Sand Harbor State Park

This place is fantastic. It easily qualifies as the most beautiful place I've ever been, including international travel destinations. The place is magical. I can now live my life knowing what it feels like to chill on a warm sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise water and snow-capped mountains in the distance. And let's not forget about the hiking, simply amazing. I'm very happy to have had the opportunity to visit Lake Tahoe and Sand Harbor State Park specifically. I'll make it a priority to revisit every so many years. With all that said, I'd recommend state park employees, specifically gate attendants, especially when not at your post and off chitchatting, take it easy on lost travelers simply trying to find a place to park. The condescending tone and power trip of one gate attendant was over the top. Maybe his ego was in need of his daily stroking. Who knows. Didn't let him wreck my time, and I'd advise the same to everyone else who may have the misfortune to meet this individual. But anyway, yeah, absolutely fabulous. And yes, there were basic food choices and a bathroom. Everyone should go at least once in their life. Assuming you like awesome and beautiful places.

Beautiful in the winter with very few people. Launched our kayaks from the beach and paddled out to some secluded beaches to the south. Easy parking, convenient launch, and a nice little refreshment cart. The afternoon sun on the beach warmed things up to be comfortable in a lightweight long sleeve shirt when the temps were in the high 40's/ low 50's.

The beach is a must to go and has some best spots if you want to enjoy some swim. The water is so clear that you can view almost like 50+ feet deep inside and if you like to do a kayak or paddle this is a must go place. I would say just go there and thank me later 😀. It has parking fees of $15 outside state vehicles

Sand Harbor Beach at Lake Tahoe is absolutely stunning! The clear turquoise water, soft sandy shores, and unique rock formations make it feel like a hidden gem. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or just relaxing on the beach. The water is incredibly clear, and the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. It can get a bit crowded during peak hours, but it’s worth it for the serene atmosphere and gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re there for a peaceful escape or water activities, Sand Harbor is a must-visit!

This is the beautiful place to watch beach. We visited this on the end of May. We could not get in water since it was cold. The water was very clear and beautiful. There were lot of crabs can be seen.

Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe is an absolute gem! The location is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The beach is clean and well-maintained, making it a perfect spot to relax or take a swim. It’s also an ideal place to catch a beautiful sunset, as the colors reflect off the water in a truly magical way. Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful day on the sand or just to take in the natural beauty, Sand Harbor is a must-visit when you’re in Lake Tahoe!

Our favorite spot for 4th of July. Make sure you get there early before 9am to get a good spot. Take snacks and enjoy! The water is so clear. I recommend to do kayaking, best time to do it is in the morning. Also limited capacity only 60 cars

Gorgeous Park and beach! This was my first time visiting. It appears to be a great place to swim, kayak and paddle board. Loved the views and the trail. I look forward to coming back in the summer.

Paddleboarding the lake with my girlfriends or having a leisure day with family. Sand harbor is where you'll most likely find us if we can make it into their parking lot before it fills up. We were super bummed to hear that this area will soon require permits but will hopefully be less crowded. I'm super sad to see Summer Go, but I love the cooler temps of Fall. Cleaner restrooms, and I recommend adding more because the lines can get a little long. It's a family favorite! We like to spend all day at the lake, watch the sunset, and get dinner nearby. There is plenty of dining around, and I always look forward to making new memories with family and friends. Just a few glimpses of this Summers visits! Keep Tahoe blue, and please pack out what you packed in!

Great place to bring the family while visiting Lake Tahoe. Gates open at 7 am, but I recommend that you arrive at 6-6:15 am. We arrived around 6:40 am and there was a long line of cars waiting for the gates to open. Parking is $15 for non-Nevada cars and $10 for Nevada cars. CASH ONLY. You want to arrive early, to secure a spot at the beach. Reservations will be required for vehicle entry on Weekends and Holidays starting August 17th. Luckily, we went the first week of August therefore we didn't have to go through this process. There's a kayak rental stand towards the left side of the beach as you enter. The water wasn't as cold as I expected. The restrooms were somewhat clean. You are allowed to bring food, coolers, canopy, chairs, etc. Check the website for more details. This is a great place for swimming!

You can't beat the beauty and convenience of this spot! Lots of place to set up, easy access to the water, and the bathroom and restaurant amenities that are always a nice plus! The downside is....everyone else thinks so too! This place is PACKED and is often tough to get in, but their new reservation system seems to be working out. Love a day at Sand Harbor!

