Dog Friendly Beaches
North Lake Tahoe and Truckee have some great spots for your fury friend to get their paws wet. These are our top picks for your four-legged family, whether you're looking for a quick dip or a day at the beach.
North Shore (Incline Village to Tahoe City)
Chimney Beach - East Shore
Lake Tahoe's crystal waters are enjoyed all along the East Shore just south of Incline Village on Hwy 28. While there are many trails that lead to the lake, our favorite is Chimney Beach south of Sand Harbor. There is a parking lot on the lake-side of the road with trails leading to the water. Chimney Beach is paw-fect for a day outing.
Location: Incline Village / East Shore
Let's swim: Chimney Beach
Coon Street Dog Beach
Located where Coon Street meets Lake Tahoe, this beach offers an area for fido to get wet. This is a paid lot and used as a boat ramp. For that reason, it is more of a "quick dip" rather than "camp-for-the-day" type of spot.
Location: Kings Beach
Let's swim: Coon Street Beach
Patton Beach
Located in Carnelian Bay, Patton Beach is one of the few dog friendly beaches in North Lake Tahoe. The beach is picnic friendly with tables and, in the summer, good eats at Waterman's Landing cafe. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available generally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is our go-to on the North Shore.
Location: Carnelian Bay
Let's swim: Patton Beach
Let's eat: Waterman's Landing (cafe + kayak/paddleboard rentals)
Skylandia State Park Beach
Skylandia State Park Beach is a 24-acre California State Park operated and maintained by the Tahoe City Public Utility District. It is located 1.5 miles east of Tahoe City on Lake Forest Road. Skylandia Park provides bike trails, hiking trails, and picnicking for your leashed dog. The park has a great beach, pier and swimming area but paw-prohibited.
Location: Tahoe City
Let's swim: Syklandia
West Shore (Tahoe City to Emerald Bay)
Dog Beach
Dog Beach is located just south of Timberland on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. It is the first beach you reach as you are driving south from Sunnyside Restaurant. While this beach is narrow, it is still a great place to hang out for the day. Pick up provisions at the West Side Market on your way to the beach.
Location: Hurrican Bay / West Shore Lake Tahoe
Truckee
Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park is located at 12593 Donner Pass Road. Paid parking is available inside the park or free parking is available on Donner Pass Road. Most California State Parks have strict leash laws but Donner Memorial State Park allows off leash, well-behaved dogs on one of its beaches. The dog-friendly area is the beach closest to the Tahoe Donner Beach club Marina (ths area is fenced off from the state park). Depending on lake levels, there is a lot of beach or very little. One picnic table is located where the grass meets the sand. After swimming be sure to leash your paw-pal and take a walk back in time to visit the Donner Memorial located in the park.
Location: Donner Memorial State Park /Truckee
Let's swim: Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Lake Piers and Shoreline Park
The Truckee Donner Rec and Parks District maintains peirs along the north shore of Donner Lake. These are paw-friendly and a great place to launch for the day. The peirs are noticible along the lake while driving east/west on Donner Pass Road. Park nearest the peir you'd like to claim. Be sure to park off the road and do not block the bike path. Shoreline Park is half way between the east and west ends of Donner. It provides public access, a restroom and picnicing.
Location: Donner Lake / Truckee
Let's swim: Shoreline Park
Truckee Legacy Trail
Included in trails and beaches, the Truckee Legacy Trail is a paw-perfect place to walk your pooch and stop along any of the river's beaches for a dip. There are two access points, one from the Truckee Regional Park and the other from the far east edge of East River Road. The trail is paved from Truckee to Glenshire (6 miles one-way from the Truckee Regional Park). A dirt trail parallels the south side of the Truckee River beginning at the East River Road access point. Once you cross the bridge from East River Road, it is off-leash acceptable walking down river but leashes are requied should you take the paved path up river (towards Truckee Regional Park).
Location: Truckee
Let's swim: Truckee Legacy Trail