In this guide, we’re sharing 17 of the best places to visit in Idaho that we’ve personally explored and would go back to in a heartbeat. We’ll share what we did, what we ate, and what made each spot memorable.
Before we moved to the Pacific Northwest, the only thing we really knew about Idaho was… potatoes. We didn’t have many expectations. But the more time we’ve spent here, the more we’ve realized just how much this state has to offer, and how little people seem to know about it.
For starters, Idaho doesn’t have a single national park. At all. And yet, some of the most dramatic landscapes we’ve seen in the U.S. are here. Instead of national parks, much of the state’s beauty is protected as national forests, wilderness areas, and state parks. It also has farmland, with long stretches of fields and small towns. And, yes, potatoes are a big deal here. But so are towering mountain ranges like the Sawtooths, deep river canyons, hot springs, alpine lakes, and huge stretches of public land that are wild and refreshingly untouched.
In this guide, we’re sharing 17 places we’ve personally visited and loved in Idaho. For each stop, we’ll share what to do, places to eat, and what made each place worth a visit for us. There are many more incredible places in Idaho we haven’t made it to yet. But, we fully plan to keep adding to this list as we explore more!
Looking for more Things to do in Idaho?
- International Selkirk Loop: An Epic US & Canada Road Trip!
- The Ultimate Guide to Riding the Route of the Hiawatha Trail in Idaho
- 2 Days in Boise, Idaho Itinerary: The Best Things to Do!
- 2 Days in The Sawtooth Mountains: The best things to do in Stanley, Idaho
- Backpacking to Alice Lake in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains
- The 10 Best Waterfalls in Twin Falls, Idaho
- 2 Days in Southern Idaho: The best things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho
17 Best Places to Visit in Idaho
Southern Idaho
1. City of Rocks National Reserve
City of Rocks is one of the most unique landscapes we’ve explored in southern Idaho. It was an important landmark along the California Trail, an emigrant route used by pioneers heading west in the mid‑1800s during the Gold Rush. And is known for its massive granite spires in the middle of wide open desert. It feels completely different from anywhere else in the state!
We have spent some time boondocking nearby and really enjoyed how quiet and uncrowded the area was. While City of Rocks is especially popular with rock climbers with over 600 climbing routes, there’s plenty to do even if climbing isn’t your thing (it’s not really ours). Some popular hikes include:
Bath Rock Trail (0.3 miles): A short and easy hike that takes you right up to one of the park’s most iconic rock formations.
Window Arch Trail (0.1 miles): Another quick hike to a natural arch with views over the surrounding desert.
South Fork Circle Creek + North Fork Circle Loop (6.3 miles): This is a great loop that winds through granite towers. It’s one of the best ways to see how massive and weirdly beautiful this landscape really is.
After a day outside, we loved stopping in nearby Almo. Tracy General Store had great ice cream and Rock City Mercantile was a solid place to grab pizza.
There’s also a free campground just outside the reserve that worked really well for us. It has designated sites, with picnic tables and fire pits. There are also pit toilets, but no other amenities.
2. Twin Falls
Located in southern Idaho, Twin Falls is one of the most surprising places we’ve visited in the state. If you’re just driving through, it would be easy to assume this area is all farmland. But as soon as you cross the Perrine Bridge and see the massive canyon below, you realize there’s way more here than you expected! Carved by the Snake River, this area is full of scenic views, waterfalls, and miles of trails to explore. It’s even nicknamed the “City of Waterfalls,” and after spending time here, it’s easy to see why!
One of our favorite stops during our visit was Perrine Coulee Falls, a 200-foot waterfall that pours down the side of the canyon. It’s a short walk to the falls, and the best part is you can walk right behind it, which is always a cool experience.
And of course, no visit to Twin Falls is complete without seeing Shoshone Falls. Often called the Niagara Falls of the West, this massive waterfall is one of the most impressive we’ve seen anywhere. At 212 feet tall, it’s actually taller than Niagara Falls! There’s a $5 entrance fee per car which gives you access to multiple overlooks all connected by short, paved paths. Spring is the best time to visit, but we’ve also seen it flowing well in early summer.
Beyond waterfalls, one of the best ways to experience Twin Falls is by riding bikes along the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. It follows the edge of the canyon with epic views of the river, golf courses, and waterfalls. Plus takes you across the Perrine Bridge! The bridge is a popular place for BASE jumpers, and there’s a good chance you might spot someone leaping off while you’re there.
And for coffee, we really loved Twin Beans. It’s in an old restored building downtown and has delicious house-made syrups (the caramel latte was our favorite).
We packed a lot into our time in Twin Falls, and you can read about it all in our 2-day Southern Idaho blog post. We also made a video showing our favorite waterfalls in the area.
