El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons
South Lake Tahoe, CA
El Dorado Beach at Lakeview Commons is South Lake Tahoe's downtown beach, right where Highway 50 meets Lakeview Avenue. There's a public boat launch, a food concession, grills, rentals, and a big lawn that fills with blankets on summer evenings. The views stretch across the whole lake to Mount Tallac and the Carson Range.
The best spot in town to watch the sunset with a snack and your feet in the sand, but downtown means crowds and Highway 50 noise.
How we score beachesCome for a summer evening concert on the lawn, but claim your spot early and bring a low chair.
A paid lot at Lakeview Commons serves the beach and boat launch; it fills fast on summer evenings.
Paved paths and lawn lead almost to the waterline, one of the easier beaches on the lake to reach with a stroller.
Summer is the time, with long light evenings and water in the mid 60s by August. In winter the lawn is snowy but the lake views are just as good.
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.