Ultimate Toddler and Dog Friendly Guide to Lake Tahoe in Summer
Lake Tahoe in the summer is a nature lover’s paradise. Seeing the crystal-clear waters of the lake instantly puts you in a more relaxed state of mind. There is no better place to enjoy some family time in the outdoors. The best part is that there are plenty of dog-friendly activities in Lake Tahoe, so you can bring the whole family! Whether you’re looking to hit the beach, explore some easy hiking trails, or just relax by the lake, there are plenty of spots in Lake Tahoe that will keep both a toddler and dog happy. In this guide, we’ll share some of our favorite toddler and dog friendly activities around Lake Tahoe, so you can make the most of your family trip to this beautiful alpine paradise.
When to Go
Lake Tahoe is known as a winter destination for snow sports. However, if traveling to Lake Tahoe with a dog and toddler, there may be more activities that the whole family can enjoy in the summer. Summer in Lake Tahoe runs from roughly June to early September. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant with temps in the 70s. This is also when all of the lake activities and hikes are open.
How to Get There
Lake Tahoe is a 4 hour drive from the Bay Area, but that can easily turn into 5 hours with traffic. If flying in from elsewhere, it would be closer to fly into Sacramento International Airport (airport code SMF). The drive from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe takes 2 hours.
Booking tip: certain flight searches like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google flights allow you to set price trackers that will alert you when the price of your flight changes. I never book a flight without tracking prices first because there is no better feeling than snagging a good deal! And if you book your flights with a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire card (use my referral for bonus points!), the card usually includes some travel insurance protections (like lost luggage reimbursements, trip delay reimbursements, or trip cancellation insurance) to save you the cost of buying extra travel insurance.
Bonus Booking tip: sign your kiddo up for frequent flyer accounts with airlines to start earning airline miles for them! Most airline miles do not expire for minors so your kiddo will thank you later.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe with Toddler and Dog
You can find cozy cabins, ski resorts, casinos, and hotels all around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe, so it can feel overwhelming to narrow down your options. However, each side of the lake has its own charm and unique qualities. Figure out which side of the lake has the vibe you’re going for and the activities you’re interested in, and focus your accommodations search to that area. Make sure to book your accommodations early! Cabins book up quickly for the summer on weekends.
Booking tip: because traveling with a toddler is so unpredictable, I always look for refundable bookings. That way I can book way ahead of time for my peace of mind, but also have the flexibility to cancel without losing any money if our plans should change.
North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is more nature-focused and staying there feels more like a true nature retreat. There are great dog-friendly beaches in North Lake Tahoe and it feels more residential. We have stayed in both Carnelian Bay and near Kings Beach and both are centrally located towns close to the lake and not too far from dining and grocery options. Unfortunately, the cabin we loved in Carnelian Bay is no longer available to rent, but check out the other highly rated options below.
Lake Tahoe West Shore
Although Lake Tahoe is commonly just divided into North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe, there is a pocket of the lake around Tahoma and Homewood Mountain Resort known as Lake Tahoe West Shore. The towns along this stretch of Highway 89 are located between Tahoe City and Emerald Bay. Most of the hikes and beaches recommended below are near this area, so staying here makes it easier to get to the parking lots early enough to get a spot. We have stayed in Tahoma and really enjoyed the small town charm. Meeks Bay just down Highway 89 is another option in this area.
We stayed with Tahoma Meadows before they sold the majority of their cabins to a local ski resort, and loved the location and the homey feel of the cabins. They still have one cabin, the Sugar Pine Cabin, available to rent and it is a great pet friendly option for a small family. It is hard to find small cabins in Tahoe, so this 2 bedroom cabin is perfect for a single family.
South Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for some nightlife and casinos, then South Lake Tahoe is where the action is. South Lake Tahoe is more commercialized and known as the entertainment hub of the area. We personally have not stayed in South Lake Tahoe, but if booking last minute there may be more accommodation options in South Lake Tahoe.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
South/West Lake Tahoe
Hurricane Bay
Hurricane Bay Beach on the West Shore is a pebble beach with a designated dog beach area. Our toddler had a great time throwing pebbles into the lake on this beach. There is also a nice paved bike and walking path that runs along the beach and heads north along Highway 89 towards Tahoe City. The parking is right along the side of Highway 89 and the beach is right next to the road so it is very convenient to visit without having to haul beach gear very far.
How to get there: if driving north on Highway 89 towards Tahoe City, you will see the 50 foot
“designated dog beach” on the right hand side. It is across the highway from Mankato Place.
Kiva Beach
Kiva Beach is a narrow sandy beach near South Lake Tahoe. Officially dogs should be on leash.
How to get there: if driving south on Highway 89 towards South Lake Tahoe, you will see Kiva
Beach to your left at the Tallac Historical Site just north of Camp Richardson. There is a small parking lot.
Sugar Pine Point State Park
Sugar Pine Point State Park in the West Shore is a pretty park fronting the lake with a sandy beach, nice walking path, grassy area, pier, and a historic estate. Dogs on leash are only allowed on the paved trails and picnic areas and are not allowed on the beach. This park was a short walk from our accommodations, so we visited on a walk rather than parking ourselves here for an extended period of time since dogs are not allowed on the beach.