Sand Harbor is a gorgeous lake! The water is crystal clear and the sun reflects on the water to make it look like it is sparkling. There are multiple coves surrounded by rocks that you can explore. It was fun seeing people going into the coves, climbing the rocks and having a great time. It is very serene being out in the water. I rented a kayak through Clearly Tahoe. They have different types of kayaks to rent as well as paddle boards, canoes, and a beach set up. I believe you can rent the kayaks for up to 3 hours depending on which kind you rent. It was an awesome experience getting to kayak around Sand Harbor. I loved seeing other people out on boats, jet skiing, swimming, paddle boarding and having a great time and enjoying each other's company. There are multiple spots on the beach you can set up at. I saw birthday parties, huge groups of families, friends and partners. A variety of people enjoying the lake for the day. In the summer they do the Shakespeare Festival and have performances running at 7:30 in the evenings. They also have a gift shop, food and drinks. Plan on arriving early! I got there around 7:00 am and didn't get into the parking lot until about an hour later. There was a huge line to get in. Parking is $10 for Nevada locals and $15 for non-locals. They are implementing a new reservation system that will start next week. Make sure to check their website for details. Sand Harbor is definitely a must-see!!

Hearing and reading about the famous crowds at Sand Harbor, I left early in the morning from Truckee. As I drew closer to Sand Harbor, I saw signs that read that the Sand Harbor Boat Launch was closed and another sign that said the parking lot was full. Really? When I arrived at the Boat Launch there were some confusing red barriers and at the beach entrance there were even more red barriers so you couldn't even line up if you wanted to for the 7am opening. What to do? Because I was planning on kayaking, I went back to the Boat Launch which opens at 6am. As I cautiously drove to the entrance, I noticed there were no cars nor boats. Did I not get the memo? At the toll booth, there was a toll booth man who I chatted up and asked him where all the crowds were. He said it's cold (and windy, too) and the kids are back in school. Additionally, I asked the toll booth man about all the closure signs and he replied that the signs were put up a while ago and never taken down. That's confusing. With my kayak on the roof, the toll booth man had inquired where the kayak had been, I said, Prosser Reservoir, which is on the approved list before launching into Tahoe. After everyone's questions were answered, I paid the non-Nevada resident fee of $15 (otherwise $10 for residents) via credit card and parked in the specifically marked Kayak Parking space. Surveying the waters, which were choppy and not like the photos I had seen in many ads, I took my time unloading the kayak and preparing to launch in hopes that the wind and water would calm down. It didn't. Reluctantly, I launched the kayak which was easy to load in the water because it wasn't steep and the docks were clean. After pedaling around for an hour, I deemed the waters too rough and tied up the kayak at the dock (with the toll booth man's approval) in hopes that the wind would die down. It didn't. While waiting for the wind to die down, I used the facilities, which were VERY clean, and went on some of the recommended short trails which had picturesque lookout points. Fortunate for me, I brought plenty of water for the day because the water for water fountains were all shut down! After some photo ops, I gave kayaking a second try, but the wind/water continued to be choppy. Back to the docks to tie up the kayak. When the sun came out closer to noon, more people arrived and so did the fish restocking trucks. What a sight! With everyone gathered on the docks, the truck blasted out trout out of a tube and into the water. From past experience, fish from the hatchery don't make good catching fish because I think they're in shock. However the hatchery man said that they withhold food for three days prior to restocking so they should be ready to bite. OK. For the third and last time, I took the kayak and my fishing poles out on the wavy water (CA license is valid in the water on the NV side, but you can't fish from the shore). Alas, there were no fish to be caught by me....just the shore birds who dove into the water to swallow their fish whole. According to the fish finder, there were hardly any fish in the harbor as they quickly disperse to the deep. With the beach and its facilities clean and the beautiful waters, I can see why this place is popular.

Nestled within the beauty of Lake Tahoe's western shore, there's a hidden beach located here at Sand Harbor which offers a perfect retreat for families and day-trippers alike. Its crystal-clear waters and pristine sands create a serene escape, far removed from the busier sections of the lake. With plenty of amenities such as a visitor center, gift shop, and casual eateries serving items as burgers and hot dogs you'll find everything you need for a relaxing day. Kayaks and other water gear are available to rent, depending on the lake's conditions. Keep in mind, weekend visits now require an online reservation, so plan ahead, and aim to arrive early to snag a prime parking spot.

