With Lake Tahoe being such a huge lake, surely you are asking yourself, “Where the best spots to kayak and paddle-board around Lake Tahoe?” Well, look no further because Zephyr Cove is one of the best places to kayak and SUP in all of Lake Tahoe, giving you access to those giant boulders everyone is posting about on social media.
Zephyr Cove is a free beach to kayak and paddle-board on in Lake Tahoe. Located on the Eastern shore of Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove is a fantastic beach to swim, kayak, paddle-board, and soak in the evening sun. One of the main attractions to Zephyr Cove are the massive granite boulders that are just under surface of the crystal clear, blue waters of Lake Tahoe.
Read on to discover how to access the water at Zephyr Cove, where to park, safe places to swim, and so much more!
A cute couple kayaks in Zephyr Cove at sunset. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Can you kayak in zephyr cove?
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities such as kayaking. Given the protected nature of the cove, many kayakers, both beginners to advance kayakers, use Zephyr Cove as a launching spot for many paddling adventures on Lake Tahoe. The cove is sandy, making the launch easy on your boat, but quickly gives access to the iconic granite boulders just below the surface of the water.
Depending on the time of year and the water level on the northern end of the beach there are several rock islands which can be explored. If you have the time, consider paddling up and down the coastline to explore this beautiful, and often non-populated, portion of Lake Tahoe.
Can you Paddle-board in zephyr cove?
Offering fantastic views across Lake Tahoe into the Sierra Nevada mountains, Zephyr Cove is a fantastic place for paddle-boarding. Located on the Southeastern shore, this Lake Tahoe paddle boarding location is easier to access again while still offering amazing views, crystal clear water, and stunning rock formations.
One bonus of paddle-boarding in Zephyr Cove is that the cove is, for the most part, protected from the wind. This makes paddle-boarding easier and allows for all levels of paddle-boarders to enjoy this beautiful spot in Lake Tahoe.
can you swim in zephyr cove?
Zephyr Cove is the perfect sandy beach for a refreshing dip in Lake Tahoe's incredibly clear alpine water. You can sun yourself, get a tan, and relax while lazily soaking in the cool waters of Zephyr Cove. If you are feeling up for a swim, head out past the boulders and swim for as long as your heart desires.
Many visitors coming to Zephyr Cove sun bath on the beach, or the granite boulders, during the summer months. Once they get to warm, they enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters. It is this balance of swimming and sun bathing that makes Zephyr Cove a popular destination for Tahoe locals. Additionally, when you pair swimming with kayaking, Zephyr Cove become an ideal spot for recreation!
How much does Zephyr Cove Cost to Visit?
Zephyr Cove is on public land and is free to visit, however there is a parking fee in the lot nearest the beach. However, when the lot fills up you will be directed to park at the high school across Highway 50 where there is no fee and you can take a shuttle to the beach. Additionally, there is free parking on the Highway 50 near the entrance to Zephyr Cove.
DIRECTIONS TO ZEPHYR COVE:
Driving directions to Zephyr Cove
WATER ACCESS TO ZEPHYR COVE:
Accessing Zephyr Cover with a kayak will take some strength because the hike in is roughly a half mile. I suggest bringing a dolly to carry your kayak. Once to the cove, you will need to take a flight of stairs to the sandy beach. From there, launching is easy, just watch out for the shallow rocks on a low water year.
WHY IS ZEPHYR COVE ONE OF THE BEST FLAT WATER KAYAKING LOCATIONS:
Zephyr Cove is one of the best flat water kayaking locations because the crowds are small, the water is clear enough to see granite boulders underneath you, and the sunsets are one’s that make you stop and watch.
Positioned on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove often offers calm waters that can be paddled on easily. Additionally, the cove has several large boulders that get your heart pumping as you paddle overtop of them. I mean, how cool is it that you get to kayak over boulders while flat water kayaking?
Lastly, what makes Zephyr Cover kayaking special for me is that fact that you can watch the sunset, with very few people around you. You can’t say this very often while at a beach in Lake Tahoe.
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Now that you have discovered how to access the water at Zephyr Cove, where to park, and the safe places to swim it is your turn to get outside and enjoy the beauty that Zephyr Cove has to offer. Please, drop a comment below with trip reports and updates about Zephyr Cove for others in this community.
