Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina
Historic resort on Lake Tahoe offering cabins, beach access, boat cruises, and horseback riding.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic resort on Lake Tahoe offering cabins, beach access, boat cruises, and horseback riding.
"A one-of-a-kind place with rustic cabins, lake views, and a historic paddlewheel ship."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early (9 AM or before!) for parking. Main lot is for resort guests; street parking is an option. :car:
🥶 Cold Water Alert!
Lake Tahoe water is refreshingly cold, even in summer. Be prepared for a chilly dip! :snowflake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zephyr Cove Beach
Lakeside
Pristine sandy shores perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying breathtaking lake views.
MS Dixie II Paddlewheel Cruise
Marina
Experience Lake Tahoe from the water on a historic paddlewheel boat, offering scenic tours and stunning vistas.
Cozy Cabin Stays
Resort grounds
Rustic yet updated cabins offer a comfortable and scenic retreat, many with lake views.
Horseback Riding Trails
Stables
Explore the natural beauty surrounding Zephyr Cove on horseback, with trails offering fresh mountain air and peaceful scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!
Embrace the Chill: Lake Tahoe Water Temps
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early (9 AM or before!) for parking. Main lot is for resort guests; street parking is an option.
🥶 Cold Water Alert!
Lake Tahoe water is refreshingly cold, even in summer. Be prepared for a chilly dip! :snowflake:
🚤 Book Boat Tours Early
Popular cruises like the MS Dixie II can fill up. Book your spot in advance, especially during peak season. :ticket:
🛏️ Cabin Amenities
Cabins are rustic but updated. Many offer lake views and are dog-friendly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early (9 AM or before!) for parking. Main lot is for resort guests; street parking is an option.
🥶 Cold Water Alert!
Lake Tahoe water is refreshingly cold, even in summer. Be prepared for a chilly dip! :snowflake:
🚤 Book Boat Tours Early
Popular cruises like the MS Dixie II can fill up. Book your spot in advance, especially during peak season. :ticket:
🛏️ Cabin Amenities
Cabins are rustic but updated. Many offer lake views and are dog-friendly.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
The resort is close to dining, shops, and the marina, making it easy to explore on foot. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Zephyr Cove's stunning location on Lake Tahoe, with many praising the clean and roomy cabins, beautiful lake views, and convenient access to the beach and marina. The resort is often described as a peaceful escape, perfect for relaxation and creating memories. However, some guests have experienced issues with service at the on-site restaurant.
"Our family stayed in the 2-story chalet cabin and we were impressed with how roomy and clean it was. We also loved our lake view and how close we were to everything (restaurant, gift shop, marina, and beach). It was the perfect home away from home!"
Marilyn Godfrey
"This is a one-of-a kind place. The cabins are rustic, but updated with all amenities. The setting is on the edge of Lake Tahoe amidst a natural forest. It is the site of the MS Dixie, a lovely old paddlewheel ship that does cruises out on the lake. Most cabins have views of the lake. It is only a few miles from the casinos. There is a lodge, gift shop and full service restaurant on the premises. Try it, you'll love it!"
Kathy O'Shea
"This was my third year coming to the Cove for our church retreat, and I love it more every time. The views are beautiful, the whole place is clean and feels super safe.
The rooms are nice and roomy, and the food is always so good with a lot of flavor and really hits the spot.
What I love most is just being able to get away from the busyness of life. Coming up here gives me space to breathe, reset, and leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Already looking forward to coming back next year!"
Ashley Green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina is located on U.S. Highway 50, about 4 miles north of Stateline, Nevada.
Yes, parking is available, but it can be challenging. The main lot is reserved for resort guests. Street parking or parking near the school and fire station are alternatives. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
During the summer season, daily parking at the Zephyr Cove Marina is $12. Fees are waived in the winter.
It is possible to reach Zephyr Cove via public transport, Lyft, or Uber on the 4th of July, but expect high demand and potential delays.
Yes, some of the cabins at Zephyr Cove Resort are dog-friendly, making it a great option for travelers with pets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Zephyr Cove Beach is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, offering access to the lake and its surroundings.
