Traveling with your pup is an excellent way to enrich their lives and yours, and there’s no better place to do just that than in beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Endless shorelines for chasing balls or finding the perfect stick, winding trails filled with new sniffs, and ample patios for end-of-day relaxation make Tahoe a pup’s paradise. And that’s just in the summer! Winter brings a whole other level of adventure with snowy excursions and nights curled by the fire in your cozy Tahoe Rental Company pet-friendly vacation rental.
Dig into the best of dog-friendly Lake Tahoe with our local recommendations for the top breweries, beaches, parks, and activities to enjoy on your next getaway.
Get even more great Lake Tahoe information over on our Area Guide page—everything you need to know, all in one place!
Sit and Stay for An Important Note:
Just like humans, pets can experience altitude sickness. If your dog isn’t used to the mountains, keep them hydrated and watch for signs of distress. If you notice any of these, contact a veterinarian. For mild cases, move to a lower elevation, let your pet rest, and offer plenty of water—most dogs bounce back quickly with a little care.
Excessive panting, coughing, labored breathing, pale gums, runny nose, or a rapid heart rate
Vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in bathroom behavior
Unusual drooling, lethargy, or dizziness
Off-Leash & Beach Adventures
Between sparkling water and forested trails, Lake Tahoe is full of places for you and your dog to explore. While most beaches and trails require pups to stay leashed, there are a few special spots where they can run, splash, and play freely. Always double-check signage before you go, as some access areas are managed by different agencies with their own leash laws.
Regan Beach
Regan Beach is Tahoe's only public beach with a designated off-leash dog water park. You’ll find it on the east side of the beach, complete with a grassy area, waste stations, and direct access to the lake.
Kiva Beach
Just west of Camp Richardson near Emerald Bay, Kiva Beach is one of the most scenic places to enjoy the water with your furry friend. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round, and the shallow shoreline makes it easy for them to wade in. There’s limited parking and no shade, so plan for earlier hours or bring an umbrella. If you want to make a day of it, the nearby Tallac Historic Site allows dogs on leash and offers walking paths through towering pines and historic estates.
Patton Landing
Home to Waterman’s Landing Café—a popular stop for coffee and paddleboard rentals. Patton Landing welcomes leashed dogs, and the café’s patio is pet-friendly too.
Hidden Beach
Located on the Nevada side near Incline Village, Hidden Beach offers a string of rocky coves where leashed dogs can explore the shoreline. It’s less accessible than other beaches but well worth the effort for the views and quiet atmosphere. Just remember that parking is limited and there are no restrooms or waste stations—so come prepared.
Dog-Friendly Trails & Outdoor Activities in Lake Tahoe
When your pup’s ready to trade sand for soil, Tahoe’s mountains deliver. The region’s mix of forested paths, alpine lakes, and sweeping views makes it one of the best places in the West for dog friendly activities. Leashes are required on most hiking trails, but the freedom of the open air and endless things to explore more than make up for it.
Start with the Gillmore Lake Trail, a 9-mile moderately challenging loop that rewards your efforts with peaceful lake views and quiet pine forest. For a bigger adventure, the Lake Aloha and Mount Tallac trails lead deep into the Desolation Wilderness, offering panoramic views of Emerald Bay and Fallen Leaf Lake along the way.
Closer to town, Ellis Peak offers a gentler climb and plenty of shady rest stops along its 7-mile out-and-back route, while the Tahoe Rim Trail stretches for miles around the basin—perfect for sampling a short section with your four-legged hiking buddy.
If you’d rather skip the uphill trek, perhaps if you're traveling with an older dog, you can head to Northstar Resort, a four-season Tahoe resort, that offers enclosed gondola rides so you can bring your dog with you for the price of a lift ticket! During non-ski season, hikers and dogs are welcome to ride on the Big Springs Gondola and the Zephyr Express lifts. The Zephyr lift will drop you off right near the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Pup-Approved Winter Fun in Tahoe
When the snow starts to fall, Tahoe becomes a winter wonderland for both dogs and their owners. The trails transform into peaceful snowshoe routes for guided walks, while open meadows are perfect for playtime in the powder. Just remember dogs with short hair, or those not used to the cold may need things like paw protection, waterproof jackets, and breaks to warm up throughout the day.
Some of our favorite dog friendly Lake Tahoe winter spots include Meeks Bay, Page Meadow, North Tahoe Regional Park, Hope Valley, Echo Lake Basin, and the Big & Little Shorty Loops. Each offers beautiful scenery and plenty of space to roam, especially after a fresh snowfall.
Our year-round Lake Tahoe pet-friendly lodging is conveniently located near Tahoe’s top trails and attractions, so be sure to check it out as you plan your visit!
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Lake Tahoe
Tahoe’s dining scene is as welcoming as its trails. When the day winds down, you’ll find plenty of patios where dogs are greeted with a smile (and often a bowl of water). Many restaurants offer shaded or heated outdoor seating, allowing you and your pup to enjoy a meal together year-round.
A few of our favorites include:
Base Camp Pizza Co. – A lively spot in Heavenly Village known for its hand-tossed pizzas, craft beer, and live music on the patio. Dogs are welcome outside during the warmer months.
Sidellis Lake Tahoe Brewery – Enjoy craft ales and hearty pub fare. Their spacious outdoor patio is perfect for relaxing with your pup after a day on the trails.
Tahoe Cocktail Corner & Lake Tahoe AleWorX – These sister establishments share a large, dog-friendly patio with firepits and casual seating. Great for wood-fired pizza, creative cocktails, and people-watching.
South of North Brewing Co. – Located inside Basecamp Hotel, this relaxed microbrewery offers a cozy outdoor beer garden where dogs are always part of the scene.
Azul Latin Kitchen – Bright, flavorful Baja-inspired dishes and margaritas in the heart of Heavenly Village. Their outdoor seating area is dog-friendly and great for an afternoon snack or dinner.
South Lake Brewing Co. – Spacious taproom and outdoor beer garden with rotating food trucks that serve everything from pizza to Hawaiian dishes.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe with a Dog?
At Tahoe Rental Company, we believe your vacation should feel complete—with every family member included. Our pet-friendly Lake Tahoe lodging options make it easy to explore, relax, and enjoy the mountains together. From cozy cabins near the trails to spacious homes close to dog-friendly beaches and restaurants, you’ll find the perfect fit for your pack. Browse our collection of pet-friendly vacation rentals and book your Tahoe stay directly with us for the best rates and personalized local service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Friendly Lake Tahoe
Can dogs go on the gondolas in Tahoe?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome on select gondolas at Northstar Resort, including the Big Springs Gondola and Zephyr Express, during the summer and fall seasons. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy mountaintop views with your pup—no hike required.
Is Northstar Village dog friendly?
It is! Dogs are welcome to walk through Northstar Village on leash, and many shops set out water bowls during warmer months. Several patios allow dogs as well, making it a great stop for an afternoon stroll or post-hike drink.
Are dogs allowed on Tahoe trails?
Yes, dogs are allowed on most Lake Tahoe hiking trails, but leash rules vary depending on the area. National Forest lands like Desolation Wilderness require dogs to be leashed, while other trails may allow them off-leash if under voice control. Always bring waste bags and water—especially on longer routes or at higher elevations.