From the famous boulders of Sand Harbor to family-friendly Kings Beach and secluded East Shore coves, here are the shorelines worth setting up a towel on.
The crown jewel of the East Shore — turquoise water, signature granite boulders, kayak rentals, and home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
A wide, sandy, family-friendly beach in the heart of the North Shore town — rentals, food, playgrounds and easy highway access.
A locals' favorite between Incline Village and Sand Harbor — big rocks to jump from, some of the warmest water, and a secluded feel.
A secluded East Shore cove reached by a short trail from Highway 28 — exceptional clarity, cliff jumping, and a back-to-nature feel.
Tahoe City's grassy lakeside park — free, walkable from town, with a playground, picnic area and free summer concerts on the lawn.
A big sandy resort beach on the East Shore and home port of the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler — scenic cruises to Emerald Bay daily in summer.
A hidden pocket of giant granite boulders at the east end of Kings Beach — scenic East Shore views with a quiet neighborhood feel.
The clarity that makes Tahoe stunning from the beach is even better from a paddle craft. Most North and East Shore beaches have seasonal rental stands.
The signature Tahoe experience — glide over submerged boulders in glassy morning water. Rentals are seasonal at most East and North Shore beaches.
Powerboat, pontoon and jet-ski rentals from North Shore marinas. First-timers can book guided lake tours or scenic sunset cruises instead.
Exceptional underwater visibility — often 60+ feet. East Shore coves are warmest, but even summer water is bracingly cold.
Line up where to stay, where to eat and what else to do around the North and East Shore.
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