Baldwin Beach
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Baldwin Beach sits at the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe near South Lake Tahoe, about half a mile of pale sand where the water goes from clear green to deep blue in a few strokes. It's one of the closest public beaches to the mouth of Emerald Bay, which makes it a favorite launch for paddlers heading that way.
The clearest water on the South Shore and a straight shot to Emerald Bay by kayak, but it's no secret and the lot shows it on weekends.
How we score beachesIf you're kayaking to Emerald Bay, launch early. Afternoon wind usually picks up from the southwest, and the paddle back gets a lot harder after lunch.
A Forest Service fee lot off Highway 89 serves the beach; it fills on hot weekends, so arrive before 10.
Paved paths lead from the lot toward the beach, with soft sand for the final stretch.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach; the North Baldwin (Ski Beach) section allows leashed pets.
Summer is short and sweet here, with the best water from mid July through August. Expect cool mornings even then, since the beach sits at over 6,200 feet.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
Baldwin Beach Main Lot
The main day-use area with restrooms and kayak rentals in season.
Get directions →North Baldwin Beach (Ski Beach)
About 500 feet of shoreline north of the main beach with a buoyed no-boating swim area and a two-unit toilet. Leashed pets are allowed here.
Get directions →More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.