Sand Harbor Reviews

One of the prettiest spots around the Lake, definitely worth a visit and a stop. The scenery is truly gorgeous, iconic Lake Tahoe.

Every year we always come over here to relax enjoying the views, kayaking and picnics..We don't mind driving 4hrs. just got here.☺☺☺.But keep in mind if you plan to go be there early especially summer because its hard to look for parking...

This was the one place we really wanted to visit on our first visit from Canada to Lake Tahoe and it was unfortunate that we got out in the morning and first hit lots of construction traffic and then found the parking lot to Sand Harbour-and there’s only one-closed. Wish there was some warming from our hotel that this happens as there was no where else to park or stop on the road with the construction. Couldn’t even turn around and ended up in Reno for the afternoon and headed back here in the evening. Parking lot was open but had to wait for a spot. Once there the rocks on the shallow still waters were really everything we had imagined and seen in the photos especially as the sun started to set. Would have loved it if there was less people to get some good photos of the lake. Didn’t swim here but lots of people were and some were snorkeling too! And there’s a live Shakespeare theatre in the evening too though we didn’t stay for that. But overall a beautiful location and feast for the eyes-and cameras!! A must see if you are in the Lake Tahoe area!!

A must do in your trip to Lake Tahoe! Get there early and definitely kayak in that beautiful water!

One of the prettiest beaches around the Lake, a great place for a picnic or even a swim in the right weather. The views are incredible anytime of the year.

We loved Sand Harbor so much we came here twice during our weeklong trip to Tahoe. The water here is so beautiful it doesn't look real. Lots to do here - hiking, water sports, spending time on the beach. My husband and son went kayaking and we all enjoyed hiking and spending time on the beach. We visited off season so there weren't any crowds but I hear it gets packed in the summertime.

beautiful and peaceful place. Views are Amazing. !! Loved visiting this place. Even though it was cold in May, it was still nice to walk around and enjoy taking good pictures.

One of the best beaches on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. A fee for parking. The scenery is beautiful. Great way to spend time at the beach. Water is chilly in the summer.

I spent a fun night with friends at the Summer Shakespear Festival at Sand Harbor. We all had a great time. Food at Sand harbor is great. A fun time!

I was in Awh when we arrived here. The view behind the beach itself was so beautiful. The sand was beautiful as well as the clear water.

Sand Harbor is so beautiful who needs the Caribbean.
Richard at the entrance gate was the most delightful and helpful person on our entire trip..

This place has a spectacular view. The blue/green clear water is stunningly amazing! Absolutely breathtaking!

This is a great place to go off season but I would not go there during summer as it can be easily crowded.

A beautiful park and beach! We did the 3.4 mile (each way) from our hotel and really enjoyed it. We did go early in the morning 7:30/8 so it wasn't hot. The path is clearly marked and takes you lakeside most of the walk. Along the path there are little history markers that were great read. Make sure you pack water and sunscreen if you do the walk! If you walk into the park, it is $2 per person. Or, you pay, I think $9 to drive in but you MUST have a reservation and arrive by 10:30 a.m. There is a little restaurant/coffee/bar right by the beach

Stunning visual experiernce at the north side of lake Tahoe. Excellent walking / jogging path that runs along the lake. Water is crystal clear.

Beautiful beach! It's worth taking a walk because the “main beach” is the least beautiful. The other smaller ones are even more paradisiacal. It is necessary to stop to park, unless I'm mistaken, $15 in October 2023. It's really worth spending the day on this beach. The water is very cold as expected, but you can get in.

Best spot on the lake to catch the sunset! Beautiful and so peaceful! Our favorite stop around the Lake! Definitely a must see!

This was worth the $10 fee to get in (thankfully they do take credit cards). There is a nice WC accessible walkway that takes you through many beautiful and unique scenic points. At the far end there is a swimming area with lots of large boulders that was very picturesque. It appears there is a lifeguard there in the summer, but as a nurse, I can see the biggest problem area for accidents would be twisting ankles or hitting heads if the kids jump off the boulders into the water. There are many small boulders next to the large ones that surely get slippery. It is fun to hop along the boulders and take pictures. The visitor center was closed on the Sunday we were there. This would be a great place to hang out all day when it is warm.

We kayak from here. Fall and early spring is best time to avoid crowds. Thanks to COVID this summer was crazy busy. Parking along 28 insane.

Lovely beach and area when not crowded. They rent kayaks and paddle boards too.

This place is a paradise. The water from glaciers is bone-chilling cold. Kayaking rental place is behind the visitor center by the parking area and boat ramps. The beach area is considerably small. The walking trail is pretty scenic. The eatery next to visitor center offers decent food. $10 entry fee from Nevada state parks.

Best $10 I have ever spent. The view from the beach is spectacular and the giant boulders are nature’s playground. We had so much fun climbing on the giant rocks (be careful!) and taking in the beautiful colors and sights. Be sure to wear sunscreen!

Beautiful beach, quiet, clear water. Good water activies available but get there early as they get busy/booked up

Stunning scenery. We visited a couple weeks ago when Heavenly shut down for a day. There was a lot of snow, and no other visitors or employees. We self-paid at the entrance gate, and walked along the beach and did the walkway loop. Climbed on some boulders and enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness. We saved a squirrel that was trapped in a bear-proof trash can. Would recommend this park any time of year.

This is a fantastic loop trail and completely accessible by wheelchair. It is also a popular children's education venue which is fun to see. There is a nice beach area too so a good place for a picnic.

One of the most popular beaches to visit is Sand Harbor which usually will fill up within a few hours of opening. This small beach offers clear blue water not far from the main downtown area. There is very limited parking (10 USD) in the lot and little to no street parking nearby. We arrived too late and weren’t able to go and from what we were told people aren’t allowed to walk in once it is full. Although we were bummed we missed out we drove around the lake and found that there are many other locations that offer similar views. From just stopping along the road near Bonsai Rock we found this viewpoint overlooking the lake with snow capped mountains in the background. In the end this was a great short trip and we are already trying to plan when we can go back next time for a longer stay.
- @wanderingwithustwo

Not a ton of beaches up this side of Tahoe, so this is a welcome place. $10 per person to get in and park a vehicle, but they have restrooms, sand beaches, and it's well-maintained. Nice place to spend an afternoon during the warm weather. They even have an outdoor concert venue.

The boat beach is my favorite.! Although it gets annoyingly crowded, if you go early on weekdays it is the best place to paddle board, swim, catch crawdads, and jump off the rocks. It will be a short beach this summer because of the massive snowfall but the bike trail will open so you can escape for a walk.

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.

loved it! beautiful place and very clean. The staff was great as well. We will definatly be back in the near future, thank you

This is a very popular spot. Parking is somewhat limited. It is a good place to spend a summer day. They have it well-maintained.

It's a must visit in Tahoe. I have been to Tahoe many time and don't know why I have never visited this beach. It's 10 dollars entrance fee but it's worth the $$. You can spend hours there! Make sure you bring cash or check! You just need to pick up an envelope and put the money in there and put it in the box at the entrance.

First time there for a concert and was impressed. Have heard good things about the Shakespeare’s plays but now they fill in with concerts and other entertainment. Great venue, great show. We will definitely be back. Sat in general admission but a great view of the stage. Brought in food and beverage. Good time had by all.

One of the coolest lakefront places to visit and hang out on the beach or go for a walk along the lengthy boardwalk. Can get very crowded in the Summer. A very unique place to visit in the Winter. There was some snow on the boardwalk making it a bit dangerous to talk on but this is a year they had a highly abnormal amount of snow. $15 entry fee ($10 if your car has Nevada plates).

I was a bit flabbergasted after paying $10 only to find the bathrooms were closed! I think that is the case with all parks in the area during Winter. But they should at least keep the bathrooms open here if they are still going to charge a fee in the Winter.

Take the East Shore Express shuttle from incline village to the beach. Don’t even try to park. It’s impossible. The shuttle was cheap and convenient. Found a patch of sand and got a bite in the cafe. It was easy. The beach has stunning views and lots of people. Water was clear and shallow. Great place for toddlers to play.

A perfect day for a family is what you will find here. Swimming, Sun, and Clean beaches. Rental equipment available.

Get here early to ensure a parking spot. Nice beach with a lot of rocks, pretty scenery, and crystal clear water!

Sand harbor is a must stop on Lake Tahoe. Absolutely beautiful and the rock trial is pristine. Highly suggest a stop here.

Sand Harbor in winter is just as breath-taking as it is in summer! My husband and I visited in June 2021 to paddle board and kayak. On this visit, my daughter and I walked the trails surrounding the water’s edge. It is a different experience viewing the lake on land. The snow covered boulders and mountains were magical! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. One thing to watch out for is the park entrance! They did not block off the “cash lane” (right lane), so there wasn’t any way to pay the entrance fee. Take the left lane if the booth is unattended. The payment kiosk is only in the left lane! I had to turn around to go back and pay my entrance fee in the left lane. Many vehicles also took the right lane and had to do the same thing!

Tons of bolders to play on, great beach to lay on, nice bathrooms. Kids said it was the best day at Tahoe and we will come here every time again

Beautiful, beautiful setting. Somewhat limited menu, but plenty of good food to choose from. We had a light lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs that we thoroughly enjoyed eating on a large outside deck shaded by both pines and umbrellas. The food was a good value for the money and was ready almost immediately. Staff was friendly, courteous, and efficient. Be sure to take the short (1/3 mile) hike around Sand Harbor Point to see spectacular views of the lake and mountains. Entry fee to the park was $12.00.

Awesome views of Lake Tahoe from the Nevada side. It was $10 to park but was well worth the cost. Go early to beat the afternoon thunder showers.

Sand Harbor area offered our family a great recreational opportunity.Several beaches allow different views and prevailing wind shelters if needed. Shallow enough for younger swimmers yet deep open water for paddleboards, jet skis, boats. Launching ramp on property. Some food and snacks.

We visited all over CA state parks in a one week visit. Every state park was totally accessible to us. When it came to this beach which is a state park they inexplicably have it closed on a Tuesday afternoon with signs that says the gate will open at 5pm. Meantime the parking lot is emptying out. Workers are there and they say the gate will open at 5 pm. But they won't let you sit along side the road to wait the 15 minutes. Surely there is a logical explanation why a state park would close a perfectly acceptable beach to in traffic until 5 pm on a Tuesday but I can't think of one. The signs appeared to be used regularly. My advice. Don't go here. You can make a reservation for the morning but if you are just trying to stop in for a late afternoon relax - don't bother.

We rented e-bikes and rode from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. What spectacular views and the ride was easy. We walked and ate at Sand Harbor and took our time riding back.
Pictures just doesn’t do God’s beauty the same as seeing it for yourself. We highly recommend visiting this area.

This place is usually crowded in the summer because it’s so beautiful. When we visited last February, it was so serene and breathtaking. There were snow patches by the shore. Even if it was too cold to get in the water for me, I saw somebody surfing. So crazy! Definitely was a good day for picnic or just admiring the scenery during the winter.

