Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Kings Beach is one of the most popular summer lakeside hubs along Lake Tahoe. The shore is lined with towering ponderosa pines, and the clear water is safe for swimming and easily accessible by boat. The town offers a variety of dining options and entertainment within walking distance.

About 3,800 people call Kings Beach home, but many more flock here every summer for a lakeside holiday. The area has an interesting history: it was named after Joe King, who won the town site during a poker game from the wealthy playboy George Whittell in the 1930s. Previously, the town had been called by several other names, including Lake Bilger.

The beach has a children’s playground, a pier, volleyball nets, a barbecue area and shallow water for swimming — if you don’t mind cold water. There are plenty of outdoor entertainment options for the entire family. Rent a Jet Ski, kayak, or paddle boat to explore the lake. Get a bird’s eye view while parasailing. For breakfast on the beach, buy sandwiches or donuts from the local bakery and grab a takeaway coffee near the lake.

After a morning in the sun, browse the shops at Kings Beach Plaza, relax at one of the town’s charming cafés, or have microbrew with lunch on a terrace with a view over Lake Tahoe.

For family fun, visit the vintage miniature golf course or the movie theater. Book a fishing trip on the lake in summer and try to catch a trout. In the winter, you can join a guided snowmobiling tour. At night when the recreational area closes, head into town to dine on Italian, Mexican or all-American food in one of the many restaurants.

Kings Beach is located on the northern shore of Lake Tahoe, less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Tahoe City, California, with the Nevada border about a mile (1.6 kilometers) to the east. The beach has paid parking and restrooms.