01
Best low-key local stretch
Kiva Beach
South Shore Near Meyers • Dog-Friendly Forest-Backed Beach • Best For Dogs And Sunset Strolls
A mellow strip of sand with big views and a relaxed, locals-first feel.
Tucked just off Highway 89, Kiva feels like the closest true ‘local’ beach to Meyers, with tall pines behind you and a sweeping view of Mt. Tallac across the water. The sand is coarse but comfortable, and the shallow nearshore area stays manageable even on breezy days. It’s one of the few spots where dogs are welcome on-leash along much of the shoreline, so expect happy pups and a laid-back, post-hike crowd in the evenings.
02
Best overall pick
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe Corridor • Easygoing Family Beach • Best For Families And Picnics
Long, sandy, and sheltered, this is the South Shore classic for swim-and-picnic days.
Pope Beach runs along a wide, gentle curve of sand with plenty of room to spread out, even on busy summer weekends. Shallow water near shore makes it a comfortable option for kids and casual swimmers, while the line of pines offers pockets of shade for midday breaks. Bring a picnic, a good book, and low chairs—this is where you settle in for a full day rather than a quick dip.
03
Best for big mountain views
Baldwin Beach
Emerald Bay Corridor West Of Meyers • Wide-Open Sandy Shoreline • Best For Paddling And Big Views
A broad, sunny beach with postcard-worthy views straight toward Mt. Tallac.
Farther along Highway 89, Baldwin Beach rewards the extra drive with a huge expanse of sand and a more open, wild feel than some South Shore spots. The long, straight shoreline is ideal for launching kayaks and paddleboards, and sunrise and early evening light on the surrounding peaks is hard to beat. It can be breezy in the afternoons, so early arrivals get the calmest water and easiest parking.
04
Best for room to breathe
Nevada Beach
Stateline, Nevada Shoreline • Laid-Back Big-Sky Beach • Best For Space And Mellow Afternoons
A wide, uncrowded shoreline that feels surprisingly peaceful given its easy access.
Just a short hop past the state line, Nevada Beach stretches out in a broad band of sand with wide-open vistas and plenty of elbow room. The gradual entry and long shallows make it a relaxed place to wade, float, or simply walk the shoreline away from the more built-up casino core. Pair it with a casual picnic or a lazy hammock session under the pines by the adjacent campground.
05
Best full-service day spot
Camp Richardson Beach
Camp Richardson Resort Area • Lively Resort-Style Beach • Best For A Full-Service Beach Day
A bustling beach with rentals, food, and a historic resort backdrop right on the sand.
If you like your beach time with amenities close at hand, Camp Richardson is the spot: you can rent kayaks or paddleboards, grab an ice cream, and still be back at your towel in minutes. The atmosphere is lively but not rowdy, with families, day-trippers, and cyclists all filtering through from the nearby bike path. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends, so locals often time their visits earlier in the day or slide in for a golden-hour swim and sunset drink.