My family along with a friends family came to this beach. The women and children went to the beach and our husbands parked the car. Our husbands were walking to join us and the rangers forbade them to join us. Told them they had to take a shuttle to be able to join us. It made me give a star.

My husband and I visited today which is a Tuesday. We arrived at 9:45AM and there was plenty of parking and only a few small groups of people. There were a few groups of school field trips which added some noise but it didn’t interfere with the overall experience. The bar and grill was closed (apparently every Tue-Thurs after Labor Day), nice walkways with great photo ops! A place to rent Kayaks and SUPs and plenty of bathrooms in good condition. Wish we brought food to picnic but it was very beautiful and peaceful. Highly recommend.

I would say this spot could be the best place to experience Lake Tahoe. Beautiful beach, walking paths, picnic areas clean and plentiful restrooms plus a food concession and educational discovery center.. All of it user friendly and first rate. Other spots will have their own advantages but this is the best

It's hard to believe TA needs more reviews of Sand Harbor. This has always been our favorite beach and picnic area on the whole lake. We have a house in Truckee. It's a good 45 minute drive to get to Sand Harbor, while it only take 5 minutes to hit the many convenient beaches of Donner Lake. Still the view of Lake Tahoe from Sand Harbor are to die for. In the summer, it can be difficult to get in, and you may need to take a shuttle. Mid week in Oct and the place is deserted albeit a bit cool. We came specifically to try out the new mile and a half trail that has been added to the park. What a fabulous addition! Somehow the cool crisp air magnified the gorgeous colors of the water, sky, and tree.

The beach is a nice spot to spend some time when you are in Lake Tahoe. The place can be really crowded and difficult to get a parking in the later part of the day . Close to incline village which has some eating places and restaurants.

We were warned about the crowds and parking so we took a shuttle there around 830am. Shuttle was super easy and convenient. By the time we got there the place was packed and there was little room for laying out your stuff. I understand there was a lot more beach a few years ago but the recent winters have risen the water level by 5' leaving little beach space. However the views are incredible and we were able to easily rent paddle boards and kayaks which was a perfect way to explore. I would recommend this place but get there EARLY and be prepared for crowds.

We arrived Monday morning around 8:30. Parking was fine but beach places were already staked out around the rock areas. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. We just walked the park and took lots of pics. You could spend all day here with water activities and beach fun.

During the day in the summer (especially in weekend), VERY busy, but after 16:30 or during the week, this is superb location to enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe. Toilets on site, easy walk into the water, plenty of space, some natural shade.

Don't miss this! Get up early and arrive when the park opens at 8:00 a.m. When we arrived at 7:30 there were already 30 cars in line and the parking lot is small. There is no where else to park nearby, so you would need to shuttle in (shuttle doesn't start until 10:00 a.m.). It is just absolutely beautiful. Clear water, trees, boulders, coves, beaches. Be sure to walk along the boardwalk and find your perfect spot. There is a long beach on the south end and smaller beach areas on the north end, which is where you can rent kayaks or SUP. In between there are lots of little coves with rocks where you can find a more quiet spot. We spent 4 hours here but could have stayed all day. There are restrooms and a bar/grill restaurant.

This was our 1st time to Lake Tahoe and was told we needed to visit the State Park. It was beyond our expectations. The scenery was simple beautiful and very easy to walk around. There is a self guided tour taking you around some awesome spots. There is even a live music stage for outdoor concerts. The beaches were sanding white and the water was pristine. I would highly recommend this place.

Gorgeous view of Lake Tahoe. One of the best views along the lake. Best place to view sunset. Must visit if you are visiting Lake Tahoe. The best is to drive “close wise “ around the lake.

Our teenagers loved this area. Great selfies and brilliant for jumping off the boulders. The carpark was full so we parked on the road. This was actually better to get a quieter area. A great day out.

Sand Harbor Beach is simply beautiful. Lots of picture opportunity places too. We went on Monday midday and it wasn't very busy. The parking is big and the fee for non residents is $12.
There is a restorant and a gift shop as well.
A must see !

I gotta be honest - everyone goes crazy for Lake Tahoe. Yes, the views are pretty. The beach is also packed by 9am, has limited space, the water is cold, and the sand is like gravel that hurts your feet. The parking lot gets full very early in the morning, and they don’t allow anyone to come in even if people are exiting. There are no drop-offs or walk-ins either. Nice place to have a picnic

Sand Harbor together with the beach area in Incline Village are the best view points in the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.
On our trip to Lake Tahoe we wanted to see both these view points and spend a few hours on each of them. However, the main thing you need to take into consideration is that Sand Harbor gets full pretty quick, especially during summer time no matter if it is weekday or weekend.
If you’re driving north to Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor will be your first view point, but if you know you’re a bit late in the morning, you’d be better off driving straight to Incline Village ( while there’s still parking up there ) and taking the shuttle down to Sand Harbor.
Then, while at Sand Harbor you can choose to hike and explore the area, rest at the beach area ( bringing your own equipments is strongly recommended if you wanna spend a few hours here ), or rent a boat and do some water activities.
There’s a restaurant here as well where you ca have lunch ( offering mainly bar food ), but if you want more variety I would suggest checking out the dining options at Incline Village.
Also, don’t forget that Sand Harbor gets very crowded during summer time, so for those asking for a private and quiet place might not be their best option.
Fantastic water and nice activities.

First trip to Lake Tahoe and won't be my last - absolutely stunning. Be ware though on hot days the boardwalks can burn you dogs feet.

Beautiful peach perfect for little kids, clean soft sand! Get there before 10 or you will be turned away

We just love Sand Harbor. Getting in during the peak summer season is a bit of a pain. You have to get up super early to get in the car line and ensure you get in. Once you’re in, it seems like there are a ton of people, but then you realize the beach is so big everyone has space to spread out and have their own little place.

Remember to reserve a kayak or paddle board in advance or bring your own. The experience is not to be missed. If you paddle a bit south toward Bonsai rock or a little further, you’ll find some secluded coves with the most beautiful crystal clear water.

There’s a decent little place to grab lunch and drinks and there’s also a smaller beach where kayakers and SUPs are not allowed, which is perfect for you g children.

This is a truly beautiful area of the lake shore and worth your time to take a walk around or maybe sit on the sand. Beware the water is usually cold.

I believe that Sand Harbor is the best spot to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe. The views are spectacular, the water is crystal clear and calm, and the beach is well-maintained and clean. You will need, at least, half a day for this visit.

We visited in late June on a week day. When we arrived, a lot of cars were already parked there, and many good spots on the beach had been taken. If you visit in summer, make sure to take a beach umbrella, chairs, and food. You cannot barbeque, but propane stoves are fine. The entrance fee is $15 for non-residents and $10 for residents. The water is cold, so many people were just sun bathing or kayaking.

We try to come here every year around the 4th of July. Last year, we didn't make it in, so we were not going to be denied this year. We got there around 8AM the Sunday before the 4th when the parking lot opened. I think the lot was full by 9AM.

The good things about this beach are the clear water with large boulders, softish sand, good bathrooms, and the bar/grill. Although we did not do it, we saw people using the outlets near the visitor center to plug in electric pumps to pump up inflatables.

The side effect of the parking situation is that on a busy weekend, the beach did not feel super full like at other Tahoe beaches. It was full, but wasn't super full.

They have rentals, but we have not used them.

Most people start to pack up and leave around 3 or 4 PM. That is a good time as some people are pretty drunk at that time and being all crazy. There was a group of rowdy drunk young adults that decided to horseplay in front of where we were set up and their flip flops were flying everywhere and they were stepping all over our stuff. At that time, we had had enough and were packing up anyway. But, people are drinking all day and by that time people are pretty wasted.

Lastly, they do have a shuttle that takes you from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. There is a round trip fee, but that is an option if you don't have much stuff and are a late riser on the weekend.

I had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view of Sand Harbor. I had the opportunity to meet Esmeralda who did an immaculate job of ensuring the facilities were sparking clean. She took a lot of care and pride in everything she did and was incredibly knowledgeable about the park. Thank you Esmeralda!

But if you walk a while you can escape to some areas free of people and the views are magnificent. Really worth the effort.

We enjoyed Sand Harbor and Hidden Beach when Sand Harbor closed by noon due to crowds, despite the mile hike to get there from parking. It was the most intimate and scenic beach we experienced. T’s Mesquite Rotisserie is a must for the best steak and chicken tacos ever!

This harbor and beach is one of Tahoe's most beautiful spots, but beware, it is also one of the most popular, so there are parking and crowd issues. Still don't miss it.

Absolutely beautiful. Nevada is a fascinating state. The different stopping points, the walk around the beach, the gift shop (hey IT guys, overheard talking about apple pay customers unable to make purchases.....there's gotta be away!! Better push the problem up because that's loss of revenue. We had no problem with our purchase. Loved the puzzle selections & little singing birds! Thank you

Only about a 25 minute drive from Heavenly, this was a great side trip. The views alone were well worth it.

I live in Tahoe, and want folks to know Sand Harbor parking fills up early and often! You will most likely get towed/ticketed if you attempt to park along the highway in many spots. If you can arrive early it is a lovely beach. But I have seen so many cars wait in lines and then get turned away. Please plan ahead so your beach day doesn't turn into nightmare. SUP and kayak rental available on site. Basic beach food and drinks available at little indoor snack area inside the park. Restrooms are located throughout park.

The paved pedestrian/bicycle trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor is excellent. Wheel chair friendly. Views are great and several lake access points. All before you get to Sand Harbor and it’s easy parking, acres of beach front , as well as bathrooms and food concessions. Super family friendly.

Stunningly beautiful beach with colorful clear water and visible rock formations all around... This is a magazine style *must-do* Tahoe Experience... There are 3 "sections" of the beach each offering something a bit different but all close enough to walk to... You must *arrive early* to get a parking spot (read up on recommended arrival times but it could be as early 8 am on weekends and 9-10 am on weekdays - once the lot is fill up in the morning it closes until the late afternoon, with no walkins or drop offs allowed)... Just do it and plan to spend the day, you'll be forever thankful you do...

The picture below are some local kids rock jumping in the "middle" section of the beach... So many different levels to jump off of that there is room for kids of all ages... Always be careful, it is hard to tell how deep some of the visible rocks are but with a proper amount of caution it was still mega fun.

PS - We did see the bus (I believe from Incline Village) was running again so that is also an option but not sure about the specifics on that one.

Public beach with a couple of coves. Busy during peak season - paddle boards, jet skis, kayakers - but worth it.

