Ride the East Shore Express and Reserve Your Spot This Summer
Sand Harbor State Park is one of Lake Tahoe’s crown jewels—but with that beauty comes summer crowds. Thankfully, there’s a smarter way to enjoy it in 2025.
New Rules, Same Paradise: What You Need to Know
If your summer tradition includes lounging on the white sands of Sand Harbor or diving into its crystal-clear waters, you’ll want to plan ahead this year. Starting April 15 through October 15, Nevada State Parks has reinstated its day-use reservation system, ensuring that Sand Harbor stays accessible, beautiful, and less congested.
Reservations are required for vehicles arriving between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. daily. After that window, any unclaimed spots are opened up on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made at ReserveNevada.com, with three tiered booking options—spanning from 90 days to 7 days in advance, plus same-day availability (no $5 fee if booked day-of).
But if you’re looking to skip the parking stress altogether? There’s an even better option.
Skip the Hassle, Ride the Bus: The East Shore Express is Back
The Tahoe Transportation District is bringing back the East Shore Express, a free daily shuttle running from June 22 to September 6, and it might just be your golden ticket to the beach.
🚌 Here’s how it works:
- Parking: Park for free at the Tunnel Creek lot (1102 Tahoe Blvd.) near Incline Village.
- Service: Continuous loop buses run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the last bus to Sand Harbor departing at 3:00 p.m.
- Return Trips: Start at 10:30 a.m. from Sand Harbor; last return bus departs at 6:00 p.m.
- Real-Time Tracking: Download the Transit App or use TART Connect for curb-to-curb connections and live updates.
This shuttle isn’t just convenient—it’s also part of a bigger mission to protect Tahoe’s natural resources by reducing traffic, emissions, and road runoff that harms water clarity.
💡Pro Tip: Afternoon visits are ideal! The East Shore Express gets you there easily and helps you avoid the early morning reservation rush.
Important: Don’t Walk In from Hwy 28
In recent years, some visitors have tried to park along Highway 28 and walk into Sand Harbor. This is not allowed and creates serious safety issues. Rangers will turn away walk-ins from the highway and issue parking citations for anyone parked illegally. Don’t risk your trip—or your safety.
Park Fees Reminder
- NV Vehicles: $10
- Non-NV Vehicles: $15
- Boat Launch: $20 NV / $25 non-NV
- Bike-in Fee: $2 per bike
When Sand Harbor is Full, Try These Nearby Alternatives
If Sand Harbor’s reservation window is booked or you’re exploring other options, consider these scenic beaches around Lake Tahoe:
- Nevada Beach (South Lake Tahoe): Spacious beach with picnic areas, restrooms, and kayak rentals. Perfect for families.
- Kings Beach State Recreation Area (North Lake Tahoe): Popular and accessible, with restaurants nearby and a great swimming shoreline.
- Hidden Beach (East Shore, via East Shore Trail): A quieter alternative if you’re hiking or biking from Incline Village.
- Zephyr Cove: Offers rentals, volleyball courts, and a classic Tahoe beach vibe with plenty of room to spread out.
Final Thoughts: A Better Way to Visit Sand Harbor
With new rules in place and convenient transit options available, summer 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most organized (and enjoyable) seasons at Sand Harbor yet. Whether you’re watching Shakespeare under the stars, picnicking by the water, or paddleboarding past boulders, planning ahead means more time enjoying and less time circling the lot.
✅ Make your reservation early at ReserveNevada.com
✅ Or leave the car behind and hop on the free East Shore Express
✅ And don’t forget—parking on Hwy 28 is not a backup plan!
This summer, let’s all do our part to preserve the magic of Tahoe’s east shore.
