Lake Tahoe offers an incredible variety of beaches, some of the most beautiful in the world. Stunning views, pristine mountain air, and crystal clear waters await you. Most of the large beaches feature fine luxuriant sand and tall pines. Others reward you with privacy, scenic boulders and tranquil views into Tahoe’s turquoise depths.

If you like to swim, picnic or just relax in the sun, you’ll really enjoy Tahoe’s many beaches. There are beaches that are free and some that charge a daily use fee. Fee beaches usually provide more amenities such as parking, pool, kiosk, picnic tables, BBQ’s, volleyball courts, etc.

If you prefer a little adventure, some of Tahoe’s best beaches are found on the east shore south of Incline. Most of these secluded spots require you to park on the shoulder and hike a short to moderate distance. As these slopes are prone to erosion, please stay on existing trails and remember that if you pack it in, please pack it out. This access starts just past the Ponderosa Ranch and extends for about seven miles south. Parking is limited to designated areas. Below find information on local private and public beaches hours of operation, fees and descriptions.

Incline Beach/Ski Beach
Lakeshore Blvd.
775.832.1233
Hours of operation – 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.
Fees - $8.00 per day per adult. $3.00 per day per child.
As this is a private beach, you will need an authorization card from Vacation Station to gain admittance. A stamp will allow you to come and go all day.
Description – Long and wide sandy beach with towering pine forest. There is a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer. There is also a creek, boat ramp, playground equipment, volleyball court and kiosk. Picnic tables and built in barbeques are available on a first come first serve basis. Parking is limited in the summer so it is best to get there early. Dogs are prohibited. This is one of the best places to observe the fireworks on the 4th of July.
Driving time - Local

Burnt Cedar Beach
633 Lakeshore Blvd
775.832.1233
Hours of operation – 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.
Fees - $8.00 per day per adult. $3.00 per day per child.
As this is a private beach, you will need an authorization card from Vacation Station to gain admittance. A stamp will allow you to come and go all day.
Description – Sandy beach with small cove, jetty and extensive lawns. There is a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer, a heated olympic size swimming pool, playground equipment, volleyball court and kiosk. Picnic tables and built in barbeques are available on a first come first serve basis. Parking is limited so it is best to get there early in the summer. Dogs are prohibited. This new facility is very popular with families and has a pleasant atmosphere.
Driving time – Local

Sand Harbor State Park
South of Incline Village on Highway 28
775.831.0494
Hours of operation – 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m.
Fees - $8.00 per carload year round except $6.00 for May 1st through August 31st.
Description - Sand Harbor State Park’s natural sand spit was created by geology, wind and wave action. This scenic area has a lovely harbor, plenty of parking, a two lane boat ramp, sand dunes, theatrical stage, sandy cove, huge granite boulders and a lengthy nature boardwalk. We’re sure you’ll find that the beaches and scenery are incredible. Home of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, this is a great place to swim, walk, snorkel, kayak, boat, picnic, barbeque or just lay out in the sun. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer. There is a large gazebo with plenty of seating and grills, though you must reserve your dates in advance. Also there are plenty of picnic tables and built in barbeques. This beach park is a good value as they charge by the carload instead of per person. Dogs are prohibited. Probably the best beach area at Lake Tahoe. Shakespeare info; 800-74-SHOWS
Driving time – 8 minutes.
Driving distance – 3 miles.

Kings Beach
Highway 28
Kings Beach, California
Hours of operation – Open year round.
Description - A very long and wide sandy beach with meandering boardwalk, boat launch and public pier. There is a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer. Also a concession-stand rents kayaks, wind surfers, peddle-boats and other beach equipment. There are restrooms but no fixed kiosk. Across the street you will also find informal restaurants and an ice cream parlor.
Fees – Use of the beach is free, however there is a parking fee of $5.00 per day for the parking lots. Free street parking is also usually available.
Driving time – 10 minutes.  Driving distance – 8 miles.

D. L. Bliss State Park
Rubicon Bay, California
On Highway 89
10 miles north of the South Lake Tahoe “Y”
16 miles south of the Tahoe City “Y”
Hours of operation – Open during summer months.
Description - Bliss State Park is located at one of the most scenic areas of Lake Tahoe. Shear granite cliffs give way to a wonderful auburn sand beach. This is a great place to launch your kayak or canoe and explore beaches, rocky coves and popular Emerald Bay nearby. The cliffs adjacent to the beach plunge almost vertically 1500 feet to the lake’s floor, probably the steepest fault scarp at Lake Tahoe. The park offers excellent swimming, camping in the summer and hiking trails backed by incredibly rugged and beautiful mountains.
Driving time – About 60 minutes. Driving distance- About 40 miles.
Fees - $5.00 per car per day.

There are literally dozens more beaches around the lake. The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are large but tend to be quite crowded and hectic in the summer. On the west side of the lake (Homewood, Rubicon and Meeks Bay, etc.) along Highway 89 there are many more lovely beaches and they are usually not very crowded even in the summer.

Remember it’s important to keep in mind that the sun is very intense at this altitude. Always wear high SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn. You can easily burn within thirty minutes. If you would like more information and recommendations on our many wonderful beaches, please feel free to call or stop by our office. We look forward to hearing from you! Toll free: 800.841.7443