17 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Lake Tahoe [+ Dog Parks]

Have you been wondering which ones are the dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe? 

You’ve seen breathtaking pictures of its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters and thought how great it would be if you could just go there with your furry friend. 

Look no further than this ultimate guide on some of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe that allow dogs.

This post will give you an overview of the best dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe divided into North and South, the fees involved, parking tips, and amenities you can expect.

You will also find a list of dog parks where you can take your pups to.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Lake Tahoe

1. Kiva Beach

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: off-leash
• Parking: free parking at the Visitor Center Parking lot
• Fees: none
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, shade

Kiva Beach or the Kiva Shoreline is located just off Highway 89 and is a famous dog beach in Lake Tahoe. 

Take the short ¾-mile Tallac Historic Site Trail from the parking area, which should lead you straight to the water with great views of the surrounding mountains. 

The trail has interpretative signs that will help you learn more about the history of the area, and though relatively unmaintained, it’s an easy walk and an excellent warm-up for you and your dog. 

The sandy or rocky (depending on what season you visit) shoreline is about 200 yards long, which is big enough for your dog to explore as this particular beach is less crowded than most. 

2. Nevada Beach

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: off-leash only in the designated area
• Parking: pay-to-park lot at campsite, free parking at Hwy 50 and Kahle Drive
• Fees: $10 day use fee
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, shade, water fountains, paddleboard, and kayak rentals

Nevada Beach is a huge sandy beach in South Lake Tahoe that only allows dogs on its southernmost part near the Tahoe Beach Club. 

There is a limited pay-to-park lot on site, less than a mile away from the dog-friendly portion of the beach. 

Clear signage with dog prints painted on the asphalt will lead you and your pooch to a tiny area that can easily get crowded, especially during the busy summer season. 

This smaller area is perfect if you are working on socializing or if you like your dog to meet new dog friends. 

An orange buoy marks the border for the campground swimming beach, which doesn’t allow dogs on the shore and the waters but welcomes them on leashes on this Tahoe campground.

3. Regan Beach

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: on-leash, off-leash under strict voice control
• Parking: free parking
• Fees: none
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables/areas, shade

South Lake Tahoe’s oldest beach facility, Regan Beach, is also home to the city’s only water dog park on the beach’s east end. 

It’s a short distance from the parking lot near the beach’s entrance and away from the playground and volleyball court. 

Here your dog is allowed to run free off-leash, provided it is under strict voice control at all times. 

Note that this is the only area on the beach/park where you can bring your dog, but it’s large enough to run around and dip in the lake’s clear blue waters.

🐕 Keep your pup properly hydrated and make sure to bring this with you.

4. Zephyr Cove Resort (North Beach)

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: off-leash
• Parking: pay-to-park lot
• Fees: $10
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, shade, water fountains, paddleboard or kayak rentals

Zephyr Cove Resort offers a full-on resort experience for the whole family, and if you stay at their campground across the road or in their cabins, you can even bring your dog with you.

However, dogs are only allowed to enjoy the rocky shore and waters at the far north end of the beach near the Zephyr Cove Marina. 

Make sure to wear water shoes and have your buddy wear his doggy boots to help maneuver on some of the rocks and boulders. 

It’s not that long of a hike, and seeing your dog roam free off-leash and even take a dip in the water is well worth it. 

Check out some of the establishments and restaurants on-site that allow dogs on the premises.

🛑 Heading to the beach with your pup? Don’t be that person and make sure to bring this!

5. Timber Cove Marina

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: on-leash or off-leash under strict voice control
• Parking: public beach parking nearby
• Fees: none (unless renting from rental company on-site)
• Amenities: restrooms, shade, paddleboard and kayak rentals

Timber Cove Marina is a long pier centrally located in South Lake Tahoe, just a few minutes north of El Dorado Beach. 

The beach itself is not that expansive, considering there are at least two hotels just walking distance from it, so it gets hectic, especially during the peak of the summer months. 

Public beach parking is just about a minute’s walk from the beach, which makes this one of the few Lake Tahoe beaches that allow dogs that are easily accessible if you happen to have an injured or senior dog. 

Also, the water here can get extremely busy and crowded with jet skis and boats launching off from the rental company, so it might be best just to have your dog picnicking on the shore.

After spending time in the water, stop by one of the breweries in Lake Tahoe for a cold pint of beer.

READ MORE: Check out our Lake Tahoe Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.

