Spending the day on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe is close to heaven on earth. The freshwater lake located on the border of Nevada and California covers almost 200 square miles. If you are looking to get out on the water, whether it is on a motorized boat or paddle sports, we are here to help! Here is our guide to boat and paddle at Lake Tahoe.
Beaches
There are 40 public beaches located along the shores of Lake Tahoe that are perfect locations for paddle sports. You can find an interactive map of them all at Tahoe Public Beaches. With so many to choose from, planning your day on the water may seem a little overwhelming. Below are 5 of our favorite public beaches to help you narrow your search.
William-Kent Shoreline
This beach is located two miles south of Tahoe City, CA. It is a wooded setting with picnic tables, a public restroom, a water trailhead access and an amazing swim beach. William-Kent is a perfect beach for day use or even those looking to camp. This beach is perfect for those looking for a more rustic experience.
King’s Beach State Recreation Area
This beach is one of the most popular destinations in North Lake Tahoe. As a state recreation area there is a parking fee, but it is well worth it. Within the park, there is 1,700 feet of lakefront to explore along with barbeque areas, picnic tables, and a large playground. Its location on the North of the lake makes the water warm and suitable for swimming. After a day at the beach, you can walk across the street to numerous shops and restaurants.
Nevada Beach
For those on the east side of the lake, Nevada Beach is a perfect location for enjoying the water. This beach is a half of a mile of sandy waterfront with access to a public restroom, picnic areas and even a concession stand. There are no fees, and all facilities are on a first come first served basis. This is a great place for paddle sports of all kinds.
Pope Beach
This beach, located about three miles from the city of South Lake Tahoe, is well known for its amazing views and swimming. There are no parking fees to access the park’s many facilities, including public restrooms, picnic areas, bike path, and concessions. For those looking for an overall great beach, Pope Beach provides an array of amenities along with its gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
El Dorado Beach
This beach, located in the Lakeview Commons of the city of South Lake Tahoe, is a great spot for those looking to rent equipment. Along with access to paddle sports rentals, the beach has public restrooms, barbeque areas, picnic tables, and concession stands. Much like Pope Beach it has amazing views and a great sandy swimming area. As an added bonus, every Thursday night in the summer, the city hosts free live concerts at El Dorado Beach.
Motorized Boats
For those looking to use their personal boats on Lake Tahoe, we recommend checking out the Tahoe Boat Inspections’ website. Here they detail how to get your boat inspected and approved for launch on the lake. Once you receive your sticker, you can check out which boat launches are located in your area HERE.
These are our suggestions for boat and paddle at Lake Tahoe. Now what are you waiting for?! Plan your next adventure on the waters of Lake Tahoe now before the summer gets away from you.
