While you’re free to keep pets on the street or in the car anywhere, not every beach in Lake Tahoe is dog-friendly. It’s a good idea to do a little research before you head to the beach to make sure your furry friend is welcome. No matter where you are, you should always clean up after your dog as well, even if you’re out on a hiking trail or a quiet beach.
In the southern half of Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of beaches where dogs are welcome, even off-leash. The most popular is Kiva Beach, located right on the southern shore of the lake. Not only is the beach itself dog-friendly, but the connected trails are as well, making it a perfect place to take your dog hiking. Dogs in the water at Kiva Beach are allowed to be off their leashes while land dogs are required to keep them on, although enforcement of this rule is pretty rare. Fallen Leaf Lake just south of Tahoe itself is also dog-friendly – try to visit in the fall to see the leaves change colors!
On the north side of the lake, Patton Landing Beach is a popular spot for people and dogs alike. Patton Landing allows well-behaved dogs to be off-leash, so it’s a great place to bring laid-back pets. Right on the northern tip of Lake Tahoe is Coon Street Beach, another dog-friendly beach with a pet cafe right down the street. Finally, located about 25 minutes away from Lake Tahoe is Donner Memorial State Park, one of the most pet-friendly parks in California.
If you and your dog are interested in exploring Lake Tahoe in more detail, check out Action Tour Guide’s Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Tour.
Essential Travel Guide:
