Zephyr Cove Marina

Named for the gentle westerly winds that arrive in the afternoons, Zephyr Cove was a special location on the southeast corner of the lake. So coveted in fact, that over the years, some of the most famous names in Tahoe’s history have owned this land.

In 1862, Andrew Gardner claimed 160 acres of beachfront property and built an inn named Zephyr Cove House. The inn catered to the wave of prospectors seeking silver. The silver boom slowed, and lumber was in demand.

The property was now owned by Carson and Tahoe Lumber and Fluming Company, which expanded its services to include cordwood cutting operations. It was not until the turn of the century that the potential of the Lake Tahoe Basin as a tourist destination began to get noticed. At a time when “opulent summer retreats” were popping up across the country, Lake Tahoe was no different.

A handful of very wealthy families from California built their own massive family vacation homes bordering the shoreline, some so stunning they have since become museums offering tours today. In the early 1900s, Zephyr Cove Resort began a legacy of hospitality that continues today in South Lake Tahoe.

During this time, George Whittell owned the property and Charles F. Wylie managed it. 1950s & 60s During the ’50s and ’60s, Gene F. Empey managed the Zephyr Cove Resort. Empey added marina facilities, built a new pier, and expanded the trailer sites. The lodge and stables also underwent renovation. In 1979, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit acquired Zephyr Cove for $4.9 million.

Today, Lake Tahoe welcomes 3 million visitors a year who are seeking the absolute best in winter sports and summer outdoor recreation. Over the decades, our pristine resort has remained one of South Lake Tahoe’s finest.