The Meeks Bay beach is truly a relaxing experience - my wife and I note the following:
-While it has changing rooms and a snack bar, the beach gives you a feeling of being away with its long sandy coastline as well a mammoth shade tree in the middle. The tree was noteworthy in that it allowed one to be on the beach but not get as much sun.
-While popular, the site was also reasonably quiet / relaxed. The beach is in the "middle" of the west side of the lake - right between Tahoe City and South Tahoe, providing a less hectic atmosphere.
-The water temperature was pushing 70 degrees (in very late August) which we felt was "swimmable".
-The changing area is reasonably clean.
-The beach has a parking lot, which costs $10; however, you do not need to pay this, as you can park on the street and walk the 100 yards in for free. Further, you can pull in for up to 5 minutes to load/unload (for free). The beach's easy access is a true highpoint.
-Once can rent paddleboats or kayaks' from a nearby store.
-One can travel to the nearby PDQ Tahoma Market for fantastic sandwiches if the snackbar fare doesn't entice.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.