For the July 4th 2026 fireworks show, our friends, who are residents of Truckee, offered to get my party of 6 tickets to see the show at West End Beach at Donner Lake. In order to buy the tickets at the Community Recreation Center, you must be able to show one proof of residency (driver's license, service/utility bill, car registration, current tax bill with an address in the district) and a resident can buy up to 8 tickets. Tickets are NOT sold at the gate. At $25 per person, the whole experience which includes the show at 9:30pm, games for the family beginning at 1:30pm, really good live music, plenty of port-o-potties, and lake fun complete with water rentals, food concessions is pretty good. Being this was our first time at West End Beach, there were lots of decisions to make. After researching this event, here's what we decided: - Take the free shuttle from Truckee High School which begins at 3pm - Bring our own food that was packed in a thermal bag to keep it hot instead of heating up the food at the beach. Although alcoholic beverages are allowed, glass of any kind is prohibited and checked at the gate. When we arrived at the beach around 4pm, there appeared to be no good picnic spots near the lake because those people arrive early in the morning before the gate opens at 9am. However, there's plenty of space to have a picnic meal with picnic tables, but the roped-off area in the park specifically states that the area must be cleared by 7pm. While there was plenty of space in the roped-off area, where would we go after 7pm? As it turns out, things and people begin to shift by about 7pm. In order to avoid putting things away in the dark after the show is over, people are putting their canopies and other equipment away and the family games have ended creating more space to watch the fireworks. After walking around, we found some open spots in the grass to lay down our picnic blankets to watch the show. Speaking of arriving early, there is a beach parking lot which has a limited amount of spaces and those people arrive by 6am to claim those precious spots. One lucky person I spoke with said he arrived at just before 7am to claim the last parking space. Having a parking space would have meant I could have launched my kayak, but my party of 6 was content to play in the water and play games while waiting for the 9:30pm show. If you're going to cook or heat your food, you must bring your own equipment. In fact, you see people cooking on their full-sized BBQs! There were only a few people cooking on the charcoal grills. After the show is over just before 10pm, the shuttle buses are waiting, but it takes a while for everyone to load. Nevertheless, we made it back to the Truckee High School around 10:45p. Since there was some wait time on the bus, I struck up a conversation with the person next to me who said he didn't arrive at West End Beach until 8:40pm and there was still plenty of space for him and his daughter to see the show. If you want to skip bringing your own food/beverages, chairs, and umbrellas, arriving before the show starts sounds like a good option. Lying on our blankets with our coats on was an ideal way for us to watch the show as it felt up close and personal. The show was spectacular. read more

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It's a great, convenient beach, but it will cost ya. They do charge and it's not cheap and this beach gets crowded. The beach itself has a large sandy area, which is fun. In the summer, there are plenty of life guards, a fairly large parking lot that does fill up fast, pickleball courts, and boat rentals. However, it can get so crowded, so buyer beware. When it's not crowded, it's lovely! Overall, a great Donner Lake beach. read more

West end beach is such a gorgeous spot to spend the day. A little on the pricy side IMO, but I do appreciate the clean facilities & when my babes were younger we loved having the park available for play and lifeguards on duty. The parking lot is very small so get there early! read more