Sand Harbor beach was my family's favorite! It's right next to the parking lot so it's convenient if you bring a lot of stuff. It does get pretty busy so I suggest getting there early to get a good spot. We got there right before they opened because we wanted to kayak. When we were done kayaking, the beach was full so we decided to leave and come back in the afternoon. Parking pass is $15 and valid all day

Omg! The most beautiful. I 100% recommend this place. Make a reservation (although I got lucky without one). The beach has two sides. One that goes to the beach.. and one that goes to the rock formations and little lagoons. The water is clear- you can swim with the fishes. So clear like the pictures of Seychelles! They have many sits to lay out and gave a beach day- bring your beach gear and be prepared. They go gave a small gift shop though just in case you forget something. They also have a cafe, which is really nice to have- they have a full lunch menu and snacks water, soda etc.

Sand harbor itself is gorgeous...truly one of the most beautiful beaches in Tahoe. Clear waters, soft sands, beautiful rocks and scenery. However... crowds... lots and lots of people...which limits how often we visit. You have to wake up early, even on a weekday during summer, to secure good real estate on the beach. Long lines to enter and pay for parking (signs for full beach parking are typically blinking by early morning, even if they are still allowing cars in). Overall plan ahead and pack your patience and camera

Opening weekend in the Spring wasn't busy at all with the temp at 50 degrees and an evening of light snow. Felt like we had the entire beach and lake to ourselves from. Ample parking, clean bathrooms, crystal clear water, easy beach launch. Although come Summer the conditions will be the opposite.

Visited for first time in late September. This beach is famous and often in pics of most beautiful places in USA .. they arent kidding its stunning. The water colors ..the clarity of the water and the huge rocks .. wildlife. Its a public beach, but there is a fee even to walk in. They limit the amount, and parking fills up fast, especially in warm months and weekends. Everything we read said to go early... very early. We lucked out ..the weather was chilly, so it's not as crowded. Only a few were in the water. The beautiful water is cold even in the hottest days of summer. But popular for water sports kayaking, water boarding, boating. It's definitely great for photography and birding. The bathrooms were in good shape. There was snack place for pricey snacks, but would have been a better idea to bring your own. I loved this place. Highly recommend it and Would return if in the area. We went back in the evening to see sunset.

Beautiful place that's worth a visit. The water was perfectly clear with many places to explore and relax. It was mildly crowded when I went there but it wasnt too bad. Though, definitely anticipate for a line. Such great place for family and friends

Beautiful park near the north end. Limited parking, so plan on arriving early. Friendly rangers and staff, with designated spaces to set up tents on the beach.

I don't know why there's TWO listings for Sand Harbor State Beach, but OK then, I'll post on both until Yelp MODS combine the two listing for the same place. Sand Harbor IS one of the nicest public beaches here at Lake Tahoe. There ARE nicer better beaches, but they're private and you can't use them unless you know some really rich people. Being the nicest, it's also the most crowded, so you gotta take of efforts to get here EARLY, or know someone that can get you in as a state employee. There were just 2 of us so no prob getting in. But to get a good spot on the beach get here early. I like to walk around and do photography of the big rocks in the water, nothing else like this anywhere I've been to. Beautiful scenery especially early before the crowds start flopping all over the rocks and the water gets all rough. We left before noon, getting too hot, to head off to other Lake Tahoe attractions. I did try the snack bar and it was just fine, a little elevated on the prices, but what do you expect being at Lake Tahoe? Sand Harbor is actually , really nice in the off seacon mid week. You might even have a private beach then.

Astounding views! A must visit when you're in Lake Tahoe! I didn't know there's a beautiful beach here until this long weekend holiday. This is a premier beach. The only problem is that it get packed. If you want to visit during the summer you need to get there before 9:00 am as the parking lot will fill up and close. Great place for kayaks and paddle boards. Rentals are available and we enjoyed our day in the lake. We packed some pancakes, sandwiches and grilled some chicken BBQ and burgers in the picnic area. They have great visitors center, the snack bar and restrooms are good. Great picnic areas but they are seldom used maybe because it's at the parking lot. The hiking path is easy and enjoyable... highly recommended.

