Beach Information
The Parks Department maintains and manages local beaches within District boundaries that are owned by the District as well as by other state or local agencies. Tahoe Vista Recreation Area is owned by the District. Public beaches owned by other agencies but maintained by the District include Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Sandy Beach, Secline Beach, Moon Dunes Beach, North Tahoe Beach, Coon Street Boat Launch and Speedboat Beach.
While there are no charges to use any of the beaches that are owned or managed by the District, parking fees do apply at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area and Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. So, if you bike, walk or use public transportation, use of the beach is free!
The beaches are listed in alphabetical order. You can see their descriptions by clicking the locations on the map above.
Carnelian West Beach
The California Tahoe Conservancy’s "Carnelian West" beach shares a free parking facility and day use buoy field with Gar Woods restaurant in Carnelian Bay. This wide, flat beach has year-round public restrooms and welcomes you and your leashed dog. Barbecues and picnic tables allow you to picnic at the water’s edge. See Patton Landing for other beach options in the Carnelian Bay Area.
Coon Street Dog Beach and Boat Launch
The Coon Street Boat Launch is located at the end of Coon Street in Kings Beach. The facility includes a boat launch ramp (open when lake levels allow), restrooms and parking for vehicles as well as vehicles with trailers. Parking is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. There are separate fees for launching and parking, see the boat launch page for more information. This area also has some picnic tables in the shady area behind the restrooms.
Coon Street is also the site of the only public dog beach in Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista. This small, rocky beach is located to the east (left if looking at the ramp) of the boat launch.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area (KBSRA)
8318 North Lake Blvd.
This is the flagship beach site in the North Tahoe area. KBSRA's 1,700 feet of lakefront is the largest public access sandy beach on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The wide stretch of white sand that makes up Kings Beach is a favorite of visitors and residents alike. Its south facing aspect and a lake floor that gradually deepens, makes this one of the warmest swimming areas on the Lake. The beach is adjacent to the Kings Beach Plaza (see description below).
A beautiful playground area overlooks the water and gives the kids a place to play after they have tired of playing in the Lake. One picnic area near the playground is available for rental by groups, but generally BBQ and picnic areas are available on a first come, first served basis.
North Tahoe Watersports provides parasailing rides, jet ski and kayak rental, and a variety of other water toys to visitors to the Kings Beach State Recreation Area.
Kings Beach is a California State Recreation Area owned by California State Parks and maintained by the District under an operating agreement between the two agencies. This agreement has expired but the District continues to operate the beach on a month to month basis while negotiations continue. The District manages the parking facility adjacent to the beach and the revenues from the parking and the concessionaire are the sole sources of funding to maintain the beach. Those that walk, ride bikes or use public transportation are not charged for use of the beach.
Kings Beach Plaza
Kings Beach Plaza hosts Arts and Crafts Fairs, Fine Arts Fairs and other special events throughout the summer. The Plaza is owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy and is located in the heart of Kings Beach between Kings Beach State Recreation Area and Coon Street Boat Launch. The Plaza is situated under a canopy of mature Jeffrey Pines and the area boasts an attractive patio style courtyard with meandering walking paths which circle the entire area. A natural grassy meadow area and split cedar rustic fencing creates a buffer from roadside exposure. Electricity is available in the courtyard for use during special events. Restrooms are available just a short walk down the promenade. A basketball court is located on the lakefront for pick up basketball games. Each summer the Plaza hosts a variety of Arts and Crafts Fairs, Fine Arts Fairs and other public events. Please see the calendar for more information. New events are always welcome!
Moon Dunes Beach
Moon Dunes Beach offers a more rustic beach experience. Moon Dunes Beach is located in Tahoe Vista just off of North Lake Boulevard (State Route 28). It adjoins Snow Creek and is across from the Rustic Cottages. It has a modest stretch of sand and offers picnic tables and roadside parking. This is a California Tahoe Conservancy owned property that is managed by the North Tahoe Public Utility District. Portable restrooms are provided in the summer.
North Tahoe Beach
7860 North Lake Blvd.
The North Tahoe Beach Center is a 2.7 acre site that includes 540 feet of shoreline and is owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy, maintained and managed by the District. It is located at the intersection of Highway 267 and Highway 28. North Tahoe Beach underwent a complete renovation in 2003 that included the construction of new restroom facilities and 3 beach volleyball courts. A group picnic shelter that includes a BBQ, running water and seats 90 people was also constructed at that time. The shelter is available for rent for weddings, parties or picnics or for use by individuals on a first come, first served basis when the facility is not rented. The North Lake Tahoe Resort Association also maintains a seasonal visitor information booth in the summer months to provide information to visitors to the North Tahoe area that enter the Basin via Highway 267.
Patton Landing
The California Tahoe Conservancy’s "Patton Landing" beach, located in Carnelian Bay, is concessioned to Alpengroup, which intends to open a coffee house for the 2010 season. Nonmotorized rentals (kayaks and paddleboards) are available, as are picnic tables and seasonal restrooms. Parking in the small lot is free. A car top boat launch facility is also free for your use – be sure to protect Lake Tahoe by inspecting your nonmotorized watercraft for aquatic invasive species! This beach has smooth, black pebbles rather than sand, which is a unique characteristic within the Tahoe Basin.
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is located in Tahoe Vista across Highway 28 and to the east of Anderson Road. The beach is owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy and managed by the North Tahoe Public Utility District. It adjoins Moon Dunes beach. Portable restrooms are provided in the summer.
Speedboat (Buck's) Beach
Speedboat Beach is a very small beach located at the foot of Harbor Avenue. It has almost no public parking and for that reason is suggested for use by those in the adjacent neighborhoods or those who choose to access the beach by foot, bicycle or public transit. Please obey all signage and No Parking signs. No restrooms or other amenities are provided.
Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and Boat Launch
7010 North Lake Blvd.
Reconstruction of this local's favorite was completed Summer 2006. This 2.7 acre lakeshore property, with approximately 800 feet of lakeshore frontage, was a collaborative effort between the North Tahoe Public Utility District, California Department of Boating and Waterways and the California Tahoe Conservancy and received the Tahoe Regional Planning Agencies' Best of the Basin Award in 2006. The Recreation Area includes lake access recreation, a sheltered boat launching facility, picnic facilities, restroom facilities, sidewalks, and a large plaza area with interpretive signage.
Tahoe Adventure Company is under contract with the District to provide kayak tours and rentals from this facility.
The District acquired the land for Tahoe Vista Recreation Area over a period of 10 years. Phase I construction commenced in August 2004 and incorporated lakefront improvements, picnic areas, interpretive signage, street-side sidewalks, utility undergrounding, sewer force main relocation, restroom construction and stormwater collection and treatment facilities. This facility is available for use by the public and also for rental for weddings, parties and other social events as well as public events.
Phase 2 was completed in October 2012 and provides 24 vehicle with trailer pull through spaces and 42 vehicle spaces, paved walking/bike trail along National Avenue, a bus pullout and shelter, landscaping and storm water BMP's. The 3.6 acre site located at the intersection of North Lake Boulevard (California State Route 28) and National Avenue and was acquired by the NTPUD with funds from the California Tahoe Conservancy specifically for parking. Phase 1 of the project was permitted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency with the condition that parking would not be built on the lakeside parcel. Test
The Phase 2 project was 100% funded by grants of $1.432 million from the Department of Boating and Waterway, $500,000 from the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and $500,000 from the Placer County Redevelopment Agency.