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My favorite beach in the Tahoe Truckee area. I love it even more then King's beach. Why do I love it so much. Usually parking isn't an issues. This time there weren't any parking spaces in the lot. We went around twice, but no cigar. We ended up finding a place on the street across from the back entrance. We lucked out. I also love that it's not as busy as kings beach. This time it was packed, but we still found 2 great spots. One in the shade and another in the sun right there on the sand and steps away from the lake. They offer boat rentals: Pedal boats and canoes or kayaks, I wasn't close to tell, it was one or the other. They also have 2 lifeguards on duty. If you get the munchies or are thirsty thy have a snack-shack. Unfortunately they were out of hot dogs. And lastly they have pretty clean bathrooms. 2 stalls in one and a family bathroom. They also have tennis courts. And a Basketball court and play structure for the kiddos. If you want a picnic table you can reserve one or just arrive early. If you want pick of spots arrive early. If you want a parking spot luck out when someone leaves or arrive early. Summer time is a prime time to come. It's $12 per person during the summer. If you come before the 4th of July the snack-shack is closed, but it's free to enter and there is plenty of parking. We usually come before the 4th of July so we were surprised to see some many people and a packed parking lot, but we totally get it, It was a perfect day. In the 80's not to hot or cold. They have a swimming area which the lifeguards patrol. It's pretty shallow near shore. If you bring your paddle board like many people do you can do this outside the swimming area. You are allowed to bring inflatables. Someone had a giant unicorn and another party had a giant round party float. I'd return, but I'd go earlier in the day if I come in the summer time to ensure we get a parking space. We arrived around 1pm and I believe it opens around 10 or 11am. So we weren't so late. There were just a lot of early birds. read more

West End Beach - Pack a lunch and snacks and enjoy the view. We set up on a picnic table, covered with a blanket. - Beaches Near Me - Truckee, California

We paid for admission expecting a clean beach experience, but were very disappointed. There was duck poop throughout the beach and sand area, making it difficult to find a clean place to sit. My daughter wasn't even able to play in the sand because of how much poop was present. For a paid beach, the conditions were unacceptable. Unfortunately, this was one of the worst experiences we've had, and I would not recommend visiting. read more

Drove here from Sacramento for the day and had an absolute blast! Water was clear and gorgeous scenery. The sand was actual beach-like sand and they had plenty of space to set up our small tent. Make sure to come early as finding parking is a nightmare. I believe we arrived around 8/9am on a Saturday and most of the parking spots were already taken. read more

My family really enjoys Donner Lake. What we like is the clean restrooms and clean beaches. The chipmunks are incredibly bold and adorable. We were laughing so much, watching them trying to break into people's bags. We will enjoy coming back someday soon. read more

Amazing view and great area for water play. Love the nature and cool breeze in the area on a hot day.

I have fond memories of my mom's employer's company picnics here when I was a kid, so I was thrilled to bring my kiddos to West End Beach Park for a little late summer fun! It's an easy, short drive from Reno, and for a few bucks admission, you get access to a clean, very well-maintained beach park that feels like a private resort area. The restrooms/changing rooms are clean, the beach is trash free, there are areas for large groups that have shaded tables and BBQs. They rent paddleboats and have a concession stand, too. The parks are more recent than my childhood memories, and the equipment is new and in pristine condition, tho I'd bet it gets too hot to use during the summer days. My only gripe was we were charged to enter, and only a short while later, the young man at the front entrance seemed to have abandoned post...no where to be found, as some kids were looking for a snack bar attendant and both were closed. We paid, but others were just walking right in! Overall, still a lovely place to visit and a great beach park with some upscale amenities. You could spend the whole day at the beach, and there's even camping nearby! Come pull up a chair or blanket and make memories with your family here! read more

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$6 per adult to get in. There is a sizable parking lot in front. Well spaced out squares during covid times. The beach itself is nothing to write home a lot as it's small and the sand area is really small too so feels awkward to lay out on the sand, you're restricted to the grassy fields. Good for families as there's swim areas for little kiddos. Other than the convenience factor, there are way more picturesque beaches in Tahoe if you're willing to travel further. read more