Beautiful Sand Harbor Beach. They say it's always packed on weekends and to get there before 9am during the summer. In late August, We were able to drive in and park at 3pm in the afternoon. Parking was $15 for non-residents. We decided to drive over by the docking area which was supposedly the least frequented area. Easy parking, very close to the beach. Very few people and just as picturesque as the rest of Sand Harbor beach. We brought our beach tent and plopped it close to the water. Clear Tahoe blue. We also walked around to the rest of the beach. There's a BBQ area with several tables, a few bathrooms, a shack with eats & treats. I would visit this beach again any day.

The water is a little bit cold, other than that everything is great. The sand is clean and the water is crystal clear and calm. Perfect for any water sport. We really like it and would like to go again. So beautiful rocks and the scenery is top notch.

Loved everything I went kayaking and the rental staff was all so helpful and friendly. The lake was breathtaking. I spent all day here to even watch the sunset in a perfect spot.

Beautiful place... the kayak rental is also there and their service is amazing. If you haven't been here, you should try it.

My favorite beach at Tahoe...Sand Harbor. The giant sandstone rock is a great photo opportunity.

SUMMER 2023: Very little beach area this year due to the high levels of snow. Parking fills up quickly so recommend arriving when park opens -- yes, including Mondays in the summer and busier on weekends. Be sure to bring CASH to pay entrance fee. Once parking lot is FULL, they do not allow anyone to WALK IN -- that means NO unloading of passengers. Another option is to take the shuttle service in Incline Village (the last bus TO the beach is at 3PM!). Otherwise, gates will reopen again at 5pm EVEN if there is parking available as people leave.

Sand Harbor Beach is the next best thing to the white sandy beaches of Hawaii. This was my second time at Sand Harbor and I cannot wait to return. My last visit was before the pandemic when I took a guided kayaking tour from Sand Harbor to Chimney Beach. I still dream of that crystal clear blue water despite the absolute madness and confusion of entering the paid parking lot. (If you park along the highway here you will get a ticket). This time I was cautious and apprehensive to go because of what a nightmare the traffic situation was previously. But my mom was driving this time so I decided that worse case scenario we'd just have to find another place to go if the parking lot was filled up. We were staying in Truckee and entering on the California side. Thank goodness because you can no longer make a left turn from the Nevada side to enter into the parking lot. They also have a ranger there to make sure that no one makes that illegal left. These changes have drastically helped with the ease of entering Sand Harbor. We went on a Sunday and the traffic extended one mile onto the highway at 7:50 a.m. It took us roughly 20 minutes to get into the parking lot. We paid $15 to enter and at 8:30 a.m. we were setting up at one of the last three spots all the way on the left side. The folks at Sand Harbor Beach are SERIOUS about their beach set up. Everyone has elaborate pop up tents, coolers, rafts, paddle boards, kayaks, etc. etc. So come prepared. Some of the groups around us left around 3:00 p.m. (mostly the drunk folks who ran out of booze) and a few new family groups filtered in but for the most part at 6:00 p.m. when we decided that we better start to pack up all the original folks from before our 8:30 a.m. arrival were still there. I was surprised to see a couple arrive with two large German Shepherds there swimming because all the reviews and signs read that DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED. The public bathrooms were insanely clean. Plenty of trash and recycling cans available. I did not visit the restaurant, bar, or get any rentals this time but I had a 5 star experience last time.

It was CLOSED! I knew parking lots might be full in the afternoon, but I didn't expect the beach to be closed. Why five stars? Well, there are two turnouts just north of the entrance. If you are willing to risk a ticket for parking past the 20-minute time limit (or you have parking loopholes), this was a great alternative since we had an incredible swimming spot to ourselves by walking downstairs and scrambling a few boulders into a miniature harbor of interchangeably clear, turquoise, and blue water along a rocky coast. It is a weird but fun experience for me. If you wear the appropriate shoes, you can step from underwater boulder to boulder. You might slip on a mossy one, you might get washed into a partially submerged rock by the choppy water, you might bang a knee or scrape a foot, you might use muscles you didn't know you had trying to remain on a rock on your tiptoes, you might miss a rock and into a sudden deep spot... it's like a combination of swimming with horizontal rock climbing.

This is a must when you are visiting Lake Tahoe. Parking is $10 but it's totally worth it. My party didn't quite experience the attraction to its maximum capacity due to a snowtorm days prior to visiting and some paths were closed. Regardless, it was a pretty cool experience seeing the sand beach covered in snow and I can't wait till I return during the peak season.

