Secret Cove Beach in Lake Tahoe (Plus 4 Others!)

There’s a cluster of beaches on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe’s East Shore, and Secret Cove Beach is the most famous of the bunch.

Getting to them takes a little planning. Parking is now paid, the trails are a squiggly mess, and nothing here is really “secret.”

But it’s SO worth it. We’re talking five coves with some of the bluest water in Tahoe and those iconic white boulders sprinkled along the shore. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Where Is Secret Cove Beach?

Secret Cove sits on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada, right off Highway 28. It’s about 2.5 miles south of Sand Harbor, so roughly a 15-minute drive from Incline Village.

It’s not just one beach, either. Five beaches line up along the same stretch of shore, all connected by trails:

• Chimney Beach (furthest north)
• Secret Cove Beach (the famous one)
• Secret Harbor Beach (aka Boaters Beach)
• Creek Beach
• Whale Beach (furthest south and our favorite)

Where to Park for Secret Cove

Real talk: parking here used to be totally crap. Everyone parked on the side of Highway 28 wherever they could squeeze in.

Not anymore. There are now two paid lots and a lot more “No Parking” signs along the highway. Police do ticket cars parked on the shoulder, so don’t risk it.

• Secret Cove lot: About 30 spaces, with restrooms. It’s the closest lot to the beaches, so it fills FAST. Some maps call it the Secret Harbor lot.
• Chimney Beach lot: About 130 spaces, a little further north. Cross Highway 28 at the signalized crosswalk to reach the trailhead.
• Cost: $12 per day, charged 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. No overnight parking.
• How to pay: Use the kiosk or text “Secret” or “Chimney” to 727563. Credit cards only, and you’ll need your plate number.

Paid parking started June 1, 2026. Check the Tahoe Transportation District’s Park Tahoe page for current rates before you go.

TIP: On summer weekends, the lots can be full by 10 a.m. Get there early or aim for late afternoon when the morning crowd heads home.

How to Get to Secret Cove: The Trail

Oh, did you not know you have to TREK to these beaches? Yeah. Put the flip flops in your bag and lace up your hiking shoes.

From the Secret Cove lot, it’s downhill all the way to the water:

• To Chimney Beach: About 0.5 mile.
• To Secret Cove: About 1 mile.
• Parked at the Chimney Beach lot? Add a few extra minutes from across the highway.

Once you’re down by the lake, the trails are a mishmash that snakes through the trees and randomly up hillsides between the coves. It honestly doesn’t make much sense, but you can’t really get lost. Keep the lake on one side and you’ll hit the next beach.

The way back up is the hard part. It’s steep, so save some energy (and water) for the climb.

The 5 Beaches Around Secret Cove (North to South)

Secret Cove might not even be the best beach for you. It’s small and it’s clothing optional. With four other options on the same trail, why only pick one?

1. Chimney Beach

A beach with a fireplace but no house. The main attraction is a lone stone chimney standing on the shore, left over from a cabin that once stood here.

Sandy shore, big boulders, and the shortest walk from the parking lots. Easiest one to reach.

2. Secret Cove Beach

The one everyone’s heading to. Crazy clear water, white granite boulders, and a small slice of sand.

It’s also clothing optional, and there are signs telling you so. I wouldn’t bring kids here or come if you’re easily offended by nudity!

3. Secret Harbor Beach (Boaters Beach)

Ahoy! This one’s a favorite with people boating in (shocker), but you can still walk to it. Crystal clear water and a chill vibe.

A good stretch of sand to sprawl out on and stare at that turquoise water.

4. Creek Beach

Where the creek meets the lake. A nice spot to cool off with a little freshwater stream running right into Tahoe.

It’s another spot to ditch the swimsuit if you so choose. So unless you don’t mind seeing grandpa’s wang hanging, you might want to keep walking.

5. Whale Beach

No whales, sorry. Just a rock that looks like a breaching whale. You’ll find a bigger sandy beach and way more privacy.

Honestly? THIS is the best beach in the lineup. It was our favorite, and we spent hours just chilling on the shore. It’s the furthest south, so most people never make it here. Score for us (and maybe you too).

Is Secret Cove a Nude Beach?

Yep. Secret Cove is clothing optional, and you’ll see nudists at Creek Beach and Secret Harbor too. Nobody’s going to make you strip, but you will see people who did.

If that’s not your thing, Chimney Beach and Whale Beach are your best bets. Or head to one of the other beaches around Lake Tahoe.

Kayaking or Paddle Boarding to Secret Cove

Don’t feel like hiking? Same. If you have your own kayak or SUP, paddling in is a great way to bop between the beaches without the climb back up.

No gear? You can also join a guided tour and let someone else handle the logistics.

Tips for Visiting Secret Cove

• Pack it all: Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Sturdy shoes for the trail and flip flops for the beach.
• Use the bathroom first: Restrooms are up at the parking lot. Down at the beaches, there’s nothing.
• Dogs: Allowed, but keep them leashed and clean up after them.
• No campfires: Not allowed on the beaches here.
• Watch your step: Trails are steep and the rocks get slippery.
• Leave no trace: These beaches stay gorgeous because people pack out what they pack in. Be one of those people.

Where to Stay Near Secret Cove

There’s nothing to stay at right by the beaches, so you’ll want a base nearby. Incline Village is the closest. South Lake Tahoe is a bit further but has way more options, plus restaurants and nightlife.

Final Thoughts

These are hands down some of the most stunning beaches in Lake Tahoe. Grab a spot in one of the lots early, hike down, and spend the day beach hopping between coves.

And don’t skip Whale Beach. Trust us.

Still planning your trip? Check out our favorite views of Lake Tahoe and the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer.

We hope this helped you plan your visit to Secret Cove Beach in Tahoe, and that you make it to the other coves nearby too!

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