Harbor is known to be the crown jewel in Lake Tahoe beaches. Since I don’t like big crowds, Sand Harbor is not my most favorite beach in the lake, however, still really enjoyed our time there!

4. Hidden Beach

Noteworthy Information… no entrance fee (FREE), dogs allowed, no public restrooms near the beach, park along Highway 28, less than a mile hike depending on where you parked, the short hike is not ideal for families with young kids.

Hidden Beach is a part of the series of beaches in the north shore of Lake Tahoe near Incline Village in Nevada. Located along Highway 28, Hidden Beach is approximately 750 feet long with rocky alcoves and plenty of adjacent boulder shoreline (Go Tahoe North). It has a small beach area especially this year that the water level has gone up! The beach itself is flanked by giant boulders with sand for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. It’s a great place to spend the day just lounging and swimming (Tahoe Activities).

What I like about Hidden Beach… I am gravitated to enjoy the “off-the-beaten-path” beaches because they will likely have less crowd! I really like the mile hike to get to the Hidden Bridge especially through the newly-built bike and hike path along Highway 28. And the boulders are just so beautiful to take pictures of! This is also an excellent spot to swim between boulders!

Tips… be prepared for the hike so pack light for beach day! There are no restrooms and snack bars, so come prepared! There is a restroom on the drop-off parking lot less than a mile from the beach.

5. Chimney Beach

Noteworthy Information… no entrance fee (FREE), dogs allowed, 1/2 mile hike down to the beach, small parking lot or park right off Highway 28, no amenities on the beach, not ideal for families with young kids if unable to do the hike.

Chimney Beach is one of the best ways to get away from the crowds, as long as you’re willing to make the moderate half mile hike (one way). Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, boulder outcroppings, sandy beach, crystal clear water and the unique chimney marker that gives the beach it’s name. There are several sandy beach pockets among boulders as you walk the trail heading south of the Chimney Beach if you want a smaller spot all to yourself (Tahoe Activities).

What I like about Chimney Beach… Chimney Beach has one of the clearest water I’ve seen among the beaches we visited! The main beach area in itself is small however there are plenty of other secluded areas by the boulders! This beach feels intimate and private and compared to the Secret Cove nearby, the water is calmer. The sand is coarse unlike those in Sand Harbor and Lester Beach.

Tips… pack light and wear comfortable shoes for the hike down to the beach! The main beach is small and can get crowded but walk farther pass the boulders for more secluded areas. I regret trying to squeeze our picnic setup in the main beach when there’s so many other areas to enjoy!

6. Sugar Pine Point State Park

Noteworthy Information… $10 entrance fee, dogs allowed only on paved areas and not on the beach, restrooms available, quarter milk hike to get to the beach from the parking lot, no kayak rentals, perfect for everyone!

Sugar Pine Point State Park offers many different activities in the summer! Nestled in the center of the park is the grand Hellman-Ehrman Mansion with guided tours available. Unfortunately, the mansion was closed during our visit! 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 (Tahoe South). Aside from the beach, there are numerous trails for a hike filled with pine and cedar forest.

What I like about Sugar Pine Point State Park… first, they have some of the friendliest park rangers I’ve ever encountered! Second, Sugar Pine Point State Park has something for many to enjoy from beach-bummin’ to camping to hiking to family picnics and even diving into the clear blue water from the pier. During oir visit, most people were hanging out at the pier to dive in the water! We snag a spot close to the pier, not the beach, which had stair access to the lake. There are picnic tables and grill available close the the water.

Tips… if time permits, visit the Hellman-Ehrman mansion! It gives you an architectural and historical glimpse of how the rich enjoyed Lake Tahoe in the late 1800’s. Also, the rangers were very keen in reminding everyone about the dogs being on leash and that they are not allowed on the beach! This is a park that doesn’t get too crowded compared to other popular beaches. Also, take the time to take deep breaths and enjoy the scents of cedar and pine trees!

7. Nevada Beach

Noteworthy Information… $10 entrance fee or free parking on the streets, dogs are allowed in the southern tip of the beach where the boats are, no hike required, bathrooms available, kayaks and paddle board rentals available and an excellent beach for everyone.

Nevada Beach offers 1/2 mile of beautiful sandy beach with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Swimming, picnicking and just enjoying the view are popular activities. Kayak rentals and food concessions are available onsite (Tahoe South). This is also one of the best campsites I’ve been to in the south shore.

What I like about Nevada Beach… though the sand is somewhat coarse, Nevada Beach has one of the best panoramic view of the vast Sierra Nevada! This beach feels grand! It has a long stretch of sandy beach with one of the best spots to watch sunsets in Lake Tahoe! There are picnic tables and grills as well as a huge covered pavilion for day use! Nevada Beach is perfect for big groups and families with young kids! I also like that it’s conveniently located nearby many attractions in South Lake Tahoe like the casinos!

Tips… if you want to skip the parking fee, try finding a spot off of Highway 50 for a free parking but be prepared to walk. Dogs are allowed on leash on the southern part of the beach and not the main beach! Take it all in! Nevada Beach has one of the best and widest view of the mountains!

8. Zephyr Cove Resort Beach

Noteworthy Information… $10 parking fee at the Zephyr Cove Resort or free parking of off Highway 50, dogs are allowed in some areas but not the main Zephyr Cove Resort Beach, adjacent is the Zephyr Cove Resort with kayaks and paddle board rentals, snack bar and restrooms making it perfect for everyone!

Zephyr Cove Resort’s mile-long sandy beach offers nonstop opportunities for fun in the sun. Enjoy Tahoe’s best beach volleyball courts, the popular Sunset Bar & Grille with beach cocktail service, as well as beach chair and umbrella rentals. This is an all-around beach stop perfect for thrill-seekers and beach bummers alike!

What I like about Zephyr Cove Resort Beach… first, in the southern tip of Zephyr Cove is a beautiful rock formation where my husband and I exchanged our wedding vows in! Second, Zephyr Cove has many activities to enjoy from Lake Tahoe cruise aboard M.S, Dixie to kayak rentals to parasailing to beach volleyball or lounging beach side with a rental umbrellas and cocktails from the bar. It’s an all-around experience. For a quieter, less crowded feel, drive all the way down to the parking lot and there’s plenty of sandy beaches to enjoy with some dramatic boulders as a backdrop! Zephyr Cove also has some of the best spots to watch sunsets in. It is a popular wedding venue as well!

Tips… doggos are allowed on the north shore! Zephyr Cove is a one-stop beach experience! Consider getting a cabin or going camping or day use of the resort!

I hope that you find yourself in one of these beaches this summer! Lake Tahoe is truly spectacular with its clear blue water and amazing views! Cheers!

P.S. tag me on Instagram @sweetsavorygrace with your amazing Lake Tahoe beach experiences!

Other beaches worth visiting…

1. Moon Dunes Beach - constantly reviewed as having one of the finest sand in Lake Tahoe hidden away across the Rustic Lodge

2. Round Hill Pines Resort - an all-around beach experience with activities ranging from kayaking to boat rentals to weddings to bars

3. Bonsai Rock - one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe with stellar views of massive boulders and clear waters! There is a bit of a steep hike down to the beach and not much sandy areas but this cove is perfect for boulder diving!

4. Kings Beach - is a family-friendly beach with many different shops and restaurants around the area! Aside from beach day, take the time to walk around and enjoy the small town!