6 Gorgeous Places to Paddle in Lake Tahoe
Discover some of the best places for kayaking and paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the best places for kayaking and paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe. These spots offer turquoise water, gorgeous scenery, and convenient access, with a couple also offering kayak and paddleboard rentals. Whether you bring your own gear or rent it there, these are some great places to get out on the water and explore Lake Tahoe.
Meeks Bay
Located on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, about two miles south of Tahoma, Meeks Bay is one of my favorite places to paddleboard in Lake Tahoe.
One of the best things about this spot is how easy it is to launch. The parking lot is just steps from the beach, and the bay itself has crystal-clear water, soft sand, and great mountain views. I like paddling north toward Sugar Pine Point State Park. Once you get past the lakefront homes, you’ll find a quieter stretch of shoreline.
Parking at Meeks Bay Resort costs $12, but you can also park along the road for free and walk in. The beach is seasonal, typically open from May through October.
D.L. Bliss
D.L. Bliss is one of the most scenic places to paddleboard or kayak in Lake Tahoe, with beautiful rock formations, towering cliffs, and incredibly clear turquoise water. Lester Beach is an easy place to launch, since you can drive down and park just steps from the beach.
One of my favorite ways to explore this area is to paddle south toward Emerald Bay. The views of the cliffs from the water are incredible, and you’re paddling right below the famous Rubicon Trail, which runs along the shoreline high above the lake. It’s a beautiful stretch of coastline and one of the highlights of paddling this part of Tahoe.
Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle. D.L. Bliss is seasonal for vehicle access and typically closes to cars in October.
Emerald Bay
The scenery at Emerald Bay is incredible, with pristine water, mountain views, and plenty to explore. One of the highlights is the short paddle out to Fannette Island, where you can beach your kayak or paddleboard and hike up to the historic Tea House.
If you bring your own gear, getting down to the water is the easy part. The Vikingsholm Trail is about 0.8 miles each way, but the climb back up is steeper than it looks, and carrying your gear can definitely be a workout. Plenty of people do it, but if you want to skip the hassle, seasonal kayak rentals are available by the hour at the bottom of the trail.
Parking at the Emerald Bay parking lot is $10 for the day. Kayak rentals are seasonal and generally operate from 10 AM - 4 PM.
Sand Harbor
Located on Lake Tahoe’s northeast shore, Sand Harbor is one of the top places to paddle in Tahoe. The sandy beach and super turquoise water make this a great spot to explore by kayak or paddleboard. It’s also an especially easy place to launch since the parking area is just steps from the beach.
Once you’re on the water, you can paddle around Sand Harbor or explore more of the East Shore. Head north toward Hidden Beach or south toward Bonsai Rock and Thunderbird Lodge for a longer paddle with beautiful scenery along the way. For more on paddleboarding at Sand Harbor, check out this post.
Day-use parking is $15 per vehicle. Sand Harbor is open year-round, but reservations are required from May 15 through September 30 before 10:30 AM.
Bonsai Rock
Just south of Sand Harbor, Bonsai Rock is one of my favorite spots along Lake Tahoe’s East Shore. The water is incredibly turquoise, and the area is surrounded by cool rock formations that make it a fun place to explore by kayak or paddleboard.
From Sand Harbor, it’s about a mile paddle south along the shoreline to reach Bonsai Rock. In the summer, you’ll also see people swimming and jumping off the rocks into the lake.
There used to be more convenient parking near Bonsai Rock, but parking along Highway 28 is now limited. For that reason, paddling down from Sand Harbor is an easy way to get there while also seeing more of the East Shore.
Pope Beach
Located just off Highway 89 in South Lake Tahoe, Pope Beach is a great option if you're looking for an easy place to launch close to town. The parking area is right by the beach, and the long stretch of sand offers plenty of room to spread out, with views of Mount Tallac and the surrounding mountains.
The water and scenery aren't quite as dramatic as at some of Tahoe's other paddling spots, but Pope Beach is still beautiful and hard to beat for convenience, especially if you're staying in South Lake Tahoe.
Parking is $12 per vehicle. The beach is seasonal for vehicle access, typically opening around Memorial Day weekend and closing in mid-October.
Tips for Paddleboarding in Lake Tahoe
Check the wind before you go. Afternoon winds can pick up, so mornings are often the best time to paddle.
Bring plenty of water and snacks. You don’t want to cut your paddle short because you’re hungry or thirsty—I’ve learned this one the hard way.
Protect yourself from the sun. The sun can be strong in Lake Tahoe year-round, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
The Board I Use
My go-to inflatable paddleboard is by Sea Gods. Get 10% off with this link.
How I Inflate My Paddleboard
I use the AIRBANK Pulse Pro. It’s an electric, rechargeable pump that’s portable and doesn’t require a car plug. It’s also the fastest pump I’ve used, and at just 2 lbs, it’s easy to pack and carry.
Where to stay in Lake Tahoe
You can use the map below to explore hotels and vacation rentals by location and budget:
I hope you enjoyed my guide on where to paddle in Lake Tahoe. You'll find plenty more Lake Tahoe guides here.
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