While the beach itself is generally accessible, parking fees apply during the summer season. Activities like boat cruises or horseback riding will require separate tickets or bookings.
Yes, you can book cabins at Zephyr Cove Resort. They offer a range of accommodations, from rustic to updated, many with lake views.
Specific age restrictions may apply to certain activities like boat cruises or horseback riding. It's best to check with the individual activity providers at the resort for details.
While the beach is open year-round, the resort's full services and amenities, including cabin rentals and marina operations, are primarily seasonal, with peak activity during the warmer months.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Zephyr Cove offers a variety of activities including swimming, sunbathing on the beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, scenic boat cruises on the MS Dixie II, and horseback riding.
Yes, boat and watersport rentals are available on-site at Zephyr Cove, allowing you to enjoy activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
The water at Zephyr Cove, like much of Lake Tahoe, is quite cold, even during the summer. It's refreshing but can be a shock.
Yes, Zephyr Cove Resort has a full-service restaurant, a gift shop, and a bar on the premises.
Accommodations include cozy cabins, some of which are dog-friendly and offer lake views, as well as an RV park and campground.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Zephyr Cove Resort features a full-service restaurant, a gift shop with snacks, and a bar.
Reviews suggest the food at the resort's restaurant is generally good, flavorful, and satisfying.
While there are dining options, bringing your own food and drinks is often a good idea, especially if you're camping or staying in a cabin with kitchen facilities.
Information on specific dietary options is not widely available. It's recommended to check with the restaurant directly when you visit.
The restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience with lake views, making it a nice place to relax after a day of activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach offers stunning lake and mountain views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The MS Dixie II paddlewheel boat also makes for a picturesque subject.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors reflecting on the water.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the resort management or local authorities regarding any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant mountain shots.
The MS Dixie II paddlewheel boat, the sandy beach with the clear blue lake, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains offer iconic photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a cabin with a lake view for an extra special treat. The resort also offers various activities like boat rides and beach games that kids will love. Pro-tip: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as layers for changing weather. Arriving early for parking is crucial with little ones in tow.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks for picnics on the beach can also save money on dining out. Focus on enjoying the free activities like swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beach. If you're looking for a paid activity, consider the MS Dixie II cruise as a memorable experience that offers great value for the views and duration.
💑 Couples Retreat
Enjoy sunset strolls along the beach or a romantic dinner at the resort restaurant. For a touch of adventure, consider kayaking or paddleboarding together on the crystal-clear waters. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful scenery make Zephyr Cove an ideal destination for couples looking to reconnect and relax.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Zephyr Cove: Activities Galore
+1Beyond the beach, the resort provides opportunities for exploration on land. Horseback riding through the surrounding trails offers a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the area, with guides leading riders through scenic routes.
The iconic MS Dixie II paddlewheel boat offers scenic cruises, providing a different perspective of Lake Tahoe's grandeur and the surrounding mountains. For a more relaxed experience, simply strolling along the shore, enjoying the views, or visiting the resort's amenities like the gift shop and restaurant can be a delightful way to spend your time. The resort's location also makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions in South Lake Tahoe.
Accommodation Options at Zephyr Cove
For those who prefer a more immersive outdoor experience, the resort also features an RV park and campground. This option allows visitors to stay close to nature while still having access to the resort's facilities. The historic Zephyr Cove House inn also adds to the resort's charm, reflecting its long history as a destination since the 1860s.
Regardless of your choice, the accommodations at Zephyr Cove are designed to provide a comfortable and memorable stay, allowing guests to easily access the beach, marina, and other activities offered by the resort. The blend of rustic appeal and modern conveniences ensures a pleasant getaway.
The History and Charm of Zephyr Cove
The MS Dixie II paddlewheel boat is a nod to the area's past, offering a nostalgic journey across the lake. Similarly, the historic Zephyr Cove House inn stands as a testament to the resort's enduring legacy. This blend of history and natural beauty creates a unique atmosphere that draws visitors seeking both relaxation and a connection to the past.
Visitors often remark on the peaceful and safe environment at Zephyr Cove, highlighting its ability to offer a respite from the busyness of everyday life. This sense of tranquility, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, makes Zephyr Cove a truly special place to visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit