Rustic Cottages Resort sits on two acres of tall pines right across the street from Lake Tahoe’s North Shore beach in Tahoe Vista. The nineteen cottages here are actual old Tahoe-style buildings—the property started as a sawmill and labor camp for the Brockway Lumber Company back in 1925—but they’ve been updated with modern amenities inside. Each cottage has its own character, which means you’re not walking into identical motel rooms.

What matters most if you’re coming with a dog: you can walk directly across the street to sandy beach and water. On warm days, your dog can swim or wade while you’re steps away from your cottage. The North Shore trails wind through the area too, and the Tahoe National Forest has plenty of hiking paths nearby if you want something more serious than a beach walk.

The cottages themselves are small and manageable, which is nice for a dog. Just know the resort’s pet policy: dogs can’t be on beds or furniture, and they can’t be left alone in the cottages. That’s pretty standard stuff, but worth planning around if you’re thinking about long dinners in town without your dog.

The resort won a California Dog Lovers’ Companion Golden Bone Award, which at least signals they’re thinking about dogs when they make decisions. The location is really the draw though. You’re not stuck at some resort where you have to drive twenty minutes to find a decent place to walk your dog—you’re literally across from the lake and near actual trails. During peak season, Tahoe Vista gets crowded, so arriving early or booking off-season gives you quieter beach access. There are a few dog-friendly restaurants and cafes scattered through the area if you want to grab food with your dog nearby, though you’ll want to check current spots when you arrive since places change.