The Best Dog Beaches in South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe appeals to anyone who loves the outdoors, and it’s even more likely to be one of the top vacation spots for young, energetic canines.
Photo by Jen Schmidt Photography jenschmidtphotography.com
With the fresh mountain air, miles to roam in Desolation Wilderness, and a bright blue clean alpine lake right at your fingertips, it makes for a doggie heaven here in Lake Tahoe. After taking a long hike or looking for a place to cool down after a hot car ride, consider bringing your pup to some of these South Shore dog-friendly beaches:
Kiva Beach
This lovely long sandy beach is located right off of Highway 89 (3.5 miles north of the Highway 50/Highway 89 intersection) on Tahoe’s southwest shore. Along with plenty of space for your dog to play, the water is shallow and warmer than other parts of the lake that makes it more enjoyable for all. This beach can be kind of hard to find because of lack of signage, but there’s a nice visitors center (where you can dip into an underground walkway and watch fish swim in Taylor Creek), free parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and a pleasant walking path that leads to Big Blue.
Regan Beach
On the other side of the Tahoe Keys heading towards the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Regan Beach is another popular spot for pups. Located at the end of Lakeview Avenue (tucked into the neighborhood behind Sprouts Café and Lakeview Commons), Regan Beach has a nice grassy area, a playground, picnic tables, kayak/SUP launching zone, and a dog water park on the eastern end. Fun fact about Regan: it’s also the City of South Lake Tahoe’s oldest beach establishment.
Nevada Beach
On the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe heading towards the East Shore, Nevada Beach offers a nice wide sandy area at the end of a 1.4-mile Lam Watah Nature Trail. The path leading to Big Blue is an experience in itself, taking dogs and their owners on a journey through grassy meadows and protective pine trees. Upon reaching the pavement, indented paw prints lead to the south end of the Nevada Beach shoreline where friendly canines are free to roam and swim after sticks in the lake. To access Nevada Beach, park close to the trailhead on the corner of Kahle Drive and U.S. 50 or just go straight to the beach by turning onto Elks Point Road next to the campground.
Fallen Leaf Lake
Known as the second largest lake in the Tahoe Basin (it’s easily to see on that narrow stretch of road between Emerald Bay and the mountainside), Fallen Leaf Lake is encircled by a nice flat 3.5-mile loop trail that is accessible off Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Along with opportunities to swim, fish, bike, and picnic, this is also one of the best places in Tahoe to see the shimmering aspens light up in the fall. This dog-welcoming location also has a general store, campground, swimming dock, and you can find pet-friendly cabin rentals to spend the night.
Now go out there and give your pup his or her dream vacation, and remember to bring a leash, poop bags, and a water bowl 😊 Photos Courtesy of: Jen Schmidt Photography, jenschmidtphotogr
Now if you happen to be visiting the other side of the lake, check out The Best Dog Beaches in North Lake Tahoe
Top Destinations
From walking to the beach, to finding the nearest ski resort, to taking a day trip to some of the nearby destinations. Check out the options!
Lake Tahoe is a magical place. Surrounded by mountains with access to the crystal blue water, excellent trails, world class ski ressorts and more within the Tahoe basin.
Beyond any of the mountain passes lie many additional opportunities that are a relatively easy day trip. Some are on your way to Lake Tahoe from the San Francisco Bay Area such as the Sierra Foothills and Gold Country.
Others such as the former mining town of Bodie and the Bodie State Historic Park as well as Carson City, Reno, and even a little farther to Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake offer plenty of interesting options. As a day trip or for ideas on where to stop while exploring California and Nevada, check out some of our travel ideas.
