A summer vacation to Lake Tahoe isn’t complete without enjoying the beautiful beaches. This guide compares some of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe to help you choose where to go during your trip. Whether you’re looking for scenery, free parking, or family-friendly amenities, there’s a Lake Tahoe beach for you!
The Best Beaches in Lake Tahoe
Scenic Beaches
The most beautiful and scenic beaches are on the east side of Lake Tahoe. When you think of Lake Tahoe, these are likely the beaches that come to mind. The east shore has the iconic clear blue water with the granite boulders that Lake Tahoe is known for. We highly recommend stopping at one (if not all!) of these eastern shore spots during your trip!
- East Lake Tahoe
- Secret Cove (hiking required, free parking, clothing optional nude beach)
- Chimney Beach (hiking required, free parking)
- Bonsai Rock (hiking required, free parking, no sandy area)
- Sand Harbor (no hiking required, restrooms, kayak/SUP rentals, food concessions, paid parking)
Family-Friendly Beaches
With amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, and watercraft rentals, these family-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches are great places to spend a whole day. The beaches in this part of the list do not require hiking to get to. They can all be accessed from a nearby parking lot.
- East Lake Tahoe
- Sand Harbor (no hiking required, restrooms, kayak/SUP rentals, food concessions, paid parking, also one of the most scenic beaches!)
- North Lake Tahoe
- Kings Beach (restrooms, playground, kayak/SUP rentals, paid parking, no hiking required)
- Commons Beach (playground, restrooms, grassy area, free parking, no hiking required)
- North Tahoe Beach (free parking, grassy area, restrooms, no hiking required)
- South Lake Tahoe
- Regan Beach (restrooms, playground, grassy area, free parking, no hiking required)
- El Dorado Beach (restrooms, kayak/SUP rentals, free parking, food concessions, no hiking required)
Beaches with Free Parking
Many beaches in Lake Tahoe require a fee for parking. These Lake Tahoe beaches have free parking, making them great options for beach hopping or a short picnic.
- East Lake Tahoe
- Secret Cove (hiking required, free parking, clothing optional)
- Chimney Beach (hiking required, free parking)
- Bonsai Rock (hiking required, free parking, no sandy area)
- North Lake Tahoe
- Commons Beach (playground, restrooms, grassy area, free parking, no hiking required)
- North Tahoe Beach (free parking, grassy area, restrooms, no hiking required)
- South Lake Tahoe
- Regan Beach (restrooms, playground, grassy area, free parking, no hiking required)
- El Dorado Beach (restrooms, kayak/SUP rentals, free parking, food concessions, no hiking required)
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Map of Lake Tahoe Beaches
Beach Photo Gallery
Secret Cove
Chimney Beach
Bonsai Rock
Sand Harbor
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For additional details and directions and a list of even more beaches in Lake Tahoe, visit tahoepublicbeaches.org.
For more information to help plan your trip, check out our other Lake Tahoe posts:
- Lake Tahoe 2 Day Itinerary: How to Spend a Long Summer Weekend on the Water
- Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe This Summer
- Best Sunrise & Sunset Photography Spots in Lake Tahoe
- Top Hikes in Lake Tahoe for Your Summer Trip
- Lake Tahoe Packing List: Summer Vacation Edition