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Sand Harbor Beach and State Park at Lake Tahoe

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Sand Harbor offers a number of family-friendly recreational activities, including long sandy beaches, a boat launch (sometimes closed due to low water), picnicking, group use areas, hiking, watercraft rentals and tours, and restrooms. The Sand Harbor visitor center has a gift shop, area information, and displays about Lake Tahoe. During the summer months, there is a food concession, snack bar, and shaded seating area. There is no camping at Sand Harbor or any other beaches within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Pets are only allowed off-season from mid-October to mid-April. Glass containers are prohibited on the beaches.

The entrance fee at Sand Harbor is $10 per vehicle. For cyclists, it's $2 per bike. Fees are subject to change, so check the Nevada State Parks fees for the latest information. The information phone number at Sand Harbor is (775) 831-0494.

Things To Do at Sand Harbor

• Picnicking
• Group Picnicking
• Visitor Center
• Hiking Trails
• Nature Study
• Boating (requires inspection fee)
• Swimming
• Sand Harbor Rentals (kayaks, sailing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards)
• CharPit Food Concession
• Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Sand Harbor Park Hours

Sand Harbor is open from 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset, 365 days a year. However, operations are modified to accommodate high visitation from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Be sure to read the "Sand Harbor Frequently Asked Questions" for more details.

How to Get to Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe

From Reno, take either U.S. 395 / I580 or S. Virginia Street to the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431) and follow the signs to Lake Tahoe and Incline Village. When you reach Nevada 28, turn left toward Incline Village. Sand Harbor is located three miles south of Incline Village on the right (Lake Tahoe side).

East Shore Express to Sand Harbor

Update: The East Shore Express will not operate between Incline Village and Sand Harbor during the 2020 season. Sand Harbor's popularity creates a parking hassle on busy summer days. Parking lots are frequently full from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on summer weekends and during weekdays in July and August. It is illegal to park along Highway 28 for 3/4 mile on either side of the Sand Harbor entrance. Walk-in visitors are not allowed - you may not drop people off and let them enter the park on foot whether the parking lot is full or not.

To remedy this problem, the East Shore Express runs inexpensive shuttle buses from nearby Incline Village. For the 2019 season, the shuttle runs on weekends from June 15 - 16 and June 22 - 23, then daily from June 29 through September 2. Hours of operation are every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the 4th of July, it will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The fare is $3.00 per person for ages 5 to 64 and $1.50 for seniors 65+ and disabled persons. Kids 4 and under are free. Fares are round trip and do not include admission to Sand Harbor. Fare is cash only - bring the exact amount as no change is given. It's okay to bring your coolers and beach chairs, but no bikes, kayaks, smoking, eating, drinking, pets, grills, BBQs, or propane/flammable materials are allowed on the bus. Should you get a parking place at Sand Harbor, the fee is $10 per vehicle.

The Incline Village pickup location is 771 Southwood Boulevard, at the corner of Tahoe and Southwood Boulevards. Parking is free. Lots open at 9:45 a.m. and are locked at 7:15 p.m. No overnight parking. The gate will be locked at 8:30 p.m. on the 4th of July.

Update: Access to Sand Harbor from this trail is currently closed. This new trail (opened on June 28, 2019) provides a link between the Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village and Sand Harbor. The three-mile path is open to non-motorized bicycle and foot traffic. Approximately 90 new parking spots with direct access to the trail are available at three new parking lots located alongside SR 28 in Incline Village near Ponderosa Ranch Road. The parking spots will initially be offered free of charge before transitioning in coming months to paid parking through the Tahoe Transportation District. The fee to enter the park via the trail is $2.

2020 season canceled. During July and August, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival sets up at Sand Harbor, creating the world's most beautiful venue for the Bard's plays.

Beautiful beaches and Lake Tahoe scenery at Sand Harbor. Photo © Stan White

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