My favorite place to lie in the sun on Donner Lake. I've been to the state park several times and also to the private Tahoe Donner beach, but this place is far and away my favorite. Every time I go to the other two locations, I freeze. And I'm talking July here people, not March. The wind whips over the pass and really hits the part of the lake where the other two beaches are located. The West End Beach is more protected. It also has fabulous views. You pay a small admission fee here. $3.00 adults 18+ and $2.00 Children 2 - 17. They have a lot of facilities as well: BBQs, family picnic areas, basketball court, tennis court, sand and grass volleyball, two playgrounds, horseshoe pits, kayak and paddleboat rentals, swimming area with certified lifeguards, boat parking and fishing area. So many of the other beaches at Tahoe are rocky, so I enjoy spending time on a nice sandy beach with a mild slope into the lake (no big drop offs). I've rented paddleboats and kayaks here which was fun. We've also done some fishing (without too much success). It is a killer getting that out-of-state fishing license for a week's vacation. Oh well, I have a kid obsessed with fishing, what can I do? This beach is also the location of the 4th of July fireworks, which I believe is reserved for locals only (you need to get tickets in advance). We've just watched them from the old highway above the lake. read more

West End Beach - Sun and fun at West End Beach - Beaches Near Me - Truckee, California

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Used to be our favorite beach for YEARS!!!! But the entrance fee went significantly high. We used to pay $5 adult, $4 kids. Now its $14 over 17 & $7 for kids. With my kids & myself cost $38 for few hours of time by the beach. I wish they would lower it down a little bit. read more

Our new favorite summer place to swim my family of 5 love this place clean and well maintained no dogs allowed.

This place isn't bad. They have dedicated swim areas, boat areas, and reserve-able picnic tables. It's $5/adult and $4/child to get in, but I guess that pays for the lifeguards. There's a grassy area, tot lot and lots of sandy beach. I was there on a Saturday, and it was packed. Not sure if they have a maximum capacity or not. You can bring alcohol, but no glass. The real draw back was the parking. There's a small loading zone, which was always full. They had handicap parking, but that was also full. I guess the good news is that you could park on the planter areas by the trees, and no one seemed to care. read more

It's not Lake Tahoe. 2.7 miles across. They have a Sandy beach to park your boat or jet skis. A grassy picnic area and a concession stand serving dogs, sausages, sodas etc. We live here so coming to the west end beach each Sunday is a tradition. The water is warm in August and the lake is beautiful. This is a counter clockwise direction of travel lake. You must get a TRPA vessel inspection and a Town of Truckee sticker before paying your launch fees at West End Beach. The inspection is done at the Truckee Airport at a cost of 35.00. The Town of Truckee sticker was 20.00 and the launch fee is 10.00. So bring your wallet and or cash. Parking is a challenge for both cars and vehicles with boat trailers so get here early. We go around 8am and usually only 2 boat trailer parking spaces are left. So if you desire prime parking and a great beach spot, get here early. read more

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If it were down to the view alone, this place would be five stars every day of the week and three times on Sunday. Donner Lake is a beautiful, long and narrow lake to the west of Truckee, CA. Our family met up with some relatives we hadn't seen in years at West End Beach on the trust of Yelp reviews, and what looked to be decent amenities and facilities. We were not let down! There is a good-sized parking lot behind the beach, and the beach and grounds itself has gated access. The property has loads of shaded picnic tables, a couple large playgrounds, an expansive beach, calm and shallow water, a few grills, and a permanent restroom facility. We were there on a early summer Friday, and there were quite a few folks around, but still plenty of space for everyone, and overall, the beach was very quiet. And again, the scenery is top-notch, even by California standards! read more

It used to really bother me that an admission fee was required to use this area on Donner Lake but, as time went on I realized the benefits of this cost more and more. This beach is immaculate. You will never find garbage all over the place. In fact, I can't recall ever seeing an overflowing garbage can. There are lifeguards on duty. Even the public restroom at this place is clean. I have to believe that all of this because an admission is charged. West End Beach is equipped with a playground for varied climbing and swinging abilities. The beach is an awesome place for sand castle building and trench digging. There are lots of shaded areas here for picnics. BBQ facilities are also available. There is even a snack bar if you don't want to bother with making anything yourself. My kids give the snow cones here two thumbs way up! Get more details about West End Beach at: http://www.tdrpd.com/west_end_beach.htm read more

