Pope Beach Tours

Pope Beach which includes tranquil scenes, a beach and a lake or waterhole
Pope Beach showing a lake or waterhole, kayaking or canoeing and a beach
Pope Beach featuring kayaking or canoeing, a beach and a lake or waterhole
Vikingsholm Castle featuring a lake or waterhole and watersports as well as an individual child
Pope Beach showing a lake or waterhole and a beach as well as a small group of people


Take the family to this well-equipped long strip of soft white sand, where the clean, clear waters of southern Lake Tahoe gently lap the shore.

Pope Beach has long been one of South Lake Tahoe’s most well-loved beaches. Join other families spending the day here enjoying the shallow clean waters, picnicking under the shade of pine trees, trying various watersports and relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the beach, which is enhanced by the absence of buzzing engine-driven watercraft.

Stretching for almost 1 mile (2 kilometers), Pope Beach is a 300-foot-wide (90-meter) expanse of powdery sand separating the Truckee Marsh from Lake Tahoe. Bask under the summer sunshine and enjoy shelter from the winds that often blow across the lake. Swim in the placid lake. This beach is considered one of the cleanest and shallowest in the region and therefore perfect for younger children and less confident swimmers.

Bring a picnic along and make good use of the picnic tables and grills, which are dotted along the length of the beach. Pope Beach is managed by the United States Forest Service, which may place restrictions on the use of grills during times of fire safety concern. Follow guidelines and enjoy a delightful experience cooking hearty barbecued hamburgers in the open air. Alternatively, buy some tasty snacks from the beach’s snack shack.

The calm waters of Pope Beach make it an ideal place for novices to try watersports. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the beautiful coastline. Try windsurfing on breezy days. On land, bicycle along the gentle paved Pope Baldwin Bike Path, which winds through the national forest between the shoreline and Emerald Bay Road.

Drive about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of the center of South Lake Tahoe to reach Pope Beach. Enjoy the site’s excellent facilities including restrooms and wheelchair access. There is a daily fee for use of the parking lot, which stretches the length of the beach. Drive north on the western side of Lake Tahoe to reach Emerald Bay and two pretty state parks with excellent views of the lake from rocky cliffs.

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Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge
@ Marbella Lane - Eccentric 4BR Modern Ranch Home
Desolation Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Pope Beach

Lakefront legacy luxury South  Lake Tahoe Estate

Lakefront legacy luxury South Lake Tahoe Estate

South Lake Tahoe
Lakefront legacy luxury South Lake Tahoe Estate
Beachfront Rental in South Lake Tahoe - Private Community

Beachfront Rental in South Lake Tahoe - Private Community

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Beachfront Rental in South Lake Tahoe - Private Community
Camp Richardson Historic Resort

Camp Richardson Historic Resort

2 out of 5
1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Camp Richardson Historic Resort
HEAVENLY-Waterfront-Mtn Views-HotTub-Pool Table

HEAVENLY-Waterfront-Mtn Views-HotTub-Pool Table

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HEAVENLY-Waterfront-Mtn Views-HotTub-Pool Table
Waterfront South Lake Tahoe Home with Private Dock

Waterfront South Lake Tahoe Home with Private Dock

South Lake Tahoe
Waterfront South Lake Tahoe Home with Private Dock
Fireside Lodge

Fireside Lodge

3 out of 5
515 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Fireside Lodge
Emerald Bay Lodge

Emerald Bay Lodge

3.5 out of 5
735 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Emerald Bay Lodge
7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, jacuzzi, full-size bar, 4 miles to casinos, Heavenly ski

7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, jacuzzi, full-size bar, 4 miles to casinos, Heavenly ski

South Lake Tahoe
7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, jacuzzi, full-size bar, 4 miles to casinos, Heavenly ski
The Washoe 3 bedroom Family unit(pets welcome)

The Washoe 3 bedroom Family unit(pets welcome)

South Lake Tahoe
The Washoe 3 bedroom Family unit(pets welcome)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pope Beach

Pope Beach in South Lake Tahoe offers a beautiful setting for picnics with designated areas, making it perfect for family gatherings. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach features outdoor seating for relaxation and sunbathing, while nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. For those looking to shop, local boutiques and stores are just a short drive away, adding to the overall experience of this picturesque destination.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is The Shops at Heavenly Village, just 5 miles away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Tahoe City Farmers' Market, located 17 miles away, where you can discover local produce and unique gifts.

Recreation

Experience the stunning Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, offering an outdoor sports vibe just 5 miles from Pope Beach. For a fun twist, enjoy ice skating at Heavenly Village Ice Rink, also 5 miles away, or unwind with a rejuvenating treatment at Serenity Spa, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort, perfect for outdoor adventures, located 7 miles from Pope Beach. Take a scenic ride on the Heavenly Gondola, offering stunning views and family fun, situated 5 miles away. Enjoy camping and outdoor activities at Campground by the Lake, just 3 miles away.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night out, visit the Emerald Bay Tavern for great cocktails and a lively atmosphere. If you're in the mood for some dancing, check out the Heavenly Village, where you can enjoy live music and a variety of bars to keep the energy alive.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pope Beach

Pope Beach in South Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and beach experiences. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful shoreline, explore nearby attractions, and take advantage of the scenic surroundings, including national parks and ski resorts. Whether you're relaxing on Tahoe Beach or engaging in thrilling activities, Pope Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every traveler.

  • Emerald Bay State Park: Located 4 miles from Pope Beach, this stunning park offers breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore hiking trails, take in panoramic views of Emerald Bay, and discover the historic Vikingsholm mansion nestled among lush forests.
  • Heavenly Ski Resort: About 7 miles away, Heavenly Ski Resort is a winter wonderland for ski enthusiasts. Experience thrilling slopes, stunning lake views, and various outdoor activities that make it a perfect destination for adventure seekers year-round.
  • Lakeside Beach: Just 5 miles from Pope Beach, Lakeside Beach provides a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful sandy shores. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking while soaking up the vibrant beach vibes and stunning lake views.

Best time to go to Pope Beach

The best time to visit Pope Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pope Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Pope Beach falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February29.7°F (-1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September58.3°F (14.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December29.1°F (-1.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pope Beach

To save money on your trip to Pope Beach, consider visiting in April or October to November when prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates and use Expedia to find affordable hotels by filtering for budget options or eco-certified stays. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can lead to additional savings. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities like hiking and enjoy public transport to keep your travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pope Beach are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pope Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Pope Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to filter your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Pope Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia