Zephyr Cove is on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe. When choosing accommodation in Zephyr Cove-Round Hill Village, you can tailor your stay around the water, history or seasonal activities. For planning, it helps to decide on your main activity first: the beach and swimming, a trip to Emerald Bay or an experience on land. Offerings vary by season and time required, making them easier to fit into a manageable travel plan.
Beach and boating on Lake Tahoe
The sandy beach at Zephyr Cove Resort stretches for a mile and offers access to swimming in Lake Tahoe; water conditions vary. The beach has free beach volleyball courts with regulation-size nets. Swimming and volleyball therefore offer different ways to enjoy the same beach. If you plan to swim, take changing water conditions into account.
The M.S. Dixie II operates a daytime sightseeing cruise to Emerald Bay. The departure point is in historic Zephyr Cove, Nevada, at 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448. Schedules may change; check the schedule and departure details before your trip. Motorboats and jet skis are also available for outings on the water at Zephyr Cove Marina.
Inn and paddlewheel boat
Andrew Gardener built an inn called Zephyr Cove House near Zephyr Cove in 1862. The M.S. Dixie II is a custom-built paddlewheel boat that was launched in 1994. The two dates are 132 years apart: the inn represents an early connection to the area, while the boat belongs to a later chapter in its boating history. This allows you to combine a historic connection to Zephyr Cove with a cruise on Lake Tahoe when planning your trip, though the two experiences are not from the same era or of the same character.
Horseback riding, disc golf and a winter tour
Zephyr Cove Resort Stables offers guided horseback rides with views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rides are seasonal; dates may change. Zephyr Cove Disc Golf is located in Zephyr Cove Park on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. The Lam Wateh Nature Trail leads to Nevada Beach, though conditions along the trail may vary. These activities offer different experiences: guided horseback riding with views, disc golf in the park or a trail with Nevada Beach as its destination.
In winter, the Scenic Lakeview Tour from Zephyr Cove Resort is a two-hour guided snowmobile ride. It is seasonal; confirm current operations before your trip.
Accommodation and timing
The boat trip to Emerald Bay lasts 2.25 hours, while the snowmobile tour lasts two hours—a difference of 15 minutes. The seasonal context is especially useful when choosing: the snowmobile tour is a winter offering, while the boat trip is a daytime sightseeing cruise. If the boat trip is central to your stay, check the schedule and departure details before your trip; for the winter tour, check current operating times.
Explore more destinations: Gardnerville, Minden, Glenbrook, Genoa, Kingsbury, Stateline
Return to the main travel guide: Douglas County.