West End Beach - Playing at Westend Beach - Beaches Near Me - Truckee, California

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Since January 2015 sadly showed no signs of snow, we headed here by recommendation of a friend. My son and husband loved it. You get a gorgeous view of the lake and mountains, and there is a beach and a generously-sized playground for kids. On a Saturday in January, there were very few people here and the bathrooms are closed for the season. However, we got to explore the quietness of it all. Currently water levels are very low and you can even see the buoy anchors lying on the beach. But the water is clear and clean. If you are staying in Tahoe Donner/Trukee, this will be a great stop for you! read more

Great for families and kids! They have 2 playgrounds, volleyball court with sand, snack shack, sand beach, and lots of shady grass area but there is lots of goose poop. But we didn't smell anything bad. We laid our blanket down and enjoyed! By the way, you can also rent fun water toys!! It's $5 each to enter the park. read more

Let me start by saying get here early! Parking lot gets full fast & there isn't much parking in the streets near by. This place had pretty clean bathrooms which is always a plus. They constantly replenished the toilet paper as well. There are shaded areas but again, first come first serve. There is a rental office where you can rent tubes to float, or a paddle boat. There is also a snack bar! There are two play ground areas both look to be in great condition. Plenty of bike racks, basketball court, and also a volleyball area/net. There is no Parking fee, but there is a entrance fee. Children $3 adults $4. The employees go around picking up trash and even offer trash bags to people. Overall, nice place to hang. read more

Though this place is a far cry from an actual "beach", West End Beach is still an amazing place to basque in the midday sun on any given day in Truckee. For only $3, you can pack a lunchbox full of goodies (including beers, heyoooo!) and make a picnic on the sandy, yet gritty shores of Donner Lake. They even have a basketball court and volleyball court for your enjoyment, but be careful... I mention the "gritty" shores because I dove for a ball and nearly skinned my entire body on a patch of hidden gravel below the mask of finely ground sand. Ouch! Besides that bummer of a discovery, it was an afternoon filled with good people, good vibes, and some seriously amazing scenery. Highly recommended if you find yourself in this neck of the woods (literally!). read more

This is our third summer spending our family vacation at Donner Lake and West End Beach is an absolute MUST for families, especially those will smaller members. The beach is not huge, but it's nice. The sand is clean and fine, and there are trees in certain areas for those that prefer shade. There are picnic tables and grills, two playgrounds, one of which is heavily shaded, tennis courts, boat rentals, and even a snack bar. The best part is that the water stays very shallow and deepens at a slow grade, making it safe for kids. We have spent many days here without a care in the world or a single worry about our kids - and that is saying something for traveling with toddlers! $5 per adult, less for young ones, open until sunset. This place is even worth a day trip from the Sacramento Valley for sure. read more

What a great way to get away from the heat of Sacramento. The family and I decided to drive up the hill yet we didnt know where our end destination would be. Well we got super lucky to try out Donner Lake. I have driven by this lake a 100 times and FINALLY checked it out. What a great choice! This beach is great. Snack bar, nice sandy beach, picnic tables, small & big grills, two playgrounds for kids, volleyball nets, tennis courts, basketball court, decently clean bathrooms, boat rentals, buoyed off swim area, big shade trees, big group areas you can reserve and just an all aroud good family time. It was 105 in Sac, but here it was 83. PERFECT! $4 for adults and $3 for bigger kids. $11 for us was just fine. We brought snacks and listened to music. Will for sure come back and will even look into an extended stay for the future. read more

This beach is chill but there is a lot of goose poop which smells awful and is often hard to avoid. The cool thing about this beach tho is that parking is free and admission is cheap and there is plenty of shade. Also you can rent paddle boat or sup boards for a reasonable price and it's fun to play around in the cove. Dogs aren't allowed. read more

West End Beach - Beaches Near Me - Truckee, California

This place is beautiful. Just beautiful. Be ready for the entrance fee, and no dogs allowed. Not super comfortable to lay on, but you can't beat the scenery! read more

