Round Hill Pines: An Excellent South Lake Tahoe Beach
When researching the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, popular options such as Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, and Emerald Bay often come up. While those are all solid options worth…
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When researching the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, popular options such as Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, and Emerald Bay often come up. While those are all solid options worth exploring, there’s another beautiful beach you may want to consider - Round Hill Pines.
Located on the famed south shore of Lake Tahoe (on the Nevada side), Round Hill Pines offers its visitors a pristine beach, the same incredibly clear water Tahoe is known for, a beach-side bar, an on-site restaurant, water vessel rentals, and more.
My wife and I recently spent the day at Round Hill Pines for her birthday. I wasn’t planning on posting about this place, so I left my camera at home. I ended up liking it so much I ended up scrambling to get photos with my cell phone so I could share it with you.
In this post, I’ll discuss topics such as how to get to Round Hill Pines, how it costs to visit, the food/drink situation, and more. Let’s get into it.
Getting to Round Hill Pines and Parking Prices
Getting to Round Hill Pines is fairly straight forward, as the entrance to the parking lot is right off of Highway 50 and is well signed. If you’re coming from the Sand Harbor or Carson City area, the entrance will on your right, just a few miles after passing Zephyr Cove.
From the direction of Sacramento or Emerald Bay, you’ll arrive to the exit on your left about 8-10 minutes after crossing the state line into Nevada.
Round Hill Pines’ parking lot is fairly large and multi-tiered, with spaces for many vehicles. The day-use/parking fee is $12, cash only (as of our visit in August 2024). That fee covers your parking and beach access only. Note that if you arrive after 5pm, the parking fee is waived.
As is the case with most things in Lake Tahoe, the earlier you arrive, the better. We arrived right at 8am (when they open) and were one of just a few vehicles. When we left around 2pm, the parking lot was nearly full. This was in August, which is a busy time for Tahoe. If you’re here during the outside months, you’ll have more leeway.
Round Hill Pines Restaurants and Bar
Round Hill Pines has an on-site restaurant called Beach Bums Bar and Grill and Rum Bar on the Beach, a beachside bar. Beach Bums is situated to the left of the main path leading to the beach from the parking lot and Rum Bar is to the left of the stairwell, in front of the restaurant.
The restaurant is walk-up and order style, where they’ll then bring your food out to you. There’s ample seating in the restaurant’s outdoor deck, but if you prefer, they’ll also bring your food to you at your spot on the beach. Simply tell them and they’ll give you a numbered flag to place at your spot.
Rum Bar on the Beach Drinks
Both of the establishments open at 11am. While Beach Bums closes at sunset, Rum Bar doesn’t have a specified closing time. The website states that hanging out at Rum Bar during sunset is can’t-miss (I’m paraphrasing), so it likely stays open well past that.
While Rum Bar serves many specialty cocktails and classic drinks, their two most popular choices are the Pain Killer and Rum Rummer drinks. The Pain Killer is a slushy concoction of pineapple and coconut, topped with a variety of rums and fresh nutmeg.
The Rum Runner is a unique blend of tropical fruit juices, rum, and Round Hill Pines’ signature rum floater. They’re both fantastic and stand out from one another. The Rum Runner packs more of a punch with rum flavor, while the Pain Killer’s flavor favors more of the sweetness from the pineapple and coconut.
Personally, my favorite was the Pain Killer (I ended up downing a few of these). If you’re someone who likes your drink on the stronger side, you’ll likely favor the Rum Rummer. Honestly, you couldn’t go wrong with either option. They’re both great.
Beach Bums Bar and Grill Menu and Food
Unfortunately, the great drinks at Rum Bar is where my excitement ends as it pertains to the food and drink options. The resort’s on-site restaurant, Beach Bums, offers many selections for all sorts of palettes but the items we tried left much to be desired.
For starters, we ordered the chicken wings with guava habanero sauce ($11.75). I have to be honest, these were the worst wings we’ve ever had. The chicken itself was so bland the sauce couldn’t save it. There was no seasoning at all, and it tasted as if the chicken was boiled, instead of baked or fried.
For our entrees, I ordered the Smoked BBQ Bacon Burger ($24.75) and my wife ordered the Mahi-mahi Tacos ($21.75). The burger came doused in bbq sauce and topped with applewood-smoked bacon, white cheddar, muenster, and an onion ring.
It was decent, but nowhere near worth $25 and had way too much cheese on it. Additionally, the bun was practically worthless as the burger itself was more than twice its size. Additionally, I paid an extra $2.00 for sweet potato fries that were bland and soggy.
My wife said her Mahi-mahi tacos were just ok, as the fish had decent flavor, but there were two different sauces on the tacos and way too much of it. So much so, that the sauces practically drowned out the flavor of the seasoned fish.
