Located right off Highway 50, Zephyr Cove is one of my favorite easy-access sunset spots near South Lake Tahoe. There are lots of little coves along the shoreline with wide-open mountain views, and the beach is just a short walk from the parking lot, which makes it super convenient.

It’s also a great place to launch a kayak or paddleboard since you don’t have to haul your gear far. The Zephyr Cove marina is home to the M.S. Dixie II, so you’ll see it docked there even if you’re not hopping on a cruise.

There’s a parking fee now. They updated the rules after years of overcrowding and trash issues, switching to designated paid parking to help manage crowds and keep the area clean. It definitely gets busy on summer weekends, but on a weekday or quieter evening, it’s a beautiful, easy spot to catch the sunset.