How to get there: if driving south on Highway 89 towards South Lake Tahoe, you will see Sugar Pine Point State Park on your left hand side. There is a parking lot with a fee, or you can find parking along Highway 89 a little further away and walk into the park.
North Lake Tahoe
Chimney Beach
Chimney Beach is a hidden gem on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. Because of the small parking lot and the hike required to get down to the beach, there are fewer crowds at this beach but its similar to popular Sand Harbor Beach next door. This peaceful spot is surrounded by tall pines and stunning granite boulders, along with beautiful views of the clear blue lake. Dogs are allowed on leash.
How to get there: from North Lake Tahoe, take the highway towards the east shore of the lake, and the parking lot to Chimney Beach will be on your right, shortly after you pass Sand Harbor State Park. There is free parking but the parking lot is small, so it may fill up quickly during peak season. From the parking lot, you will follow a short (but steep) trail downhill towards the beach (about a 10-20 minute walk). The trail can be rocky and is not stroller friendly, so it would be best to carry a toddler in a carrier. Remember to bring all your beach gear with you because it’s a steep climb back up to the parking lot.
Carnelian West
Carnelian West beach in North Lake Tahoe is an easily accessible beach just off the highway in Carnelian Bay. There is a lakefront promenade along the pebble beach, benches, picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, and a boat launch. Dogs are allowed on leash.
How to get there: the Carnelian West beach is located next to Gar Woods Grill & Pier. There is a small free parking lot next to the beach.
Kings Beach
Kings Beach is a popular beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. It is one of the few sandy beaches in Lake Tahoe, and the shallow waters are perfect for toddlers. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards on the beach. There is a nice lakeside promenade next to the beach, and a grassy area with picnic tables. There is also a small play structure right next to the beach. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the beach. But dogs on leash are allowed on the promenade, sidewalks, and picnic areas, and east of the Kings Beach boat ramp. We usually grab a spot at the picnic tables right behind the beach and take turns taking the kiddo down to the water.
How to get there: search for Kings Beach in Google maps. There is a paid parking lot right next to the beach.
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor Beach, located on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the area. It is one of the few sandy beaches on the lake, and it is known for its crystal-clear waters. The beach is surrounded by large boulders and has stunning views of the lake and mountains. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed except for the off-season, October 15 through April 15, so we have yet to visit this stunning beach.
How to get there: search for Sand Harbor beach in Google maps. There is a small paid parking lot, but it fills up very quickly so get there early!
Dog-Friendly Hikes
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail
Eagle Falls Trail is a beautiful and moderately strenuous hike on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. The trail is about 2 miles round trip and takes you through a peaceful forest that leads to the stunning Eagle Falls. After passing the falls, you can continue on to Eagle Lake, a serene, crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by mountains and granite cliffs. Dogs are allowed on leash. Best to bring a carrier for your toddler because there are some steep rocky parts on the trail.
How to get there: take Highway 89 towards Emerald Bay. Turn right at the Eagle Falls parking area. The paid parking lot is small and fills up quickly during peak season. A wilderness permit is required for this hike (available at the trailhead). The Eagle Falls Trailhead starts next to the parking lot.
Granite Lake Trail
Granite Lake Trail is a short but steep hike on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. There are some steep switchbacks in the beginning, but you will be rewarded with amazing views of Emerald Bay and a secluded mountain lake. The hike to Granite Lake is about 1 mile, but you can make it a longer hike by continuing up to Maggies Peaks. We did not venture all the way to Maggies Peaks because we went to Cascade Falls next.
The Granite Lake Trail and Cascade Falls Trail have the same trailhead so it would make sense to combine the two hikes if you are up for it. We read that the Granite Lake Trail was the more difficult of the two so we tackled that one first. You will have to backtrack all the way down to the trailhead after finishing one trail to start on the next one. Dogs are allowed on leash.
How to get there: take Highway 89 towards Emerald Bay. Across from Inspiration Point, turn into the Bayview Campground. The trailhead is at the back of the Bayview Campground. There is free parking at the far end of the campground, but the lot is small and fills up quickly. The trailhead is at the far end of the parking area. Wilderness permit required (available at the trailhead). Start at the Bayview Trailhead and follow the sign towards Desolation.
Cascade Falls Trail
Cascade Falls Trail is a short and scenic hike on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. This 1.4 mile hike takes you through a beautiful forest with great views of Cascade Lake and the surrounding mountains. The main attraction is Cascade Falls, a stunning waterfall where water flows down the rocks into the lake. You can scramble on the rocks next to the waterfall, but the rocks are very slippery. Definitely use a carrier if bringing a toddler along and think twice about letting them loose on the rocks. Dogs are allowed on leash.
How to get there: the Cascade Falls Trail starts at the same trailhead and uses the same parking lot as Granite Falls Trail above. No wilderness permit required for Cascade Falls. Start at the Bayview Trailhead and follow the sign towards Cascade Falls.
Looking for more toddler and dog friendly California road trips? Check out our completely toddler and dog friendly guides to San Diego, the Central California Coast, Mendocino, and Monterey for more inspiration!
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