DO NOT recommend Sand Harbor, look for another beaches which are accessible and people friendly. Sand Harbor has very poor management and unsafe environment. Today we wanted to spend time at Sand Harbor beach. We arrived around 2:15 PM, entrance was closed, so we couldn't enter by car because there was a sign that parking lot was full, even though the parking was more than half empty. We parked further up the road and walked back on a busy highway to find out, from very rude and arrogant ranger, at the gate, that walk ins are not allowed, and that gate will be open 3PM and that we have to walk back to the car and can get in at 3PM which was by that time in 20 minutes. We asked if we could get in, to have lunch in the restaurant and were not allowed without car. We had to give up and the part of group went to pick up cars. The rest of the group were not allowed to wait at the park entrance, and were forced to wait on unsafe busy highway. We are family group, in our 60's and have been coming to this beach every year for last 25 years and now never again until this management changes. When we expressed our concern regarding our safety we were told by officer "have a nice day"...we are still in shock after such experience and don't recommend it to anybody

Went to Sand Harbor on a clear kayak tour. The water is extremely clean and clear so we were able to see the rock below by staying near the shore.

Do not miss this place on your visit. Pack a lunch or eat at the cafe, but you have to walk along the beach and see this place for yourself. It cost $10 by car or $4 by trolley from incline village.

Very nice scenic spot Sand Harbor is, nice family trail, nice for kids, family vacation for half day visit etc.

If you’re expecting to get in you need to be there at 7-730am and no later. Arrived at 8, the lot was already full and shut down for the day. They reopen at 530 for everyone so I was able to get in each day at 530pm. Beautiful beaches. Must see.

My wife and I enjoy outdoor water activities so we decided on kayaking Lake Tahoe. Our guides took us to Sand Harbor on the Nevada shore where we spent several hours kayaking outside of the harbor, south along the shore to Thunderbird. As expected, the lake water was crystal clear, not too choppy and others swimming said the water temperature was fine. There were people paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and a few occasional boats anchored. Sand Harbor was clean, but busy for a Thursday morning into early afternoon so you may want to arrive early to secure a parking spot and a place on the beach. Great location for families with plenty to keep the kids entertained. We enjoyed a lite picnic lunch on the beach after kayaking, but plan ahead and bring your own food as dining options are very limited once you’re parked. We will definitely be back.

I have been at beaches all over the world. This is by far the best beach ever. Such beautiful clear waters, paddle boarding and kayaking with snow capped mountains in the background. It is incredible.

an ideal place to escape from city and drown into nature where you can see both snowy mountains and greenery pine trees. love it! highly recommend. plus, Bonsai Rock is definitely the thing.

You have to get here early (by 9:00) or you won't get a parking place. Best in the morning. Great place for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding. There is a place to rent kayaks and such. There's a grill for food.

The crowds thin in the afternoon, but then it's in full sun and no shade on the beach.

$10 parking pass got us into multiple beaches along the NV side. This was the nicest beach we went to.

Great beach. Definitely recommend getting there early to get a spot of sand up front. We went on a Tuesday, school was still in and still very crowded.

Sand Harbor was a great place. It was crowded in most places, but if you walk further along the boardwalk, you’ll find that some people found “secret beaches”. Me and my family found this spot that was small but cozy. The water was cold but relaxing.
There were these fish that were swimming around and even a shrimp/lobster creature! Be careful of the rocks though - I scraped myself. You can go jumping from these rocks, float around, or just rest and read a book. The views were amazing (from the boardwalk) and once you’ve seen the sunset, that’s when things get even more beautiful.
If you want to go paddle-boarding or canoeing, get there early. There was this long line, so you might want to schedule ahead. But otherwise, it was still nice.
I found this squirrel lurking around, trying to find food. So remember to put containers on your food or secure it safely.
Sand Harbor was a wonderful addition to my trip. It’s one of the reasons why Lake Tahoe was one of my favorites!

Fabulous CA state park. $10 entry worth every penny. Beach, hike, restaurant with a full bar. Would love to attend their amphitheater for a show. Easy to navigate the path that winds around the beach.

This place is really beautiful. There is an area where you can go swimming and another for kayaking/paddle boarding. There is also a gift shop and a section that is a museum. I will definitely go here again and would recommend to family/friends. 😍😍

All I can say is wow. We visited early morning and it was absolutely incredible. It was so quiet and peaceful I can’t explain it. So picturesque it looks fake. More of Gods great handy work for us to enjoy. Don’t miss this

This was our favorite beach spot during our stay in Incline, we spent parts of 2 days. We enjoyed it because of the nice sand beaches, beautiful large rocks, and nice location to paddle board. There were really 3 different beach areas- 2 more traditional beaches and one cove with some smaller sections of beach. We really enjoyed the beach in the cove- awesome rocks to climb and get some of the most beautiful views.

Good facilities to help make it a day- place to sit down and get something to eat and restrooms that were clean.

We rented paddle boards here- an hour each time- which was perfect to paddle around and see all three sections of beach here and get back. Some great scenery for pictures.

On Sunday we got here right when it opened and had no trouble parking but it filled up fast. $12 fee for non-residents. On Tuesday we came back with some extra time before our flight left and go there around 9:30 and didn't have any problems parking.

Must do beach when in the north shore of lake tahoe. Parking lot was full by 9:!5am on Friday July 10th. Leave early!

My husband and I went to Lake Tahoe mid-May 2018. It was the perfect time to go. There were very few people there. It was a bit chilly, but worth it. After memorial day they say it is extremely busy. There are sandy beaches to have a picnic on and you can paddle board or kayak. There is also a boardwalk for a short easy relaxing walk. You can spend an hour there or make a day of it. It is simply beautiful and family friendly.

Beautiful place to see. whats amazing is the view is more colorful in the photos you take. its like the water lights up behind a camera. very nice walk here. small entry fee for parking.. nice views all around

We pulled up to the park entrance today at 8:55am. Mind you, not one person in line and no action in the park. Quiet morning. I explained that my friend is ADA and we would not be getting out of the vehicle. I just wanted a picture and you could clearly see my camera draped over my neck. The park employee’s comment was .... “Everyone wants a picture of sand harbor. Sorry entrance fee is 10$”

This is a beautiful state park well worth the $10 entrance fee along the east shoreline of Lake Tahoe. You can use the entrance fee the same day to visit Cave Rock state park as well which is closer to South Lake Tahoe. The walking paths along the shore of Sand Harbor are very nice and the scenery is excellent. Check out the visitors center as well.

First of all…if you can’t get WiFi and don’t have a smartphone, you won’t be able to get in before 10:30 without a reservation!! You have to create account and several steps. If you have a smartphone, you can do this in the turnaround parking then come back.

However, once you do this it’s definitely worth it to go early before crowds.

It’s the most beautiful place in Lake Tahoe!! Photos don’t do it justice!!

This is a stunning area of Lake Tahoe, perhaps my favorite area.
I loved walking the trail along the lake side, the views here are epic.
The huge boulders in the lake are so cool and the lake is so clear you can see the bottom in areas.
Nice beaches, with insanely awesome views.
This is a definite must when visiting Tahoe for the first time.

We visited after we went to The Thunderbird house and it was quiet and very nice views of lake. This was off season so parking was no problem. The beach was great, saw many kayakers, the water was crystal clear! We walked on a wooden walkway that went across the harbor with many signs talking about what we were looking at.

Sand harbor is a must stop and see state park when in the Lake Tahoe area! The scenery is breathtaking! The water is clear! Boulders in and around the water. Weekends are ridiculously busy in the summer. Best to plan your trip on a weekday!

Key to this beach is to arrive early, bring lunch and take a trip to the snack bar for ice cream. Rent a paddle board or kayak and go rock diving. Check the depth first but lots of rocks to jump off. Beautiful clear water.

If you are going here, plan on getting in before 11am in the summer, even during weekdays. The lot does get full with a fee of $10. Since the lot is controlled, the place doesn’t get too crowded.

The water is so clear and the nicest public beach area in Lake Tahoe. Make sure you check out the rock formations on the north side of the beach. In July-August, the Shakespeare Festival is held here at sunset.

We have been to numerous places around Lake Tahoe. This is the most scenic beach there is. So relaxing this time of the year with very few tourists there during the week and we had no issues with parking.

I would have given it 5 stars but knocked one off because of paying for admission even though our vehicle had already paid. Two of us got out of the car at a scenic viewpoint and decided to walk to the next viewpoint that was a quarter of a mile away. The idea was to get back into the car at the next viewpoint. That ended up being Sand Harbor. Since we were on foot, we had to pay $2 apiece for admittance to the park. The attendant did not have any change, so we paid $5 total for two people. Our vehicle paid $15.

As for Sand Harbor itself, it is beautiful. The gift shop and restaurant were closed but that was no big deal. We walked around and took in the sights. Again, it was beautiful.

This place was beautiful. We really enjoyed exploring with our 2.5 year old. The rocks and clear water were unbelievable! We really wish we would have rented a kayak here and explored even more. I would have come back here every day of our vacation.

My favorite place on our American road trip. I could stay and enjoy Sand Harbor for days. We hired as kayak and enjoyed the area from the water, highly recommend this. It is one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Our eyes are booked in to rehab when we go back home to Australia...

Just returned from a morning at Sand Harbor. Arrived at 8am and already a line of cars on both sides of the road. Beaches were elbow to elbow with people on every speck of sand available (on a weekday 7/23/19). The concession employees were so rude, and had such a bad attitude that it was just ridiculous, including the manager of the concession. Due to the crowds and rude employees I would encourage people to find other beaches around Tahoe instead. We won't be going back.

We came here in the late afternoon early evening and didn’t have any problems finding parking as many people were leaving. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through this park and enjoying the beautiful views. The water is so beautiful in blue and clear it’s hard to believe you find this at a lake. Looks more like the Caribbean! It has a couple of different beaches all of which looked nice. Lots of rocks to climb on, very scenic. I can see how you could spend all day here although we only spent an hour or two. Don’t miss Sand Harbor!

This is wonderful beach around two coves. There are protected swim areas and some large boulders you can jump off into the lake. Nice walkway that circles the area.

There is also a bar and restaurant at the beach. This is a busy place, so you can take the bus.

Sand harbour beach and the view of lake Tahoe takes your breath away... Its so lovely... The beach is amazing for family picnics... Water enticing... Clear cobalt blue and transparent... Its to seen to be believed... A photographers paradise for lake view with boulders and beaches

Great beach, water & boating,SUP, kayaking. Very family oriented with restrooms, food service available. Super stage for entertainment, too!

We made our way down to Sand Harbour by 8.15 and queued up to get into the car park. When we arrived at the parking area, it was 50% full and by 8.35, the beach was half full (it opened at 8.30).
The beach and the surrounding area are stunning - it really is picture perfect. Dreamy coloured water, large boulders to stare at and jump off, stunning views of the mountains across the lake, quiet coves to swim in....probably a little like heaven!
We used the kayak/ sup rentals here and paddled two-three comes down, enjoying the views and at that time, calm.
The burger place here had really nice veggie burgers and was reasonably priced. Can’t recommend this place enough.

