D.L. Bliss State Park Beaches
South Lake Tahoe, CA
D.L. Bliss State Park, on Lake Tahoe's West Shore north of Emerald Bay, has two beaches: Lester Beach and the smaller Calawee Cove. Both sit against granite with water so clear you can see the bottom 30 feet down. Calawee Cove is also the north trailhead of the Rubicon Trail, which follows the shore to Emerald Bay.
Some of the clearest water and best scenery on Tahoe, but the lots are tiny and fill early.
How we score beachesHike the Rubicon Trail south in the morning, then swim at Calawee Cove when you get back. Arrive before 9 or you won't get into the lot.
Small state park fee lots at each beach fill early in summer, often before 10 in July.
Short paths lead from each lot to the sand; the Rubicon Trail itself is rocky and narrow in places.
The park is typically open late spring through early fall and closes in winter. August has the warmest water, though it's still cold by any other lake's standards.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
Lester Beach
The larger of the two beaches, with more sand and more room to spread out.
Get directions →Calawee Cove
A smaller granite cove at the north end of the Rubicon Trail, good for snorkeling along the rocks.
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