Carnelian West Beach
Carnelian Bay, CA
Carnelian West Beach is a small public stretch on the west side of Carnelian Bay, a few hundred yards past Patton Landing on Lake Tahoe's North Shore. There's not much here in the way of facilities. That's the appeal for neighbors, who use it for a quick evening swim or to drop a kayak in without the Gar Woods crowd.
A calm, quiet overflow for Patton Landing, though there are no restrooms and parking is hard to find.
How we score beachesIf Patton Landing is packed with paddle groups, walk a few minutes west. This end is usually half empty.
Very little dedicated parking; check posted signs and don't block private driveways.
A short walk from the roadside to a mixed sand and pebble shoreline.
Evenings in July and August are the sweet spot, when the air is still warm and the bay goes flat.
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.