A trip to Lake Tahoe is not complete without some beach time. Your dog agrees. Especially those of the water-loving persuasion. Hello, Labrador Retrievers!
Luckily, there are also more options than Lake Tahoe. The Upper Truckee River and several smaller alpine lakes are easily accessible and open for doggy antics, so it’s not hard to claim a piece of sand and enjoy some water time with your best friend. Here’s a round-up of the beaches that are Tahoe dog-approved favorites for fun in the sun.
South Shore
Kiva Beach
Kiva Beach, South Shore’s most well-known dog beach, is off U.S. Highway 89, near the Taylor Creek Visitors Center. Dogs must be leashed while on the beach, water play is allowed off-leash. The shoreline abuts a fragile marsh zone that is off-limits to humans and dogs for the protection of wildlife. During the summer season, portable toilets are available in the Kiva Parking area. As a bonus, you will also get unparalleled views of Mount Tallac across the marsh area. Tallac’s topography creates a snow cross on the mountain face for much of the summer, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Tallac Shoreline
Adjacent to Kiva Beach is the Tallac Shoreline, which extends from Kiva to the fence at Camp Richardson Resort. The shoreline doesn’t have much in the way of sandy beach, but dogs are allowed on leash, and it’s a free and easy spot for them to take a swim. You can access from the Tallac Historic Site parking lot and public bathrooms are located close to the parking lot.
Ski Beach
Ski Beach, or North Baldwin Beach, is accessible for dogs if you are traveling by boat. Baldwin Beach does not allow dogs and you can’t drive in with a dog. This is a popular beach with the local boating crowd and can get crowded in the summer months. There is not much in the way of facilities, but a two-unit toilet is available. Dogs are allowed on leash on the beach.
Connelly Beach
Connelly Beach, located midtown in South Lake Tahoe, is a shallow water beach, with limited parking. Dogs are permitted on leash, and it’s close to restaurants, water sports rentals, and a marina.
Regan Beach
Regan Beach, also midtown, offers the City of South Lake Tahoe’s only water dog park on the East end of the beach. Dogs are permitted off-leash in the dog water park section of the beach. The park also includes free parking, a large grass area and a playground for kids. During the height of the summer crush, it might be hard to grab a parking spot. There is some street parking available in the neighborhood and also parking at nearby Lakeview Commons requiring a short walk to Regan Beach.
Beyond Lake Tahoe (South Shore)
To avoid the crowds, consider Washoe Meadows State Park or the Upper Truckee River Trail, right near the junction of Elks Club Drive and U.S. Highway 50. Both offer access to the North Upper Truckee River. Safety tip: Avoid this option in early spring and summer as flows from the snowmelt can be high and overwhelming for dogs and humans.
Fallen Leaf Lake Tahoe is dog friendly, with miles of shoreline to explore. Parking is available in pullout areas and along Fallen Leaf Lake Road.
Spooner Lake located at the top of Spooner Summit on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe includes a large recreational area with hiking trails. Dogs are permitted on leash.
West Shore
Chambers Landing
An iconic spot, Chambers Landing, located just north of the small town of Tahoma on Tahoe’s West Shore is known for its popular restaurant and bar. Dogs love it for the beach. Parking is available along the paved entrance road. There are no services, but the views, sand, and water make up for it.
Kaspian
The Kaspian Picnic Area offers a rocky beach option with wide views across Lake Tahoe, and it’s open year round. Amenities include a picnic area, 100 foot public pier, and restroom.
North Shore
Patton Landing
Patton Landing in Carnelian Bay is popular with stand-up paddleboarders. It’s a favorite of the doggy set for its access to the water and a gourmet coffeehouse, Watermans Coffee House, which operates all year. Leased pets are free to explore the eastern part of the beach and the deck of the café.
Carnelian West
Carnelian West public beach shares parking with Gar Woods Grill and Pier Restaurant. Leased dogs are welcome. The beach offers a lakefront promenade, picnic tables, barbecues and restrooms.
64-Acres Beach
64-Acres Beach located just south of the “Y” in Tahoe City offers access to the beach, biking trails, and the Truckee River, where you can launch non-motorized watercraft. This beach is also close to the local transit station.
East Shore
Most of these options require a hike, but the end reward is cerulean water and an interesting array of monolith boulders offshore.
Sand Harbor State Park only allows pets from Oct. 16 to April 14, but the park is stunning, and even if it’s only your dog dipping his toes in the water, the views are impressive.
Chimney Beach is a short walk down from the small parking lot but challenging because the descent is close to 200 feet straight down. Named for the caretaker cabin chimney remnant that still stands near the lake, this small sandy beach provides scenic views. Trails from here connect to Hidden Beach and Secret Cove, which also allow dogs. The hardest part about these beaches is finding a parking spot. The area is patrolled heavily for parking violations, so make sure you park only in designated spots. Other parking options include the Secret Harbor Parking area.
Helpful Tips
Lake Tahoe is recognized as an Outstanding Natural Resource Water, so don’t screw it up. Pack out trash and pet waste and dispose of it in bear-proof trash cans, and that doesn’t mean sitting it beside a full trash can. During the off-season, from Labor Day to Memorial Day, many US Forest Service beaches don’t have trash service so you will need to take your waste with you.
As with all bodies of water, be aware of HABs. Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, can occur unexpectedly depending on conditions and can be harmful to people and pets. California lists all HAB reports on mywaterquality.com.gov, Nevada on ndep.nv.gov , and it’s always good advice to avoid waters that are discolored or have foam, scums, or mats that are green or blueish-green, brown or red.
Also, note that letting your dog swim in Lake Tahoe in the winter can cause “limber tail syndrome.” While not life-threatening, it is uncomfortable for the dog and distressing to see your dog lose his wag, even if it’s just temporary.
