Kiva Beach

Highway 89, adjacent to Tallac Historic Site
Past Camp Richardson
South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
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Some years there's sand, some years there's not at this dog-friendly strip of lakefront at the mouth of Taylor Creek on Tahoe's southwest shore.

Your best bet is to follow the path from the parking lot and see what you see. Parking is free, but the lot fills up fast in summer.

Lake Tahoe doesn't have many dog-friendly waterfront areas, so please do your part by cleaning up after your dog and making sure he does not disturb dog-less visitors.

Note: Leash laws are strictly enforced here, and regardless of what you'll see, the rules call for dogs to be leashed at all times. The Forest Service recently installed new signage to clarify where dogs are allowed (east of Tallac Point) and where they're not (wetlands around the mouth of the creek).

Help us keep this beach beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules
• Respect natural marine life and habitats
• Be aware of tides and currents
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

dogtrekker.com, dog friendly, beach, tahoe, south lake tahoe, tallac, forest service, south shore

Summer’s Last Splash: Gotta Lake It!

Fetch at Kiva Beach - Photo Credit: @labrador_tillman

When Northern Californians mention “The Lake,” you know they’re talking Tahoe. September is “tweener” season at Big Blue, a time when locals breathe deep, tourism drops off and visitors in the know snag mega-deals on lodging. It’s also a great time to swim and hike with your dog—not just at Lake Tahoe itself, but at nearby splash spots, as well. Where to dip toes and paws? Our Tahoe-area “A” List follows. more »

Third Stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee

Fallen Leaf Lake. Photo Credit: @carenandatka

Highway 89 along Tahoe’s West Shore is a treat for the senses on many levels. It takes about an hour in non-traffic conditions to drive straight through, but why would you want to do that? Your first worthwhile diversion, especially if you’re a Tahoe first-timer, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th-century estate homes and out-buildings. more »

Beach Bliss at South Lake Tahoe

Kody at Echo Lake. Photo Credit: Vicky Lim

Looking to spend some quality beach time with your four-legged pal at Lake Tahoe's South Shore? We've scouted out the spots where Sparky is welcome to romp in the sand and dip his paws in the Big Blue. more »

Winter Wanderings in Lake Tahoe

Captain chillin' in Tahoe. Photo Credit: Garrett (CC)

Whether there’s lots of snow or not a flake at lake level, your pup will appreciate a winter break at Northern California’s favorite playground as much as you will. The wild card is weather, so be prepared to embrace whatever conditions Mother Nature throws your way. Here are some of our favorite ways to play with our pups at Lake Tahoe. more »

Tails in Tahoe

Clover playing in Fallen Leaf Lake. Premshiree-Pillai (CC)

Most hikes around Lake Tahoe—and there are hundreds—can be enjoyed with your best friend. But if your goal is to bask in fall color, better get a move on. The aspens and other color-makers at higher elevations have already peaked, but you’ll still find some golden glow around the lakeshore. Go to CalifornaFallColor.com for leaf-peeper updates—and, as always, check weather reports before rounding up your pup and heading into the high country. Be prepared for snow, because at this time of year, you never know! more »

More Ways to Play

Who says you can’t take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe? True, there are only a few places in South Shore where you can, but we’re not growling. Kiva Beach, at the mouth of Taylor Creek on the lake’s southwest shore, is the No. 1 destination for DogTrekkers. more »

10 Ways to Have Fun With Your Dog at Lake Tahoe

Photo credit: Brendan Myers

Go for a Dip
Get a Lift
Float Your Boat
Paddle a Dog-friendly Canoe
Soak Up Nostalgia
Go for a Hike
Spend the Night
Share a Bite
Treat Your Pup
Get Festive more »

Lake Tahoe Dog-friendly Beaches

Kayla at Lake Tahoe

Yes, you can take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe. Check out this full story for some well-known, and lesser-known spots for a swim, including Kayla's picks.

Tahoe Splash Spots

The second-snowiest winter on record in the Sierra Nevada is making itself felt this summer, too. At Lake Tahoe, water levels are peaking now at more than five feet above the lake's natural rim—and three feet higher than during peak snow melt last year. The result: beaches have shrunk to a fraction of their normal size and in some cases disappeared altogether. But guess what? Fido doesn't care. The two of you can find plenty of dog-friendly shoreline to dip your paws in no matter what the lake level. Sturdy soles are a must, as most dog-friendly spots on the lakeshore are quite rocky. GLASS_CA_Water_Safety_30_Final_Color_Audio from Roger Coryell on Vimeo. more »

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