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Tahoe's public parks & beaches |
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Written by Tahoe World staff
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Tuesday, 19 June 2007 |
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PUBLIC PARKS & BEACHES
Lake Tahoe is a land of natural beauty. Surrounded by a ring of majestic mountains, the clear, blue waters of the lake offer breathtaking views and over 70 miles of shoreline to explore. With a great number of state and local parks, all of Tahoe’s shores have something for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Sand Harbor
With its long sandy beaches, rocky coves and crystal-clear water, the East Shore’s Sand Harbor is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach at Lake Tahoe. Its multitude of boulders and shallow waters, complemented by panoramic views of the lake, makes a great swimming and kayaking spot. Kayak rentals are available at the beach, as well as a boat launch. Picnic areas in the shade of cedars and Jeffrey pines are equipped with a barbeque and tables, and a group use area set on a pine-dotted, rocky point accomodates up to 100 people. The covered facility is equipped with electricity, water and tables and includes a large barbecue. The short Sand Point Nature Trail has interpretive signs and breathtaking views of the lake. Every summer, Sand Harbor's outdoor stage is home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
Kilner Park
This wooded 7-acre park, located 3.5 miles south of Tahoe City off of Highway 89, is adjacent to the West Shore bike trail. It has a children’s playground, lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball court, walking and biking trails, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove, located in South Lake Tahoe, is a recreational paradise for people of all ages. The mile of sandy beach includes volleyball courts, a lawn area for group events, and the Sunset Beach Bar with “towelside service.” The Zephyr Cove Resort Marina offers parasailing and rentals such as powerboats, waverunners, pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes. Visitors also have the option to take a ride on the 500-passenger paddlewheel boat, the M.S. Dixie II, the Woodwind II catamaran, or embark on a sportsfishing charter. The resort also features a modern campground, 28 beachfront cabins and stables.
Sugar Pine Point State Park
Located on the West Shore 10 miles south of Tahoe City, Sugar Pine Point has more than 2,000 acres of conifer forest. The of General Creek are among the clearest waters flowing into Lake Tahoe and the stream is open to fishing from mid July to mid September. In addition to a 175 site campground, there are miles of hiking trails and a swimming beach. Be sure to take a tour of the historical Ehrman Mansion, a summer home built in 1903, and visit the Nature Center.
D.L. Bliss State Park
A bit farther south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, D.L. Bliss covers miles of magnificent shoreline. With its sandy beaches and high, craggy lookouts, the park is one of the most beautiful spots around the lake. From promontories such as Rubicon Point, you can see more than 100 feet into the depths of Lake Tahoe. The park has popular hiking trails, such as the Lighthouse Trail and the Balancing Rock Nature Trail, as well as camp sites for groups and RVs, a boat ramp, and shower facilities.
Skylandia Park and Beach
Skylandia is a 24-acre park located on Lake Forest Road northeast of Tahoe City. Along with a beach, pier, and swimming area, the park provides bike trails, hiking trails, and picnicking.
Camp Richardson
Nestled amongst the pines and located along Lake Tahoe’s longest stretch of sandy beaches, Historic Camp Richardson Resort is the closest resort to Emerald Bay, as well as the gateway to Desolation Wilderness. Situated on Lake Tahoe’s southwest shore, Camp Richardson has a full service marina that offers everything from Seadoo and power boat rentals, to paddle boats and kayak rentals, to waterski and parasailing schools. The lake’s newest pier has a fuel station and launching and mooring facilities. The resort’s Mountain Sports Center offers bike rentals and repairs, while equestrians can find guided trail rides and lessons at the Camp Richardson Corral. The resort also features the Beacon Bar & Grill on the water’s edge, 300 campsites, a historic hotel and lakefront cabins.
Emerald Bay
In 1969, Emerald Bay was designated a National Natural Landmark for its brilliant panorama of mountain building processes and glacier carved granite. With its crystalline, turquoise waters and stunning views, Emerald Bay is a must-see in Tahoe. The park features Vikingsholm, a home constructed in 1929. It is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. The “Tea House,” built at the same time, sits on Fannette Island, the only island to be found in the lake.
Burton Creek State Park
Burton Creek covers 2,000 acres of land on the outskirts of Tahoe City. There are six miles of unpaved roadway available for hiking and cross-country skiing. In the winter, the Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area offers 62km of groomed ski trails with views of the lake and Sierra peaks.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Ponderosa Pine and small brush cover the park’s 700 feet of lake shore area. Kings Beach SRA, which is for day-use only, is popular for water sports during the summer.
Tahoe State Recreation Area
Located in Tahoe City near the Safeway, the SRA offers lakeside and hillside campgrounds.
64-Acres Park
Situated just south of the wye in Tahoe City, 64-Acres hosts parking, picnicking and provides access to the bike trail system and to the Truckee River through a rafting ramp.
Commons Beach
This four-plus-acre park is located on the lake in downtown Tahoe City. Popular for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking, the park also has a children’s playground. The improved park features a lakeside bike trail, new picnic and barbeque facilities, and a renovated children’s play area.
Lake Forest Beach Park
Lake Forest Beach Park, offering an incredible view of the lake, is located at the end of Bristlecone Avenue in Lake Forest. The park has a campground and is a popular spot for swimming, bird watching, picnicking, and wind surfing.
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