Things To Do In Zephyr Cove, NV: The Mountains & Waters Of Lake Tahoe

best things to do in zephyr cove nevada us
Navraaz
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

Nestled between mountains and pristine lake waters is Zephyr Cove, Nevada. This is an ultimate nature getaway with options for the adventurous as well as those who want to sit back and enjoy the scenery. With options ranging from laid back cruises to breathtaking helicopter rides, this region of Nevada will allow you to experience nature in many forms. Explore the mountains on horseback or bikes. If it’s water activities that you’re looking for then grab a kayak or rent a chartered boat. If what you’re vacation calls for is the best things to do in Zephyr Cove, then come explore your options as we take you through some of the region’s top things to do along with a couple of tasty stops.

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1. Cruise across Lake Tahoe!

M.S. Dixie Cruise, Lake Tahoe 9-2010 (5816079368)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user inkknife_2000 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Fancy a cruise across Lake Tahoe? Whether you’re looking for great daytime scenery or an indulgent nighttime meal there is the right cruise for you here in Zephyr Cove. Lake Tahoe Cruises offers a two and a half hour daytime cruise that will give you the opportunity to enjoy the mountainous terrain around Lake Tahoe. Or get aboard the M.S. Dixie II for a dinner cruise that has an awesome menu featuring organic and sustainable foods for a delicious meal behind a stunning sunset. Whichever option you choose, you won’t be disappointed with what Lake Tahoe has to offer from a view that you can’t get from land.

Lake Tahoe Cruises

Address: 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Website: Lake Tahoe Cruises

M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise

Website:

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2. Adventurous? Ride a dirt bike through the mountains or a kayak through the waters

Bike Ride in South Lake Tahoe
Source: Photo by user Travis Wise used under CC BY 2.0

Sometimes you have to work to enjoy nature at its finest and that is when a good dirt bike or a sturdy kayak can come in handy. Lake Tahoe is known for its water sports but also for its rugged but beautiful terrain. With some trails that will leave you exasperated and calm waters that will leave you breathless, this is definitely the place for a good amount of outdoor playing. Check out the rentals at Zephyr Cove Adventures where you can rent a bike, kayak or paddle board and get outdoors to all that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Zephyr Cove Adventures

Address: 183 US Hwy 50 Suite E, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Website: Zephyr Cove Adventures

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3. Take in the mountains on horseback!

Horseback Riding
Source: Pixabay

A tour on horseback gives you an entirely different perspective of your surroundings and what better surroundings to take in than the mountains around Zephyr Cove. Zephyr Cove Stables provides guided tours and they also have options of stopping for an indulgent meal! Take the usual tour on horseback or sign up for a breakfast, lunch or dinner tour and make it a meal to remember. They have options of one to two hour rides along with a hayride if you choose a meal option. This is one experience you will always look back on, and you will appreciate the rare opportunity to experience nature from the perspective of these gentle animals.

Zephyr Cove Stables

Address: P.O. Box 1672, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Website: Zephyr Cove Stables

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4. Fish from your own chartered boat

Tahoe fishing boat
Source: Photo by user Carole Carey used under CC BY 2.0

Fishing in Lake Tahoe is an incredible experience. Look out for the trout or the salmon and you’ll be extremely pleased with what you can catch in the beautiful lake waters. Nor Cal Charters provides an ultimate experience that includes your own chartered boat along with a captain to guide the way and everything you need to fish. They also provide drinks and light snacks to help the time slip away. You could spend hours on the peaceful waters waiting for your day’s bounty or have a thrilling time chasing the ultimate catch. If you enjoy your freshwater fish then this is one activity you’ll have to sign up for in Zephyr Cove.

Nor Cal Charters

Address: 195 US Highway 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Website: Nor Cal Charters

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5. Let a helicopter ride over Lake Tahoe sweep you off your feet


Fifteen minutes south of Zephyr Cove you can hop on a helicopter tour that will take you over Lake Tahoe with a view from the heavens. You have the option of three different tours that will either give you a standard tour, a waterfall tour or a sand harbor tour. This amazing opportunity will allow you to experience the natural terrain in a very unique way that will leave you with incredible memories.

Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour

Website:

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6. Start your day or end your day right with these dining options

Shakshuka straight up, atop fresh baked cheese bread. #eats
Source: Photo by Flickr user Lachlan Hardy used under CC BY 2.0

Every tourist town boasts its favorite dining spots and here in Zephyr Cove there are a few places that locals will recommend. For the morning people out there that like to enjoy their freshly roasted coffee and fresh baked breakfast goodies, the Bean Bar Coffee House will become your spot. This coffee house supports local artists so while you’re enjoying your morning cup of Joe, you can take in the local art and get ready for the day ahead on Lake Tahoe.

But if you’ve had your fun and are looking to relax with some cocktails and a great menu then you can head on over to Toast Tahoe. They have lunch and dinner menus available as well as a vibrant happy hour scene, so you’ll be able to relax with your crowd while vacationing in Zephyr Cove.

Bean Bar Coffee House

Address: 212 Elks Point Rd #447, Round Hill Village Shopping Center, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Website: Bean Bar Coffee House

Toast Tahoe

Address: 605 Highway 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Website: Toast Tahoe

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You have the choice of relaxing or having an adventure of a lifetime in Zephyr Cove, NV

Zephyr Cove - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sean Foster used under CC BY 3.0

Whether you are called to the mountains or the gorgeous lake waters, Zephyr Cove will entice you to come back and spend your vacation here time and time again. With so many things to do within one place you will never be bored. Not to mention the incredible views from every direction that you can either take in from land or water. Zephyr Cove will soon become one of your favorite destinations to experience nature in its many forms.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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