The always-gorgeous Lake Tahoe is not what we would call a far-away destination. We’ve been making small trips and exploring the environs of North America’s largest Alpine lake in bits and parts. On our last couple of trips to Lake Tahoe, we had spent some time on the beaches at Ski Run Boulevard, Zephyr Cove and Round Hill Pines beach. This time around — along with a few other activities — we decided to hit Sand Harbor Beach — on the Nevada side of the lake.
We had a little more than half a day set aside for that drive to the northeastern part of the lake, and to make a few stops at some vista points to see different views of Lake Tahoe. During our drive up north, I found that the banks of the lake seemed to have more rock and boulders both on the shore as well as in the water. These rocky features seemed to amp up the dramatic effects of this lake colored in different shades of blue.
Sand Harbor Beach
Sand Harbor Beach, like much of the lake, was very picturesque with those rich blues and greens. The rocks were a bonus. The beach is within Sand Harbor State Park and a 10 dollar entrance fee let us into large parking lots and lengthy stretches of beach.
But then, it was the third day of summer. It must come as no surprise that it took us a long time to find some parking. And when at last we got to the beach, we learned that the sandy stretches were quite populated although it was only a little after 9 (or was it 10?) in the morning. It took us forever to find a sandy patch where we could throw our bags down and let the kids play in the sand without bothering the people around us.
We had started at the south end of the beach and walked all way around the Sand Point and finally ended up at the other end — near the boat beach before we found some space that felt right for us.
Sand Point
Now the best part about the search for a spot was that it led us to the Sand Point boardwalk, something I had not known about until we were done with the hike. There was practically no pre-trip homework done this time.
Now, the Sand Point Boardwalk — if I remember correctly — starts near the parking lot in front of the visitor center and then goes towards the lake and through that portion of land that juts out into this part of Lake Tahoe. You will also see the venue for the Shakespeare Festival that takes place in the summer.
Why I chose to call this part the ‘best part’ was because it had some of the most spectacular sights. Lake Tahoe is undeniably a very pretty place. And this area seemed to be one of the most beautiful parts. The water at the beach was crystal clear and it seemed to have a greenish tinge as it went towards the middle, blending with the cobalt blue of the deepest parts of the lake. The granite boulders that project out into the lake, the ones that stick out of the water, and the ones that lie immersed yet visible because of the clarity of the water are what give the lake all that picture-perfect beauty.
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Lake Tahoe is definitely on my bucket list!! Great report and brilliant photographs.
Thank you Alan.
It’s gorgeous. And there’s so much to see and do around there. You’ll love it. 🙂
Beautiful views and pics!
Thank you, Shiju.
It is an extremely beautiful place. 🙂
I’ve been to the lake in Lake Tahoe many times and each time I find something new, something beautiful and something breathtaking. Looking at these photos make me wanna go really bad.
There’s no getting tired of it, is there?
Aren’t we glad Lake Tahoe is not too far away from us. 😉
Beautiful and even though I wasn´t there, a big thank you for “without bothering the people around us”!
Here I can hardly go on the balcony. Neighbor-kids scream their heads off for hours, not funny (the surrounding houses reflect the noise like crazy).
Beautiful clear water and wow, that´s a huge lake! I would jump right in (if warm enough only, of course!).
One can dream, thank you! 🙂
I totally understand. Sometimes it can get to us too, even tho’ we signed up for all of this. 😬😁😁
Thankfully, I haven’t had too much trouble outdoors but you never, know…😁
This lake is something!! I wish you could see it. 🙂
What a beautiful place and lovely photos ~ Xo
Live in the moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
It is an extraordinarily beautiful place. 💙
Thanks a ton, Carol. 🙂
We haven’t been there for ages and your photos reminded me how beautiful it is there. Gorgeous colours, I specially love the first photo.
-Soma
Now that things are getting better, maybe you’ll get to go soon.
Tahoe is a place you can go to over and over again. 🙂
Thank you for coming this way, Soma. 🙂
Look at those blues! Gorgeous frames, Divya.
The water here has some gorgeous shades.
The lake is large and I’ve found that in each part the color and color patterns are different. All very attractive, tho’
Thank you, Nomad. 🙂
water looks so clean and clears….
beautiful views…. great shots
The water here is a sight to see! 🙂
Thanks, Tanza. 🙂
Nature in all its pristine beauty
Absolutely!. :)🙂
awesome!
Isn’t it?!
🙂
Earth, the blue planet can be easily experienced here and you have brilliantly captured the beauty… So pleasant to go through the pictures… well captured and thanks for sharing…
This place is stunning all year round. There’s no tiring of it.
Thank you for coming this way, Ashish. 🙂
Wow… gorgeous pics and views. Makes me wanna go there so badly. 🙂
The always-blue, always pretty Tahoe! 🙂 Has it been a while since you were in CA?
I love the photos that show us what’s below the surface of the water as well as the reflecting water beyond. The trees are beautiful. Lovely post!
It is such a beautiful area. This summer’s been bad here with the Caldor fire. 🙁
I hope it recovers soon.
Welcome here, JoAnna. 🙂