Lake Life
Our last blog covered ways to Beat the Summer Heat in Reno-Sparks, and we promised Lake Tahoe locations next. Here are some of the best spots to explore and enjoy that Lake Life!
Beaches
Whether you’re looking to swim or relax in the Sierra Sun, North Lake Tahoe beaches have something for everyone!
Kings Beach is one of the best beaches on the North Shore. It offers pristine, smooth sand and a family-friendly recreational area. The water is shallow enough for kids to enjoy. This site is also great for kayak, paddleboard, or jet skiing. There are restaurants, shops, and places to rent gear surrounding the area. It’s a one-stop shop for all-day fun.
Sand Harbor State Park is a popular spot along the east shore. The shoreline is a bit rugged, but it’s still one of the best beaches in North Lake Tahoe. Sand Harbor has picnic tables and a boat launch. There are kayak and paddleboard rentals. You’ll want to get to this beach early…the parking lot fills up fast!
Hidden Beach is located just south of Incline Village near Tunnel Creek Road. This beach is an excellent spot for avoiding crowds. There is also limited parking here, but it’s a hidden gem for those who arrive early and make the trek in. All along the eastern shore, remote spots are lined with Tahoe’s iconic granite boulders and only accessible by way of a short hike.
Chimney Beach is located about a mile from Highway 28 and is extremely popular during summer. Chimney Beach is dog-friendly and lined with rocks and deep water.
Zephyr Cove is one of the larger beaches at Lake Tahoe. Because of its size, this beach is an excellent spot for families, there’s usually no problem finding a place on the beach, but parking can fill up early. Amenities at Zephyr Cove include a small bar and grill with restrooms and water equipment rentals.
Nevada Beach is further south and close to the Nevada/California border. Amenities include a day-use pavilion with a BBQ station, restrooms, kayak rentals, and food concession. This beach is one of the few beach campgrounds on the lake, and it allows pets on a leash in the campground.
Pope Beach is located on the South shore and is worth noting. It’s lined by pine trees and great for swimming.
Lester Beach is located on the western shores of Lake Tahoe, also known as “Bliss Beach.” This beautiful beach is situated in D. L. Bliss State Park and the northern portion of one of the deepest portions of Lake Tahoe, known as the Rubicon Wall. While there is no designated swim area for beachgoers, and boat traffic is typical, some shallow spots are gentle enough for kids to splash around. There is limited parking, so visitors are advised to arrive early.
Kayaking
There are twenty public launch sites along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline. Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Zephyr Cove, Kings Beach, and D.L Bliss State Park are the best places for launch. It is imperative to ensure that your kayak is free of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) before launching into the Lake. There are four Tahoe Boat Inspection Stations in Alpine Meadows, Meyers, Spooner Summit, and Truckee that will decontaminate your kayak for free. You can rent a kayak at Tahoe Paddle & Oar, Adrift Tahoe, Tahoe Paddle Sports, or Wild Society to ensure you use a contaminant-free kayak.
The North Shore offers various launch areas. Kings Beach and Incline Village are more leisurely trips for beginners. And Sand Harbor and Zephyr Cove provide a nice route with plenty of locations to stop and rest.
Intermediate paddlers can enjoy launching around D.L. Bliss State Park and Rubicon Point. These inlets provide gorgeous beaches and calm water. The southern route towards Emerald Bay is for more experienced kayakers; this route has an undeveloped shoreline, and the water may get choppy.
More advanced kayakers can experience the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. This trail goes around the entire 72-mile-plus expanse of Lake Tahoe and is broken down into seven segments.
SUP Spots
North Lake Tahoe has some of the best paddle boarding spots that offer stretches of shoreline only accessible from the water. Kings Beach and Sand Harbor are ideal spots. These areas provide coves cradled by rock formations, and the water is typically glassy and calm. Other places to paddle on the Lake include Fannette Island off Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss State Park, Kiva Beach, Lester Beach, and Zephyr Cove. Adventure seekers can rent paddle boards at the same shops that offer kayak rentals.
Lake Tahoe offers miles of pristine coastline with many activities to enjoy. Check the Lake Tahoe marine forecast before heading out for a fun day on the water, as conditions can change in the blink of an eye.
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