6. Racoon Street Beach on Kings Beach 

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: on-leash on sidewalks and picnic table areas, off-leash on the designated area
• Parking: pay-to-park lot
• Fees: $10 day use fee or $3/hour (peak), $5 day use fee or $3/hour (off-peak season)
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables/areas, shade, paddleboard or kayak rentals

Dogs may not be allowed in the main Kings Beach area, but they are very much welcome on the dog beach located on a rocky spot east of the beach beyond the boat ramp on Racoon Street. 

This portion of the beach is not difficult to get to, and you can even rent out a paddleboard and take your dog out on the water. 

Just make sure to always pick up after you four legged paddleboard buddy and not leave any litter behind. 

Also, dogs are allowed on-leash at the picnic table areas so you can rest and refuel after paddleboarding.

🐶 This super-absorbent dog towel will save you some time from cleaning your car once your pup comes back from the beach!

7. Blackwood Canyon

• On Leash or Off Leash: off-leash on voice control, on-leash on trail 
• Parking: pay-to-park lot
• Fees: $5

Blackwood Canyon is one of the Lake Tahoe beaches that allows dogs located on the west side of Highway 89 near Tahoe City. 

It has a very dog-friendly pebbly shoreline which is a perfect place to take your pet out for splashy runs to cool off during the summer. 

Also, right across the highway is Black Canyon Sno-Park, the only state-managed snow park on North Lake Tahoe and where you can take your furry friend for a fun day of dog sledding during the winter. 

There are also trails in the area for you and your four-legged hiking buddy to explore. 

Make sure to follow posted rules, and keep your dog under voice control when in an off-leash area.

8. Lake Forest Beach

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: on-leash, off-leash if under strict voice command
• Parking: free limited roadside parking
• Fees: none
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, shade

Lake Forest Beach is a small secluded beach located at the end of Bristlecone Avenue on Forest Lake Glen. 

Parking is free but very limited as this is a small area. Dogs are free to roam on the designated dog-friendly area on the west side of the beach. 

You can find this area by crossing a small bridge on the right-hand side of the parking lot when facing the lake. 

The area west of Bristlecone St. is dog friendly, but dogs are prohibited on the main beach to the east. 

This lovely beach is perfect for a visit with your dog if you want to be away from the crowds and enjoy fantastic views of Mount Tallac and other surrounding mountains. 

9. Patton Beach

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: on-leash
• Parking: free parking
• Fees: none
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, paddleboard or kayak rentals

Patton Beach shares its three-acre pebbly shore with Waterman’s Landing, a dog-friendly beachfront cafe and paddleboard rental shop. 

Parking is conveniently located near the beach and is an easy walk-in. 

Dogs are allowed on the eastern portion of the beach, and they provide “Mutt Mitts” to help dog parents to remember to pick up after their lovely pets. 

There’s also a nearby hiking trail where you can take your dog for a walk. 

If enjoying the beach is enough for both of you, you two can always sit and relax on the deck of Waterman’s Landing and enjoy a coffee or share a meal with your buddy. 

10. Carnelian West Beach

• On Leash or Off Leash: on leash
• Parking: free shared parking lot
• Fees: none
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables

Carnelian West Beach is near Patton Beach and also welcomes well-behaved leashed dogs. 

Its beautiful, flat, wide sandy beach is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket for you and your pup while you bask in the sun. 

If laying down isn’t your thing, plenty of barbecues and picnic tables are close to the water if you want to have a bbq by the lake. 

Dogs can swim in the waters, and they provide bags for you to pick up your dog’s waste. 

Just make sure to keep your dog off the grassy spots on this beach, as it is used for special events and not for dogs to roll over and play on. 

🏖️ This reliable leash would make your trip to the beach with your pup that much more enjoyable.

11. Carnelian Bay – Waterman’s Landing 

• On Leash or Off Leash: on-leash
• Parking: free parking
• Fees: none
• Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, shade, kayak or paddleboard rental

Are you looking to take your dog on an incredible water adventure? Or perhaps you want to take the whole family out on a paddleboarding lesson and experience? 

Waterman’s Landing is a dog-friendly gourmet coffeehouse that offers dog-friendly stand-up paddleboard rentals. 

You wouldn’t need to have your dog on a leash while out paddleboarding and swimming in the water but once you’re back on shore, make sure to put the leash back on.  

It’s important to note that dogs are only allowed on the east side of the beach. 

After a tiring yet delightful day on the water, stop by the cafe for a bite and enjoy the view of the waters with your dog.