The view of Lake Tahoe are absolutely breath taking. The colors are incredible. The don't make that blue color crayon so you should see it in person! San Harbor beach parking fills up quickly. But they just opened the nice walk/bike path along the lake. I would recommend

Incredible views! Fairly small beach so arrive early. Not just because you want to find a spot on the beach but because they will actually close the entrance to the parking lot when it reaches fire code capacity. Walk-ins are not allowed.

When I was young and energetic, I use to go skiing at this resort area. Haven't been back for years, but decided to come over to photograph it. It is a recreation paradise, but mainly for me it was a beautiful, crystal clear lake with green shallow spots and deep blue waters in the middle. Here are a few shots I got while there. I'll mentioned the areas around the lake I went to in order to get these shots. NOTE: I drove up to my hotel here at night. Will never do that again. Dark, lonely, constantly twisting roads hovering above ravines with no guardrails. Had to hop on the tail of what appeared to be a local driver, to make it to my destination, with controlled fear all of the way.

We go several times a year to the Shakespear Theater and make it a point to go early and spend the day. PARKING SUCKS. If you don't find a space early (by 9:30 am latest!!) I strongly recommend parking in Incline Village and taking the bus up to the beach. I think it's about $1.50 and well worth it. There is a restaurant/snack bar there that is not offensively priced.

Sand Harbor is my favorite Tahoe beach--lots of sand for sunbathing or kids who want to play on the shore, a wonderful little bay to play with water toys like kayaks and paddle boards, and crystal-clear turquoise water. It is a stunning, magical place to spend the day.

We like to set up camp on the marina side, and love that several rock outcroppings create a natural line for the kids to stay inside while they swim & explore on kayaks. We stay for 8+ hours, usually from park opening to late afternoon. Our extended family often stays on until dusk.

WARNING: So far every time we have gone the bathrooms have been DISGUSTING. Clogged up to the top and filthy. This time only two of the four bathrooms (one person style rooms) were unlocked, and they were both clogged and incredibly gross. The beach itself is fantastic, but the facilities have never been a good experience for us. Only reason I didn't give this spot 5/5!

TIP: Be prepared to arrive EARLY to get good (or any) parking. We always go with a big group (60+), so we try to get there by park opening at 8am. Once the lot is full you have to fend for yourself to get street parking.

Sand Harbor was absolutely spectacular and the highlight of our trip to Lake Tahoe. However, we were very concerned about how to get in given that the parking lot typically fills up before 9 am on any given day in the Summer. I highly recommend taking the FREE shuttle! It usually circulates every 30 mins. If you wait at Tunnel Drive lot- you will be the last on the shuttle and it will likely already be full- I'd instead recommend getting on at 7 Eleven- you're more likely to get a seat at that point in the route.

There is a bar and restaurant at Sand Harbor and plenty of bathrooms. But really- don't even bother trying to park in the summer.

We tried to drive in but couldn’t.-truthfully if you can’t get there by 7:30-it isn’t happening! Drove back and parked at Tunnel Creek paid parking lot around 9 am. Can catch free shuttle to Sand Harbor here if you have too much to carry. We Walked on East Shore Trail to Hidden Beach. Go to North side and soak up rocks. beauty, swimming. Then catch the free shuttle to Sand Harbor. We had to pay $2/person to enter. Parking is $15/car if you should get in-cash! Squeeze in somewhere-if it’s midday-it will be busy. We swam and kayaked.

Then another day we went back around 6 pm and got right in -still $15/cash to park. A lot less busy. We swam, wandered the boardwalk-beautiful, saw the sunset, got some great family pics. I personally loved being there in the evening.

This place has it all, romance, nature lovers, peace and quiet. Absolutely stunning views all around which you just don't get tired of. We decided to go there during sunset and nature definitely lived up to its hype. It's a great place to escape from it all especially if you live in the stressful city as i do. To truly appreciate it's surrounding take your time and explore the area. There will be multiple locations and it will feel as though it just keeps getting better and better. For photographers, this is heaven. Enjoy!

I had no other option but to visit this park over a weekend, but it was still stunning. It was super crowded with nasty, trashy people, but that comes with the territory. The water is so clear and the little boardwalk is lovely. Don't miss sunset there either...the crowds usually leave by then and you get amazing views. There are actual bathrooms that are kept clean (considering) and lots of parking, just make sure to get there early.

Sand Harbour is fantastic although there is an entry fee which feels a bit off. The beach is stunning and the backdrop of the mountains is amazing.

Stopped here for a break while on a drive around Lake Tahoe. They are making some big improvements to the trails and when done going to be even nicer to walk near the shore.

Sand Harbour beach is located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe in Nevada state. Water here is crystal clear and small rocks are there. Parking facility is available and entrance fee is there. Swimming and boating facilities are there.

Beautiful from all angles. I got a lot of pictures on the way as well as in the park. A must see ! You can’t come to Tahoe without a visit to this park.

This probably the best part of any Lake Tahoe beach resort we've been to from Lake Tahoe City to Emerald Bay. Why? Because this place is not crowded. There's only limited guests and they close the gate when they reached the maximum number of beachgo'ers and I like it. The only downside of this is you have to be there very early or else, there's no point of waiting in line if you're late because you can't get it. That's what happened to us the first time we've been here, we just turned back and go straight to Kings Beach. But the second time, we made sure we are early around 7AM but still the line is crazy and we've almost didn't made it, we are the number 100th car, the last one. Lucky huh? That's why, be there early and it's worth the wait because this place is really beautiful. This place is highly recommended. We will be back here again.

One of the most beautiful bays I have ever seen! I just wish we were there on a non-windy today so that we could have swam and kayaked. Next time!!

nice lovely sand beach, lake rocks to climb up on. lovely cove. beautiful water. the restaurant was not open in April

A great place to stop along the ride around Lake Tahoe. Take in the beautiful views, walk down to the lake, have a
picnic. Lovely spot for an outdoor wedding.

Beautiful clear water views, swimming beach, paddle board and kayak rentals. Visitor center with small store. The restrooms near the beach and ofc the visitor center were in great need of cleaning and repairs (many were taped off with caution tape). There is a cash only fee $15 to enter for out of state vehicles. There are short, easy to walk trails with information signs, and lots of great views from the rocks of the crystal clear lake water.

If you like stones, it is a perfect place to go. We just walked around for photos and this place is beautiful. Lot of people at the beach and enjoying the clear water and sand.

After visiting Tahoe many, many times, we finally took a drive around the lake and stopped here along our way to get out and enjoy the fresh air. The weather was as perfect as it can get in November and we had a lovely stroll on the beach and along the boardwalk. Entering the park year round is $7 for out of state and $5 for in-state cars. Great spot, beautiful scenery - it’s TAHOE....enjoy!!

Sand Harbor is beautiful. Nice sandy beach on one side with two coves full of boulders on the other. The kids love jumping off the boulders into the water! Yes, you must get here early and yes, there are lots of people here. However, it doesn't seem to get overly crazy crowded since they close the parking lot when it gets full... just crowded enough. The restrooms are clean, there are lifeguards though we only saw 1 and the snack shack is good. Spend the day here and enjoy swimming, kayaking, SUP and just plain old beach fun.

Some beautiful views. We walked around in the snow for a little. Not a lot of people there but I’m sure it gets busier in warmer months. Clean restrooms. Paid 10 dollars entrance fee ( per vehicle) which is good until an hour after the sunset.

Beautiful place to spend an afternoon with the family or put in your water craft, woman powered craft too.

You can rent a kayak at Sand Harbor, and paddle to Chimney Beach or Skunk Harbor to the south. Very scenic shoreline. Go in the morning before the wind comes up. The kayak rental people are very friendly and helpful.

Sand Harbor is beautiful. It's well worth the nominal fee to come into the park and enjoy the beaches and scenery. The day we came, it was quite windy and a touch cold, so it wasn't crowded. We loved being able to be there while it was somewhat quiet and sparsely populated.
My only knock is that while there are no FAA restrictions surrounding Sand Hardbor, they still don't allow you to fly drones in the area, which is a bummer because it is so incredibly beautiful. I assume it's mostly a courtesy for the other people in the area, but a bummer no less. There are a few nice spots just outside of Sand Harbor to the south, where I was able to get it up in the air, albeit, off the side of the highway.

Just popped in to have a look and became captivated with this picture perfect beach. It is late September so no sunbathing or swimming but such a scenic spot with great views of Lake Tahoe

We had a great time kayaking and paddle boarding at Sand Harbor. The water was cold but crystal clear. A friend of mine told us to get there early because the Parking Lot fills up early. She also said that once the lot is full, it won’t open up until 4:00 pm! We got there a little before 8 o’clock and the main lot was about 80% filled up! We were able to park close to one of the beach entry ways, so it was easy to haul our kayak and paddle board down to the shore. We inflated our kayak and board on the beach. Even though it was under 60 degrees at that time, we weren’t cold because there wasn’t any wind. We left around 1:30, and the Lot was closed (no new entry even though there were empty parking spaces). We will definitely go back again!

As others have stated you must arrive early if you even have a chance to get in! We arrived at 7:54 am! A lot of kids were already in the water and people nearby set up to stay for days or so it seemed!

Various coves if you want to explore and get away from the crowds but the beach is quite long. Not much shade though. Nice bathrooms and even a place to get food/drink.

A nice boardwalk to take a stroll and see the beauty with boulders/trees and gorgeous turquoise water.

I’m happy we spent time here.

My wife and I visited Sand Harbor on the last evening of our Lake Tahoe vacation. The granite rocks and the blue water of the lake make a fascinating contrast.

It's well worth the $10 to get in.

I would imagine this place gets really busy in the summertime, but we went in March, and there were not many folks there. The short hike is worth taking, beautiful views, crystal-clear waters, definitely worth it.

We stopped at the newly built viewing area. You can walk all the way down to the waters edge or bike ride along the boardwalk or just walk along . You can go off into open areas off the boardwalk toward the water to get better views. Very nice area to see Sand Harbor with out going to the beach !!

We could not have been more pleased with our trip to Sand Harbor. The scenery is breathtaking, it’s a must if you’re in the area! We arrived at 9am with plenty of parks no and beach space available. We’re were able to easily unload our kayaks and enjoy all the lake had to offer. The facilities are immaculate and the beach was very clean and family friendly.

This is a beautiful place to view and walk along the lake. There’s a sandy beach to sit in the sand a play in the water too.. the views are incredible and this park is highly recommended for everyone

LOVED Sand Harbor. It is a stunningly beautiful place to lounge, kayak, paddle board... it's absolutely gorgeous. So glad we made this our first day stop. Parking is $12 cash. During COVID-19 restrictions, parking is limited to 50% and opens at 8 a.m. There will be a line to get in to park!

Absolutely worth a visit - but don't bother with the actual Sand Harbor marina/parking nightmare. Enter the water just a bit to the north (ie: Incline Village) to avoid the congestion and take a short hop down to Sand Harbor from there.

Beautiful beach with great amenities. Be aware if you do not get there by 9 the gates for the car park shut.

