Summer is in full swing at Lake Tahoe, so we want to share some of the dog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches to take your dog for a dip on your next trip to this gem of a lake.
North Shore
- Watermans Landing, Carnelian Bay. Dogs are welcome on the waterfront patio and on the beach (also known as Patton Beach, but signed “Carnelian Bay Public Lake Access”) at this combination standup paddleboard rental and coffee shop next to the Sierra Boat Company.
- Carnelian Beach West, on the other side of the boat building, is also dog friendly; it shares a parking lot with the popular Gar Woods restaurant (which, alas, does not allow dogs). Restrooms and picnic facilities are available.
- Coon Street Beach, King’s Beach. This is a great little spot for sunbathers and their dogs. It features restrooms, picnic areas with grills and a boat launch. Dogs are allowed only in the designated area; check signage to ensure you’re legal.
- Chimney Beach, east shore, Nevada side. Find it about six miles south of Incline Village and three miles north of Glenbrook Bay, at the spot where Marlett Creek empties into the lake. The two-mile stretch of shoreline reaching south from Chimney Beach to Secret Harbor holds several other idyllic spots easily reached from the highway. Note, you may have to get an early start to enjoy this choice slice of sand. That’s because the parking spots that used to serve it and other secluded beaches along Highway 28 on Tahoe’s east shore were eliminated a few years ago.
- Pebble Beach or “Dog Beach” (officially, Elizabeth Williams Beach), West Shore. Find this pebbly piece of paradise on Highway 89 just north of the U.S. Forest Service’s Kaspian Campground about four miles south of Tahoe City.
South Shore
- 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 like this one, it’s sandy when the water level is low. 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 much 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 this popular strand, but the two of you are welcome to explore the rocky area on its north end. 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.
