Top 5 Lake Tahoe Beaches to Visit This Summer

I’ve been snowboarding once & I spent about 80% in the snow. It was supposedly Tahoe’s greatest snow in 2017! It was absolutely beautiful! I mean this post isn’t about the snow, but being in Tahoe you get a little bit of everything. Lake Tahoe is the perfect weekend getaway no matter what season.

My husband and I went to Tahoe during the summer and needed all of the must-see beaches! It was a holiday weekend, so there were many exclusive beaches and we had no idea the rules. Here is my must-have weekend getaway packing list! I am going to help you save time and energy and lay out our TOP 5 Lake Tahoe beach choices. Do you have a favorite Tahoe beach?

Lake Tahoe North Shore:

SAND HARBOR BEACH

This Nevada beach is known as one of the best beaches on the lake. YALL! The water is so clear and makes you feel like you’ve landed in the Bahamas. You can literally jump in the water from rocks, paddleboard around, or just lay out on the beach with no cares in this world! If you are wanting to experience Sand Harbor, the early risers always get a spot. We were in line at 8:30am. Yes, IN LINE! My suggestion is to grab breakfast and eat breakfast as you watch the lakes beauty! The beach opens at 8:00am and closes as soon as the parking is full which takes .002 seconds! The beach has a grill, bar, restrooms and we spent the morning there, but could have easily spent the whole day there! I highly suggest getting a Piná Colada and the chicken strips. I mean you doesn’t like chicken strips because its definitely a beach staple!

HIDDEN BEACH

If the next time I go here its packed, I know why! I may regret this… Park anywhere on Highway 28th near Incline. You will pass the last home on your right and you will take the trail to the left near the trash can. Once you take that trail you will find the most beautiful area to hang, read, talk and just enjoy the views! Finding parking will probably be the hardest part of your day! Pack a lunch because once you hit paradise, you don’t want hunger to interrupt! We took our rafts and just laid in the water. My husband got his workout because he paddled us from shore multiple times. Ahah. The waves took us to the shore multiple times, so don’t forget an anchor! Make sure to check out Tunnel Creek Cafe and stop by for a frosè!

KING’S BEACH

King’s beach is a popular area in Lake Tahoe during the summer! If you want to avoid the crowd head to Whitecaps Pizza, and order your food and eat on their private beach eating area! You get a little bit of beach and a lot of GOOD PIZZA! I don’t know what it is about Tahoe pizza, but it gets me every time. Pizza isn’t for everyone, so there’s plenty of restaurants, shops and ice cream in the town of King’s beach. If you are an adventurer, the beach is known for parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing and paddle boarding. OH, make sure you stop by Java Hut for an iced coffee! I am not a coffee drinker, but my husband made a second pit stop on our way home just for the ICED COFFEE. You can avoid the parking issues by being an early riser.

Lake Tahoe South Shore:

ZEPHYR COVE BEACH:

Zephyr Cove is located less than 5 miles from South Lake Tahoe. It is located in Nevada. For the dog lovers, this beach does not allow dogs on the beach. 🙁 I will say that this beach has endless options for entertainment. You can lounge on the beach, but if you love adventure, you can get on a jet ski, kayak, and parasail. If you want to set out in the great lake and learn about the history of this beautiful, but FREEZING lake, hop on the M.S. Dixie II. There are drinks and snacks aboard and endless seating! Look out the window or sit in the back (it does get a bit windy) and see all the beauty that Tahoe has to offer. The cruise takes you across the lake to Emerald Bay, which is absolutely breathtaking! Speaking of Emerald Bay, the best view is from Vikingsholm Beach.

VIKINGSHOLM BEACH:

You will need to put in some work to enjoy Vikingsholm beach. Vikingsholm beach is located on the Emerald bay shore. The area has a beautiful hidden castle which resembles Scandinavian architecture. Lora J. Knight is responsible for this amazing building with so much character and history. If you wanna go see Vikingsholm mansion and the beach, you park at the top of the hill and walk a mile down a steep hill. Luckily when you get the bottom, the water is nice and cold for you to hop right in! I wouldn’t choose this beach if you carry your entire house to the beach! Dogs are not allowed on the trails, roads or on the beach near Emerald Bay. I would say this beach is DEFINITELY worth the walk!

At the end of the day, I hope you are laying on the beach having your best life soon! Tag #HeyATAG when you get there!