Go for a dip
Yes, you can take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe! True, there are only a handful of dog-friendly beaches, but for most dogs, just one a day is enough. Kiva Beach on the South Shore and Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach are two of the most popular spots, with easy water access and room to splash around.
Get a lift
One of the most fun experiences to have with your dog at Tahoe is lift-assisted hiking. Enclosed gondola cars on two Northstar lifts and the Palisades Tahoe aerial tram welcome leashed pets. Whichever you choose, you’ll find lots of trail options up top — and the ride itself, with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, is half the fun.
Float your boat
For more fun on the water, join the animated crowds of summer vacationers who rent rafts in Tahoe City for a two- to three-hour, 5-mile float down the scenic Truckee River to River Ranch Resort. Truckee River Raft Co. counts dogs as regular passengers and will get you all fixed up. The gentle current makes this a relaxed ride, and most dogs settle right into the raft after the first few minutes.
Paddle a dog-friendly canoe
Dogs won’t fit in just any kayak, and expecting them to balance on a slippery bow is unrealistic if not dangerous. Tahoe City Kayak solves the problem with a line of Jackson Rec Kayaks whose cockpits are big enough to hold not just you, but Fido, too. For calmer water, try paddling along the West Shore in the morning before the afternoon wind kicks up.
Soak up nostalgia
One of the most enjoyable sights at Lake Tahoe, especially for first-timers, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th century summer estate homes and outbuildings about seven miles west of South Lake Tahoe casinos. Leashed dogs are welcome, and visiting on living-history days is especially enjoyable.
Go for a hike
Put paws to the path on hundreds of miles of trails in the Lake Tahoe area. For something new, try Van Sickle Bi-State Park near South Shore casinos. The main trail in the 575-acre park (part in California, part in Nevada) travels beneath the Heavenly Gondola lift line to a cluster of historic buildings before zigzagging up for magnificent views of the lake. It’s a moderate climb with good shade coverage — your dog will appreciate the tree-lined switchbacks on warm days.
North Shore bound? Check out the Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, a mile-long promenade through town connecting the 19-mile West Shore/Truckee River and North Shore Trails.
Spend the night
Dog-friendly lodging abounds at Lake Tahoe, and it comes in all forms, from vacation-home rentals to hotels and motels to rustic cabin resorts and RV parks. Many properties provide dog beds, bowls, and treats at check-in — ask when you book.
Share a bite
It can be hard to find a place to share an outdoor meal at wintertime Lake Tahoe, but summer and fall are a different story. View our listings, pick a dog-friendly patio and chow down. One of our favorites is MacDuff’s Public House in South Lake Tahoe, where dogs are welcome on the spacious deck.
Treat your pup
After a day filled with outdoor recreation, pamper your dog with a spa treatment or toys and treats at one of Tahoe’s dog specialty shops. A post-hike grooming session can work wonders — especially if your pup found something interesting to roll in on the trail.
