As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe has attracted visitors from all over for decades. From crystal blue waters that shimmer in the sunlight to mountain peaks kissed with snow, there are breathtaking vistas all year round offering respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Among Lake Tahoe’s many beautiful state parks, you’ll find Sand Harbor State Park, a stunning oasis with 55 acres of sandy beaches and forested inlets to explore. Read on for our tips on making the most of your visit to Sand Harbor State Park.

Know Before You Go

Sand Harbor State Park experiences an extremely high volume of visitors in the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Be prepared for park closures and have an alternate destination in mind (see below). Parking anywhere besides the designated parking lot — including along Highway 28 — is strictly prohibited. Instead of parking your own vehicle, consider utilizing public transit. As of June 28, 2024, the Tahoe Transportation District has resumed the East Shore Express Service, a free transit service operating along Lake Tahoe’s east shore daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM. Learn more about Sand Harbor State Park.

Things to Do at Sand Harbor State Park

No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of adventure. In the sunnier months, the warm, sandy stretches of beach practically beg that you spend an afternoon or two lounging and enjoying some premier lakeside views. The day-use entry fee is $10 for Nevada-registered vehicles ($15 for non-NV vehicles), and once inside the park, you can enjoy plenty of water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, scuba diving and so much more. The park also has a boat ramp, open from 6 AM to 8 PM, for those bringing their own watercraft.

In the winter months, Sand Harbor State Park is the perfect place to enjoy serene lake views with more open space as you stroll the beach. Or, try snowshoeing atop the blanket of snow covering the sand. Sand Harbor also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter, which is a great way to get the whole family into the spirit of the season.

For those looking to explore a little further, Sand Harbor also features a few beautiful hiking trails, perfect for taking in the views and getting a little exercise in. You can hike or bike along the Sand Harbor Nature Trail, a short, fairly easy trail ideal for beginners or families with children. For something a little more challenging, you can also try the Tahoe East Shore Trail, a three-mile paved trail running from Incline Village to Sand Harbor that was once dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” Those with physical limitations have the opportunity to use the park’s all-terrain wheelchair, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to a wide range of outdoor activities, Sand Harbor State Park is also the proud host of the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (LTSF), a beloved Lake Tahoe tradition since the 1970s. Talented thespians perform the works of Shakespeare against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe, providing important cultural enrichment for the community. Alongside the performance, visitors can enjoy gourmet food and drink offerings provided by the LTSF’s alfresco restaurant, Shakespeare’s Kitchen. Visit their website for ticketing information and pricing. 

Where to Stay When Visiting Sand Harbor

While Sand Harbor is easily accessible from anywhere in Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is the closest nearby town, only a 10-minute drive away. Plan your stay at a hotel such as The Incline Lodge, a fully renovated boutique hotel offering any amenity you might need during your stay, such as a complimentary daily wine reception, an outdoor beer garden, an indoor heated pool and more. Or, for the full resort experience, check out the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa & Casino. There, you can enjoy the private resort beach, an onsite spa for ultimate relaxation, first-class onsite dining and so much more. You can also head to nearby Crystal Bay and book a stay with The Border House at Crystal Bay Casino, a newly renovated historic house offering nine uniquely cozy guest rooms. Spend your evenings unwinding in your room, or head over to the Crystal Bay Casino and try your luck — who knows? You might win big! Learn more about where to stay in Lake Tahoe.

Consider These Alternatives to Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor State Park is quite a popular destination, particularly during the warmer months of May – September. You might want to consider alternative options, such as one of the many other wonderful state parks in the Lake Tahoe region. Spooner Lake and Backcountry, for instance, is another Nevada State Park offering a tranquil escape, where you’ll find lake views in abundance and 50 miles of stunning trails to explore — on foot, on bike or even on horseback. On the California side, Kings Beach State Recreation Area is another great option, offering sandy beaches, beautiful hiking trails and even a playground for anyone with kids.

For a beach experience without as many people around, consider booking a tour with Clearly Tahoe, Lake Tahoe’s original clear kayak tour company. On a Clearly Tahoe tour, you can enjoy the beach and the lake on your own personal, private adventure — all while soaking in incredible views of the lake through the bottom of your see-through kayak.

On your visit to Lake Tahoe, you might also consider exploring more mountainside activities, particularly in the warmer months. Lakeside attractions tend to be busier, so you’re sure to find tranquil, open spaces if you head towards the mountains. Spend your day hiking or biking through Lake Tahoe’s stunning mountain peaks, and head to Sand Harbor closer to sunset, when the crowds will have died down and parking is likely to be more ample. Check out more information on mountainside activities in Lake Tahoe.  

Travel Sustainably

No matter where you are exploring in Lake Tahoe, it is imperative that you do so responsibly and sustainably. This beautiful region has been a source of pristine beauty for centuries, and the only way to keep it that way is by giving back to both the environment and the local community. Here are a few tips on ensuring you leave Lake Tahoe better than you found it and how to Make a Clear Difference in the local environment.

• Clean Your Watercraft
  In order to avoid introducing invasive species to Lake Tahoe, you are required to clean your watercrafts ahead of your visit, as well as get them inspected through Tahoe Boat Inspections. Boat inspections are required prior to launching any vessel into the waters of Lake Tahoe. Clean, drain and dry your watercraft before launching — this includes boats and inflatable water crafts like paddle boards.
• Be Fire Safe
  Charcoal and wood fires are not allowed in state parks. You may bring propane or stoves with on/off switches to use in the picnic area of Sand Harbor.
• Keep Wildlife Wild
  Do not approach, feed or in any way interact with any wild animals you come across. If you have your pet with you, keep them on a leash and stick to designated areas. In Sand Harbor State Park, dogs are only allowed in the picnic area — they are not allowed on the beach.
• Pack Out What You Pack In
  Dispose of any trash in designated trash receptacles. Do not leave trash, equipment or personal belongings behind.

Plan Your Stay Today

Between breathtakingly beautiful state parks, year-round activities, bustling towns and more, you’re sure to make plenty of memories on your visit to Lake Tahoe. Plan your stay today and discover how a Lake Tahoe escape could be exactly what you need.