Lake swimming with cool clear water and a sandy shore. Came here on a Saturday around 3:30pm and lucked out in that the attendants opened the parking lot which had previously been full. It's $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for all other states to park. There are public restaurants available. There was also a bar/grill that serves alcohol. Bathrooms are available right next to it, and there was another building with public restrooms further down from the parking lot. There were a lot of people who brought EZ-up tents and had a picnic in big groups. There is also a Ramada (by reservation only) with picnic tables and grills. The lake is shallow and there were also plenty of small kids. There are kayaks/paddle boards for rent. A separate beach had boat loading and you can access it by walking through a short paved path.

We arrived around 11:30am on a Monday morning and we were probably the last group of cars to get open parking spots (and we parked in the south lot). It's $15 for out of state folks like us, $10 for Nevada residents to park. We happen to pull into the boat launch lot first on accident, but because we did that I got a peak at Diver's Cove. Although we had to walk further to get there, I made my husband walk to Diver's Cove. It is such a lovely little cove, with boulders and a large shallow area for kids to swim in with light waves. My son just wanted to swim but other kids were trying to catch minnows and crayfish. It's a perfect cove to use floaties on. Sadly the sand has small pieces of litter scattered around. We tried to pick up what was around us but the beach could probably use a thorough trash pick up day. Beware of the squirrels. There are boulders and a large pine tree somewhat in the middle of the beach area (which was great for some shade). But that's where the hide out and they will walk right onto your picnic blanket for a meal!

Great day at Sand Harbor Beach. Views are amazing! We went on a Wednesday and arrived by 9:30a but the parking lot was already full/closed. We proceeded to the free shuttle parking lot which is about 5 miles away. It only runs about every 30 mins and could not take everyone due to being at capacity. Spent the day enjoying the weather and kayaking. The food and drink were a fine addition to what we brought. We weren't ready to leave but the last shuttle leaves at 6p so decided to line up by 5p; it showed up around 5:20 or so and again it was full and couldn't take everyone currently line up. Hoping to visit again soon, maybe after Labor Day and get a spot in the lot, but was happy to find out there was a free shuttle option.

Shout out to 'Miralda' who is an officer at entry of the park helping people with parking passes from the booth. She is phenomenal and so helpful. One can only give cash at the booth for getting the parking - day pass. I was out of cash. Miralda guided me on where and how to use my credit card for the pass. machine was acting weird and I was not able to pay to get my pass. I reached out to Miralda and she instantly started understanding my challenge and got out of the booth and helped me with the machine. she went above and beyond to ensure i have my day pass to enjoy with my family. Miralda, you are a savior..!! Thank you so much. Guys, if you are there and if you see her, smile and wave her a Hi for me please. :)

Sand Harbor Beach is PRISTINE with crystal clear water. You can see right down to the boulders sitting on the lake floor. Fish can be seen swimming in the water if you pay attention. The views are unparalleled and the water is cold and refreshing. Sand Harbor Beach is easily one of the most beautiful places I have been to in my life. Parking here can be a bit tricky. Get here early because once it's full, they close the gates.

Fun beach day with the family. As well as great drinks. No garbage on the beach which is a plus and should be a no brainer "Right" pick up after yourself!

I love going to Sand Harbor as it is so gorgeous and also a perfect place to put in a kayak or spend a day at the beach. It's immensely popular so be sure to arrive early to get parking or a nice spot in the beach during weekends and summer months. The water is gorgeous, and there is a nice short walking path that goes along the shore for some great views as well. You can bring your own kayak or SÜP, or rent kayaks from the North side of the beach. Parking cost $10 to get in and it's cash or credit.

Top tip for busy weekends!! *cash only $10 for parking *arrive at 7 am on weekends or 4 pm (summer) We heard it would get busy but be prepared on Friday-Sundays. If you miss the 7:00-7:45 am window to get your car in line, you can come back around 3:30-4:00 pm for the 'second wave'. We just barely made it at 7:45 am and got in line when a car decided to leave the queue. There were already 80 + or so cars in queue in the middle of the freeway waiting to turn into the lot or stopped on the shoulder about a half mile to a mile away. There were three sheriff cars managing the traffic. Once the parking lot is full (usually by 8 am on weekends) they will close the parking lot until around 4pm when they will reopen for more guests. We noticed the morning people starting to leave the beach around 2pm. The sand is perfect...it's made up of tiny pieces of pebbles so it doesn't stick to your clothes and stuff like at other nearby beaches. The water is really cold but it's super clean and clear. No crustaceans or beach insects/crawlers on the beach. Just the occasional ant. There are two restroom facilities on opposite sides of the beach. They are relatively clean and is separated by gender. We didn't realize the entry was cash-only but thanks to a stranger in a car behind us, he gave us a few dollars to get in. So kind! No ATMs around, you will need to go to incline village. I would visit again but would try to come on a weekday to avoid stressful entry traffic.

This place is a must. You can really spend all day here. We went on a Thursday at 8am. The line to get in wasn't too long. There was plenty of parking. Parking is $10 and it's for the whole day. You can come and out and you can use that same pass with any of their sister parks. We rented a kayak. It was $40 per hour for a tandem. They did have a three hour for $80 and then a whole day option. You can rent these online or when you arrive. If you plan to kayak to bonsai rock, you need it for several hours. It's beautiful out there. I suggest renting your kayak for more than one hour. Just remember you won't have shade. Start early and wear sunblock The water is super clear. You can see all the rocks and fish. There's a few areas on the beach to set up for the day. There's minimal shade on the beach. The water in early September was too cold for me, but I'm from south Texas. People were swimming everywhere. They do have small trail that you can walk by the parking lot. It has some picturesque views. The gift shop is small. They have a little bit of everything including snacks. The restaurant had plenty of options and they sell alcoholic beverages too.

We visited during a Saturday in July. The access in the morning was set up as follows: We arrived 630am: There is a line of cars (NORTH-bound) actively managed by the Ranger/police Patrol which was about maybe 30-40 cars long. Since most cars arrive driving southward this meant passing the line and making a U-turn (make sure to keep it legal as the rangers are watching closely). The ranger at the end did not allow any more cars; so essentially we were "too late" at 6:30 am. The ranger said to keep circling until there's space. Gate opened at 7am. Once gate opened, cars that started lining up southbound took turns w/ the line of cars facing northbound. Space for the southbound line could accommodate maybe 6 cars and the rangers actively prevents a longer line because that would intrude into the main road. So if you timed it right you could get in without without lining up; but it would be tricky and likely result in multiple scoldings by the rangers (they were strict). Entry: $10 local, $15 non-local Once parked everyone is rushing for the best spots. There's basically two parts to the beach: the really long side and the smaller alcove north of the the long side. Note: the Alcove area is for swimming, snorkel, scuba ONLY (i.e., no SUP or kayaks); park officials actively enforce this rule. Also no glass or ANY open flame cooking object of any kind (also enforced). The restaurant (and its bathrooms) open at 10am. The main beach bathrooms (flushing toilets and running water) open at 9am...so until then it's the port-a-potties only. Don't bank on this but I think I saw cars allowed in as late at 8:11am; after which they close the gate and only allow exiting. A good prep is get an idea of the parking lay-out (there are multiple parking lot sections; and it's not obvious) so if you come a little later you should bee-line for the more obscure locations instead of going thru the maze of filled spots and lanes blocked by folks inflating obscenely large floats) You can opt to take a bus (TART system) in throughout the day (dropped off right in front of the restaurant)...I think the earliest bus came in at 10am, but basically the entire shoreline is taken up by tents and canopies by 8am anyway. There's plenty of room further away from the water. There are lifeguards (not at every station tho) and a beach volley ball net. 3rd party Kayak and SUP rentals at the very south-end of the beach; about $30-45 1st hour, $15 2nd hour and then $10 an hr after (these are all estimates but they are there every day); decent equipment & friendly service. Note the waves get choppier in the afternoon and later...a significant difference from the morning (think virtually no waves to actual waves). Lines at the restaurant never got super long..the limited entry really keeps things manageable; hardly any lines at bathrooms which were relatively plentiful and clean throughout the day. I was most impressed with the iconic picture-perfect rock formations about 30 minute paddle (each way) to the south; I was most disappointed with the large families and their boom boxes blasting (so obnoxious)...this is far from a serene beach...expect typical raucous public beach crowds with even more "gear" as the difficulties with entry makes everyone plan to stay for the full day.

Entry costs: $10 per vehicle for NV residents $15 per vehicle for everyone else This beach is a great place to take your family to that does not require a whole lot of hiking. There is a lot of parking spaces but it does get filled up fast during the day. And yes. They do have many bathrooms on site. This beach is very clean. Not many rocks in the swimming areas which your feet would thank you for. The water of course is really friggin cold. So if you're sensitive to cold. You might wanna sit this one out. Or you could take a stroll along the boardwalk and take in the beautiful scenery instead. Of the many spots I've seen around Tahoe. This might be number 2 on my faves list.