The huge granite boulder and famous crystal blue water is only here at this beach and along the east shore of Tahoe. No where else along Tahoe's 72 miles of shoreline is the beauty so within reach. and now you can get there via the East Shore Trail, that starts at Tunnel Creek Cafe. One of the most beautiful paved paths on the planet, going along the once inaccessible shore and even over the water. $41M and 3 years to build - yes its epic.

Get there early for parking or take a shuttle during summer season. Shakespeare with the lake as a back drop during summer.

This place is gorgeous. Ample parking and restrooms. Took the boardwalk and climbed on some rocks. Just breath taking.

There is a lovely boardwalk walking loop along part of the beach at Sand Harbor. It's probably no more than a mile. A nice strong on a Fall day.

Dog friendly.

This is a premier beach. The only problem is that it’s very popular. If you want visit during the summer you need to get there before 9:00 am as the parking lot will fill up and close. The beaches are sandier than most Tahoe beaches. Great place for kayaks and paddle boards. Rentals are available and the snack bar and regular bar are good. Great picnic areas but they are seldom used.

This place gets so crowded so quickly. You have to be in line to get into the parking lot by 8am; Even during the weekday. The place is absolutely gorgeous and so fun to walk around and explore. We went early one morning to pick up our boat and there was at least 8 people standing in kind already to rent kayaks or paddle boards. Another day we went in around 4pm and the parking lot was virtually empty. I recommend going more towards the end of the day and spending the evening through sunset there. Beautiful place!

This was a highlight of our 2 week trip to Tahoe! We rented bikes in Incline Village and biked down to Sand Harbor for a swim. The beach had two handicapped beach wheelchairs, which allowed us to get Grandma in and out of the water. Our teens loved climbing to the rocks. For me it was one of the best swims of my life. I stayed in for two hours, and it was absolutely perfection. Clear clean water, slight waves nice people.

We visited on a Tuesday in late October, so it was pretty quiet. I gather it is very crowded in the summer. We enjoyed walking the 'trail' (boardwalk) around the park to read about geology, wildlife, etc. Beautiful views of the lake. Nice sandy beach for the summer. Very peaceful.

I can't believe I have never been to Sand Harbor prior to this trip! It is absolutely gorgeous and a great place for families.

Our friends decided to get married at Sand Harbor. The setting is gorgeous. We were so lucky to have a warm sunny day in February for the wedding. There were not many people and it was just perfect.

We were unable to access this park in July right before 9 am on a Wednesday . It is rumored that you must queue up shortly after 6 am to gain entry once the park opens at 7 am, and access is only available by car, not on foot. We attempted again in the afternoon, but were unsuccessful, even though half of the parking lot was unoccupied. This was very disappointing. Although there is a shuttle service at Incline Village, we chose not to use it as we were informed it doesn't start until 10 am. As an alternative, we managed to travel a bit north to Hidden Beach, where parking is extremely limited. We paid $20 for 4 hours. There is a great scenic walk about 1 mile to the beach, but it was a great alternative option.

Sand Harbor is one of the most popular beach areas on Lake Tahoe. It is crowded on most days and it is challenging to get into the lots unless you arrive early. With that said, there is a reason it is so crowded. The water is a beautiful Caribbean turquoise and the beach is lovely. There is a concession for kayaks and SUP boards or bring your own watercraft. Get away from the beach crowd and get out on the lake! That is the best way to enjoy this amazing area.

Recommended by our server at The Black Cabin coffee shop. One of the most beautiful places on Lake Tahoe. Do not miss it. Beaches, gift shop had a good historical display. Rocks for climbing, walking trails, paddle boarding and kayaking!

This is a beautiful setting. They have water sports equipment for rent and many great places to swim. It is picture perfect. The parking fills up quickly so plan on going to Incline Village to take the shuttle, the price the of the shuttle includes admission to the area. The restaurant on site was good and the servers were friendly .

We have been there many times on those hot summer days. The Beach is simply beautiful nestled in the forest with beautiful beaches. They water is crystal clear and a bit cold but on a hot day very refreshing. The kids all seem to like playing on the rocks and jumping in. If you just want to sit back and and take in the lake and all its beautiful sites this is a good place. Watch the boats and kayaks going by and the water skiers is real nice. If you don't want to pack a lunch there is a snack bar there with something for everyone.

If you visit Lake Tahoe this beautiful beach is a must to go to. The water with its different colors is breathtaking and in the Summer they have a Shakesperean Theater which is outdoors, awesome.

Beautiful beach but Rude people, inadequate parking, Parking lot closes when parking lot is only half full. Boat launch parking area is reserved for boats and hard kayaks only, we had hard kayaks and there was plenty of parking but still denied entry. Two kayak vehicles could fit in each boat trailer parking spot, and there were MANY available. Very rude about it. They let a small van park in the boat trailer area, but not us, our large pickup was just as long as their van. People packing up and leaving kayak spots, but not allowed to wait a few minutes, forced to leave and someone behind us was given the spot, though we were there first. After driving hours to get there. Very poorly run. Wasted a trip there.

This place is very much worth a look. The scenery is stunning and it's a pleasant walk with well marked and paved paths. Loved it.

We went to visit Sand Harbor early on a Saturday morning in the Fall and it was stunning. We had so much fun walking on the paths, taking pictures and climbing on the rocks. It was must a blast. The views are stunning and the water is clearer and prettier than Emerald Bay. Also, much closer to North Tahoe.

This is one of my favorite beaches at Tahoe. Come early as parking can get full. Many small sandy beaches; nice walking trail; the views with the large boulders in the water is some of the most spectacular scenery on the lake.

Great place , easy short walk. Didn’t quite get where the loop was for the “easy hike” . Still it was so so pretty. $10. To get in, which must be at all the state parks. A bit high for just parking. Very scenic spot tho!

It was lots of people when we were there. Beautiful beach, clear water and great for swimming. It was just far to walk to the beach with lots of stuff to carry.

This place is so worth a day! Just be warned that the lot fills up EARLY. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday and could not get in the regular lot. Thankfully, we had two kayaks, and were allowed to park in the small watercraft lot. This lot filled up quickly as well. The kids love it here. The new bike path is the prettiest path I have ever been on! We love Sand Harbor!

This is by far the nicest beach area in Tahoe with a beautiful cove and access to kayak and stand up paddle board rental. We come here virtually every time we visit Tahoe and take a kayak out for about an hour. There are also excellent views and plenty of bathrooms.

Nice scenery and perfectly set up walkways for little ones..

Lots of things to see.

Beautiful view of the lake.

Sand Harbor is beautiful. Way too many people. Overrun by people that don't have a consideration for other people.

Awesome park, beautiful trails and beach. Visited in January and it is very nice in the winter. Worth a visit.

The sand Harbor beach is wonderful! The state of Nevada $$ grants have allowed some very nice development at this location. The beach is separated into at least 3 sections.. the middle one has so many popular rocks to swim to and jump off of.. very exciting! Must be a good swimmer to get out to the rocks though.

The views were amazing . Water was chilly . Parking easy this time of year . Stayed several hours . Glad we went there , will return

Beatiful views!

The place is and extraordinary place to relax and enjoy the outstanding views.

The hiking path is easy and enjoyable… highly recommended

My favorite place in all of Lake Tahoe. It is a must-do. But be warned - you have to get there early to get a parking spot. Then the lot closes and it doesn’t reopen until 5. We made the mistake of getting there about 9:30 on our first attempt and it was already closed.

This park is wonderful and very family and handicap friendly.
The boardwalk paths with great informational signs are an easy walk.
There are restrooms, gift shop and a small restaurant (not open when we visited).
You can also swim at this location which had a variety of sandy beaches and coves.

This is the island life in NV. Come early to get a parking space and then just relax and let one of the most beautiful places on God's earth overtake you. These are not large beaches but there is plenty of room to find a space and relax. This a very popular place with the locals for obvious reasons and you'll find them coming in droves even on week days during the spring and summer.

Cannot recommend highly enough. And come with the intent on spending some time walking and chilling. It'll be worth every minute.

This is a wonderful place for beach fun and especially for families. There are plenty of spots to collect some sun and play in the water. Very clean and well kept grounds. All of the staff seem very nice and friendly.

We had a lovely time on the beach. But make sure you bring your own sunshade because there’s a little shade. It it was a lovely place for families to go swimming and play.
Also we were inundated by yellow jackets so just be aware that there’s a lot of yellow jackets on the beach.

There is a great trail that goes to Sand Harbor. I would recommend taking a quick hike to Sand Harbor or you can even ride your bike there. Beautiful view.

A great beach to spend the day at when visiting Lake Tahoe.
All amenities are fantastic, every staff member we had dealings with were friendly and helpful.

Kayaking was great in peaceful waters.

Food from restaurant exactly what you want after a day on the beach

A lovely way to spend a relaxing day at Tahoe

Gorgeous- kayak around the lake with giant boulders and a large shallow beach. Great facilities with bathroom, restaurant, bar, parking. $10 for a day at this spot is a deal!

Sand Harbor is an ideal place to go to by car, from anywhere, shuttle from Incline Village, by Kayak from a number of places to relax on the beach, rent a kayak or go to a performance. It is a do not miss special place at Lake Tahoe

This location is beautiful, and a perfect place to enjoy the day. Clear crystal water, surrounded by the woods, with good parking availability and a reasonable price to access. I strongly recommend this place.

Very beautiful place definitely not to miss. Rocks are unbelievable, water crystal clear. Breathtaking views

This is a Nevada State park, about $10 a car load to enter. Truly one of the most beautiful spots. Walk around to see the 3 different areas, especially the middle cove. Beautiful all seasons but summer will have you in the water.

Get there early and I mean early. And you will be rewarded. The parking situation is ridiculous - I mean this IS California ... whoops Nevada, but close, meaning POPULAR. The parking there is gated, the gates open at 8, and parking is filled by 8:30 on the weekends. You need to line up before 7am. The rocks are absolutely beautiful, so is the kayaking, and the beach. Tahoe's water is wonderfully clear so take your underwater camera. I give 4 stars not 5 because of the limited parking, but I must say they manage it well, and if you don't get a spot, there's a shuttle from Incline Village.

Beautiful park and they have sleigh rides with sleighs with skis when enough snow and on wheels when there isn't. Definitely worth the trip.

We went twice while vacationing in Lake Tahoe for the week. It is my new favorite place in the world. So lovely and the water so clean and beautifully refreshing. My children loved it here. We borrowed a paddle boat and had the best time. I even jumped off rocks it was so nice, I could not say no! The added bonus was the fantastic restaurant on site. We packed food... but sneaky squirrel’s got to most of it. We went to the restaurant and were able to get amazing bloody Mary’s and even a salad! Kids lived the hot dogs and watermelon they sold. I wish I lived closer, but we will be back some day!

