Of course you can take your dog swimming in Lake Tahoe! True, dogs aren’t welcome everywhere, but that’s not to say that canine-friendly splash spots don’t exist. You’ll have to rise and shine with the early birds to snag a parking spot along Highway 28 south of Incline Village, but your efforts will pay off when you find a trail leading to a pocket cove with soft white sand, crystal-clear water and sculpted rocks where you can hang out for the morning or the day.
Not a morning person? If your pup needs to stretch her legs and fetch a few sticks, try Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach. Or, head for the mellow West Shore where dogs are welcome to run, swim and sniff along the pebbly shoreline across from Blackwood Canyon, Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay or Obexer’s General Store in Homewood, where you can also grab lunch.
A word about Tahoe’s famously cold water: even in midsummer, the lake hovers around 65 degrees near shore (and much colder in deeper spots). Most dogs don’t mind — they’ll charge right in after a stick — but keep an eye on smaller or short-coated breeds who might get chilled quickly. Bring a towel and a dry blanket for the ride home, because a wet dog in an air-conditioned car can get cold fast. And always carry fresh drinking water, since lake water, while clean, can occasionally irritate sensitive stomachs.
Not enough exercise? Head to Tahoe City, where Tahoe City Kayak rents a line of watercraft with cockpits large enough for the two of you, as well as stand-up paddleboards that you can try out with your pooch. If your dog is new to paddleboarding, start in a calm cove and let her get comfortable before venturing into open water. A doggy life vest is a smart investment, even for strong swimmers.
For more fun, join the crowds of summer vacationers renting rafts from Truckee River Raft Rentals in Tahoe City. The five-mile float to River Ranch Resort takes two to three hours, depending on how long you linger, and dogs are welcome to join you in the fun. From River Ranch, a free shuttle will return you to your vehicle. Just note that dogs ride in the raft, not on the shuttle, so plan your party accordingly.
