By Dana Turvey, tahoe.com
June 23, 2008

Ahhh, summertime, and the beaches are great, especially at Lake Tahoe, where 72 miles of shoreline call out for days of sunny relaxation. Of the many beach choices, the facilities vary widely – from sparse (rest rooms and a couple picnic tables) to full service (including jet skiing, volleyball and boat cruises) – but one thing they all have in common are non-stop views of lovely Lake Tahoe.

1. Meek’s Bay Resort
Enjoy a marina, BBQs, designated swim area, plus nearby store and campground with a long swatch of beach. The Visitor’s Center offers a snack bar and Native American gifts – the white sand beach was once a meeting ground for the local Washoe Indians. Meek’s Bay is located just over 11 miles south of the ‘Y’ in Tahoe City, directly on Hwy 89.
Best for: Boating

2. Commons Beach Park
This Tahoe City landmark hosts four acres of lakefront fun for kids and adults. Children can run off some steam on the posh playgrounds, the soft green grass or the mini-climbing wall; adults can simply enjoy Heavenly views from the scattered picnic tables or start the family’s BBQ meal. No dedicated parking, no dogs allowed. Located directly east of the ‘Y’ intersection (Hwys 28 & 89) on Hwy 28 in downtown Tahoe City.
Best for: Families

3. Burnt Cedar Beach
Incline Village saves their beach space for residents, but there are day passes for those staying short-term in the town, plus their guests. Good thing, because the Burnt Cedar Beach is beautiful, with sweeping paths meandering past restful benches, BBQs, the snack bar and heated pool. Directly on Lakeshore Drive, 1.4 miles east of the Hyatt and Country Club Drive.
Best for: Summer swim parties

4. Chimney Beach, Etc.
These little hidden beauties were the local’s secret, but since the Forest Service created true parking, the east shore beaches are more accessible. The 4-5 separate beaches are bare-bones (no services) – just quiet, calm Tahoe sunshine (and no entry fee). Necessary note: half these spots are known as ‘clothing optional,’ so check before parking the towel. Drive 1.2 miles south of Sand Harbor or 6.5 miles north of Spooner Summit on Hwy 28 to the mountainside car park (it holds about 30 cars), then take a 10 minute stroll down the dirt fire road across the highway.
Best for: Scenery, solitude

5. Cave Rock State Park
This is a low-key spot, with little more than a few picnic tables, parking, boat ramp and a small slice of beach with direct views of mighty Mt. Tallac. Located in a small crescent cove directly south of the Cave Rock landmark tunnels, this is a great way to simply enjoy the lake away from all the crowds. On Hwy 50 East, 7 miles up from Stateline, NV.
Best for: Out-of-the-way adventure

6. Zephyr Cove
This is one of the big ‘scenes’ in the Lake Tahoe summer. Daily volleyball tourneys draw a large audience, and there is beachside bar service and a nearby restaurant. Add in live music, jet ski, kayak, and paddleboat rentals for a very full day at the lake. Located 4 miles into Nevada from the Stateline casinos (or 2 miles after the Safeway stoplight) is the light marking Zephyr Cove Resort, directly on Hwy 50.
Best for: Beach parties & the young at heart

7. El Dorado State Beach
In the heart of South Lake Tahoe, this beach is either easy-going or crazy-busy. It’s the prime spot for viewing 4th of July fireworks, so folks tag sections early. At other times, enjoy the long stretch of sand, kayak and jet ski rentals, and inexpensive launch ramp. Grassy play areas, BBQs, picnic tables and a paved path for strolling with-a-view round things out. On Hwy 50, 2.4 miles west of the Stateline casinos, or 2.7 miles east of the “Y” intersection in south shore.
Best for: Water sport amenities

8. Camp Richardson
Another hot spot on the south shore, with full-service bar and restaurant, kayak rentals, boat cruises, music, you name it. It’s also the closest place (along with 3 neighboring beaches) to paddle into Emerald Bay. Located 2.5 miles up Hwy 89 from the 50/89 intersection (the Y), on the lake side. Special note: there’s an ice cream parlor directly on the highway.
Best for: Emerald Bay paddle trips

And for those holiday weekends when the above beaches may be jam-packed, here are a couple nearby places for a less-crowded option:

9. Fallen Leaf Lake Campground
Fallen Leaf Lake itself is a little gem, often lost in the shadow of Tahoe’s popularity. A half-mile north of Camp Richardson is a left turn onto Fallen Leaf Lake Road. After another half-mile, there’s a campground entrance on the right. Then veer to the left, and follow the “Day Visitors” signs before parking. Be careful to park on the roadside, not in someone’s campsite! Then it’s a short walk (2-3 minutes) on a well-marked dirt trail to the beach – dogs welcome.
Best for: Dogs

10. Donner Lake West End Beach
Just 5 minutes from downtown Truckee, West End Beach boasts 1.5 miles of shoreline and 10 acres offering horseshoe pits, snack shack, picnic areas with BBQs, kayak and paddleboat rentals and a tennis court, plus a designated swim area. From Truckee, go north on 89 (and under I-80) until it meets Donner Pass Road. Turn left, heading west for 4.5 miles, then left on Southshore Drive. The beach is immediately ahead on the left.
Best for: Non-Tahoe picnics