Idaho Destinations

Location:

Boise, ID

Highlights:

If you're heading to Idaho and wondering where to start, we can't recommend Boise enough. This vibrant capital city blends culture, nature, and energy in all the right ways—it's an easy win for a getaway that balances adventure and charm.

We Recommend This For:

Urban explorers, college town enthusiasts, families, foodies, and travelers interested in arts, culture, and scenic green spaces.

What We Love:

Tree-lined river views, the buzz of Boise State University, walkable downtown filled with shops and cafes, and the fascinating Basque heritage district.

• Discover Boise nestled in a lush valley along the Boise River, framed by the high-desert foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
• Feel the energy of a college town fueled by Boise State University, whose students shape the cultural and sports landscape.
• Wander through downtown’s 8th Street, lined with local restaurants, lively cafes, galleries, and shops.
• Celebrate heritage in the unique Basque Block, reflecting the city’s vibrant Basque roots.
• Visit iconic sites like the Idaho State Capitol, Boise Art Museum, Egyptian Theatre, and Julia Davis Park all in one stroll.
• Relax in Julia Davis Park with its scenic picnic spots, walking paths, and a family-friendly stop at Zoo Boise.
• Cheer for the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium—home of the famous blue turf!

Location:

Idaho Falls, ID

Highlights:

Looking for a small city with big charm, culture, and scenery? We’d point you straight to Idaho Falls—a friendly, artsy hub stretched along the Snake River with a perfect mix of nature and creative flair.

We Recommend This For:

Art lovers, outdoor adventurers, families, and travelers seeking a scenic, culture-rich Idaho experience.

What We Love:

The vibrant local art scene, “Art You Can Sit On” public benches, award-winning theater performances, and the stunning Greenbelt trails beside the river.

• Explore Idaho Falls at the foot of the majestic Grand Teton, where western hospitality meets scenic beauty in the Snake River Plain.
• View local creativity at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho and the Willard Arts Center—two must-visits for fans of regional art.
• Find functional art downtown with “Art You Can Sit On”—benches designed by local artists to brighten the streetscape.
• Experience live performances at Colonial 7, set in a gorgeous Greek neoclassical building, or catch an award-winning show at the Phoenix Theatre by the Actors' Repertory Theatre of Idaho.
• Roam the city’s 35 parks and green spaces, ideal for relaxing, playing, or enjoying a scenic stroll.
• Bike or walk along the picturesque five-mile Idaho Falls Greenbelt, winding along both sides of the Snake River.

Location:

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Highlights:

Looking for a storybook lake town with adventure, art, and unforgettable views? We’d absolutely recommend Coeur d'Alene, where ancient glaciers left behind stunning lakes and the town sparkles with charm year-round.

We Recommend This For:

Families, nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and travelers looking for lakefront beauty and small-town vibes with big personality.

What We Love:

Crystal-clear lakes, peaceful boat cruises, year-round events, and a thriving arts and culture scene from museums to monthly Art Walks.

• Marvel at the legacy of retreating glaciers—55 gorgeous lakes near the Coeur d'Alene area, perfect for exploration.
• Cruise Lake Coeur d’Alene on a relaxing boat tour to soak in city views and surrounding forested hills.
• Learn about the region’s deep and dramatic past at the Museum of North Idaho.
• Play at Silverwood Theme Park—Idaho’s largest—with 70 rides, slides, and family-friendly attractions.
• Celebrate culture every month of the year, from festivals to recurring local events like the seven-gallery Art Walk downtown.
• Experience the local arts through performances at the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre or Arts & Culture Alliance events.
• Admire locally crafted works at The Art Spirit Gallery, featuring vibrant pieces by regional artists.

Location:

Pocatello, ID

Highlights:

Ever visited a place where not smiling is actually against the law? That’s just one of many reasons we love Pocatello—a historic, high-spirited Idaho gem with deep roots, rich culture, and year-round adventure.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, theater lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers looking for quirky charm with a warm welcome.

What We Love:

The “Smile Ordinance,” historic Old Town theaters, year-round outdoor recreation, and the rich tribal and natural history showcased in local museums.

• Smile—literally! Pocatello is the only place in the world where it’s illegal not to, thanks to a lighthearted ordinance that’s now part of the city’s identity.
• Step back to 1889, when pioneers and gold seekers founded Pocatello, earning it the nickname “Gateway to the Northwest.”
• Enjoy local performances at the Palace Playhouse Theatre, the Westside Players Dinner Theater in the Historic Warehouse District, and the Old Town Actors Studio.
• Explore the Idaho Museum of Natural History’s fascinating exhibits in anthropology, earth science, and biology.
• Learn about regional tribal heritage at the Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Reservation.
• Hit the trails in winter at Mink Creek Nordic Ski Complex, which offers a range of options for all skill levels.
• Get outdoors in warmer months with hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, golf, and more open-air adventure.

Romantic Idaho Destinations:

Location:

Salmon, ID

Highlights:

If you’re craving a truly wild escape with river thrills, rugged trails, and small-town charm, we’d steer you toward Salmon, Idaho. This scenic, remote gateway to the Frank Church Wilderness is an adventurer’s dream with epic rafting, byways, and year-round outdoor fun.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor lovers, backcountry explorers, whitewater rafters, and travelers looking to unplug and immerse themselves in Idaho’s untamed beauty.

What We Love:

The stunning wilderness access, adrenaline-filled river rafting, historic scenic byways, and Salmon’s all-season outdoor playground.

