• Kiva Beach, South Lake Tahoe. This is the best-known dog beach on the South Shore and for good reason. It’s long, and in low-precipitation years, when the water level is low, it’s sandy. The downside: although it’s a forest service beach, city rules and regulations call for dogs to be leashed, even in the water. Be forewarned that a lot of time and manpower is expended in enforcing the rule.
• Regan Memorial City Beach, South Lake Tahoe. Few Tahoe day-trippers seem to know about this dog-friendly strip of sand tucked away in one of South Lake Tahoe’s oldest neighborhoods. The grassy knoll on the west end is a popular location for weddings, so be sure you and your rambunctious pal keep your distance if a ceremony is being staged. Dogs are allowed, leashed or unleashed (but under voice control) on the east end of the city-owned beach park.
• Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove. It’s about a mile hike to reach the dog-friendly segment of this wide, sandy beach about five miles north of South Lake Tahoe/Stateline, but it’s worth the effort. This “locals’ secret” strand is wedged between a no-dogs-allowed campground beach to the north and a private beach to the south. To find it, park in the lot on the northwest corner of Highway 50 and Kahle Drive and start walking down the bike trail. Go left at a sign pointing to beach access to the left, campground to the right. Just after passing a pumping station, look for a trail to the right and follow it to dog-friendly sand.
• Zephyr Cove Beach, Zephyr Cove. Dogs aren’t allowed on the sandy part of the beach, but the two of you are welcome to explore the rocky area to the north. Bring water shoes or sturdy sandals to navigate the territory. The water is crystal-clear, and you can climb to the top of a boulder and enjoy the views or let Maggie fetch to her heart’s content.
