Time to take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe’s North Shore! Four-pawed visitors aren’t welcome everywhere, but the DogTrekker crew has scouted some of the best dog-friendly beaches along the shores of North Lake Tahoe. Grab your towels, pack a water bowl and get ready for a day of splashing and fetching.
Watermans Landing, Carnelian Bay. Dogs are welcome on the waterfront patio and on the beach (also known as Patton Beach, but signed “Carnelian Bay Public Lake Access”) at this combination standup paddleboard rental and coffee shop next to the Sierra Boat Company. Grab a coffee while your pup explores the sandy shoreline–it’s a laid-back start to any Tahoe beach day.
Carnelian Beach West, on the other side of the boat building, is also dog friendly; it shares a parking lot with the popular Gar Woods restaurant (which, alas, does not allow dogs). Restrooms and picnic facilities are available, and the wide sandy shore gives dogs plenty of room to play fetch along the water’s edge.
Coon Street Beach, King’s Beach. This is a great little spot for sunbathers and their dogs. It features restrooms, picnic areas with grills and a boat launch. Dogs are allowed only in the designated area; check signage to make sure you’re legal. In the summer, a dog-friendly farmer’s market adds to the fun on Tuesday mornings. Bring waste bags and fresh water for your pup, as the sand gets warm on hot afternoons.
Chimney Beach, east shore, Nevada side. Find it about six miles south of Incline Village and three miles north of Glenbrook Bay, at the spot where Marlett Creek empties into the lake. The two-mile stretch of shoreline reaching south from Chimney Beach to Secret Harbor holds several other idyllic spots easily reached from the highway. Note, you may have to get an early start to enjoy this choice slice of sand. That’s because the parking spots that used to serve it and other secluded beaches along Highway 28 on Tahoe’s east shore were eliminated a few years ago. The hike down to the beach is short but steep, so dogs with mobility issues may want to sit this one out.
Pebble Beach Dog Beach: Pebble Beach or “Dog Beach” (officially, Elizabeth Williams Beach), West Shore. Find this pebbly stretch on Highway 89 just north of the U.S. Forest Service’s Kaspian Campground about four miles south of Tahoe City. The smooth, round pebbles are easy on paws, and the gradual entry into the water makes it a favorite for dogs who like to wade in slowly before committing to a full swim. On warm days, this is one of the most popular dog hangouts on the lake, so arrive early for the best parking.
