Nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, North Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor adventures with its pristine waters and breathtaking scenery. When it comes to swimming, there may not be a better place in the US to find crystal clear, pristine, turquoise waters to dive into! Whether you are looking for a secluded cove or expansive sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing, North Lake Tahoe offers a variety of swimming spots, perfect for everyone!
With so many options, you’ll want to make sure you visit the right place for you – that’s where we come in! In this blog, we’ll go over the top swimming spots in North Lake Tahoe, so you’ll have a fool-proof guide to all the best places to swim without any guesswork! From tranquil bays sheltered from winds to lively beaches with community events, whether you’re looking to unwind or want a great spot to enjoy the outdoors with little ones, we’ve got you covered!
North Lake Tahoe vs. South Lake Tahoe: Which Beaches are Better?
Tahoe is divided into North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. While both ends boast stunning beaches, each offers a unique experience. Here’s a breakdown of North vs. South Lake Tahoe:
North Lake Tahoe:
Quieter and more laid-back atmosphere
Ideal for families and relaxation
Scenic beauty with smaller crowds
South Lake Tahoe:
Bustling with energy and nightlife
Offers luxurious accommodations and entertainment options
Larger crowds and vibrant atmosphere
For families looking for a relaxing getaway and for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains, North Lake Tahoe is where you want to be!
California Beaches
Kings Beach
Located right at the northern end of Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach is the largest sandy beach in North Lake Tahoe known for its warm waters and scenic views. The little village of Kings Beach that runs along the beach, provides easy access to markets, restaurants and boutiques making this a great place to spend the entire day!
Why we love it:
Largest beach on North Shore
Warm waters for swimming and sunbathing
Playground and picnic areas with lake views
Parking tips:
Some free parking is available and there are many parkades and parking spots throughout the town although you may have to walk to the beach
Planning alternative transportation is a good idea
Commons Beach
Commons Beach Park in Tahoe City is a lively, four acre, waterfront spot with free concerts every Sunday and movies every Wednesday in the summer! Popular for families, this beach and park offers picnic areas, BBQ grills, a playground, a grassy area to relax and a sandy beach to enjoy for swimming and sunbathing! Plus, you’re just a short distance from some of the best restaurants in Tahoe City so when you get hungry you can find some delicious food to enjoy!
Why we love it:
Vibrant community events
Playground and climbing wall
Free parking but limited; consider alternative transport
Parking tips:
There is parking available at lake level, near Mackinaw and on the street.
Parking, especially in the summer can be limited so you may want to plan alternative transportation
Meek’s Bay Beach
Located on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, Meek’s Bay Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in a sheltered bay that offers a serene swimming area with amenities like restaurants, picnic tables, and a boat dock. Nestled in a quieter area, it’s perfect for families with small children.
Why we love it:
Family-friendly atmosphere
Variety of amenities including restaurant and picnic spots
Protected from strong winds, the shallow waters are great for kids to splash around
Lester Beach
Located within D.L. Bliss State Park, Lester Beach is a great place to go to enjoy the Caribbean-blue waters of Lake Tahoe. With access to the Rubicon Trail and Emerald Bay, this is a great beach to relax and dive into the cool waters at the end of a hike or jump into a kayak and explore the shores of D.L. Bliss State Park and nearby Emerald Bay. Parking can be an issue and there are private beaches nearby so be sure to arrive early and be aware of where you explore while you’re visiting.
Why we love it:
Stunning turquoise waters
Excellent for kayaking and hiking
Breathtaking views along the Rubicon Trail
Parking tips:
Limited parking available; arrive early (11am) on summer days
Please don’t drive trailers here, there is limited parking in the lot
If the lot is full, you won’t be able to enter the parking lot and will have to park 2 miles away and walk to the beach.
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park features rugged beauty, incredible hiking trails, and historical landmarks like Vikingsholm Castle. Its sandy beaches offer picturesque views of Fannette Island, Eagle Point and the beautiful bay! Plus, for anyone who wants to explore under the water, Emerald Bay State Underwater Park is the resting place for many boats, launches and barges used in the lake before the turn of the century. Snorkelers can explore the wreckages and see up close a piece of history during the heyday of Emerald Bay Resort and used in the construction of Vikingsholm!