Cost us $10 to enter the park, which seemed very crowded from the parking lot situation. However a quick 5 minute walk to a more secluded area on the rocks was just what we needed and the 3 or so hours we spent there could not have been nicer. The water was a little cold at first but the water is crystal clear and the rocks jetting out above the surface make for beautiful pictures. Definitely a place to check out if you are not from the area, one of the most scenic places we visited while in Tahoe!!

We stop here every time we pass. This is place for best photos. Can climb out on the rocks or just the dock and get some amazing photos with the lake the rocks and the nountains

It's hard to put into words just how beautiful this area is. The sights are just breathtaking. The water is crystal clear. Kids and adults jump off of the boulders that are situated throughout the park. There is a $10 charge but it is well worth it. There are plenty of restrooms/changing rooms. The concession area is very nice and for the convenience the prices aren't bad. The also serve alcohol for the grown-ups 😜. They also have water sport rentals. Enjoy!

You know those beautiful vacation scenes you imagine before going on a vacation? Well, this has a lot of them! Reflective blue lake, with great white top mountains in the background, pebbles and stones under clear, sparkling water...breathtaking beauty!

If you go on a warm day, even better. Lakes are inherently warmer and quieter than oceans, so it makes for a great, family friendly destination!

We saw "Love's Labor's Lost" here. As usual, another awesome view on Lake Tahoe. Easy access off of Rt 28. Food & beverage stands, flushing rest rooms, and Shakespearian entertainment.

Have been here many times. Popular and famous for the crystal clear water and boulders. Kayak and SUP rentals. Walking paths. Parking is crowded. 10 usdollars parking fee. Congested hwy due to entrance to Sand Harbor is always a challenge. A must try if visiting Tahoe but get there REAL early during busy seasons aka Summer.

We arrived on a Sunday morning at 9:45 at Sand Harbor Beach. A park representative was blocking cars, saying the parking lot was already full. We ended up driving about 4 miles away to incline Village, where we were told to park and get a bus that will take us to Sand Harbor. It was supposed to be that the bus would be there in 20 minutes; instead we waited an hour for the bus. Bottom line we ended up getting to the Sand harbor Beach, 4 miles away, about one hour and 45 minutes later. The beach was extremely crowded. The mountains along the shore could hardly be seen because of the haze of the Yosemite fire. I would not come here again until the fire is over, and I would come on a week day; it just was not very scenic, with the crowds and the haze.

One of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. With crystal clear water, Sand Habor at South Lake Tahoe is simply stunning and a place we will never forget. The water in late August/early September was warm enough to dip your toes in, which added to the overall experience. This national park charges tourists $12 entry (per vehicle) but the views are certainly worth it.

This place is beautiful, all the rock formations, walking paths and beaches it is a must see. There are boat launch ramps and kayak rentals. Well worth the stop.

Visited for sister's wedding. Absolutely stunning views in all directions! Easy to get to, plenty of parking. Don't forget $12 entrance fee by cash or credit. After 5 p.m. nobody is there but still expected to pay so must write out envelope for fee which backs up traffic. Bathrooms could be cleaner but it is near a beach so sand gets tracked in. Suggestion, please allow wedding parties to reserve part of the beach at scheduled times. There were multiple people getting married there at the same time so sister had to adjust start time. Additionally, because the water had come up far on the beach and a very rude family refused to move their umbrella the bride literally had to walk in the lake to get to her groom. I realize it is public beach and must be shared by all but something could be done to accommodate both visitors. Would absolutely visit again, wish we had more time to visit other beaches as well.

Well worth the visit. I was very surprised at how clear the water was. Scenic drive to and from the Sand Harbor.

This was one of our three favorite spots on our week-long drive around Lake Tahoe. Beautiful crystal clear blue water and sandy beach areas. The walk on the boardwalk was lovely. Wished we could have kayaked there, but didn't have time.

Because it explains why the NV side is so less developed and has an interactive relief map with lights to highlight different parts of the display. My hotelier recommended I go to San Harbor. . $10 to park is a little pricey gotta support the parks. Has a nice path to walk around and see both sides of the harbor. IMHO Inspiration Point was better.

Stopped in for a bit while touring around the lake. Beautiful setting. Would be awesome on a hot day. Lovely sand beach to hang out and swim. We walked the boardwalk. Great to read about the geographic and historic events.

Sand Harbor probably has the most diverse landscape in Tahoe and there are epic photos to be taken. The colors change throughout the day depending on the location of the sun. This is one place on Tahoe to spend a day at to catch all the different lighting on the scenery.
Stunning.

What an awesome place to just hang out and walk around. Great little paved walking path with the history of Lake Tahoe explained through story boards. Not crowded but we were there in October. In summer forget it if you try to go after 9:00 am parking lots will be filled.

The staff at the parking lot, a young guy to be specific, is extremely rude and mean. He ruined my trip! My parents were with my two year old playing at the sand harbor in the morning and around noon time we found her clothes were left in one of the restrooms so we went back to pick them. This guy "explained" about why we cannot get our clothes back. If they were my clothes, I wouldn't care about them but they're my kid's favourite! Really bad experience there. I hope he'll understand it when he have his own kid someday.

Easily one of the highlights of our trip! Sand Harbor is a beautiful part of the lake that caters to everyone. Whether you're looking to swim, kayak, paddle board, hike, or just take a stroll, they offer it all. For us, it was the latter. We were on a somewhat tight schedule, simply looking to walk around a little before continuing on with the rest of our trip. This fit the bill perfectly - it was easy to find from the main road, easy to park, navigate, etc. There are many different short walking paths along the water (flat and easy - we were wearing jeans and Sperrys, for the record, and we were just fine) - and the views are spectacular. Whether you have several hours to spend there or just 20 minutes, it's absolutely worth a stop in! Definitely a great spot for a photo opp.

I wish someone had told me the chaos that would ensue upon entry to this park. The experience was very confusing and people were very unfriendly and unhelpful. We had 2 vehicles and only our vehicle with a handicapped decal was allowed entry. Evidently, the park was closed, with no warning (it was too full). Once the handicapped vehicle drove through the park we saw parking spots everywhere but still, the other vehicle was denied entry. Oh and by the way, the only entry was for people who had boats or hard kayaks. The boat entry is the one the handicapped vehicle was allowed to enter. It is all so very confusing. I wish someone who knows the “trick” to this would share. Beautiful area. Sorry we missed out.

I visiteds this beach when my son was doing his scuba certification dive and I fell inlove with the area.

Gorgeous venue, a finger stretching out into the lake. Beach is small, but pretty and well equipped. They set up a stage facing inland away from the beach and the whole event was superb, from free parking to great food, great venue and awesome show. Sand Harbor is worth visiting for sure, especially during the Shakespeare festival

Granite boulders ranging from tiny to big as a house surround Sand Harbor. Crystal clear water turning colors from turquoise to deep, deep blue. More boulders below the surface visible 60 feet down. People playing on water craft of every variety imaginable, all having a great time! Love this place!

Beautiful place to stroll around with good beach access. Lots of parking and amazing photo opportunities

Definitely a gorgeous spot, but on the day we visited the parking lot was already full and the narrow beach was fully covered. I would love to visit in a day with no other people. It is truly gorgeous.

Beautiful beach area, great for all water sports. Get there early gates open at 8 and it's usually full by 9.

LOVED IT!!!! Must see in Tahoe area-Water colors of the Caribbean- super clear- beautiful setting- not to be missed!!

I recommend if you take your family here you first make sure you have everything including the kitchen sink. Put the kids on a leash. Some leaches come with three separate holders so you can actually have three separate kids on it. Makes it so simple to walk around with them but just be carful they don't get tied up in something. There r different color leaches for everyday. You can pick up a leach for $7.99 and then you can keep it. If you prefer, you can rent a leash but it will cost you a bit more and sometimes they are dirty, but if your children are dirty then your good to go. Nothing like a cluster of dirty kids on dirty leashes. If you brought a camera this would be the ideal time to bring it out and snap snap snap! You can even purchase a snappy camera that are made in Egypt and some of them work.. and obviously some don't, but don't worry when your lunch mate ain't looking you can steel theirs and snap snap snap! Truly a remarkable experience.

Oops, gotta go! See my next post in 46 minutes give or take a day or three.

Since I was a very small girl and being a native . The beautiful Lake Tahoe still takes my breath. There is a color of the Lake as it changes all thru the day. There is no other like it, locals call it Tahoeblue and it is NOT be missed on any visit to the Silver State.

Wouldn't let us in at the larger beach saying our RV was too long - 25 ft when there was another RV of similar length within sight, that however was in the employee parking. We got sent to the boating beach, where instead of 15 they wanted to charge us 25, same price as for boats. Such a big shame, beach looks beautiful but the customer service is downright awful.

Visited on 9/14 (Saturday) around 10:00 and it was crazy crowded on the sand and parking lot.

Tons of yellow jackets buzzing around making themselves a nuisance if you brought out food. We’ve noticed lots of yellow jackets at several tahoe beaches and apparently this is typical this time of years.

Some people had their music annoyingly loud and people were practically on top of each other. Stayed an hour and fled the mob scene

Sand, water, sky, rocks and trees!? What could be better? At the beginning of May there were very few other visitors - The gift shop and restrooms were open and parking was plentiful. There is a long boardwalk that outlines the whole area - more handicapped accessible than any other beach area in Tahoe. We enjoyed every vista and enjoyed climbing up on many of the boulders. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day!!!

This park has beautiful view of Lake Tahoe and very nice beach.
I drove around the entire lake Tahoe, but this was the best one. i think it is worth to pay entrance fee.

We honestly loved this place so much - we returned multiple times just to enjoy the scenery. October is a GORGEOUS time of year to see the leaves change. The water is so clear and it is absolutely worth every moment spent there.

Magical place. Covid restrictions in force mean that the parking lot closes when it is full and doesn't reopen until 5:00 PM. Today that happened at about 9:30. The park, and therefore the beach, remain at relatively low density compared to prior visits. Most people are not wearing masks and the bathrooms only have hand blower dryers, but were very clean. Equipment rental concession adhering to all Covid safety precautions with their employees wearing masks. Park attendants not wearing masks.

We were hear on a weekday in July. we didnt arrive as early as we should have maybe 11am? and it was already super packed, the best spots taken. We still managed to get a good spot overlooking the water, water was a bit cold but the views are beautiful.

A lot of people rated this beach 5/5 and I can see why! This is a very attractive area with very limited parking. We arrived after the main busy times, about 5pm, and to my surprise, there were a lot of cars in the lot. There was another event going on later that may have contributed to it.

It was cloudy when we arrived so we didn’t see the same type of blue found in other photos, but it was still very pretty. The beaches were not very crowded as many of the beach-goers left for the day. The scenery was beautiful!!

I would highly recommend visiting this location.