Of the three offerings, the tacos were the winner, but only by a slight margin. As stated above, my burger was decent, but definitely not worth $25. The soggy fries only made it worse. They deliver your food to you in these plastic containers which to be fair,, does trap the heat, but often results in soggy food.
Your milage may vary, but my recommendation is to pack a picnic and enjoy that with a Pain Killer (or two) on the beach. My opinion of the taste of the food is my own and a matter of perspective, but the prices are far and away what I would consider “par for the course”…even by Tahoe standards.
Round Hill Pines Beach and Rentals
There are many activities to partake in at Round Hill Pines. The favorite among many being just hanging on the beach itself. In comparison to other South Lake Tahoe beaches, it’s on the smaller side, but spacious nonetheless. Sand Harbor has it beat as far as visual standards go, but that’s about it.
As stated earlier in this post, we arrived early (8am) to secure our choice of beach space. There was only one other person here when we arrive but as the morning progressed, it became more and more populated. In the photos below, the first one was shortly after we set up (about 8:30) and the second was around 10am.
While this fairly minor by Lake Tahoe standards, it just goes to show how quickly the crowds at these beaches get dense. I forgot to take another photo of the same angle, but the below photo was from the dock and was taken shortly after 12pm. Again, I stress to you the importance of arriving early. Especially in July or August.
Aside from hanging out on the beach, there’s a hut near the marina where you can rent a variety of water vessels. Round Hill Pines recommends securing your rentals online ahead of time. You can do at this link. Rentals include:
Boats
Sea Doos
Kayaks and SUP Boards
Pedal Boats
and more
Additionally, you can book a cruise around Lake Tahoe (including Emerald Bay) on a 63-foot yacht, called the Tahoe Serenity. Cruises are 2.5-hours long and include snacks and beverages. If you place an order ahead of time from Beach Bums, you can enjoy an onboard lunch. You can book cruises here.
Lastly, further down the beach is a volleyball net available for all guests to use. Pretty sure you’ll need to bring your own volleyball, but it doesn’t hurt to ask one of the employees if they have any on-hand. By the way, the photo below showcases our beach set-up. I’ve provided Amazon links to nearly everything in the photo if you’re interested.
OOFOS Sandals (the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn)
Citronella Spray (a DEET-free way to keep bugs away - bees are everywhere in Tahoe)
Round Hill Pines Common Questions
Does Round Hill Pines Beach allow dogs?
No, dogs (or any pet) are not allowed.
Is there a lifeguard on the beach?
No.
Can I BBQ on the beach?
For the protection of the surrounding environment, gas and charcoal grills are not allowed on the beach.
PROVERBS 3:23
Enjoy Relative Seclusion at Hidden Beach Near Incline Village
Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach…
2 minute read | may contain affiliate links
Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach!
Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this secluded gem offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and beach-goers alike.
In this article, we'll take you on a virtual journey to this picturesque oasis, unveiling its breathtaking views, turquoise waters and the myriad of experiences it has to offer.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable lakeside adventure that will leave you in awe. Let's dive in and discover the hidden paradise of Hidden Beach.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
Getting To and Parking For Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach doesn’t get nearly as crowded as those nearby, like Sand Harbor and Crystal Bay. A big reason for that is you can’t drive up to it.
To access it, you’ll need to park at the Tunnel Creek or Bullwheel lots at the north end of highway 28 near the Tunnel Creek Cafe.
Parking fees are associated with these lots and are hourly (the rates for 2023 are pictured above). If the lots are full, you can get there with the East Shore Express Shuttle.
To reach Hidden Beach, you’ll need to hike for about a mile on the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
The trail is paved and the grade never exceeds 8%, making it easy to push a stroller or pull a wagon (to haul all of your lake day essentials with).
At first, the trail runs along the opposite side of the highway, but will eventually take you to the shore side via a tunnel.
Beautiful murals, each depicting different perspectives of Lake Tahoe, adorn the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.
When you get to the opposite end of the tunnel, you’ll want to bear left to get to Hidden Beach. Shortly thereafter, you’ll see the shore access sign on your right.
Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is reached via the shoreline access trail (pictured above). The trail is short, taking less than a minute to reach the sand.
The beach is roughly 750 feet long and features rocky alcoves and an abundance of granite boulders dotting the shore.
As stated above, Hidden Beach doesn’t get all that crowded. People mostly pop-in and pop-out while hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
Hidden Beach may not be as popular or even as scenic as nearly Sand Harbor, but the relative seclusion you’ll enjoy more than makes up for it.
If you have an inflatable SUP (paddle board) or kayak, you’re allowed to use them here. You can also bring your dogs as long as they’re leashed.