Yeah Sand Harbor Beach is absolutely beautiful. I had read that this was one of the most popular spots in all of Lake Tahoe. So....when I visited 2 weeks ago (for the very first time, lol) I had to witness it for myself. Although browsing around and seeing the sights is free at Lake Tahoe, unless you can find parking alongside the road, the parking fee to enter Sand Harbor is $10. No big deal. I was EXTREMELY SURPRISED during my visit (granted it was on a summer weekend) how busy, (overall), Lake Tahoe is. Parking is so difficult to find and the streets are frustratingly congested. I never envisioned it. I pictured a quiet mountainside getaway. Regardless....I luckily came to Sand Harbor Beach towards the end of the day. It was about 4:30pm, so good thing cars and families were leaving which afforded me the opportunity to find parking, along with still having to pay $10. It's a simple and quick walk to the beach area. There are a couple of sections you can visit....to spread yourself out on. All of the areas are certainly picturesque. The sand is gentle and the best part about being here is the water! Although when I dipped in (this being the middle of July) it was very cold! Still.....the waters were so clear and perfect! Certain areas were colorful greenish, turquoise....some spots were translucent and just real pristine. I was highly impressed with what I saw! Funny....before hopping into the stunning waters.....I had to take a few photos. And yes, got some great shots in, truly capturing the mood I was feeling. I was genuinely excited that I made it here. And I believe arriving late in the afternoon allowed me to miss the peak time crowds. I feel...if you don't arrive early or late in the day....you'd find serious problems trying to even get some space to lounge out on along the beach. Sand Harbor is that popular and appeasing to the eye. And I'm sure you can imagine....a big spot for families to hang out at and enjoy the surroundings. I almost left out....there are rocks in the waters and alongside the coastline of the beach that complimented the whole harbor. You can climb on the rocks or simply gaze out onto the waters with the lake as a whole in the distance and appreciate just how pretty this portion of Lake Tahoe is.

Sand Harbor beach is beautiful, it was too cold to get in the water but it is still gorgeous, the fall colors are beautiful right now and you wont struggle to find parking!

Anyone in Tahoe should come here atleast once. Like most other places even this has a parking fee of $10. But it's so worth it. And this beach gets super crowded so you have to go early in the morning. Otherwise getting parking spot would be very diff. Beautiful water. Breath taking views. You can even rent out a paddle boat and enjoy. Def coming back whenever I visit Lake Tahoe. Highly recommend..!!

I have been coming to this beach almost every weekend since this summer started and absolutely love it. My daughter gets excited coming and says "we are going to the ocean" . One thing I would recommend coming here is to get here early in the morning! Spots fill up really quick on the water and in the parking lot. This year, we got the summer day use pass for $100 for the parking because to park here costs $10 each time. Because we come here so often, the day pass saved us some money. The views are amazing! There are rocks in the water for kids to play on/ jump off. There are paddle board rentals, kayak rentals as well! They also have a little restaurant nearby which I have not tried yet because we normally bring our own cooler. The beaches have volleyball net hookups which is a lot of fun. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend visiting here. The water is very cold but the sand on this beach is nice and not so pebbly to walk on like so of the others.

This place is beautiful. This place never disappoint me. Sand is soft on your feet. A midge sandy-rocky, but still bare feet tolerable. Bring your own shade. Stay 6 feet apart. If you got kids, bring beach toys, floaties, ball, etc for them. Bring beach chairs and sunblock. Pros: 1) This place has bathroom and large trash bins in parking lot. 2) there's a store here. But with COVID19, I don't know if it's open. I didn't walk that far today to find out. 3) we came around 5pm this time and saw the beautiful sunset. 4) not as crowded on the beach at 5pm. 5) bring a sweater. Towards the evening it gets a little cold. 6) sand feels nice on your bare feet. 7) people were really nice here. 8) there is a pathway to walk and take beautiful photos. An easy "hike". Cons: 1) you cannot get in if you got here by 11am. Come very early or later in the evening. 2) I heard it's crowded during the day. But I didn't make it in. I do know the parking lot entry was closed. I really like this place. I highly recommend it. Please pick up your trash and don't leave it on the beach. Don't feed the birds. They'll follow you and try to dig into your items.