This is one of the best beaches. It has several small but beautiful beach areas, with one cove that has access to the rocks and boulders. We spent hours climbing over the submerged boulders, and climbing on the exposed ones. There are sizes and depths for all ages to enjoy. Did I mention the water is crystal clear?! It reminds me of pictures I have seen of the Baths in the Caribbean.
Views of the mountains all around, and tall evergreens tower above you, as you soak it all up. Not to many places in the world could compare with this feast for the eyes.
There are facilities onsite, and a restaurant, although we didn’t use it. There is also an outdoor theater where they were doing Macbeth in the evening.
This place is a public park, but either get there when it opens, or late in the afternoon. We almost missed it, but were able to get in during the afternoon after folks had left for the day.

This place is unreal. I went for walk to see the water and the rocks. There was plenty of beach space. The water was calm.

I went on a Thursday at 11am. When I left at 12 the parking lot was full. Saturday you couldn’t get in and the roads were littered with cars.

So go early or on a week day.

The beach, the rocks, the Visitor Center, and the views were wonderful. However it was windy and cold and the waves were strong. We had lunch there. The facilities were excellent.

Sand Harbor has some of the finest sand in all of Tahoe. They have a visitor center on site. There is a fee to park in the lot during the day. This is also the place that the Shakespeare Festival is held every summer. At night the stars are quite bright. We saw them so clearly after the Shakespeare play.

We went one night for sunset, and we just loved walking the trail and playing among the rocks. Such a great place for exploring and seeing the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

This place is AMAZING! Whatever you do in Tahoe- do this! $10 parking for the full day. Just the absolute most beautiful water you’ve ever seen. Crystal clear water and beautiful clean beaches with nice walking trails. Lots of huge rocks to climb and take photos. Nice clean restrooms and great picnic spots. Lots of swimmers, snorkeled and kayakers. The snorkelers kept yelling at each other amazed at how far they could see under water. It was fun to watch them. Great place to spend the day and watch the sunset. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

This is a simply gorgeous state park. We stayed mostly on the rockier side and had a blast climbing around the boulders and dipping in the water. Two notes: 1) best to try arriving around the time the gates open. We entered from the north (Incline Village) and it was much easier to make the right turn into the park lot. Cars coming from the south and making a left into the lot were backed up 8 cars or so. 2) If you want to rent a kayak, do that right away or reserve online in advance. We waited until a couple hours after we arrived and no kayaks were available until maybe 3 hours after that.

Found out about on top places to visit while in the area ! Reviews were right on. We stayed in South Lake Tahoe but this place was one of my favorite. For $10 admission to park it was Breathtaking & Beautiful! Don’t miss it!

Sand Harbor has some of the best views of Lake Tahoe, but you have to pay for access. Other beaches nearby are free but arguably the views are better here. I'm not adverse to paying towards the maintenance of a such a natural beauty. The beach was more crowded than some of the others.

One of the prettiest beaches ever! However, in August, suggest 7;00 am arrival to be sure to get in which means you will want a jacket or sweatshirt until the sun comes up over the mountain. Kayak rentals at the south end were friendly and efficient dealing with a big crowd. Recommend to reserve kayak or paddle board in advance if you can (I was not able to reserve a day in advance) because the walk up line is a little slow. There is a pretty board walk around the perimeter of the beach. They close entry to the park once the lot is full and no one else can get in until 5:00 pm. $15 to enter/$10 for Nevada residents. Bring cash!!! We saw people turned away who did not have cash. We also saw someone who tried to drive in the exit end up with a flat tire from the spike strip so don’t do that. Also don’t park on the shoulder in the no parking zone, tickets were being issued.

$10 a car admission, very nice beach, beuatiful Lake Tahoe. Food (snacks ) available Lots of families

We rented e-bikes in Incline Village and rode down the East Lake Tahoe Trail which ends up in Sand Harbor. We walked around and sat to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake. If not by bike, just pull off the road and enjoy.

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.

Don’t miss this beach. Soft sand, beautiful scenery! The snack bar serves a wide verity of foods. Enjoy a day here

Great families activities or just to kickback and watch people or your children play or to just rent a paddle board or kayak for two for few hours
Great family friendly and out door activities, hiking, biking, or swimming
Great place to set camp for the day
Love it !

My husband and I got up bright and early to beat the crowds and sign up for an early morning paddle board rental! WE got on the road early and honestly if you are not in line and on the road for Sand Harbor you will be waiting a very long time. The park opens at 8am and we were sitting on the road and 7:30am with about 25 cars already in line in front of us. We rented two boards from the little tent on the beach and headed out, getting some great photos before the mobs arrived. The scenery and surroundings are breath taking and we really enjoyed our time. By the time we finished the place was packed! Get thee early!!

We stopped here on a brief visit to Lake Tahoe. It's a beautifully maintained park, with easy walking trails to give you access to the shoreline. The lake is gorgeous! My only complaint was that one of the walking trails was closed for construction, and that I would have preferred to have it all to ourselves with less loud tourists milling about. Still worth the visit!

Need to arrive early to make sure to get a parking spot. You can kayak to Thunderbird Lodge and beyond! The water is crystal clear!

As we were driving around Lake Tahoe we saw a beach in the distance. We turned at a sign Sand Harbor and followed the road to a beautiful beach. The area has a lovely boardwalk and very scenic views. The beach is friendly and the water is crystal clear. There is a nearby picnic/bbq area with signs that the bears are active.

I've been to Sand Harbor in the winter with my kids & made snow angels right at the water's edge. There is a company that does winter sleigh rides thru there when there's thick enough snow that the sleigh won't get damaged from touching the hard ground (advance reservations). I have not experienced summer Shakespeare plays done at the little outdoor ampitheatre here, but I would imagine it to be lovely. Just the scenery in & of itself is utterly majestic. Beat place to just take it all in & feel the serenity of your surroundings is from the old lifeguard stand- just walk along the paths & you'll find it. Climb at your own risk! Happy Adventuring!

Beautiful beach but it gets very crowded on weekends. Get there early to get a parking spot. There is parking along the road, but illegal parking is strictly enforced.

Is the most beautiful lake ever been I can come back again that for sure ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶❤️❤️❤️❤️are you ready for another trip my love

We spent most of yesterday at Sand Harbor. The lake is absolutely beautiful! The water was chilly, but crystal clear! Lots of people kayaking and paddle boarding, swimming, and floating. We got to the parking lot at 8:30 and it was already almost full. Once the parking lot fills up, it doesn’t reopen until 5pm, even if people leave before then-so get there early! It’s so worth it. Parking is $10/car. There are bathrooms right by the beach but they had no soap and smelled terrible. There was a small visitor center there as well, I didn’t go in so I’m not sure what was all there. There’s also a nice path that you can walk along. Definitely worth the trip, but be prepared to go early to make sure you get a parking spot, as you are not allowed to
Park elsewhere and walk in.

I wish we had more time to spend here because it would have been nice to have a whole day at this beach. Instead, we came here early to explore before attending a concert.
The beach is both sandy and rocky which suits me fine for photography. The late afternoon sun was lovely since it was beastly hot during the day. Since we arrived after 5pm there were few people around the beach. Unfortunately if you don't get it before 9am you are likely not to get in for the day and we did not have that luxury of time.

What a beautiful place. The scenery was breathtaking. The water is crystal clear. The walking path is easy to walk. It also has plaques with historical information about the area. The beaches are very nice with a gradually getting deeper. There was various water activities, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, etc. There is also a Shakespeare stage and performance area for concerts. I was very impressed at the beauty of this park. I'd rank it # 1 for the area.

What a beach! Crystal clear water, amazing views and great facilities.
Worth the entrance / parking fee easily.

Rude rangers / employees. Incredibly crowded. Unpleasant experience overall despite the natural beauty of the place.

Sand Harbor is one of the most popular beaches in Lake Tahoe, so if you want to get a parking spot here, you need to go on a week-day and get there when it opens. If you go on a Saturday and be there at around 9, you will not get in, so don't even go on the weekends. I've been going to this beach for years and recently, there has been less sand due to rising water levels, so keep that in mind. The sand itself leaves behind some dust on your feet that will be grey/black and gets very hot halfway through the day. So even with all that, the view is amazing and the water is very clear and beautiful. Best place to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

We Waked up early morning at 5:40 , get line at 6:55 am but we didn’t get in Sand Harbor.
It was Luckily , we came back on evening then we got in. It’s beautiful beach, walk bridge to stone cove.
Tips for you: everyone recommended that you must get line at 7 AM, after 8 Am full parking. People are crazy there at morning. Good for you, love in close local, you can luckily come back evening.

It took us about 1 hour from our Reno hotel to get there. The scenic view is spectacular. There is stroller friendly wooden trail connecting multiple sweet spots for visitor to see the lake and the beaches at different angles.

Will definitely come back.

Kayak in the early morning when the lake is still and shimmering.
navigate the large round rocks along the shoreline.

This is one of my favorite places. Easily spend the entire day here with kayaking and other water sports, moving from beach spot to beach spot for different perspectives throughout the day. In July be there ready to go before gates open as the park will fill up and if in Tahoe area it is not to be missed. In mid July they even have Shakespeare in park which we missed but looks like it would be great. Can get busy but so spread out that you can find a nook for yourself, or get out on the water, climb rocks and sit there and reflect or sun yourself. Just a fabulous day. We went kayaking alone for 3 hours and that time flew by.

The white sand beach is perfect for a day in the cool waters and admiring the lake and mountain views of Lake Tahoe. Picnic benches and grills throughout the park allow for a family day. If cooking is not your thing, there is a grill available for purchase items. Restroom facilities and two parking lots make this area accessible for the State Park entry fee. A pavilion is available on the boat ramp side for reservation. In the evening you can stay for a performance of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival or live music. This facility is worth the visit, but be prepared for some company; the secret is out.

All one star reviews of Sand Harbor are exactly true! Please read them before going.

Sand Harbor and Incline Village is a JOKE! Yes, it is beautiful, but totally not worth the headache! We drove in the day before only to find out that you must reserve parking online months in advance, even on a week day. We tried to get on a cancelation list, but had not luck. We drove into Sand Harbor and asked the ranger what we could do, and he said "Come by around 10 am and if there are available parking spaces, you can try to get in." Next day we came back right around 10, and the female older ranger was blocking off the turn into Sand Harbor with cones. We stopped and started to ask if there was a possibility to get in and she screamed at us..."Can't you SEE we are FULL!!!!" Then mumbled and grumbled as she threw her cones out! "Move a long, you can't park here!!!" She was an EXTREMLY RUDE WOMEN! We have never been to Lake Tahoe and don't know how things work! This older gray haired women should NOT be a park ranger!!! As we drove past the parking lot, there was PLENTLY of parking spaces!!! 30-50 more parking areas that could be filled!!! What are they saving these spaces for????
Don't waste your time going to Sand Harbor!!! The people of Incline Village don't want you there!!! The park rangers don't want you there!!! The large amount of "NO PARKING" signage all around the area is absolutely ridiculous!!! Don't go!

Appears to be ample parking and no dogs on the beach,,,
The water is always fresh and comfortable, a little invigorating at first.

I lived in Incline Village for over 12 years! Sand Harbor was a great place to enjoy a Concert/Party in a Natural Setting. A great place to Launch your Boats and meet Friends!