12. Hidden Beach

• On-Leash or Off-Leash: on-leash on trails, off-leash on beach
• Parking: free parking along Hwy 28 or paid parking near Tunnel Creek Cafe (Tahoe East Shore Trail)
• Fees: none but donations are encouraged

Hidden Beach is a public dog-friendly beach hidden in plain sight just off Highway 28 near Incline Village. 

A peek over the guard rail will reveal its small boulder-filled shoreline with fine white sand. 

Various short trails from the highway lead to the water, or you can also access Hidden Beach via the Tahoe East Shore Trail. 

While on the trail, keep your dog on the leash and pick up after them. Also, there aren’t any amenities here, so practice “pack it in and pack it out.” 

Once you reach the shoreline, your pups are free to run around off leash as long as you keep them under voice control.

Other Dog Beaches in Lake Tahoe

While those on the list above are more of the widely known, well-visited dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe, there are also some small pockets with water access along the lake that you can walk or are accessible by hiking. 

Consider these beaches a reward on your next hike out with your dog.

13. Whale Beach

A moderately challenging two-mile hike from the Secret Harbor Parking area will lead you to the black sands of Whale Beach. 

Named after the protruding rock in the bay that looks like a sperm whale coming up for air, this is a great hike and beach spot for the more adventurous dog owners and their dog companions. 

14. Chimney Beach

Chimney Beach is one of several secluded sandy beaches you can access via hiking trails along Highway 28 on Incline Village. 

It’s a moderate one-mile hike (roundtrip) to the beach, but panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and its crystal clear waters make this hike worthwhile. 

Get an early start and claim a spot for you and your pup.

15. Secret Cove

Secret Cove is a widely known nude beach in Incline Village surrounded by granite boulders and has a sandy shoreline with crystal clear waters. 

Getting here involves at least a half-mile walk down the access road from the Secret Harbor Parking area. Its shallow waters make it an excellent spot for your dogs to wade in.

16. Skunk Harbor

Skunk Harbor is accessible by taking your dog on a 2.6-mile hike along an old historical road. 

It may be a bit of a scramble to get to, but its teal waters and relative privacy are something both you and your dog will very much appreciate.

17. Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor may not give you the same challenge access-wise as it is a popular Lake Tahoe summer destination. 

Dogs are only allowed near this beach’s pristine waters and picturesque scenery during the off-season, such as in November in Lake Tahoe.

If you want to enjoy this place without the massive crowds, visit in the Spring or early Fall. 

Dog Parks in Lake Tahoe

When visiting Lake Tahoe, you may want other dog-friendly places other than a beach for your furry friend to run around and socialize with other dogs. 

An ultimate guide to Lake Tahoe beaches would be incomplete without listing the nearby dog parks.

Bijou Community Park

Bijou Community Park is the place to be for your dog to run and roam free, with over 38,000 square feet of space to explore. 

A favorite among visitors and dog lovers, this is an excellent place for you to sit and relax and watch your pet make new friends.

Tahoe City Dog Park

Tahoe City Dog Park is a privately funded park that’s come fully equipped with amenities such as a water spigot, clean-up bags, and seating areas perfect for a fun-filled day of off-leash play. 

Make sure to bring your own water if you plan on visiting during the winter.

North Tahoe Regional Park

This 124-acre park is another place to take your dogs in Lake Tahoe. 

Dogs are allowed throughout the park on-leash, but it also has a dedicated area separated for small and large dogs called “Tahoe Unleashed” where dogs can roam around free. 

Lake Tahoe at a Glance

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall is the best time to go if you want to avoid the crowds. For the best beach weather, visit in the Summer but it is also the most crowded.

• Where to Stay: For the best pet-friendly hotel in South Lake Tahoe, stay at the Basecamp Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa in North Lake Tahoe.

• Getting there: The closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe International which is 35 miles away. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.

• Getting Around: The best way to get around Lake Tahoe is by car. Use Rentalcars.com to score the best deals on rental cars.

• Local Tip: Don’t forget to pack an eco-friendly sunscreen, an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated, and some dog treats! 

FAQs

Are dogs allowed on Lake Tahoe beaches?

Lake Tahoe is dog-friendly, but this does not mean that dogs are allowed access to all its beaches. However, plenty of beautiful dog-friendly beaches in the area allow canines on leash while others allow them off leash under voice command.

Can dogs swim in Lake Tahoe?

Yes, dogs can swim and enjoy Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters as long as they stay on dog-friendly beaches. On many beaches, the dogs can swim off leash but must be on leash when back on shore or on the trails.

Wrap-Up: Dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe

With this list of great dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe, you’re sure not to run out of spots to visit with your pup. “Leave no dog behind” go on and take them with you as you explore the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe.