Zephyr Cove in South Lake Tahoe is traditionally known for its miles of sandy beaches, volleyball courts, and access to summer water sports. This area can also be a perfect backdrop for a getaway to explore the outdoors, soak in the fall foliage, and enjoy South Lake Tahoe without the summer crowds.

Zephyr Cove in Lake Tahoe is located on the southern end of the lake in Nevada, just over the California state line. While the town has a number of vacation homes, you don’t need a second home to escape to a cozy cabin on your next trip to Lake Tahoe.

Zephyr Cove Resort: The Lodge

If you’re looking for more of a hotel-style guest room, The Lodge is for you. Rooms range from standard to suite and accommodate two to six guests (including children). Like any hotel, you’ll have access to a mini-fridge, coffee pot, fresh linens, and a microwave.

The Cabins

These Lake Tahoe cabin rentals offer stunning views, full kitchens, private decks, and a cozy atmosphere, complete with a fireplace to warm up at the end of a long day. With lots of open space, and interspersed between old-growth trees, these rustic cabins range in size from studios to cottages with living rooms.

Your party can be as intimate as two and as large as 10. Really want to splurge? Opt for one of the Lake Tahoe cabin rentals, lakefront!

Things to Do in Zephyr Cove in the Fall

Come mid-December, crowds will be flocking to Heavenly Ski Resort, but in the fall, along the shores of Lake Tahoe, things are a little quieter. Kids have gone back to school, and the lake activities have started to slow down. Once you have booked your lakefront rental, you’ll be looking for things to do in the cove, and we’ve got quite the list of options:

• Enjoy the Fall Foliage: Lined by Aspen trees, the east side of the lake explodes in a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. Zephyr Cove offers one of Lake Tahoe’s only fall foliage experiences right on the lake. The brilliant colors are sure to take your breath away.
• Horseback Riding: Come October, it might be too cold to go swimming, but it certainly isn’t too cold to soak up all of that mountain beauty by horseback. Zephyr Cove Stables offer fall adventures and a range of riding options from 40-minute rides to 2-hour lunch and dinner rides.
• Fishing: Fall is the best time to fish at Lake Tahoe since many of the fish are in the shallows, plumping themselves up for the long winter. Fall at Lake Tahoe is best for Mackinaw, which can be toplined or shore-caught. A Nevada sport fishing license is required, and a guide is recommended if you are a first-timer.
• Dinner & Dancing on Lake Tahoe’s Paddle Steamer: The MS Dixie II has been voted “The Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine! During the fall this paddle-wheel boat specializes in dinner and dancing cruises, offered on Saturday and Sunday nights. Watch a stunning sunset over Emerald Bay, dance and share a cocktail over live music, followed by a sit-down dinner of sustainable options like free-range chicken, Oregon grass-fed beef, and line-caught trout.
• Hiking & Biking: Nevada Beach and Round Mound Trail is a 4.1-mile trail that’s easy, flat and perfect for an afternoon stroll through the forest to take in the beautiful lakefront views. Zephyr Cove is filled with additional hiking and biking trails waiting to be discovered.

Dining in Zephyr Cove:

While you’re enjoying your Lake Tahoe cabin rental, you might choose to use your kitchen and cook meals from home. But, you might also want a meal or two in town, and these restaurants are worth a try:

Zephyr Cove Resort Restaurant: Rated the #1 dining experience in Zephyr Cove, this American-style mountain lodge restaurant is famed for its breakfast and brunch. Offering classics like Two Egg Breakfast, Biscuits & Gravy, and Lumberjack Scramble, you’re bound to start your day off right. Not a breakfast person? No problem, they’re serving up club sandwiches, burgers, and fries for lunch. For dinner, they’ve got classics like steaks and pork chops to tide you over.

Sunset Bar & Grille: Open through the early fall, this grab-and-go bar & grille offers burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, and grilled brats. It’s a great place to grab a bite between your adventures. With a beautiful patio to soak up the autumn sun, you’ll be satiated with both the lake views and the food!