The Ultimate Guide to Dog Friendly Lake Tahoe

In Lake Tahoe, the adventure isn’t complete without your pup by your side. Read on to discover the best activities, restaurants, and places to explore with your furry friend in tow. If you think you’ll love Tahoe (you will), just imagine how much your dog will. From dining out to treks around the lake, you’ll quickly realize that this lake town is doggy heaven. There are so many places to explore in dog friendly Lake Tahoe!

First things first, selecting a pet-friendly hotel

With a whopping 44 pet-friendly hotels, you’ll find options that welcome your fur family and suit every taste and budget. Explore pet-friendly lodging here.

Start With the Bijou Community Dog Park

If your dog needs to let off some steam, head to Bijou Community Dog Park. This expansive park features three areas for dogs: one for big dogs, one for little dogs, and an agility course. It’s the perfect spot to let them roam off-leash and burn off some energy.

Once your pup is happily tuckered out, take a stroll and explore the rest of this amazing park. You’ll find a basketball court, a bike park and track, volleyball courts, a skateboard park, and a disc golf course with 30+ holes. There’s even a gazebo area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the day.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Tahoe

When it comes to dog-friendly beaches, Kiva Beach is where you want to be. You will have a wide-open beach to roam. This spot also offers astounding views where the marsh meets the lake, looking right up at majestic Mount Tallac.

Another great beach is North Zephyr Cove Beach; just be sure you are not on the resort’s private beach.

Regan Beach is a lovely park. With lots of sandy beach for dogs, the water is shallow enough that it’s also ideal for small dogs. For more dog-friendly beaches and general beach info, check out Tahoe Beaches.

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Tahoe

For the best views of the whole lake, the Mt. Tallac hike offers the most stunning scenery. This is one of the longer, more challenging trails at over 10 miles, even taking the shortest possible trip. You do not have to summit the peak to enjoy some great views. Cathedral Lake is a perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic before turning around or heading up the final ascent. If you decide to go for the entire hike, you and your dog will need plenty of water for the strenuous journey. There’s no feeling more incredible than being up in the clouds towering over Lake Tahoe and its surrounding forests.

If you’re looking for those great views but something less intense, check out Van Sickle Bi-State Park. The Van Sickle Trail connects with the Tahoe Rim Trail, allowing you to access many more trails, but it also offers scenic views within the first mile of the hike. This park is excellent for dogs of all sizes.

A personal favorite is to venture out to any of the numerous waterfall hikes (excluding Lower Eagle Falls), especially Glen Alpine Falls (lower or upper). The nice part about starting at the trailhead is that you’ll have the option to connect to a number of different hikes that all lead to or loop around lakes, streams, and even past some cool historic spots.

Most trails around the Tahoe Basin allow dogs as long as they are leashed. Anywhere along the Tahoe Rim Trail is an exceptional option with views. Although we love our dogs here, this is not the type of place where you’ll see disposable bags at every trail or beach, so always remember to be prepared and treat our home like it’s your own. Come prepared to pack it in, pack it out.

After exploring, you’ll want to find something to eat…

• AleworX @ the Y | What could be better than live music, wood-fired food and craft beer? A spot with a patio and firepits where you and your pup can kick back year-round.
• Azul Latin Kitchen | With a sizeable outdoor patio, live music, and a fresh Latin-fusion menu, Azul will delight your tastebuds. Don’t miss the margaritas.
• Basecamp Beer Garden | Located at Basecamp Hotel, this cozy nook is tucked away in the heart of downtown. With lawn games in the summer and warm firepits in the winter, cruise by and see what it’s all about.
• Elements Eatery & Bar | Featuring a lake view patio and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a great choice for dining with your fur family.
• The Hangar | This place is a whole vibe! This is a must with 26 rotating beers on tap and more specialty options in the cold case, plus food trucks and a whole outdoor area where dogs can play. Bonus? In wintertime, they have giant clear igloos with heaters inside to stay toasty while you are toasted.
• Sprouts | Serving an array of healthy breakfast and lunch options, including freshly squeezed juices and delicious smoothies, Sprouts is famous among locals and is just steps from Lakeview Commons Beach.
• Stateline Brewery | Located in the heart of downtown, Stateline offers great food and great brews in the middle of all the action, served by kind and knowledgeable staff.

Helpful Resources for Traveling with Your Furry Best Friend

If you are ever unsure of where and what you are or aren’t allowed to do, it can’t hurt to visit the USDA Forest Service site for up-to-date information regarding tips and rules for enjoying our parks and nature. You can also view Rover’s tips for flying with your pet here.

We can’t wait to see you and your pup enjoying one of America’s most magnificent natural treasures. Please remember to pack it in and pack it out wherever you go, which means bringing plenty of dog waste bags and potentially a ziplock to put them inside for longer treks. Thank you for helping us keep this slice of heaven pristine for all.