Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Whale Beach
Whale Beach, sometimes called Black Sand Beach, is the last and most southerly of the string of small coves on the Nevada east shore of Lake Tahoe reached from the Secret Harbor and Chimney Beach trailheads off State Route 28, after Secret Cove, Boaters Beach and Creek Beach. It takes its name from a large, smooth granite boulder that looks like a sperm whale. The beach is coarse dark sand grading to pebbles, with huge rounded boulders, Jeffrey pines behind, and very clear, shallow, cold water. Like its neighbours it is used clothing optional, but because it is the furthest from the road it tends to be quieter and less crowded than Secret Cove; on some days most people here are clothed, and nude visitors are a minority. Dogs on leash are allowed and are common. There is no lifeguard and no services beyond porta-potties near the trail, and campfires are banned. The surrounding land is part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Getting there
Park at the free Secret Harbor/Chimney Beach trailhead lot on SR 28, about 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor, or along the highway shoulder where allowed; arrive before 9 am or in late afternoon in summer. The trail drops steeply at first, then levels out; bear left at the junction (right goes to Chimney Beach), pass Secret Cove after about a quarter mile and Boaters and Creek beaches beyond, then follow a faint path and scramble over boulders to Whale Beach. The round trip is about 1.7 miles and takes around 50 minutes, with a climb back to the car. Signage is limited, side trails branch off and cell signal drops near the water. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors praise the clear turquoise water, the whale-shaped boulder, the black sand and the fact that it is calmer than Secret Cove. Several note that although it is called clothing optional, few people are actually nude on many days, and nudists often prefer Secret Cove. The steep return climb, scarce parking on summer weekends, limited trail signs and cold water are the usual complaints. Arriving early is the standard advice.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Nevada has no designated nude beaches, and indecent exposure is a crime; nudity at the east-shore coves has historically been tolerated when discreet and away from others. In 2019 the Washoe County Sheriff's Office swept the east-shore beaches after a confrontation and told nude visitors to dress, so enforcement can change.
Naturism at Whale Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 39.1462, -119.9347
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is Whale Beach clothing optional?
It is informally used clothing optional, like the other east-shore coves, but on many days most people are clothed. Secret Cove, which you pass on the way, has more nude visitors.
How long is the hike?
About 1.7 miles round trip from the Secret Harbor trailhead, roughly 50 minutes, with a steep section at the start that you climb again on the way back.
Where do I park?
At the free trailhead lot on SR 28 about 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor, or on the highway shoulder where permitted. It fills early in summer.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash.
Is nudity legal?
It is not designated, and the Washoe County Sheriff told nude visitors to dress during a 2019 sweep, but discreet nudity has usually been tolerated.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…