Legend has it that this town on the shores of Lake Tahoe was named after card shark Joe King, who won the rights to the area in a poker game nearly a century ago. Despite its royal name, Kings Beach is anything but pretentious, with dozens of family-run motels, eateries, and places to pick up your “I heart Tahoe” t-shirts.
Where Is Kings Beach and What Is It Known For?
Positioned at the junction of Highways 267 and 28 at the top of Lake Tahoe, about 10 miles northeast of Tahoe City, Kings Beach is a perfect jumping off point for anyone looking to take advantage of all the outdoor fun the region has to offer. Whether they are skiers and snowboarders here to hit the slopes at one of the region’s alpine resorts or visitors seeking fun on the azure waters of the lake, Kings Beach makes for an ideal home base.
For warm-weather visitors, the beach here—aka the Kings Beach State Recreation Area—is known as the “banana belt” of the North Shore because of the almost nonstop sunshine that makes it a prime spot for anyone with a beach towel, especially large groups and families. The broad stretch of sand features shallow swimming areas, picnic tables, playgrounds, and kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals during the warmer months.
Just steps away, the walkable downtown offers casual restaurants, cafés, breweries, and shops, making it easy to spend a full day by the water.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking at Kings Beach
If you want to take a break from all the action, slip away on a standup paddleboard or kayak, available for rent here (along with instruction). Outfitters such as North Tahoe Paddle, Adrift Tahoe, and Tahoe Paddle & Oar rent standup paddleboards and kayaks, while North Tahoe Watersports, located at Kings Beach State Recreation Area, also offers pedal boats, personal watercraft, and parasailing. Early mornings often bring the calmest conditions, making them an ideal time to paddle across Lake Tahoe's famously clear waters.
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Is Kings Beach Dog-Friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the sidewalks and in the picnic table areas of Kings Beach State Recreation Area, but not on the beach (dogs are not allowed on sandy beaches in Placer County). They are, however, allowed at Dog Beach, the rocky area located at the east of the park beyond the boat ramp.
Is There Public Transportation to Kings Beach?
Kings Beach is served by Tahoe and Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART), North Lake Tahoe’s free public transit system, with routes connecting Tahoe City, Crystal Bay, Truckee, and Northstar. TART Connect also offers free, on-demand curb-to-curb rides in the Tahoe City/Kings Beach zone, including connections to Northstar and nearby North Shore communities. During summer, a Kings Beach Park & Ride shuttle may run from Northstar to the North Tahoe Event Center near the beach; in 2026, that service costs $5 one-way or $10 round-trip, with reduced fares for children, seniors, veterans, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders. TART buses and TART Connect vehicles are bike-friendly, and standard beach gear is generally fine as long as it can be safely carried onboard.
What Restaurants Are in Kings Beach?
Kings Beach offers a surprisingly diverse dining scene. A longtime local favorite, Lanza's Restaurant is a family-friendly Italian joint complete with red-and-white checked tablecloths, while Jason's Beachside Grille pairs burgers, steaks, seafood, and other American favorites with panoramic Lake Tahoe views.
For a special occasion, reserve a table at Soule Domain, an intimate log cabin known for its seasonal New American cuisine and extensive wine list. If it’s pizza you’re craving, head to Whitecaps Pizza for handcrafted pies, local beers, and a waterfront patio overlooking the lake.
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Where to Stay by Kings Beach
There’s a wide range of places to stay here within walking distance of the water. Crown Motel features a private beach, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards in summer, and rooms ranging from cozy studios to lakefront suites. Firelite Lodge in nearby Tahoe Vista provides comfortable accommodations across from the lake, many with balconies overlooking the water, while Stevenson’s Holliday Inn is a budget-friendly option just steps from Kings Beach State Recreation Area.
Travelers seeking a more luxurious stay can book a room at nearby Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, also in Tahoe Vista, where spacious suites, a private beach, and complimentary paddlecraft rentals make it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
For a list of lodging options in the wider Lake Tahoe area, head to Lake Tahoe Travel Lodging.