A nice pit stop on the road to Lake Tahoe or Reno. They have a wide sandy beach for BBQ or picnic. There is a $3 fee to get into the park which I thought was ok. I find this park unique because it was perfectly situated by the Donner Lake. Imagine sitting on a swing facing the lake engulfed in all the blueness of the sky and the water. Just simply the most tranquil and chill spot for a nap or an afternoon beer by the water. read more

West End Beach - Donner Lake on a 74F weather - Beaches Near Me - Truckee, California

This beach can meet everyone's needs. Kids, you got swings, playground, and sand. Adults, you got bbq grills, boats, and an anything-but-glass policy. Even though the beach was crowded, it never felt overwhelming or overrun with children. In fact, it was quite tranquil, except for the occasional screeches when someone ran into the icy water. $3 admission and full access to volleyball, basketball, and tennis. They also offer kayak and paddle boat rentals at reasonable hourly rates. A straight up, get er done type of establishment. I'd go back! read more

Our family had a great time here. Perfect for kids with a park nearby. Neat to see Geese in the water...be cautious if you feed them they will not leave. Might be a good idea to take chairs because if you plan to BBQ some do not offer seating areas. The bigger picnic tables are often reserved for larger parties. read more

This beach was quite a gem to find! Free parking, but a small lot, so come early! I didn't see any goose poop, but did see the geese. They were fine as long as you didn't feed them. Loved that they had a play area, and then an area for swimming! Loved that you can rent paddle boards, floaties and even get ice cream. A great beach for the small fee to pay to get in. The water was clean and they had a lot of beach access! Great for families and kids! Life guard on duty too, which was a plus! read more

Love this beach. Can get crowded and parking can overflow but it's a fun day trip from Sac

We decided to stop by at Donner lake on our way to Reno. Arrived around 1pm on Sun. There were few spots available at the parking lot. The beach was clean and not crowded at all. We found a nice spot in the shade. Kids spent hours playing in the water and building sand castles. There are also two playgrounds available. Overall nice place to spend weekend with family or friends read more

Perfect spot to bring the family. It cost only $4 for adults and $3 for kids. They allow you to bring in your own drinks and food (no glass, and I'm sure alcohol is a no-no, but they aren't checking the contents of your sports bottle). Most of the people we saw were families with young children. There were lots of paddle boarders and kayakers. Scenery is absolutely beautiful. There is a tennis court, basketball court, and playground. There is also a snack bar, picnic benches, and bathrooms with flushing toilets. Overall, an inexpensive way to enjoy a day with your family. P.S. The lake is freezing. August is probably the best month to go for slightly warmer temperatures. read more

Came here and loved it. Beach and facilities are clean. Water is sparking clear. Beware though, lots of children and families...My friend and I were in the water for 10 minutes and then we saw a little girl throwing up in the lake because she had swallowed too much water... GROSS... other than that it's beautiful.. there was actually a family reunion going on in the picnic table area and they had hired a mariachi band to play for 4+ hours... pretty cool.. read more

Gorgeous! Perfect for little kiddos to play in the sand and swim in calm, shallow water! Such a fun day trip

I can give this one star because the beach and lake were really pretry. However my attempt to rent a paddle boat today was unbelievable! I walked up and was greeted by a staff member who asked what I needed and handed me the paperwork to sign to rent a boat. Asked me to wait in line and I would be helped as soon as the girl taking money was finished with the person ahead of me. I waited probably a good 10 minutes just for some guy to walk in the back door totally ignoring the line of people waiting to also rent something, the girl finishes with the other man and starts to help me before the guy who walked in the back told her he was before me and she said no I think she was first. The guy said no I was with him referring to the man ahead of me and she actually rented the last boat to him! So upsetting the un professional people they have working here. That was so rude! So anyways to expect great service. Ended up not renting a paddle boat and was totally bummed. read more