I hope you’ll consider spending a beach day at Hidden Beach. It’s one of the most tranquil Lake Tahoe beaches I’ve ever been to and I have no doubt you'd enjoy it too.
If you’re interested, check out a few more of my posts about nearby attractions:
Also, if you’re considering a trip to Lake Tahoe (or any lake/beach for that matter) consider reading my list of 25 lake day essentials:
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How to Hike To Skunk Harbor In Lake Tahoe
You may be asking why I’m making a post about Lake Tahoe and putting it in the “Nevada” section. Many people don’t actually…
2 minute read | contains affiliate links
Welcome to my comprehensive guide on visiting Skunk Harbor, a hidden(ish) gem nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Tahoe.
Skunk Harbor offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery and a tranquil hiking trail that’ll leave you in awe of its natural splendor.
Located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe, Skunk Harbor is a welcomed break from the hectic, overly touristy southern portion of Tahoe.
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a sense of serenity, surrounded by towering pine trees, crystal-clear turquoise water and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
In this guide, I’ll cover many topics such as parking, the hiking trail, the cove itself and what to expect along the way. Let’s get into it!
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Trail Stats
Location: Lake Tahoe (east shore)
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: All year, but difficult to access in winter
For: Hikers
Restroom: None
Parking: Two small pull-out style lots along the highway
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy going in, moderate going out
Popularity: Medium to high
Mileage: 2.8-miles, RT
Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 567 feet
Condition: Maintained, easy to follow
Features: A cove with clear waters and a historic cabin
Pets: Allowed, but must be leashed
Drones: Allowed, per the B4UFLY App
Hazards: Hike out is steep and sun exposed
Our Visit(s): 2016, 2017, 2019 and July 2023
Skunk Harbor Parking
Lake Tahoe in general is notorious for its parking issues, but the eastern shoreline along Highway 28 is in a league all its own.
There are two small, pull-out style lots along the side of Highway 28 specifically for Skunk Harbor. However, they’re difficult to spot as they’re not signed.
Your best bet is to utilize a GPS device to locate them. That way you’ll know when they’re coming up.
If you’re coming from Carson City or the south shore, keep an eye out for the gate pictured above. Just past that gate is the first lot with a second, slightly larger one further up.
If you’re coming from Incline Village, you’ll know you’ve gone too far if you’ve reached Spooner Lake. Turn around a try again.
There is no parking fee (yet) but as of June 2023 and for the foreseeable future, construction on Highway 28 could damper, or even block your ability to park here.
There is ongoing efforts to improve the parking situation along this stretch of the lake. I’d wager that once they're done, there will be parking fees implemented.
The Trail To Skunk Harbor
If you parked in the lot near the gate, the trail begins past the gate along a forest service road. If you parked in the second one, the trail is a semi-steep descent on a dirt path that’ll soon intersect with the main trail.
For a short time the trail is gravel but soon turns to dirt. It’s much wider than your standard hiking trail, though. So it’s perfect for groups and pets.
Before the trail descends towards Skunk Harbor, you’ll be presented with a fork in the trail. Take a slight left to continue on the trail proper (don’t take the sharp left down the forest road).
Shortly after this fork, you’ll walk between a couple of boulder stacks. Here, you’ll get a commanding view of Lake Tahoe and the mountains. Past here, you’ll begin your descent.
You’ll hit a few switchbacks before reaching the bottom. The initial half loop to the first switchback is steep, but they become more level after that.
As you approach the cove, you’ll see a stone stairwell with a trail marker indicating the correct path. You’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see a small wooden bridge ahead of you.
Skunk Harbor
If you get an early start, you’ll likely have Skunk Harbor largely to yourself. If you come later in the day, though, the cove and its beach will likely be inundated with anchored boats and beach goers.
Early in the season, there won’t be much a beach but as snowmelt eases, it’ll become more exposed. The boulders near the mouth will be accessible as well.
SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR AN INFLATABLE STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD!
To the right of where you came in is a old stone cabin that was built in the early 1920’s by a wealthy family who purchased Skunk Harbor.
The interior of the cabin isn’t accessible but can be viewed through the grating in the window. You can explore all angles of the exterior, though.
Behind the cabin is a dirt path that’ll lead you to an overlook of Skunk Harbor. There are a lot of downed trees and boulders here, so you’ll need to navigate those.
From here, you’re able to better see the remains of the cabin’s boating dock submerged in the water.
CHECK OUT THIS GREAT CAMERA TO DOCUMENT YOUR OWN TRAVELS WITH!
I hope you’ll consider hiking to (or boating into) Skunk Harbor during your visit to Lake Tahoe. Get there early and you’re guaranteed to spend a serene morning in nature.
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