Carnelian Bay combines beach time, water activities, and local history. When planning your day, you can choose between a public beach with swimming, a pebble beach, and various paddling options. There are also practical details to help you get your bearings at Carnelian West and historical milestones from the 19th century.
Beaches and Time by the Shore
Carnelian West is the beach area of Carnelian Bay Beach. The public beach section stretches for 530 linear feet; swimming, building sandcastles, and relaxing on the beach are all possible here. Patton Landing offers another option by the water: a three-acre pebble beach in Carnelian Bay. This means you can choose between the activities mentioned at Carnelian Bay Beach and a pebble beach at Patton Landing for your time at the beach.
Paddling and Boating Options
Waterman's Landing is located in Carnelian Bay on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. There, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by the hour. Guided tours and outrigger canoe trips are also available. Waterman's Landing Kids Camp teaches children stand-up paddling and kayaking. The options vary by format: hourly rentals, guided outings, or lessons for children.
Patton Landing also has a free boat launch for non-motorized boats that can be transported on a car roof. In addition to rentals and guided options, there is also a launch for this type of boat. Which option suits your plans depends on whether you want to rent equipment, join a tour, or launch a boat from the ramp.
Getting Around Carnelian West
Carnelian West has a lakeside promenade, benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and restrooms. Paved ramps and brick-paved paths connect the parking lot to the restrooms and to unpaved paths that run parallel to the beach. The paved connections and the unpaved paths along the beach are separate sections of the route. Most parking spaces at Carnelian West are no more than 500 feet from the beach.
Free parking is available in a shared parking lot next to Gar Woods Grill and Pier restaurant. Parking information can change, so it is best to check before your visit. Leashed dogs are welcome at Carnelian West; please clean up after your dog. You should also check the local dog rules before your visit.
A Look at Local History
Carnelian Bay was named in 1860 after carnelian stones found in large numbers along the shore. Dr. Bourne's Hygienic Establishment was built in the town in 1871. By 1876, Carnelian Bay was a regular stop for Tahoe steamboats. These milestones relate to three different aspects of local history: the origin of the name, the establishment of a facility, and steamboat travel.
Discover more destinations: Tahoe City, Auburn, Homewood, Colfax, Lincoln, Alpine Meadows, Tahoe Vista, Tahoma.
Return to the main travel overview: Placer.
