Head for the Water

Beaches

Tahoe’s beaches are narrow this summer due to high lake levels following two strong winter snowfalls. But many lovely meetings of sand and water can still to be found around Tahoe’s 72-mile shore. Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a scenic gem with 3 unique beaches. However, its parking lots fills quickly on most summer mornings, which then requires taking a shuttle from Incline Village or trekking down a three-mile bike path to reach the park. In South Tahoe, wide Nevada Beach and Baldwin Beach are both good bets. Nearby, Pope Beach was recently named one of America’s top beaches, but high water this summer will make it harder to find a secluded, sandy spot.

On the North Shore, Kings Beach, Moon Dunes and Tahoe City’s Commons Beach have a variety of sand, lawns, playgrounds and shallow water. Tahoe’s West Shore has two outstanding beaches. Meeks Bay is a sheltered cover and a large beach and calm water for swimming and paddling, but requires an entrance fee. The beaches at D.L. Bliss State Park are among Tahoe’s prettiest, but the Park is likely going to be closed for much of the summer due to a large infrastructure project, with the beaches only accessible by a long hike in or from a boat. Near Truckee, West End Beach at Donner Lake features large lawns and shade trees and shallow, warm water.

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Dog Beaches

Dog-friendly beaches include Kiva Beach in South Tahoe, Zephyr Cove on East Shore, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay and Hurricane Bay on the West Shore. Don’t be surprised to see locals bring their dogs to other of Tahoe’s beaches, but that is often against local regulations and fines are given out.

Swimming

The lake is chilly in the early summer, but the surface temperature warms to near 70 degrees Fahrenheit by August and September. The warmest water is found in the shallows off South Tahoe’s beaches, Sand Harbor, Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista. Put on swim goggles or mask and snorkel to enjoy Tahoe’s remarkable water clarity. The lower Truckee River also has clear cool water and numerous swimming holes.

Paddling

Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters—every shade of blue from near-black to turquoise—have a magnetic attraction for paddleboarders and kayakers. There are multiple Tahoe marinas that offer launching and rentals. Many of the most popular beach locations also have rentals and convenient parking. East Shore’s mix of undeveloped shoreline, numerous coves and huge granite boulders make it a favorite adventure, accessed from Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Or paddle past lakefront estates from Tahoe City’s Commons Beach. Another epic paddle is the journey into iconic Emerald Bay, which this summer can only be accessed from Baldwin Beach in the south or Meeks Bay to the north. Go to LakeTahoeWaterTrail.org for information about multi-day paddles around the lake. Pay close attention to wind and weather forecasts before venturing onto Lake Tahoe. This is NOT your normal lake!

The water is dangerously cold in spring and early summer so always have a leash attached to your board, even close to shore. Winds can come up quickly in the afternoon and become strong enough that an offshore breeze might be too strong for you to make headway against, with the nearest shore then over 12 miles away!

Waterskiing & Wakeboarding

On a calm summer morning, Lake Tahoe’s surface mirrors the blue sky and green peaks, creating waterskiing nirvana. West Shore locations are often the most wind protected, including launches from Homewood, Sunnyside and Tahoe City marinas. Other lakes that are often ideal for waterskiing or wakeboarding are Donner Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake. Instruction in waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are available from many rental services, with rental wetsuits also available.

Check weather forecasts carefully if launching your own ski boat. Afternoon winds can grow gusty quickly on Lake Tahoe, building waves on the opposite shore that can overwhelm a small boat. It’s also best to not dive headfirst into Tahoe’s depths off a boat in the middle of the lake. Even in summer, Tahoe’s water can be extremely cold, literally stealing-your-breath-away six feet down. Tragically, the lake records drowning victims most every year. Be smart and safe.