Sand Harbor and the East Shore

Clear water over granite boulders on Tahoe’s east side.

Sand Harbor, in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is the launch for the rocky, mostly undeveloped East Shore: boulder gardens, tiny coves and water clear enough to see the bottom far below. Rent on the beach or bring your own and paddle south toward Bonsai Rock and the hidden coves. In summer the park needs a day-use reservation and fills early, so plan the day around getting in.

At a glance

Water trail segment

Sand Harbor route, 15.9 mi of rocky shore

Launch

Beach launch, plus first-come kayak parking at the boat ramp

Park entry

$10 Nevada / $15 out-of-state vehicles

Day-use reservations

Required May 15–Sept 30

Start time

Launch before 10 am; the lots fill fast in summer

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Boat rentals
• Guided tours
• Paddleboarding
• Swimming

Rentals, guides and shops

• Clearly Tahoe Rentals

  On-beach rentals inside the park: sit-on-tops, touring kayaks, clear kayaks, pedal kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, paid by the hour.

• Tahoe Adventure Company

  Guided kayak and SUP tours, kayak and board delivery, and catered group beach days at Sand Harbor.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalFridays in October, after sunset

  Spooky Harbor

  Halloween movies under the stars on the Sand Harbor stage.

• FestivalEarly July to late AugustUsually

  Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

  Outdoor plays on the beachside stage at Sand Harbor. The 2026 season ran July 3 to Aug 23.

Where to stay

• cabinZephyr Cove Resort

  Lakeside cabins, lodge rooms and a marina farther down the Nevada shore.

  35 min drive
• hotelThe Incline Lodge

  Boutique hotel in Incline Village, close to the East Shore beaches.

  15 min drive
• hotelHyatt Regency Lake Tahoe

  Big lakefront resort with a spa and casino in Incline Village.

  15 min drive

Nearby

• Thunderbird Lodge · 15 min drive

  Tours of a 1930s stone lakeside estate on the East Shore.

• Spooner Lake · 20 min drive

  Easy loop hike around a small mountain lake, and the start of the Marlette Lake trails.

• Tahoe East Shore Trail · Ends at the park

  Paved 3-mile path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, with access to beaches and coves along the way.

Getting there

• Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) · about 50 min drive
• Sacramento · about 2.5 hr
• San Francisco · about 4 hr

Directions in Google Maps