Beach guide
Sugar Pine Point State Park Beach
Tahoma, El Dorado County, CA
Overview
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park sits on Lake Tahoe's West Shore at 7360 West Lake Boulevard in Tahoma, about ten miles south of Tahoe City. The park has nearly two miles of lake frontage, and its day-use area has a beach and a state-owned pier open to swimmers, with shady lawns sloping to the shoreline for picnics.
Who goes here
Families come for the beach, the lakefront picnic sites and the Pine Lodge, also called the Ehrman Mansion, which has guided tours in summer. Boaters use the day-use pier for quick stops: vessels under 30 feet and/or under 5 tons can tie up between sunrise and sunset, only long enough to load and unload passengers or gear. Nearby marinas handle launching, mooring and rentals.
Things to know
Day use costs $10 per vehicle, and the park is open sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash in developed areas, but not on beaches or dirt trails. Charcoal and wood fires are banned in day-use areas, though gas camp stoves are allowed on the sandy beach and at picnic tables unless extra restrictions are posted. Diving or jumping off the pier isn't allowed, and State Parks warns that Lake Tahoe's water is extremely cold. Black bears live here, so store food properly.
Getting there & access
Driving and parking
The park is on Highway 89 (West Lake Boulevard) in Tahoma, about ten miles south of Tahoe City. Pay the $10 per vehicle day-use fee. Accessible parking is near the Picnic/Day-Use Area.
Arriving by boat
Vessels under 30 feet and/or under 5 tons can dock at the state-owned day-use pier and shoreline between sunrise and sunset, only long enough to load and unload. No beaching, anchoring or mooring from sunset to sunrise, no overnight storage of boats or personal watercraft, and no tying boats to trees or park structures.
Accessible routes
The paved Lakefront Interpretive (Water Baby) Trail runs 0.4 miles each way, mostly under 5% slope, and ends at an accessible pier. Twenty lakefront picnic sites are reached by a paved trail with grades under 10%.
Launching your own boat
The park has no boat ramp. State Parks points boaters to nearby marinas for launching, mooring and rentals.
Amenities
- Swimming beach — Part of nearly two miles of park lake frontage
- Day-use pier — Accessible pier; short boat tie-ups for loading and unloading
- Lakefront picnic sites — Twenty sites on shady lawns sloping to the shoreline
- Accessible restrooms — At the westernmost parking lot and the Nature Center picnic area
- Ehrman Mansion (Pine Lodge) — Guided tours Memorial Day through Labor Day; accessible first floor
- Nature Center — Accessible picnic area, restrooms and a virtual mansion tour station
- West Shore Bike Trail — Paved trail along Highway 89 past the park entrance
Rules & official resources
- Dogs on a 6-foot maximum leash in developed areas only; no dogs on beaches or dirt trails
- Only vessels under 30 feet and/or under 5 tons may dock at the day-use pier, between sunrise and sunset, just long enough to load and unload
- No beaching, anchoring or mooring from sunset to sunrise, and no overnight storage of vessels or personal watercraft
- Charcoal and wood fires are prohibited in all day-use areas; gas camp stoves are allowed on the sandy beach, at picnic tables and in parking lots unless more restrictions are posted
- Areas outside the campground are closed from sunset to sunrise
- No launching, landing or operating drones in the park without a written exemption
- No diving or jumping off the pier
Common boat service needs here
Detailing after a lake season
Boats that make West Shore runs to stops like this pier pick up waterline stains and pollen. Owners often book a wash and wax at the start and end of the short Tahoe season.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Covers and upholstery
Intense high-altitude UV breaks down vinyl seats and canvas covers on Tahoe boats quickly, so cover and upholstery repair is a common need.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Engine service before the season
Tahoe's short summer season and cold winters mean owners usually get engine service and winterizing done each year so the boat is ready for runs along the West Shore.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026