3. Thousand Springs State Park
Thousand Springs State Park is one of the most gorgeous places we’ve visited in Idaho. Instead of being one single park, it’s made up of several separate units spread across southern Idaho, all connected by the Snake River and an underground aquifer system. Which, fun fact, is the size of Rhode Island!
We visited three different areas of the park and loved how different they all were.
Box Canyon State Park was one of our favorites! After driving through farmland, you arrive at an overlook that drops straight into a narrow canyon with shockingly blue water. From there, you can hike down into the canyon to reach a 20 ft waterfall and crystal-clear springs. The spring here is actually the 11th largest in North America! It flows out of the cliffs with way more force than you’d expect.
Ritter Island is a grassy, spring-fed island tucked between canyon walls, with waterfalls cascading down on both sides. One of the volunteers shared that it takes water 100 years to make its way from the mountains to these springs. And the result is some of the clearest water we’ve ever seen! We walked to Minnie Miller Falls and Lemon Falls, both of which you can reach on the Ritter Island Loop Trail.
Malad Gorge is more of a scenic drive than a hiking destination. There are several overlooks you can stop at, including one where you can see the Devil’s Washbowl.
4. Blue Heart Springs
Hidden along the Snake River, near Banbury Hot Springs, Blue Heart Springs is known for its unreal blue and green water. Which is fed by the same underground aquifer system that supplies many of southern Idaho’s famous springs. The colors are shockingly vibrant and look almost artificial in person, which makes this spot one of the most colorful places to visit in Idaho!
To get there, we rented a kayak through Banbury Adventures and paddled about a mile upriver. The Snake River itself is kind of a milky green color. But as you get closer to Blue Heart Springs, it starts turning bright blue. The water is really cold so we didn’t jump in, but we floated for a while and had a great time.
After paddling back, we stopped at Cloverleaf Creamery in Buhl for ice cream. We tried Cowboy Crunch, Elk Tracks, and a few others. Everything was super creamy and delicious!
5. Craters of the Moon National Monument
With sprawling lava fields, cinder cones, and volcanic features stretching as far as you can see, Craters of the Moon National Monument is completely different from the rest of the state. It is one of the most unique places to visit in Idaho!
This otherworldly landscape was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that happened thousands of years ago. The lava flowed out from a stretch of the Earth’s crust called the Great Rift, leaving behind black rock, lava tubes, and bizarre formations that honestly feel like you’re on another planet.
We visited Craters of the Moon once with Kathryn’s parents and had the best time exploring it. Our top experiences in the park were the North Crater Trail, which had gorgeous views over the lava fields. Plus the Caves Trail, where you can walk through old lava tubes and see the area from below the surface.
6. Boise
Located along the Boise River and backed by foothills, Boise is known for having tons of river activities, nearby hikes, and great food. All while being a fun and walkable city. It easily earns its place among the best places to visit in Idaho!
One of the things we love most about Boise is how much there is to do from downtown. You can walk or bike along the Boise River Greenbelt, which winds through the city alongside the river. In the summer, you’ll see people floating the river or even surfing at the Boise Whitewater Park. We’ve also hiked up to Table Rock, which gives you awesome views of the city and foothills.
Downtown has a lot going on too! We loved walking through Freak Alley, checking out local shops, and grabbing lunch at the Basque Market. Boise has the largest Basque community outside of Europe, and the food here was such a fun surprise. We visited on a Wednesday to try their paella and picked up croquetas, fried peppers, and patatas bravas.
We also spent a lot of time chasing good coffee and ice cream. The District Coffee House and Push and Pour are some of our favorites. As for ice cream, The STIL might be some of the best we’ve ever had!
If you’re planning a trip to Boise, we have a full blog post with everything we did during our two-day visit. You can also watch our video to see what makes this little city one of our favorite spots in Idaho.
7. Bruneau Dunes State Park
We have visited many amazing sand dunes across the United States, and Bruneau Dunes State Park is definitely worth a stop! Home to the tallest freestanding sand dune in North America (470 feet!), Bruneau Dunes is a fun and slightly unexpected Idaho adventure, especially if you’re road tripping through the southern part of the state.
What makes this spot unique is that unlike most dunes, these aren’t shaped by the wind. They’ve stayed in the same spot for thousands of years, surrounded by desert and sagebrush, with a small lake at the base.
You can hike up the dunes or rent sandboards to ride down. And if you’re camping, there’s even an observatory where you can stargaze through one of the biggest public telescopes in the country!
Central Idaho
8. Ketchum & Sun Valley
Tucked into the mountains of central Idaho, Ketchum and Sun Valley are known for having a rustic mountain town feel with resort amenities. The area has a long history tied to mining, sheep ranching, and even Ernest Hemingway, who spent his final years here. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Idaho, especially if you’re into outdoor adventures!
In the winter, Sun Valley Resort is the main attraction. It was actually the first ski resort in the U.S., which opened back in 1936 with the world’s first chairlifts. Pretty wild! These days, it’s still a favorite for skiing and snowboarding, but in the summer, you’ll find just as much to do. Hiking, biking, and fly fishing are all popular here, and the trail access is incredible. A few hikes we’ve had our eye on are the Pioneer Cabin Trail, which ends at an old hut with “The Higher You Get, The Higher You Get” painted on it. As well as Bald Mountain, where you can hike up and take the chairlift down for free!
Just outside of town, down a bumpy dirt road is Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs, a free (and popular!) riverside spot to soak.
9. Stanley
Located between the Salmon River and the rugged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley might be tiny, with a handful of restaurants, and just one grocery store. But it still manages to be home to plenty of outdoor adventure in central Idaho. Between the views, the food, and how easy it is to get outside, it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Idaho!
While here, make sure to check out Stanley Baking Company for coffee and breakfast, Papa Brunee’s for pizza, and Stanley Supper Club for hearty comfort food.
The area also boasts some great hot springs! Boat Box is small but super unique. It’s literally a metal tub by the river with hot water flowing straight from a pipe. It only fits a couple people at a time, so it’s worth going early if you can. There’s also the hot spring at Mountain Village Resort, inside a little cabin with views of the Sawtooths. It’s free if you’re staying there, or you can call to reserve a time for a fee.
If you want more adventure, there are tons of outdoor activities nearby. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards on one of the nearby lakes, book a guided rafting trip, go fishing on the river, or take a horseback riding tour.
We also have a full blog post all about spending two days in the Sawtooths. It includes where we stayed, the hikes we did, and what made this area so special to us.
10. Sawtooth Mountains
With gorgeous granite peaks, clear alpine lakes, and endless hiking trails, the Sawtooth Mountains are easily one of the best places to visit in Idaho if you love being outside. It’s one of our favorite mountain ranges in the US!
One of the most popular hikes here is Alice Lake, a 12-mile round trip with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain. We backpacked it, but it makes for a great day hike too! The trail passes creeks, meadows, and smaller alpine lakes before ending at a stunning lake surrounded by jagged peaks, including El Capitan. If you’re backpacking, there are several scenic campsites at the lake. You can also continue a bit further to Twin Lakes.
For something easier, Fishhook Creek Trail is a solid option. It’s just 4.5 miles round trip with very little elevation gain. Along the way you’ll get river views, meadows, and a great mountain backdrop at the end.
You can also spend some time out on Redfish Lake, a glacial lake about 5 miles long with incredible views of the Sawtooths. Rentals are available at the marina, including kayaks, paddleboards, and small motorboats. We ended up kayaking nearly the full length of the lake, which was definitely a workout, but the views were so worth it.
Want to hike to Alice Lake? We have a full blog post that covers everything you need to know, including permits, what to expect and what to bring. Or you can watch our video that shares the full experience!
11. Kirkham Hot Springs
About an hour from Stanley, Kirkham Hot Springs is one of the most scenic places we’ve soaked. And it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Idaho if you’re into natural hot springs! The pools sit on the edge of the South Fork of the Payette River, with a backdrop of pine trees and mountains, and a few waterfalls you can sit under while you soak. It costs $5 to visit, or it’s free with the America the Beautiful pass.
Want to see what it’s like? Check out our video where we visit Kirkham Hot Springs and explore nearby Redfish Lake in the Sawtooths!
Idaho Panhandle
12. Coeur d’Alene
Tucked up in the Idaho Panhandle, Coeur d’Alene is a scenic mountain town that sits on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, a massive lake with over 100 miles of shoreline. This area was once a major logging town, but today it has transformed into a fun year-round destination with tons of outdoor adventure and a super cute downtown. We’ve been a few times and it’s always a fun stop on any Idaho road trip!
In the summer, the lake is the main attraction. You can hop on a boat cruise, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just walk the path that hugs the lake right from downtown. Tubbs Hill is a must for an easy hike with great views. While Mineral Ridge is another short and sweet trail that climbs to a beautiful overlook.
We love Evans Brothers for coffee and Panhandle Cone & Coffee for homemade ice cream. Downtown has fun shops and restaurants you can pop into, and it’s all super walkable.
13. Sandpoint
Located up in the Idaho Panhandle, Sandpoint might just be one of the most underrated mountain towns in the state. It sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced “pond oh-RAY”), which happens to be the largest and deepest lake in Idaho, stretching over 43 miles long and reaching depths of over 1,100 feet. The town is surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, making it one of the most scenic places to visit in Idaho!
In the summer, the town has tons of things to do. City Beach is a beautiful park with sandy areas to swim, volleyball courts, and a public boat ramp. Downtown Sandpoint is super cute and walkable, with local shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The Cedar Street Bridge is a fun stop. It’s an indoor marketplace built on a bridge over the creek!
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is another great option. In the summer, you can ride the chairlift up for panoramic views and lunch at the Sky House, hit the mountain biking trails, or pick huckleberries along the slopes.
Watch us explore Sandpoint and more of the Idaho Panhandle as we road trip the International Selkirk Loop!
14. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Just a few minutes outside of Bonners Ferry, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is one of the quieter places we’ve explored in Idaho. With over 2,700 acres of wetlands, meadows, and forested foothills backed by the Cabinet Mountains, it makes a great quick stop if you’re road tripping through the panhandle.
The refuge is home to over 300 species, including moose, black bears, bald eagles, and all kinds of waterfowl. You can explore by driving the 4.5-mile auto tour route, which loops through wetlands and forests with plenty of chances to spot wildlife. We also hopped out to hike the Myrtle Falls Trail, a short and easy walk to a pretty little waterfall hidden in the trees.
15. Scotchman Peak
Scotchman Peak is a bit different from the other places on this list since it’s a hike rather than a full destination. However, it definitely deserves its own spot! It’s one of the most challenging trails we’ve done in Idaho, with over 3,600 feet of elevation gain in just under 4 miles to the summit. But the views at the top are absolutely incredible, with gorgeous views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a mountain goat or two hanging out near the summit!
16. Wallace
Located in the Silver Valley and surrounded by forested mountains, Wallace is a charming little town with a ton of history and character. Once a booming mining hub, it now feels like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find brick buildings, museums, and mining relics everywhere you look. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And it even claims to be the Center of the Universe (there’s a manhole cover downtown to prove it)!
You can dive into the area’s mining history at the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, or get some fresh air on the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, which follows the path of a heroic firefighter during the massive 1910 wildfire. For food, we liked Fainting Goat and Blackboard Cafe. Wallace is also just a short drive from the Route of the Hiawatha, one of the most popular bike trails in the Northwest. More on that next!
17. The Route of the Hiawatha
The Route of the Hiawatha is one of the most unique bike trails in the country and hands down one of the best places to visit in Idaho during the summer. This 15-mile trail follows an old railroad route through the Bitterroot Mountains. As you ride you’ll experience 10 high trestles and 9 tunnels, including the St. Paul Tunnel, which is 1.66 miles long and completely dark (and cold!).
The whole ride is slightly downhill, which makes it super beginner-friendly. Most people take a shuttle back to the top, but we rented e-bikes in Wallace and rode back up on our own!
We started the ride in Montana and crossed into Idaho along the way, so keep in mind the time zone difference. Tickets are $13 per person and can be purchased at the trailhead or at Lookout Pass.
We have a full blog post with everything you need to know before you go, plus a video sharing our experience on the trail. You’ll see the tunnels, trestles, waterfalls, and just how much fun we had figuring out e-bikes for the first time.
Planning Your Trip to Idaho
Airports to fly into
The main airport in Idaho is Boise Airport (BOI), which is perfect if you’re visiting southern Idaho, the Sawtooths, or planning a road trip through the state. If you’re heading to the Idaho Panhandle, Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Washington is the closest major airport. From Spokane, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Coeur d’Alene and just a couple of hours to Sandpoint or Wallace.
Getting around Idaho
You’ll definitely want a car to get around Idaho. A lot of the best hikes, hot springs, and small towns are in remote areas without public transportation. A standard rental car works fine for most places. But if you’re planning to explore backroads or camp along the way, a campervan or SUV can be a great option. We’ve got a full blog post on Stoked to Camp that shares our favorite campervan rental companies for Idaho and beyond.
Best time to visit Idaho
Idaho is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
Spring (March–May): This is a great time to chase waterfalls, especially in southern Idaho when snowmelt makes them extra powerful. It’s also a good shoulder season to visit Boise before the summer heat.
Summer (June–August): This is prime time for hiking, backpacking, and road trips. The Sawtooths are usually free of snow by July, alpine lakes are thawed, and the weather is warm and sunny.
Fall (September–November): Still great for hiking and exploring small towns. The weather starts to cool down and the fall colors are especially pretty in the panhandle and around Boise. This is also a good time to visit if you want fewer people!
Winter (December–February): If you love skiing or snowboarding, Idaho has some awesome ski areas, especially in the panhandle. Schweitzer, Sun Valley, and Brundage are just a few worth checking out. Snowshoeing and hot spring hopping are also fun winter activities!
Save this guide with the best places to visit in Idaho
About the Author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.