Calawee Cove Beach
A stunning, secluded sandy cove on Lake Tahoe's west shore, perfect for swimming and relaxation, accessible via hike or boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking.
Calawee Cove Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, secluded sandy cove on Lake Tahoe's west shore, perfect for swimming and relaxation, accessible via hike or boat.
"An absolutely beautiful beach in a secluded cove, perfect for relaxing or swimming."
🚗 Parking is Key!
Arrive early (9 AM) or late (3 PM) for parking at D.L. Bliss State Park. :car:
🥾 Hike for Views
The Rubicon Trail offers stunning lake vistas on your way to the beach. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Cove Beauty
D.L. Bliss State Park
A wide, sandy beach nestled in a secluded cove, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Rubicon Trail Hike
Starts near Emerald Bay
Hike a portion of the scenic Rubicon Trail for breathtaking lake views on your way to the beach.
Crystal Clear Waters
Calawee Cove Beach
Enjoy the cool, clear water that remains shallow for a good distance, ideal for swimming.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Hike or Boat Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Key!
Arrive early (9 AM) or late (3 PM) for parking at D.L. Bliss State Park. +1 :car:
🥾 Hike for Views
The Rubicon Trail offers stunning lake vistas on your way to the beach. :hiking_boot:
🚤 Boat Access Popular
Many visitors arrive by boat, anchoring to enjoy the cove. :sailboat:
🪨 Rocky Entry, Sandy Bottom
Slightly rocky access to water, but smooth sand beyond. :rock:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Key!
Arrive early (9 AM) or late (3 PM) for parking at D.L. Bliss State Park. +1 :car:
🥾 Hike for Views
The Rubicon Trail offers stunning lake vistas on your way to the beach. :hiking_boot:
🚤 Boat Access Popular
Many visitors arrive by boat, anchoring to enjoy the cove. :sailboat:
🪨 Rocky Entry, Sandy Bottom
Slightly rocky access to water, but smooth sand beyond. :rock:
☀️ Afternoon Shade
Plenty of natural shade available on the beach in the afternoon. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Calawee Cove Beach is praised for its beautiful, secluded setting and clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming. Visitors appreciate the option to hike the scenic Rubicon Trail to reach it. However, the limited parking is a significant drawback, often requiring early or late arrivals.
"Did some rock jumping and had a blast floating around in the little cove out front of the beach. Beach is accessible via boat since the park is closed. Great spot with some like minded people on boats."
Roger Taylor
"Beautiful beach . We took the day pass and drove through bliss state park. The Day pass is 10$. We had a lot of fun and felt the ten dollars was worth it. We spent more than 2 hours swimming and the weather was very nice. The state parks parking can get filled quickly, you should arrive early at around 9am or after 3pm. We reached the state park at around 11am but the parking was full so we returned at 3pm and there were much more spaces left."
Laks Seel
"An absolutely beautiful beach in a secluded cove, perfect for relaxing or swimming.
It is a wide and fairly good sized beach, with only slightly rocky access to the water. The rocks are in a line about 10 to 20 feet wide, then then beyond the rocks the bottom is smooth sand.
The cool, clear water goes out to standing depth for at least 50 to 100 feet or more.
The beach parking can be accessed by entering DL Bliss park, paying your $10 day fee, then driving about 10 minutes to the parking area. There is a second parking lot at the end of the road to access the trails, and that is where you will find the public restrooms. ( you can park there for the beach, too, but it’s a longer walk.)
Plan to walk down some steep stairs to access the beach, but it’s worth it.
There is plenty of shade on the beach in the afternoon.
Also, this beach is popular and can get busy on weekends or holidays. The parking will be closed when it is full, so try to arrive early, if possible.
Many boaters with friends or families will also arrive at this cove, then anchor to access the beach or just hang out and party. So, expect on busier days that the beach will be more crowded than expected and sometimes a little noisy. (And…that is why I gave it 4 stars…)
This is still one of our favorite beaches to swim at, so we will keep going back."
Mark Pitts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calawee Cove Beach is accessible via D.L. Bliss State Park. You can drive and park (if available) or hike the Rubicon Trail from nearby trailheads. Many visitors also arrive by boat. +1
Yes, parking is available within D.L. Bliss State Park, but it fills up very quickly. It's recommended to arrive early in the morning (around 9 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) to secure a spot. +1
Absolutely! Calawee Cove Beach is a popular destination for boaters who anchor offshore to enjoy the beach and cove.
