Top 9 Best Beaches in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is one of California’s most breathtaking destinations, where the Sierra Nevada meets crystal-clear alpine waters. Known for its outdoor adventures, panoramic mountain views, and vibrant summer scene, this lakeside paradise is also home to some of the most stunning shores in the West. The best beaches in South Lake Tahoe include scenic Pope Beach and spacious Baldwin Beach, but there are plenty of other public and private parks worth a visit. Here are our picks for the best beaches in the area — plus insider tips on parking, fees, facilities and more.

Best Beaches in South Lake Tahoe, Ranked

From sandy shorelines with resort vibes to peaceful, off-the-grid escapes, South Lake Tahoe’s beaches cater to every kind of traveler. There’s something on our list for everyone, whether you're looking for South Lake Tahoe’s free beaches or a peaceful hideaway tucked among the pines.

1. Pope Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: Pope Beach Road
• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
• Fee: $10 vehicle fee (subject to change)
• Parking: On-site lot
• Facilities: Picnic tables, food concessions, restrooms, paddleboard/kayak rentals
• Dog-friendly: No

Pope Beach is considered South Lake Tahoe’s best beach — and we agree! It tops our list for its long, sandy shoreline, calm waters, and towering pines that offer the perfect amount of shade. Pope Beach is a classic Tahoe experience, ideal for families, swimmers, and paddleboarders alike.

2. Baldwin Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: Baldwin Beach Road
• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
• Fee: $10 vehicle fee
• Parking: Large lot
• Facilities: Restrooms, paddleboard/kayak rentals, picnic areas
• Dog-friendly: No

With panoramic views of Mount Tallac and a wide, open shoreline, Baldwin Beach is one of the best public beaches in South Lake Tahoe, California. We love it for sunbathing or working up a sweat on the kayak.

3. El Dorado Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: 1004 Lakeview Ave.
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Fee: Free
• Parking: Street and lot parking nearby
• Facilities: Boat ramp, BBQs, picnic tables, bike path access, restrooms
• Dog-friendly: No

Located right in town, El Dorado Beach is one of the most convenient South Lake Tahoe free beaches. It’s a great stop for travelers who want quick access to food, shopping, and Lake Tahoe Boulevard. You’ll also find plenty of locals strolling the shore after an afternoon in town.

4. Kiva Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: Highway 89
• Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Fee: Free
• Parking: Free lot (limited)
• Facilities: Portable toilets
• Dog-friendly: Yes

Kiva Beach is one of the least crowded in the area, despite offering some of the best views in South Lake Tahoe. It’s one of the best hidden beaches in South Lake Tahoe (and one of our favorites), and it’s especially popular with nature lovers and dog owners.

5. Lakeside Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: 4081 Lakeshore Blvd.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fee: $30 per adult, $20 per child (ages of 6–17), free for children age 5 or under
• Parking: Paid lot
• Facilities: Bar/grill, volleyball court, beach rentals, shuttle service
• Dog-friendly: No

South Lake Tahoe is home to many private and semi-private beaches, including Lakeside Beach — a park that allows public access with a fee or through local accommodations. Lakeside Beach offers comfort and luxury as a soft-sand escape near casinos and resorts. Its amenities make it feel like a private retreat.

6. Regan Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: 3199 Sacramento Ave.
• Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (changes seasonally)
• Fee: Free
• Parking: Large parking lot
• Facilities: Playground, grassy park, restrooms, volleyball courts
• Dog-friendly: Yes (dedicated dog area)

Regan Beach is ideal for families visiting South Lake Tahoe, thanks to its picnic areas, grassy parks, and volleyball courts. With its shallow waters and picnic tables, it offers something for everyone. And with a dedicated doggy play zone, Reagan Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Lake Tahoe. Our dogs’ wagging tails confirm it.

7. Nevada Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: Elk Point Road, Zephyr Cove, Nevada
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Fee: $10 vehicle fee
• Parking: Large ADA-accessible lot
• Facilities: Campground, picnic areas, paddleboard/kayak rentals, restrooms
• Dog-friendly: Not on the beach, but dogs are allowed in the picnic area if on a leash

Nevada Beach tends to be one of the warmest beaches in South Lake Tahoe due to its long sun exposure and shallow shoreline. It’s a favorite among campers and families who want a quieter escape, sweeping lake views, and a warmer setting.

8. Kings Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, California
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Fee: Free (paid lot available)
• Parking: Paid lot and limited street parking
• Facilities: Playgrounds, BBQs, volleyball courts, paddleboard/kayak rentals, restrooms
• Dog-friendly: No, but are welcome in the picnic area if on a leash

Kings Beach is known for having the clearest, bluest water in South Lake Tahoe. While technically just outside the South Lake Tahoe boundary, Kings Beach earns a spot on this list for its lively atmosphere and tourist-friendly layout. And it’s so close to the border that we considered it part of the South Lake Tahoe area.

9. Jameson Beach – South Lake Tahoe, CA

• Address: 1900 Jameson Beach Road
• Hours: Varies (check with Camp Richardson Resort)
• Fee: $10 vehicle fee during summer
• Parking: On Jameson Beach Road
• Facilities: Marina, boat rentals, paddleboard/kayak rentals, restrooms, wedding venue
• Dog-friendly: No

Jameson Beach is a great pick for boaters and guests of nearby resorts. We love this secluded beach for its quieter crowds and serene waters.

Where to Stay: South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

Make the most of your lakefront getaway by staying at The Lodge at Lake Tahoe Resort, conveniently located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe and nearby some of the best stargazing Lake Tahoe has to offer. Part of Vacation Escapes’ Lake Tahoe collection, this cozy and well-appointed resort offers comfortable accommodations, easy access to the lake, and walkable proximity to dining, shopping, and outdoor adventures.

After a day soaking up the sun at Tahoe’s best beaches, you’ll appreciate The Lodge’s peaceful setting and family-friendly atmosphere. Each beach on our list is within a short drive — making it the perfect home base for your beach-hopping itinerary.

Beach Distances from The Lodge at Lake Tahoe Resort

• El Dorado Beach – 1.2 miles (5-minute drive or 20-minute walk)
• Lakeside Beach – 1.3 miles (6-minute drive)
• Regan Beach – 1.6 miles (6-minute drive)
• Pope Beach – 4.3 miles (10-minute drive)
• Kiva Beach – 4.9 miles (11-minute drive)
• Baldwin Beach – 5.2 miles (12-minute drive)
• Jameson Beach – 5.3 miles (13-minute drive)
• Nevada Beach – 4.8 miles (15-minute drive, includes short walk)
• Kings Beach – 21 miles (35-minute scenic drive along the lake)

Whether you want a quick walk to El Dorado Beach or a full-day adventure to Kings Beach, The Lodge at Lake Tahoe keeps you close to everything. Book your vacation rental directly through Vacation Escapes for exclusive deals, resort recommendations, and insider advice today!