Discover the best places to paddleboard in Lake Tahoe, the freshwater gem straddling California and Nevada.
With its azure blue waters and stunning alpine vistas, it’s truly a paradise for paddleboard enthusiasts.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we explore the best Lake Tahoe has to offer.
Are you ready to make a splash?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Lake Tahoe
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Kings Beach
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Kings Beach State Recreation Area (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear alpine lake water, can be windy in the afternoon
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Trout, mountain whitefish, ducks, geese, ospreys
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Spectacular lake views, surrounding mountains
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk
Kings Beach is a popular spot in Lake Tahoe, featuring a wide sandy beach and easy access to the water.
The gentle shoreline makes it perfect for beginners, while the stunning views of the lake and mountains keep experienced paddleboarders coming back for more.
#2 Sand Harbor
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Sand Harbor State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, protection from wind by surrounding landscape
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Boulders, coves, and sandy beaches
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Parking fees apply, designated swimming areas should be observed
Sand Harbor is well-known for its crystal-clear water, intricate coves, and unique boulder formations.
The area offers extraordinary scenery and calm waters perfect for paddleboarding. Explore the shoreline, or venture further out into the lake for a challenging workout.
#3 D.L. Bliss State Park
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Lester Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, sheltered by surrounding mountains
- Popular Seasons: Late spring through early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Iconic Rubicon Point Lighthouse, nearby hiking trails
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Entrance fee required, observe watercraft restrictions in designated areas
D.L. Bliss State Park offers pristine waters and scenic landscapes for paddleboarders.
Launch from Lester Beach and enjoy the surreal blue waters of Lake Tahoe as you explore the shoreline. Experience the thrill of paddling beneath the historic Rubicon Point Lighthouse or enjoy the nearby hiking trails.
#4 Meeks Bay
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Meeks Bay Resort (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Crystal clear waters, surrounding forest
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Parking fees may apply, be aware of other watercraft
Meeks Bay offers an idyllic paddleboarding experience with its crystal-clear waters and serene, forested surroundings.
The bay’s calm waters make it ideal for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike, while the tranquility and beauty of the area provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
#5 Zephyr Cove
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Zephyr Cove Resort (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, some afternoon wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic shoreline, nearby beach activities
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, parking fees apply at resort
Zephyr Cove offers a fun and vibrant paddleboarding experience with its scenic shoreline and range of beach activities.
The protected cove provides ideal conditions for paddleboarding, while the lively atmosphere at the nearby resort makes it a perfect spot for families and groups of friends to enjoy a day on the water.
#6 Emerald Bay
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Emerald Bay State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Late spring through early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Entrance fee required, be prepared for a hike to access the beach
Emerald Bay is a stunning natural treasure in Lake Tahoe, offering paddleboarders breathtaking views and unique landmarks.
Glide past historic Vikingsholm Castle and explore the picturesque Fannette Island. The bay’s calm waters and captivating scenery make it a must-visit paddleboarding spot.
#7 Carnelian Bay
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Carnelian Bay Beach and Water Sports (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic shoreline, forested surroundings
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, adhere to local regulations
Carnelian Bay is a picturesque spot on Lake Tahoe’s northern shore, offering paddleboarding enthusiasts calm waters and beautiful scenery.
The bay is easily accessible and provides a peaceful setting for a refreshing paddleboarding session.
#8 Baldwin Beach
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Baldwin Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Expansive sandy beach, clear views of surrounding mountains
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Parking fees apply, swim within designated areas
Baldwin Beach offers a spacious paddleboarding experience with an expansive shoreline and clear views of surrounding mountains.
Ideal for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike, this sandy beach is perfect for enjoying a day outdoors on the tranquil waters of Lake Tahoe.
#9 Pope Beach
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Pope Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Large sandy beach, stunning mountain backdrop
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Parking fees apply, adhere to local regulations
Pope Beach offers a serene and picturesque paddleboarding experience along a large sandy beach.
The clear, calm waters are great for beginners, while the beautiful mountain backdrop provides a breathtaking view as you glide through Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters.
#10 Cave Rock
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Cave Rock State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Cave Rock formations, panoramic lake views
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution near rock formations, adhere to local regulations
Cave Rock offers a unique paddleboarding experience, with its dramatic rock formations and panoramic lake views.
Explore the captivating caves and crevices as you paddle around the iconic landmark, enjoying the calm waters and scenic environment.
#11 Incline Village
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Ski Beach, Incline Village (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Picturesque shorelines, nearby parks
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Access limited to Incline Village residents, respect local regulations
Incline Village provides a tranquil paddleboarding experience along its picturesque shorelines.
With easy access to other nearby parks and beaches, this is an ideal spot for residents to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.
#12 Donner Lake
- Location Type: Mountain Lake
- Access Point: Donner Lake Public Docks (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, some wind exposure
- Popular Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterbirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding mountains, beautiful sunsets
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Parking fees may apply, adhere to local regulations
Though not directly in Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, located near Truckee, offers a serene paddleboarding experience amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
Enjoy the calm waters and beautiful sunsets while admiring the majestic mountain backdrop.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Lake Tahoe?
You can paddle board at Sand Harbor, Kings Beach, and Zephyr Cove in Lake Tahoe.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Lake Tahoe?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Lake Tahoe.
When is the best time to paddle board in Lake Tahoe?
The prime time for paddle boarding in Lake Tahoe is in the summer, particularly between June and August.