By far my favorite beach in Tahoe! I love how one side is more ocean/beach like with waves and the diving side is tranquil with beautiful rock formations and the clearest water ever! There are also bathrooms, a place to eat and a nice trail that circle around the harbor. You could spend all day there and not get bored. For me, it's a must-do every time we visit this area!

I want to give this beach 2 stars because of there ridiculous times they close for parking and force people even with small children to find parking and hike or catch a bus back to beach . The times for parking make no sense and they close an reopen times make no sense because they close parking by 1030 or 11 and open back up at 5 and close at 9 , crazy part is when they close parking and say it's full there are a lot of parking spaces available.. I guess it's there money loss. I just want to put this review so please don't waste there time going because it's an inconvenience even though it seems like a nice place to visit .

Great beach close to 40 mins away from Lake Tahoe. I recommend getting some umbrella/ tent it gets pretty sunny. The beach was very calm and very less waves, perfect for kids. Entrance fee for California cars was $15. It wasn't very crowded when we went but I did see something unique 2 chickens walking around in the beach

Such a beautiful location with the view being breathtaking if you go at the right time. My fiancée and I came here over the weekend which was the highlight of our vacation. We had to pay a extra free for parking since we didn't have a Nevada license plate but it was fine. The drive was worth it, especially coming at 9am because you get to see the sun coming out and shining on the waters. The view itself makes you feel like you're in another state or country. The water is clear and the whole area is very clean. We walked around to explore and my gosh, everything we saw was just beautiful. I hope we can come back again and enjoy more time here.

I got married here during a pandemic on November 28, 2020. It was an elopement with just our immediate families. Luckily, we had our own parking lot and our own general area to celebrate away from the crowds. Sand Harbor is a GORGEOUS place. The views are amazing and our photos from our wedding day shows just how beautiful that day was!

Reviews ain't lying when it says to arrive early. We got in line around 6am approaching from the north. Other in front must've started lining up around 5:30am. Once cars fill up the center medium, sheriffs will come and ask cars who are blocking highway to move. It gets crazy around 7am as the gates open they begin allowing cars in. If you timed it right, you may enter from the south. Cash or check only $10 for residents and $15 for out of towners. Cars zoomed in frantically looking for parking (ppl blocked off parking spaces to save for family) we parked in the first spot we noticed. I didn't have a plan on where we would beach at and please note their are at least 4 different locations here. I noticed groups walking towards the south end, so I walked away from the crowd and ended up in a small cove. I immediately set up shop and claimed my land. Views were just gorgeous and the water reminds me of my times in Maui, see through clear blue waters. If you're one of those ppl that can't stand children, this beach is not for you. Kids galore, where are the parents? It appears they continue to let guests in until 10 randomly opening and closing gates. Cons- ppl with poor taste in music surrounded our area, I felt like I was at a fuckin rave. I had to clown their music for them to turn it down...made me feel like I was on Ecstasy. Beware of the big time beach goers they go hard and bring they whole house, rugs included. By 11:30 it was jam packed and I was ready to go! They need a rule, no music from 7am to noon. It's great no dogs are allowed, even though some ppl snuck their fur friends in. Pros- lots of bathrooms that are cleaned throughout the day. Breathtaking once in a lifetime type views. Don't forget your floats big or small!

I found this place on Instagram. The pictures were amazing so decided to come and take pictures. I came first thing on a Saturday morning at 8am. It was a $10 charge. There was a small parking lot and as soon as you park there is a bathroom. The beach is right there. It is a gorgeous beach but you can tell since it's small it gets full fast and it's not to big. The sooner you get there the better.I will definitely return.

Beautiful Nevada State park w soft sand, clean restrooms, a nature center and restaurant. There are two very pretty beaches and amphitheater where Shakespeare festival is held in July and August.

The beach is truly stunning, but this review is for RICHARD who was the person managing the parking and entrance to Sand Harbor Beach. When we arrived at the beach to watch a Shakespeare production last weekend, Richard was unbelievably kind, pleasant, and warm to both my husband and I, which made our day and first time at Sand Harbor so wonderful. There truly aren't many people out in the world that will go out of their way to be genuinely kind and caring...so when I come across someone like that, I want to acknowledge them. THANK YOU SO MUCH RICHARD for helping us start off the evening on a positive note and for inspiring us to carry your kindness forward.