Crazy traffic, rude rangers, all in all a very bad experience that I won't go through again. It's a beautiful place and great on other weekends but stay away on July 4th weekend!!!

I was pleasantly surprised. There is a beautiful walking trail that allowed us to enjoy the views and get in some exercise. This has to be one of my favorite views in this world.

I would recommend getting here earlier in the day or on the edge of travel season so that crowds don't spoil your experience at this popular spot.

Great for all ages.

The view along the broadwalk is amazing. The walk along the broadwalk is easy and suitable for family with young children. There is also sleigh ride available near the visitor center which you can take. It cost $25 per adult and $10 per child for a 30-minute ride.

We have been coming to Sand Harbor for many Years, and it is always a great place to relax with friends and family. Do yourself a favor and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. We always take extras for just in case. Please drive slow and remember that parking on the road is risky at best.

This is a truly beautiful spot along the lake front. During the winter it is not show to its best advantage as there is snow that impedes the hiking that you want to do. But in the summer it is very popular especially for swimmers.

Very beautiful park, beach & the water is crystal clear. We went in February instead because it’s less busy and knowing winter conditions may be a problem. Just make sure to check the weather conditions before you go to the park or travel to Lake Tahoe during the winter time. We took lots nice photos and had a great time here.

Hike or bike along the lake trail to Sand Harbor, it’s beautiful. The trail is mostly between the road and the lake so great views.

Started our walk at Sand Harbor on the new walking/biking path. Wonderful Views. The new path is a great addition to the area. Wish the restaurant would have been open in the park, they should consider extending their season.

Stopped in our drive around the lake- late afternoon. A few families on picnic blankets and a few people like us just walking around but pretty quiet. The water is crystal clear and beautiful blue-green. The chair above the rocks is a great place to perch yourself. Costs $10 per car - plenty of parking.

This is a great place to kayak. I launched my own kayaks from South beach in Sand Harbor (south beach has no stairs going from parking lot to the beach). Easy parking and $10 to park for the day. I headed south from the south beach and paddled past thunderbird lodge. Although you can’t stop at thunderbird lodge, there is a little sandy beach just before to stop for lunch. The water is spectacular and clear with rock formations underneath the water.
I went in the middle of the week - a lot of road construction nearby so expect some long waits.

I went last week with family & it was a beautiful day out! The path to walk around the beach area was really easy to navigate. We ventured over to some rocky areas for pictures & the views were amazing! The whole area is very clean and well kept, bathrooms were good too. Would definitely recommend coming here if you're in the area.

We spent a day as a family on the beach. We loved this place out of all the locations we visited in and around Lake Tahoe. We spent the day Kayaking, Paddle boards, swim, stroll around. Kids loved the activities and also some relaxation on the beach. Not too far from Carson City( or even Sacremento). We went mid August and parking was not a problem. I would say, keep some snacks/food as a backup.

This was one of the best beaches along the Lake. We have 4 young children who had a blast. The sand was like coarse beach sand. The water is crystal clear. You do have to pay $10 for parking if the parking lot is not full. So worth it. Beat to get there super early (like when the open) or late afternoon like we did after people start to clear out.

Lake Tahoe took my breathe away. We visited when it was still warm and could enjoy swimming & hiking around the lake. This beach is amazing - its postcard perfect. A must see when in Tahoe.

Sand Harbor had a lovely wooden walk way with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. The boulders were impressive. There is a restaurant there but was closed when we arrived. They also have a gift shop and parking. I was told in the summer they have outdoor plays there. Along the walk you can read markers about the area, the water and the wildlife. A beautiful place to visit.

This was a very beautiful spot to hang out and do a few water sports. There are many areas to setup a mini tent and hang out with the family or friends. What I like most was the fact that it was very clean. Do plan on paying $10 for parking. The parking lot was not too far from the number of spots we found to hang out. If you come empty handed with food, there is a cafe available.

Such a serene place to visit when you’re in Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous beach surrounded by calm blue waters and mountains. Could sit there for hours without getting bored.

Great spot of sunsets too!

The scenery is so beautiful and great beach access. Unfortunately weekends are crowded and cars parked along highway, so go early. The walkway is nearby for scenic stroll or bicycling.

I’ve been here a handful of times now. It’s still beautiful, but social media has definitely changed the appeal. Everyone knows about it now, and wants to see it. It’s very crowded, from the time they open at 7, until they close, so you better get up with the birds. Worth it for the views. Spectacular green, clear water and beautiful rock formations. If you visit, please pick up after yourself. Keep Tahoe Blue.

We stopped here as part of our drive around the lake - several people recommended it as a stop and they were right! Gorgeous scenery and a nice little boardwalk/nature trail with some Lake Tahoe history along the beach. We already decided when we come back to Tahoe (and it’s not covid time/mask time) we want to spend a full day at the beach here. Visitors center also had informative historical displays.

Look how gorgeous this lake, perfect weather, extraordinary scenes, mountains, rocks, extremely clear water. I need this summer vacation. We both work at Health Care took care our patients, both of us need a break after 5 months dealt with Corona things.

They have a nice walking trail with the magnificent view of the lake and the rocks there. It’s really nice and wheelchair accessible.

Other reviewers have written about this. You must reach the beach early in the day, else doomed t o roam around narrow mountain roads looking for a dangerous place to park your car. We read there was a free shuttle that picks up at Incline Elementary school. But we couldnt find the exact place to park and wait for this shuttle, as there is no signage or person to help you figure this out.

Eventually, we sighed in disbelief and returned to our hotel, wtihout seeing the beach.

Probably the best beach in Tahoe. We went Kayaking for 3 hours and it was amazing, plan to do that early in the morning as it does get pretty windy in the afternoon.

Crystal clear water, restaurant/bar, sun, etc..

First off yes it does get crowded, and yes the parking lot does fill up early, but to me and many people, it is worth it. We went on a Monday at 930am and got one of the last parking spots before they closed it. There is a shuttle from incline village, but I can’t speak for that first hand.
I’ve been to many beaches along the shores of Tahoe, and sand harbor is my favorite. There are many activities offered if anyone so desires, such as kayaking tours, paddle board rentals, hiking trails, and even an outdoor amphitheater, however if all you need is a simple day on the beach, this is perfect for that too. There are different areas that offer a variety of options, the northern side offers the beautiful granite rocks that Tahoe is known for, that many people like to jump off into the lake. The southern beach is more traditional offering the sandy beach. It doesn’t get too deep too fast, water mostly calm unless boats speed by in the distance. We were able to set up a spot on the beach, but again, we were there on a Monday and not sure what it would be like on a weekend. As most places in Tahoe, the scenery is beautiful, great to see snow on the mountain tops as you swim. One thing to mention as well, because the lake level is so high, there is actually less beach at the moment. I’ve been in previous years where you have to walk several more feet to get to the water, but more area for people to set up a spot for the day.

Beautiful place!!! Great place for couples, families and teens. They have kayak and paddle board rentals. Have a Gazebo with a sink prep area with granite counters. Picnic tables in gazebo by reservation. There is a theater for Shakespeare festival. Wooden path around the park along the lake area. There are several parking lots - go to the south one main one difficult to find a spot. There are several restroom areas. Gift shop, food concessions with ice cream. Gorgeous rock formations on the beach. Roped in swim areas. Sand gets hot. It was 61 out but felt much hotter. Water was cool and colder the farther out you went. Busy place.

October is one of my favorite times of year to visit Lake Tahoe. If you time it right, you will get perfect weather without fighting the crowds. Sand Harbor is a great place to spend an hour or all day. The beaches are beautiful and it’s easy to get into the water if you want to get wet. There are a few different coves, so you can get away from the crowds too. There is a nice hiking trail and some boulders to crawl around. There is a small visitor center and gift shop plus a restaurant in the warmer months. You can launch your own boat or rent a kayak. Our next trip we plan to see the Shakespeare Festival.

Great beach day while I was there in early June. We chose it because you can rent clear kayaks. We ended up buying an intertube and googles instead. Lol! Has everything you need--gift shop, restaurant, clean bathrooms, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and trails for short walks. We reserved a parking spot in advance, and so glad we did.

We drove from Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe stopping at little beaches and outcrops that we could find. Some of them charged you $2-5 to get in but most were happy with just a small donation since we were only running in to peak and take some pics before we settled on where we would come back to the next day. Sand Harbour won based on ease of parking, facilities, and gorgeous clear waters. It was still a little too cold to go for a swim though.

Beautiful beach but be prepared to go early to get a spot! We got there at 8am and had to wait just a few minutes in line. The beach wasn't crowded then and we got an amazing time on the board walk checking out the beaches before the crowds.

Sand Harbor is a Nevada State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. One of the deepest lakes in the U.S., it boasts 191 square miles of crystal-clear water surrounded by granite peaks and conifer forest. Sand Harbor is known for its scenic lake views and huge granite boulders along the shore. We visited on a Sunday morning in August and arrived about 8:45am to find a line of cars waiting to enter. The parking lot frequently fills up by mid-morning in the summer - particularly on weekends - so plan to arrive close to opening at 8:00am (entrance fee $10-12/vehicle). A shuttle is available from Incline Village. With a large sand beach, the park is popular for swimming and wading, and bathers were climbing onto the boulders and jumping off. Shady picnic facilities are provided, but there's no campground. The park has a boat ramp and we saw many people using kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (rentals available). A visitor center contains an information desk, exhibits about the Tahoe ecosystem, and a shop with souvenirs and essentials like towels, sunglasses and water bottles. The day we visited it didn't open until 9:30am. There is also a cafe' adjacent. We walked along the shore on the wheelchair-accessible Sand Point Nature Trail, which is .3 mile one-way with benches and educational signs. A second trail was under construction when we visited but should be complete in spring 2019; the East Shore Trail will be a 3-mile paved multi-use trail between Sand Harbor and Incline Village. In July and August, Shakespearean plays are performed at an amphitheater in the park in the evening (tickets required). Sand Harbor is certainly a beautiful location and we enjoyed our stroll, but it was extremely crowded. Hoards of families were dragging cart-loads of gear like shade umbrellas, canopies, coolers, folding chairs, and various flotation devices to the edge of the water. It was difficult to take photos of the scenery without people in them. It was too congested for us and we only stayed 60-90 minutes.

The views are incredible. The path is easy to walk and to find. The color of the water is unlike anywhere outside of the Carribbean - the most amazing blue! A must do.

Surreal experience of laying on the beach while surrounded by the mountains and listening to the swaying pines. Nice bar and grill is present.

Beautiful beaches, stunning scenery. My wife and I had a blast just walking around and climbing on the boulders.

We visited in March so there was still plenty of snow around, but I’m sure it’s even prettier in the summer when you can swim, paddle board, kayak, etc.

Also had a really cool group pavilion off to the side with a circular fire stove and countertop. It said only available by reservation, so maybe check that out if you want to cook out.