Here are Lake Tahoe’s best beaches (along with parking tips)

13.04.2024 - 12:33 / lonelyplanet.com / Lake Tahoe

With soft golden sand and clear, blue waters reflecting the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe’s beaches are astonishingly beautiful.

There’s a catch, though: of this alpine lake’s 72 miles of shoreline, only 34 miles are open to the public. And that public shoreline is in high demand indeed; Lake Tahoe’s beaches are often at capacity from Memorial Day through the end of September. 

To put it mildly, public beach access here can be confusing to first-time visitors. Which is why we’ve put together this list of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe – including tips for how to gain entry.

Chances are you’ve seen it in pictures. Sand Harbor’s sandy coves, enormous boulders and bright turquoise water make it one of the most photographed spots on the lake. One of four Nevada state parks in and around Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is home to several beaches. Main Beach is a 2500-ft-long strip of wide, golden sand. Just north of the visitor center, small coves with dramatic rock formations offer visitors platforms from which to jump in the water or soak up the sun. 

Sand Harbor is one of Lake Tahoe’s most accessible beaches, and features a long, wheelchair-friendly boardwalk that overlooks the lake. Other amenities include an underwater dive park, picnic areas, barbecue grills, restrooms, a visitor center, seasonal kayak rentals and a boat launch.

In summer, it also plays host to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which produces Broadway musicals, orchestras and tribute shows, in addition to works by the Bard. 

Planning tip: If you’re visiting during high season, it’s wise to arrive before the gates open (usually 7am in summer). Once the parking lot has filled, the entrance won’t reopen until around 5pm, regardless of how many people leave in the interim. 

Parking is $10 for vehicles with Nevada plates and $15 for everyone else. If you’re attending a festival show, you can purchase parking in advance – which is only valid after 5pm on the day of your performance. 

Emerald Bay State Park, on the California side of the lake, is rugged and wild. A highlight here is the unusual Vikingsholm Castle, a historic Scandinavian-style estate you can tour. The wide, sandy beach in front of the house is a popular place for picnics and swimming, offering stellar views of the bay and Fannette Island (the only island in the lake). A second beach is located a mile north, adjacent to a boat-in campground. 

Planning tip: You’ll have to hike about a mile down a steep hill to get to the beaches of Emerald Bay State Park – which means you’ll also have to hike a mile to get back up. Fortunately, there are restrooms, a seasonal visitor center and kayak rentals by the shore. 

Parking is $5 per vehicle and is extremely competitive from Memorial