Coming to Lake Tahoe for a vacation is one of the most remarkable experiences, with it’s crystal blue waters and gorgeous surrounding area filled with many things to do and places to see. It can also be one of the most memorable and fun trips for your dog! From swimming in the lake, to hiking the many surrounding trails, to having lunch at the dog-friendly restaurants, your dog will have the time of their life while exploring around Lake Tahoe. There are many dog friendly activities to do, and we have put together a list of some of our favorites to help you and your pup have a blast. Be sure to check our list of pet friendly vacations rentals below to help you get started planning your trip.
Beaches
Kiva Beach – Perhaps the most well-known and popular beach for dogs on the South Shore. Located just past Camp Richardson, it’s no wonder this beach is so popular for dogs due to its large sandy areas and pristine waters. Remember, chances are your dog will not be the only one there so be prepared for them to make a new friend or two. Dogs can swim here off-leash!
Zephyr Cove – Head to one of South Shores most favorable spots and what you’ll find
is a wonderful dog friendly beach at the north end of Zephyr Cove. You can expect there
to be plenty of space to hang out with the pup for the day, while keeping them busy splashing
in the waters. The beach features picnic tables & BBQ’s as well.
Fallen Leaf Lake – Located just across the highway from Kiva Beach, Fallen Leaf Lake is one of Tahoe’s most treasured surrounding lakes and a great place to bring the dogs for a swim. With numerous hiking trails around the lake, you can make sure that there will be plenty of areas for your dog to get their exercise. There is also a great beach for the family to spend the day, and a great campground to spend the night under the stars.
Restaurants
There are over 20 restaurants in South Lake Tahoe that will let you bring the pup along and will even provide them with some fresh water to drink. We have listed a few of our favorites below.
Artemis Lakefront Cafe – Serving up authentic Greek and Mediterranean dishes, this local favorite spot at Ski Run Marina offers up great lake views, great food & drinks, and most importantly a great place for your dog to be!
Lake Tahoe AleWorx at the Y – Complete with great food, 30 digital self-pouring beer taps, and a large and spacious outdoor patio with fire pits, AleWorx is a great place to come and enjoy the outdoor setting of Lake Tahoe in a wonderful dog-friendly environment.
Blue Angel Cafe – Another local favorite spot that offers up some very creative dishes, you’ll be sure to find something you like on the menu. The cafe features a nice dog-friendly outdoor grassy setting complete with picknick tables, making it the perfect place to get some lunch with your furry friend.
McP’s Taphouse – This great spot located in the heart of Stateline is close to the casinos and across the street from Heavenly Village. They offer up great burgers, pizza, and cocktails while offering a great outdoor seating area in a year-round dog friendly environment.
Hiking Trails
Mt. Tallac – One of Tahoe’s most tremendous and rewarding hikes, this trail will take you atop one of the highest points in Lake Tahoe, leaving you with one of the most spectacular 360-degree views you could imagine. This trail is dog friendly, however if you do decide to go on this hike make sure that you are plenty prepared with food, water and supplies. You can read more about this hike below.
Big Meadow to Round Lake – The big meadows hike out to round lake and Scott’s lake is easily one of our favorite hikes to do in the summer. The trail head starts just a few miles past Christmas Valley and will take you through vast open meadows, beautiful forest, all with a very rewarding lake at the end for your dog to cool off and have swim.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park – A beautiful Tahoe trail that overlooks the lake, offering up some very pretty views along the way. This trail is located very close to Heavenly Village at state-line and will follow the lake as it goes higher up. Your dog will have a blast roaming this iconic trail that will even take you by a waterfall!
Desolation Wilderness – Many great hiking trails and destinations in the area are considered to be part of Tahoe’s desolation wilderness. You can bring your dog with you on any hike out into desolation wilderness, but just be sure to be prepared with extra supplies for both you and the pup, and always leave no trace to help keep our forests clean for generations to come. You can find a list of some of the best hiking trails in desolation wilderness below, as well as information on required permits.
Dog Park
Bijou Dog Park – Located in the Bijou Community Park, this dog park features off-leash areas for both small and large dogs. It is approximately 38,000 square feet of fun for dogs and their owners alike. The dog park has grass areas, plenty of shade, benches for relaxing, pet sanitary stations, and water.
Animal Hospitals
Sierra Veterinary Hospital
Address: 3095 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone Number: (530) 542-1952
Alpine Animal Hospital
Address: 921 Emerald Bay Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Phone Number: (530) 541-4040
Our Pet Friendly Properties
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