Why we love it:
Historic Vikingsholm Castle and historical tours
Great for picnics and hiking
Tranquil waters for snorkeling in Emerald Bay State Underwater Park
Parking tips:
Parking – $10 per vehicle for the day or $3 for one hour.
Fees are required by self-payment. The pay machine accepts cash (exact change) or credit card. Display receipt on the vehicle dash.
Fees for parking are good for any California State Park during the date of purchase. Annual CA State Park Day Use Pass displayed is accepted. Federal passes are not accepted.
Nevada Beaches
Sand Harbor
Home to the popular, annual Shakespeare Festival, Sand Harbor is renowned for its shallow, clear waters, unique rock formations and shady, treed areas. Ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and family swims, Sand Harbor is also popular for adventurous visitors to jump into the water from one of the large boulders sticking up from the water!
Why we love it:
Crystal-clear water with gradual depth
Great for snorkeling and boulder jumping
Shaded picnic areas to escape the heat
Excellent for large groups
Parking tips:
Parking available at Sand Harbor with fees; can be crowded during peak times
Day use entrance fee is $10.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles: $15.00 per vehicle) – cash only.
Boat launch: $20.00 (Non-NV Vehicles $25.00)
Bike in: $2.00 per bike
Parking on the highway and walking to the beach is not allowed, consider taking transit or biking if possible
Directions: Located three miles south of Incline Village on State Route 28.
Please note: Day use reservations begin late August
Chimney Beach
Located on National Forest land, Chimney Beach is named after the stone chimney that still remains on the lakeshore, a remnant of the caretaker’s cabin that once stood there. This secluded cove with crystal-clear waters is perfect for those seeking a quieter, natural swim. However, the hike to Chimney Beach can be challenging for younger children and visitors with mobility issues.
Why we love it:
Serene and secluded atmosphere
Clear waters and scenic views
Moderate hike down to the beach
Parking tips:
Limited roadside parking; arrive early in summer
Please note: There are no amenities like playgrounds or picnic tables on this beach and you will find garbage cans and portable restrooms in the parking lot only.
Secret Cove Beach
Secret Cove is where naturalists in the area go for a beach day! With crystal-clear waters and quiet charm Secret Cove is a great place to go to enjoy the summer sun without your bathing suit!
Why we love it:
Safe place for naturalists to enjoy a beach day
Clear waters for swimming and snorkeling
Unique landscape and potential wildlife sightings
Parking tips:
Secret Harbor parking lot is a convenient location but can get busy during the summer
Planning alternative transportation is a good idea
Booking Your Perfect Rental with Tahoe Signature Properties
One of the first steps to planning a getaway to North Lake Tahoe, is choosing the right vacation rental! Tahoe Signature Properties offers a diverse range of vacation homes so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find a fantastic rental for your holiday!
Here are some of the types of rentals you can find with Tahoe Signature Properties:
Pet-Friendly Retreats: Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Our pet-friendly rentals ensure that your entire family can experience the adventure together.
Family-Friendly Homes: Spacious and equipped with amenities to keep everyone entertained, our family-friendly rentals provide comfort and convenience for your entire group.
Cozy Cabins: Embrace the rustic charm of Lake Tahoe with our cozy cabin rentals. Perfect for a quiet retreat surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Lake View Properties: Wake up to breathtaking views of North Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters. Our lake view rentals offer unparalleled scenery and serenity.
Romantic Escapes: Escape with your loved one to a romantic retreat nestled in the mountains. Enjoy private accommodations with luxurious amenities.
Luxury Rentals: Indulge in the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience with our luxury rentals. Featuring upscale amenities and stunning locations, these properties offer a touch of elegance and comfort.
In North Lake Tahoe, you can find the very perfect beach to spend the sunny days of summer! With a variety of landscapes and experiences, whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take the kids, excellent snorkeling, or an ideal kayaking beach, each spot offers its own slice of paradise! Start here to plan your next summer adventure to Lake Tahoe and get ready to soak up all the natural beauty and outdoor recreation that awaits!
