Sand Harbor

The Basics

With 55 acres (22.2 hectares) of beach and forested areas, there’s plenty to do at Sand Harbor. Multiple beaches offer sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. Don’t miss the many giant boulders here, great for climbing or jumping off. Hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the on-site rental shop and paddle to nearby hidden coves and beaches. Or take a break from the water and hike into the woods or have a barbecue or picnic under the shade of pine and cedar trees. Part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, the beach has extensive amenities.

Visitors can easily spend a few hours or even a full day at Sand Harbor. Those short on time should book a Lake Tahoe circle tour. For a different perspective, take a hot-air balloon ride or helicopter tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sand Harbor is a must for first-time visitors to Lake Tahoe.

• Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

• The facilities include parking, restrooms, concessions, a restaurant, barbecue and picnic areas, a gift shop, watersport rentals, and a boat launch.

• Alcohol is permitted on the beach, but glass containers are not.

• There are wheelchair-accessible paved walkways at Sand Harbor. The Sand Harbor Nature Trail is also wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Sand Harbor is located on the east side of the north shore of Lake Tahoe, about 3 miles (4.6 kilometers) south of Incline Village on NV 28. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, regular buses run from Incline Village.

When to Get There

During the peak summer season, arrive early to get a parking spot. Stay for the amazing sunsets. The annual Shakespeare Festival runs during July and August—a wonderful opportunity to see performances against a stunning natural backdrop. For fewer crowds, visit during the week in the shoulder seasons.

Flume Trail

Mountain bikers should check out nearby Flume Trail, one of the most scenic rides in Lake Tahoe. An exciting, mostly single track 1,600 feet (488 meters) above Lake Tahoe, there are stretches of uninterrupted views of the lake and sheer drop-offs for added excitement. Most riders start at Spooner Lake, also part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park; a shuttle also runs from Tunnel Creek Café.

Ways to explore

There are many ways to experience Sand Harbor’s natural beauty, from guided kayaking trips to e-bike adventures following the East Shore Trail to Sand Harbor State Park. If you’re not booking a tour, you’ll still need to make a reservation during the busy season from mid-April through mid-October. (There are limited first-come, first-served slots available starting mid-morning.) Once you’re there, you’ll find food concessions, equipment rentals, and picnic tables where visitors can bring propane grills and stoves.

Accessibility

Some areas of the park are wheelchair accessible, and an all-terrain wheelchair is available to use upon request.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Towel, refillable water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Layered, moisture-wicking clothing is a must—temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.

Not allowed

Wood or charcoal barbecues, glass bottles, pets in high season

Amenities

Restrooms, food concessions

Address 

Sand Harbor is on the east side of the north shore of Lake Tahoe, about 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) south of Incline Village on Route 28.

Driving

Head south along the lakeshore on Route 28. Sand Harbor State Park is on your right—paid parking is available, but generally fills to capacity on busy days.

Public transportation

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, free shuttle buses run regularly between the 76 gas station in Incline Village (on the corner of Northwood and Tahoe Boulevards) and Sand Harbor State Park.

Best times to visit

Come when the park opens to enjoy the beach when it’s relatively uncrowded. If you don’t have a reservation, check online to see when the park permits walk-ins—and arrive right on the dot.

Best days to visit

Weekends are busy at this popular park, so come during the week if possible.

Best months to visit

For swimming and lounging on the beach, go in the summer, or visit in October for sunshine and colorful foliage.

Special events

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival comes to Sand Harbor in the summer, with performances on an outdoor stage backdropped by shoreline views.