The Rubicon Trail offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe and connects various points of interest, including Calawee Cove Beach. It's a beautiful hike for those looking for more than just beach time.
Public restrooms are available at the parking lot at the end of the road where the trails begin, which is a longer walk from the beach itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Calawee Cove Beach is accessed through D.L. Bliss State Park, which requires a day-use fee. The fee is typically around $10 and is considered well worth it for the experience.
While specific hours can vary, it's best to assume the park opens early and closes at dusk. Parking is the main limiting factor, so arriving early is key.
No, parking is on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. This is why arriving early or late is crucial. +1
The park may close its parking areas when they reach capacity, especially during peak times. It's advisable to check park status if possible, or plan your visit outside of peak hours.
The day pass for D.L. Bliss State Park, which grants access to Calawee Cove Beach, is approximately $10.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Calawee Cove Beach is a beautiful, wide, and fairly good-sized sandy beach located in a secluded cove. It's perfect for relaxing and swimming.
Yes, the water is cool, clear, and remains shallow for a considerable distance (50-100 feet or more), making it excellent for swimming.
It can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, with both beachgoers and boaters. Arriving early or late can help avoid the biggest crowds.
You can swim, relax on the sand, enjoy the clear waters, and even do some rock jumping. It's also a great starting or ending point for hikes on the Rubicon Trail.
Yes, there is plenty of natural shade available on the beach in the afternoon, provided by the surrounding pine trees.
📸 📸 Photography
The secluded cove itself, the clear turquoise waters, and the surrounding boulders and pine trees offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The Rubicon Trail also provides stunning panoramic shots of Lake Tahoe.
Sunrise can be magical here, offering soft light and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful lighting.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's always best to check the specific rules for D.L. Bliss State Park and Lake Tahoe before flying a drone.
From the Rubicon Trail, you can capture sweeping vistas of Lake Tahoe, the shoreline, and the surrounding mountains, offering a different perspective than from the beach itself.
The combination of the sandy beach, rocky outcrops, and clear water creates a picturesque scene. Keep an eye out for wildlife like coyotes, which have been spotted here.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
🚤 Boaters and Water Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accessing Calawee Cove Beach
For those who miss out on parking or prefer a more active approach, the Rubicon Trail offers a fantastic alternative. This scenic trail winds along the shoreline, providing breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Hiking a portion of the Rubicon Trail from trailheads like those near Emerald Bay or Eagle Point Campground can lead you to Calawee Cove Beach. This method not only guarantees access but also offers a rewarding outdoor experience with stunning vistas.
Additionally, Calawee Cove is a popular spot for boat access. Many visitors anchor their boats in the cove to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the beach, bypassing the parking challenges altogether. This creates a lively atmosphere on the water, with boats dotting the cove on busy days.
The Allure of the Rubicon Trail
Hiking even a segment of the Rubicon Trail to reach Calawee Cove is highly recommended. You'll traverse through fragrant pine forests, past dramatic granite boulders, and alongside the impossibly blue waters of Lake Tahoe. The trail provides numerous vantage points for photography and a chance to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. It’s a journey that enhances the destination, making the arrival at the beach even more satisfying.
Many visitors choose to hike from Eagle Point Campground or Emerald Bay State Park to Calawee Cove. The hike from Emerald Bay, for instance, can be around 4 miles, offering a substantial trek with rewarding views. This approach allows you to experience more of the Lake Tahoe shoreline and appreciate the effort it takes to reach these pristine locations.
+1Beach Experience and Water Activities
The water at Calawee Cove is a major draw. It's known for being exceptionally clear and refreshingly cool, even in the summer months. A unique feature is how the water remains shallow for a considerable distance—up to 50 to 100 feet or more—making it ideal for swimming, wading, and for families with children. The gentle slope into the water provides a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Beyond swimming, visitors have enjoyed rock jumping from the surrounding formations, adding an element of adventure to the visit. The cove's calm waters also make it perfect for simply floating and soaking in the sun. On busier days, the presence of numerous boats can create a lively, party-like atmosphere, with people enjoying music and socializing on the water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit