SOUTH SHORE
Pope Beach
Geographically, Pope, Kiva and Baldwin are one long beach, but there are notable differences between them. Start at the Y, the intersection of Highway 50 east and Highway 89 north, on the outskirts of the main drag. Take Highway 89 to find Pope Beach first, about three miles from the Y.
Pope’s wide, family-friendly and wellshaded stretch of sand runs for ¾ mile. It’s the place for a picnic or barbecue among the fir trees, and a perfect swim off the gently sloping shoreline. The concessions stand can be a lifesaver. BONUS >> Check out Kayak Tahoe’s kiosk for kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. The veteran outfitter also has a presence at Baldwin and Nevada beaches.
Kiva Beach
Locals call it the “dog beach” because leashed canines are allowed (there’s even a Mutt Mitt station). The 200-yard-long beach was underwater the day we visited, but the better draw is the shaded paths in the fir forest, which you and your pet will love.
Don’t pass up the adjoining Tallac Historic Site, with the remains of a century-old resort, a museum and three refurbished estates. Take a self-guided tour or sign up for a guided stroll (www.tahoeheritage.org, 530-5415227). Don’t miss nearby Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Rainbow Trail, via a 15-minute stroll on Lake of the Sky Loop Trail, at the historic site. No admission charge for any of the above.
Baldwin Beach
This half-mile-long playground draws couples, groups of friends with boom boxes, and families who favor blow-up rafts, masks and snorkels. Serious swimmers will quickly find deep water here.
The scant shade makes a beach umbrella essential gear, as Baldwin cooks in the summer. Don’t feed the geese or gulls or you’ll have plenty of unwanted company. The concession stand and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals help make the day. When you pull in, choose the parking lot on the right for more interesting terrain.
Nevada Beach
The locals know this wide, mile-long beach as a peaceful place to escape the fray — not over Fourth of July weekend, of course, but the rest of the summer.
It’s a mellow retreat ideal for a barbecue or picnic, with massive Mount Tallac as a backdrop. A 150-capacity timber-framed pavilion is available for rent. Look for the concessions stand and kayak rentals, and bring your leashed dog.
FIND IT >> Off Highway 50 east, 2.3 miles out of Stateline. Turn left onto Elk Point Road, across the highway from the Round Hill shopping center.
Round Hill Pines Resort
There’s a party goin’ on here all summer. The beach is backed by a pine forest, which is almost secondary to the menu of rental recreation: speedboats, jet skis, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, with parasailing for the daring and pedal boats for the demure.
The beach bar patio is one place to hang, or you can catch some shade at one of three covered picnic areas. When the excitement gets too much, board the Serenity yacht for a cruise into Emerald Bay.
FIND IT >> On Highway 50, a mile north of Elk Point Road. Look for the stone walls, iron gates and signage at the entrance. Don’t attempt to turn left into the resort (too dangerous); instead, continue to the Zephyr Cove Resort and turn around at the traffic light.
Lakeside Beach
A $10 cover ($5 for students, kids are free) gives you access to one of the best private beaches on the lake, and one of the top views of Mount Tallac and the Sierra. Don’t wander far from the Beach House Grill and its killer Brain Freezer — frozen rosé wine with lemon and sugar. BONUS >> The beach rocks till 10 p.m. daily for romantic stargazing and a heaping helping of the Tahoe party scene, which includes live music on weekends.
FIND IT >> At Stateline, just down the street from the Landing Resort & Spa at 4081 Lakeshore Blvd., www. beachhousetahoe.com
WEST SHORE Meeks Bay
This tranquil bay is home to two beaches separated by a marina. One is overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, the other is owned by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
The rocky USFS beach (flip-flops advised) is popular with locals as a kayak-launching site. Shady parking is a bonus.
Meeks Bay Resort is more groomed, but somewhat sedate. The beach is studded with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. Lounge on the deck of the casual Washe-shu Grille, or jump on the paved bike trail and end up in Tahoe City. The compound is open to the public for a $10 parking fee.
Overnighting? Campsites and RV hookups are available. Or you can upgrade from the lodge and cabins to the Kehlet Mansion, built in 1934, for $1,000 a night. Just be sure you love knotty pine walls.
FIND IT >> On Highway 89 north in Tahoma, less than 20 miles from the Y. 7941 Emerald Bay Road; www. meeksbayresort.com
NORTH SHORE Sand Harbor State Park
This is the best beach on the lake, period. The idyllic 55-acre park is a delightful meeting of curving whitesand beach, coves and nature-carved boulders in the water that are perfect for climbing and jumping off. And spectacular views, even by Lake Tahoe standards.
A half-mile trail ends at Memorial Point, with a chance to explore hidden beaches. Plus there’s a visitor center, shaded picnic areas, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental, boat launch, barbecue grills, snack bar and grill, gift shop, boardwalk, paved walkways and a nature trail. The deep-water drop-off makes it a favorite of scuba divers. And Sand Harbor is home to the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which runs through Aug. 25.
FIND IT >> Three miles south of Incline Village on Highway 28 north, about 25 miles from South Shore; parks.nv.gov