North Lake Tahoe Beaches
Many beaches line the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and although some are private (mostly in Incline Village), we have listed here a few of the best.
1. Commons Beach
This beach has a great kid’s playground and the water is shallow for kids to play in. There is also a grassy spot near the shore for picnicking. Also, during the summer the beach hosts free concerts and movies on a weekly basis as well as a farmer’s market in the mornings every week in the parking lot.
On-site amenities: BBQ, restrooms.
Directions: Located across from the main downtown area of Tahoe City (east of the Highway 89 intersection).
Parking Fee: No
2. Patton Beach/Carnelian Bay Beach
If you are looking for a wide and flat sandy beach this is the place for you. Carnelian Bay gets a lot of sun and amenities such as kayak rentals and nearby restaurants are close. The beach can be rocky in parts.
On-site amenities: Bathrooms, picnic tables. Restaurants and a grocery store are located across the street.
Directions: This beach is located by the Marina at the crossing of Hwy 28 and Carnelian Woods Ave.
Parking Fee: No
3. Moon Dunes Beach
Great for sunbathing and swimming, this 600 foot beach is quite secluded, requiring a small hike to get to it.
On-site amenities: Seasonal bathrooms, picnic area. Since it is secluded, be sure to bring any water or food as amenities like this are not located on the beach.
Directions: From North Lake Tahoe drive to Tahoe Vista and park near Pino Avenue. Follow the small creek down to the beach.
Parking Fee: No
4. Kings Beach
Kings Beach is a flat beach with a good quantity of sand and pretty good swimming options. During the summer there is a weekly farmer’s market (Tuesdays), weekly concerts (Thursdays) and weekly movie showings (Tuesday nights). There are also basketball and volleyball courts.
On-site amenities: Restaurants are located across the street, on site there are bathrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills and playgrounds.
Directions: This beach is located in the center of the city of Kings Beach, right off the main road (Hwy 28).
Parking Fee: Yes
5. Coons Beach
Coons is part of a stretch of three beaches in the city of Kings Beach that are very close together. This beach has the best group facility, and also features a boat dock for use when the water levels permit it. Many restaurants are nearby, and it is easy to walk over to the other beaches (Kings Beach is the biggest beach of the three).
On-site amenities: Group facility, BBQ, restrooms, restaurants nearby
Directions: Located in central Kings Beach off of Highway 28
Parking Fee: Yes
6. Buck’s Beach
This beach is a bit secluded from the road. After taking the small road to access it, you can enjoy some interesting rock formations. No dogs allowed.
On-site amenities: None
Directions: From Highway 28 in Kings Beach, go to the end of Speedboat St to find the beach (located near the casinos).
Parking Fee: No
7. Sand Harbor
Considered by some to be one of Lake Tahoe’s finest beaches, this sandy beach features great views of the mountains and the lake. Summer activities are plentiful, with concerts and plays occurring on a regular basis (including the Shakespeare Festival at the outdoor amphitheater and the Sand Harbor Music Series). This beach is known for its fine grain sand, a unique sight on the Nevada side of the lake. The facilities here are also some of the best around, with parking (get there early), a pavilion, central grill and running water.
On-site amenities: Listed above
Directions: From Incline Village take Hwy 28 South 2.5 miles and follow the signs (there are two entrances, one for the boat ramp only).
Parking Fee: Yes
Also see these links for lodging options
North Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals
Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals