Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Kings Beach, CA

  • Published 2022/11/11

Founded in 1937, Kings Beach is in Placer County, California.

The beach was named after Joe King, the area’s first postmaster.

This location is famous for its access to the northern side of Lake Tahoe, the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Kings Beach has a total land area of 3.4 square miles.

To give you an idea of what’s in store there, here is a list of the best things to do in Kings Beach, California:

Watch the Fireworks at Kings Beach State Recreation Area

View of Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock.com

Kings Beach State Recreation Area is an outdoor recreational space in Kings Beach.

Drop by Kings Beach State Recreation Area at North lake Boulevard.

This location is best known as the flagship beach site around Lake Tahoe.

Spanning around 1,700 feet, it is the biggest public beach on the north side of Lake Tahoe.

Enjoy the blue lake water and the white sand at Kings Beach State Recreation Area.

View of Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock.com

Bring an umbrella or a tent for shade if you want to avoid the summer sun.

Regarding lakeside activities, kayaks, paddle boats, and jet skis are available for rent.

Other amenities include a playground, picnic tables, and a basketball court.

Visit the beachside spot during the Fourth of July to witness the fantastic fireworks show.

Take in the gorgeous mountain views while you hike around Kings Beach State Recreation Area.

View of Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock.com

Reward Yourself with Great Views at Historic Stateline Fire Lookout

View of Historic Stateline Fire Lookout

Esteban Martinena Guerrer / Shutterstock.com

The Historic Stateline Fire Lookout is a famous hiking trail in Kings Beach, California.

This trail is famous because it is where the old Stateline Fire Lookout was housed.

At present, the fire lookout is no longer there.

What remains is a great hiking trail that takes you through the Crystal bay Area of Lake Tahoe.

Following the hiking trail will lead you to the exact spot where the fire lookout tower was once built.

Take in the great American outdoors as you witness the picturesque views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

The hiking trail consists of a paved road.

The trail goes uphill, so the path can be challenging.

Once you reach the top of the Stateline Fire Lookout, you will see a great view of Lake Tahoe.

Go Paddle Boarding at Speedboat Beach

Speedboat Beach is a quaint community beach in Kings Beach, California.

Visit Speedboat Beach at Harbor Avenue.

This spot is famous for its towering boulder formations and clear lake water.

People often drop by Speedboat Beach for lakeside activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

A shower station and public restrooms are available for use after you take a dip in the lake.

If you have your dog with you, do not worry for the beach is pet-friendly.

Try Mini Golf at Kings Beach Miniature Golf

King Beach Miniature Golf is a family-owned mini golf course on Lake Boulevard.

Kings Beach Miniature Golf opened in 1957.

As the oldest golf course in the Kings Beach area, the golf course has become a staple for locals and tourists.

Try your hand at mini golf on their 36-hole mini golf course.

Besides the mini golf course, Kings Beach Miniature Golf is also famous for its ice cream and candy offerings.

Visit the mini golf course during the summer, as the establishment closes during winter.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Feel the Luxury at Northstar California Resort

Northstar California Resort is a ski resort in Truckee, California, 29 minutes from Kings Beach.

This establishment is famous for its extensive array of facilities and for giving guests access to Lake Tahoe.

Cross-country skiing at the numerous slopes is available for guests.

There are flatter slopes for beginners and steeper slopes where veteran skiers can challenge themselves.

In the evening, visitors often camp by the fire pits while munching on some ice cream.

The Northstar California Resort boasts its skating rink for you to explore.

The resort has a variety of bars and restaurants, namely the summit smokehouse and the Zephyr Lounge.

During the winter, try many sporting activities like snowshoeing, fat tire snow biking, and snowboarding at the terrain park.

During the summer, the ski slopes are great for downhill mountain biking.

Ski among the Pine Trees at Diamond Peak Ski Resort

Diamond Peak Ski Resort is one of the more underrated ski resorts near Kings Beach.

Visit Diamond Peak in Incline Village, Nevada, 19 minutes from Kings Beach.

The resort is smaller and less crowded than other resorts, with six chair lifts within its 655 acres.

Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Tahoe on your way up the hills on the chair lifts.

You’ll also enjoy a shorter waiting time at Diamond Peak Ski Resort.

It offers lessons at its ski school if you’re a beginner and wants to try skiing.

Likewise, it has its own dedicated Child Ski Center if you have children who want to go skiing or snowboarding.

You can rent their cozy lodge houses for overnight stays.

Ride the Horse Sleighs at Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is a beach on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Check out Sand Harbor in Incline Village, Nevada, 24 minutes from Kings Beach.

This location draws frequent guests for waterfront activities like swimming, boating, and kayaking.

Enjoy the magnificent mountain views and crystal clear water while you relax at the beach shore.

There are public bathrooms along the beach.

Bring a bike to enjoy the biking trails that begin at Sand Harbor.

If you don’t have a bike, you can still enjoy hiking along the trails.

This place is also excellent for paddle boarding.

If you need a snack or refreshments, there is a concession stand at the beach.

There is a restaurant if you’d like to have a meal and if you’d like to order some alcoholic drinks.

Sand Harbor can get quite crowded during the peak season, so the beach has set a capacity limit on guests.

It is best to come to Sand Harbor early and in the off-season.

There is a visitor center at Sand Harbor if you want more information about the area.

There are horse sleigh rides available for you to try.

Once a year, a Shakespearean festival occurs at the harbor.

During the festival, you can check out theater shows like Mamma Mia.

Bring Your Dog to North Tahoe Regional Park

North Tahoe Regional Park is an outdoor campground in Tahoe Vista, California, six minutes from Kings Beach.

This spot is famous for its many amenities, including various sporting fields and campgrounds.

If you have kids with you, take them to the children’s playground, where they can play on the hanging bridges and the climbing bars.

Guests with dogs can visit their dog park named “Tahoe Unleashed.”

Tahoe Unleashed is a one-acre play area for dogs.

The play area has a bridge walk, a ring jump, and other dog-related equipment.

North Tahoe Regional Park also has several hiking and biking trails to discover.

Other recreational activities that you can do in North Tahoe include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.

The park also has three tennis courts and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Have a picnic at the “Ramada” picnic area.

The Ramada picnic area can host up to a hundred people, making it suitable for large gatherings.

Try Your Luck at Crystal Bay Casino

Crystal Bay Casino is an entertainment facility in Crystal Bay, Nevada, four minutes from Kings Beach.

Crystal Bay is famous for its luxurious accommodations and its gambling facilities.

Stay overnight at the Border House and get a room with a great view of Lake Tahoe.

The Border House has many features like hot tubs, fireplaces, and large television displays.

The Crystal Bay Casino has state-of-the-art entertainment facilities in two areas: the Red Room and the Crown Room.

Listen to world-class tunes when live bands play at the casino.

If you want to dine out, the Crystal Bay Casino has its in-house restaurant.

Their in-house restaurant is called the Steak & Lobster House, where they serve their famous prime rib steak.

For alcoholic drinks, visit their Steakhouse Bar to partake in their wines and cocktails.

Challenge Yourself at Tahoe XC

Tahoe Cross-County, stylized as Tahoe XC, is a ski resort in Tahoe City, California, 15 minutes from Kings Beach.

Tahoe XC has an impressive 50+ kilometers of land dedicated to skiing and winter sports.

Tahoe XC opened in 1999 as a nonprofit organization to promote healthy outdoor activities to the local community.

Take in the magnificent lake views and the beautiful pine trees while racing down the ski slopes.

Skiing equipment and lodges are available for rent.

Pulk sleds are available for families with small children.

There are eight kilometers of dog-friendly trails within Tahoe XC.

Have your choice of complimentary tea, water, or hot chocolate while staying at the huts near the trails.

Drop by the Free Heel Cafe to buy clothes and to dine at the viewing deck.

During summer, guests can use the mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Try Lakeside Activities at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and Boat Launch

View of Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and Boat Launch

Esteban Martinena Guerrer / Shutterstock.com

Tahoe Vista Recreation Area is a lakeside park in Tahoe Vista, three minutes from Kings Beach.

Visit the recreation area at Lake Boulevard.

Tahoe Vista Recreation Area is famous for its plaza, where you can enjoy scenic lake views.

There is a roped swimming area by the lake shore and a boat launch to access the lake.

Tahoe Vista is a sandy beach, so you may bring a towel and sunbathe.

Feel free to bring an umbrella or tent for shade if the heat gets too much.

Lodges are available for overnight stays.

You can rent paddle boards and kayaks from the Tahoe Adventure Company for lakeside activities.

Enjoy a Family-Friendly Stay at Burnt Cedar Beach

Burnt Cedar Beach is a shoreside recreational space around Kings Beach.

Visit Burnt Cedar Beach at Incline Village, 11 minutes from Kings Beach.

Burnt Cedar is a private beach, so you will need to pay a fee if you do not stay within Incline Village.

This location is famous for its numerous amenities, including a swimming pool, volleyball courts, and children’s playground.

The beach is safe for kids due to its shallow waters and the presence of a jetty.

There is a picnic area where you can treat your family to a lovely barbecue.

If you need additional drinks and snacks, drop by the concession stand.

In terms of lakeside activities, paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent.

Practice Your Swing at Old Brockway Golf Course

Old Brockway Golf Course is a historic golf course in Tahoe Vista, two minutes from Kings Beach.

The golf course was established in 1978.

Old Brockway Golf Course is a family-owned establishment by Lake Tahoe.

Old Brockway has up to 3,400 yards of golfing space.

Known as a Lake Tahoe Golfing Tradition, Old Brockway features classical golf course architecture.

Harry Comstock built the course, while Scottish architect John Duncan Dunn designed it.

Old Brockway hosted the first Bing Crosby Golf Tournament in 1936.

It was the first nine-hole course in the United States to become an Audubon cooperative sanctuary.

Soak up the Sun at North Tahoe Beach

North Tahoe Beach is another famous beach in Tahoe Vista, two minutes from Kings Beach.

North Tahoe Beach has 2.7 acres of beach space filled with many amenities.

There is a grassy park area just above the beach if you want to set up a picnic spot.

Try your hand at horseshoes in their horseshoe pit.

There are three volleyball courts for you to compete with your friends.

Community events occasionally happen in the park shelter.

North Tahoe Beach is a dog-friendly park.

Hop on a boat and go fishing in the middle of Lake Tahoe.

Play Poker at Jim Kelley’s Nugget Casino

Jim Kelley’s Nugget is an intimate casino in Crystal Beach, five minutes from Kings Beach.

Although it is one of the smaller casinos in the area, Jim Kelley’s Nugget is conveniently located in Crystal Bay.

The casino has an impressive 169 slot machines and 14 poker machines.

Jim Kelley’s Nugget has both video poker and lives poker games.

If you aren’t in the mood to gamble, Jim Kelley’s Nugget has poker tables where you can play a friendly game of billiards.

Stop by their in-house restaurant, Joe’s Cafe, for food and refreshments.

Final Thoughts

Kings Beach, CA, is where you can indulge in recreational activities regardless of the season.

Try your luck and win big at the casinos around Kings Beach.

Practice your swing in a full-size golf course and a mini golf course.

Take in the great outdoors by hiking on countless hiking trails.

During the winter season, make a reservation at the numerous ski resorts in the area.

In the summer, go to the beach and picnic in the various recreational areas around Kings Beach.

If you plan on heading to Lake Tahoe, refer to this list of the 15 best things to do in Kings Beach, CA.

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