Winter in the Tahoe region is all about skiing/snowboarding in fresh powder while navigating record-breaking snowfall totals. Summer in Tahoe on the other hand? Well, that’s all about enjoying time on the beach by the bright blue lake. 

If you’re new to Lake Tahoe or visiting for the first time, we’ve outlined a few tips that should help you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the country.

Want a prime spot on the beach? Arrive early

Thinking you can roll up to Baldwin Beach at 11 AM (prime sunbathing time) and grab a spot on the beach? Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Because in all actuality, beach-side parking lots in Lake Tahoe fill up by 9 AM during the summer.

Lake Tahoe is an incredibly popular destination for U.S. and international tourists. It’s actually a problem how many people visit Tahoe in the summer. Case in point: Fodor’s Travel included Lake Tahoe on its list of places you should reconsider traveling to in 2023 due to an increase in permanent population and the number of tourists visiting the region each year.

If you’re not a morning person, a good alternative is renting a bike from one of the many rental facilities in the Lake Tahoe. Many of Tahoe’s beaches are near bike paths, making it easy to ride to the beach and forgo the battle for a parking spot. Plus, biking around Tahoe is an eco-friendly alternative that can help prevent pollution and keep Lake Tahoe blue!

Know the rules

Many of Tahoe’s pristine beaches are located on National Forest lands. That means the rules at these places may be different, and possibly more strict, than the rules at the Jersey Shore or West Palm Beach. For example: Some beaches do not allow open containers, meaning you’ll need to transfer alcohol into plastic cups if you want to enjoy a libation on the beach. Rules and regulations around pets, campfires, and charcoal grills are also common.

The takeaway: Know before you go when it comes to Lake Tahoe beaches. If you’re heading to a new spot, make sure you’re aware of the rules before you arrive.

Pack it in, pack it out

Many of Lake Tahoe’s beaches abide by “pack it in, pack it out” rules. This means that whatever you bring to the beach, you better bring home with you — INCLUDING TRASH. It’s not uncommon for the beaches at Lake Tahoe to not have trash bins or dumpsters available. That may partly be due to upkeep and staff shortages to ensure the garbage is maintained. But the main reason is that Lake Tahoe is bear country — over 300 black bears live in the region. And what do black bears tend to get into? Trash! While some recreational areas provide bear-safe trash receptacles for public use, many ask visitors to take their trash with them to avoid human-bear conflict.

Therefore, don’t assume every beach in Lake Tahoe will have ample garbage cans. Instead, bring a garbage bag with you to the beach. That way, it’ll be easy to carry the bag back to your vehicle and dispose of the trash once you arrive home or back to your vacation accommodations.

Consider bringing water shoes

Many beaches around Lake Tahoe have soft sand that does not require footwear. However, it’s not uncommon for there to be rocks and pebbles along the shoreline. So if you’re thinking about going for a dip in the crystal clear water, have a pair of water shoes handy. That way, you can wade into the water (which is usually quite cold, even during the summer) without hurting your feet.

R-e-s-p-e-c-t the land and locals

You might only be visiting Lake Tahoe briefly, but many people call the area home. And as with any location, do your best to respect the land and the locals who live there. You can be a good guest at Lake Tahoe by:

• Following the 7 Principles of Leave of No Trace
• Keeping noise levels down during the early morning or late evening
• Refraining from blasting stereos and loud music on the beach
• Following the rules wherever you’re recreating
• Refraining from trespassing or parking on private property
• Not feeding wildlife (that includes the many ducks and chipmunks you’re sure to see around the lake)
• Being friendly and polite to others
• Packing your patience wherever you go

Most importantly: DO. NOT. LITTER.

Do people really travel all the way to Lake Tahoe and leave garbage like plastic cups, beer cans, and sand shovels at its beautiful beaches? Sadly, yes, yes they do. In fact, this year’s 4th of July festivities in Lake Tahoe resulted in over 8,500 pounds of trash left behind on Lake Tahoe’s beaches. Big, big sad.

Don’t become a part of the problem. Instead, do your best to take everything when you head home after a day on the beach and leave Lake Tahoe’s beaches looking better than when you arrived.