• Base yourself in Salmon, a small but mighty town on the edge of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, known for world-class recreation.
• Drive three historic routes just outside town: the Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway, Salmon River Scenic Byway, and Sacajawea Historic Byway.
• Raft the thrilling Middle Fork of the Salmon River, a mecca for whitewater adventurers worldwide.
• Explore the scenic Salmon and Lemhi Valley ranges for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
• Play in the snow with winter skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, and skating all within reach.
• Bike Salmon’s abundant trails, with routes that span from scenic rides to rugged mountain terrain.

Location:

Sandpoint, ID

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of a lakeside town with mountain views, art, and charm, we’d absolutely point you to Sandpoint, Idaho. Tucked beside a massive lake and brimming with creativity, it’s one of those rare places that’s just as fun for families as it is for solo travelers or couples.

We Recommend This For:

Beachgoers, art lovers, families, foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a lakeside escape with small-town soul.

What We Love:

Sandpoint’s downtown beach, lively markets, vibrant art scene, and access to both lake life and world-class skiing at Schweitzer.

• Swim and relax on Sandpoint’s own sandy beach, right in the downtown core, along the stunning Lake Pend Oreille with 111 miles of shoreline and mountain views.
• Shop and groove at the local Farmers’ Market, an open-air celebration of fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music.
• Wander through the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market—a unique spot built over Sand Creek with shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
• Browse more than two dozen local galleries, including must-see stops like Hallans Gallery for fine local artwork.
• Treat the kids to thrills at Silverwood Theme Park, home to 60 exciting rides, shows, and attractions.
• Dive into the city’s past at the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum.
• Ski some of the best terrain in the Pacific Northwest at the award-winning Schweitzer Retreat, just minutes from town.

Location:

Mountain Home, ID

Highlights:

Want a quiet, mountain-framed town with a big heart and deep history? We’d suggest checking out Mountain Home, where military heritage, epic landscapes, and rich pioneer history come together in one surprisingly adventurous stop.

We Recommend This For:

Road trippers, military history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and anyone exploring beyond Boise for unique Idaho gems.

What We Love:

Proximity to Boise, views from Bruneau Canyon, towering sand dunes, and the stories tucked into historic mining towns and Oregon Trail landmarks.

• Find Mountain Home tucked between the Danskin and Owyhee Mountains, just 40 miles from Boise.
• Trace its origins back to Rattlesnake Station—a stagecoach stop that helped shape early Idaho travel routes.
• Learn about the town’s strong connection to the Mountain Home Air Force Base, a key presence in the region.
• Start your outdoor adventure at the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, where a stunning 800-foot canyon cuts through the high desert.
• Explore the 470-foot dunes of Bruneau Dunes State Park—Idaho’s tallest and most surreal desert landscapes, with two serene lakes at the base.
• Step into history at the Mountain Home Historical Museum, or visit Silver City, a preserved 1864 mining town where you can still pan for gold.
• Relax along the Snake River at Three Island Crossing State Park, and discover pioneer life and Native history at the Oregon Trail History & Education Center.

Family-friendly Idaho Destinations:

Location:

Meridian, ID

Highlights:

Looking for a laid-back but vibrant small city that blends family fun, history, and charm? We’d definitely recommend Meridian, right in the heart of Idaho’s Treasure Valley—it’s welcoming, full of surprises, and perfect for all ages.

We Recommend This For:

Families, local history fans, arts and culture lovers, and anyone who enjoys parks, shopping, or playful attractions.

What We Love:

The fascinating farming and dairy history, 17 parks with free summer movies, a thriving arts scene, and The Village—a community hub that’s as entertaining as it is scenic.

• Find Meridian in the heart of Treasure Valley—a friendly town established in 1891 that grew thanks to irrigation, agriculture, and its dairy industry roots.
• Explore the city's past at the Meridian History Center, and admire local artwork at the Initial Point Gallery in City Hall.
• Listen to the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, active for over two decades and a cultural gem of the community.
• Play with the family at Roaring Springs Water Park and Wahooz Fun Zone with go-karts, arcade games, mini golf, and more.
• Visit Meridian Settlers Regional Park—one of 17 parks in town—especially during summer for free outdoor movie nights.
• Experience the Village at Meridian, the city’s lively outdoor mall complete with an ice rink, theater, fountain, and hourly music-light shows.

Location:

Nampa, ID

Highlights:

Looking for a place that blends wine country charm, railroad history, and outdoor adventure? We’d absolutely recommend Nampa—a welcoming Southwest Idaho gem where you can stroll historic streets, sip local wine, and explore ancient petroglyphs all in one trip.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers seeking culture, charm, and nature in one easy-to-explore destination.

What We Love:

The vintage feel of Historic Downtown, the railroad roots, Celebration Park’s ancient rock art, and the serene beauty of Lake Lowell in Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

• Discover Nampa in the heart of Idaho’s wine country, founded in the 1880s with the arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad.
• Step back in time at the historic Oregon Short Line Depot, built in 1903 to honor Nampa’s role as a major railroad town.
• Wander the Historic Downtown, a Main Street district full of galleries, shops, restaurants, and hometown charm.
• Explore Celebration Park, a sacred Paiute wintering ground where you’ll find 12,000-year-old petroglyphs carved into basalt boulders.
• Relax at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, a 11,000-acre sanctuary centered around Lake Lowell, perfect for birdwatching, boating, and connecting with nature.

Location:

Ketchum, ID

Highlights:

Craving a chic mountain town with serious outdoor cred and literary flair? You’ll love Ketchum—once a booming mining town, now a year-round destination with arts, nature, and history wrapped in one unforgettable package.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, art enthusiasts, history buffs, and Hemingway fans looking for high-altitude inspiration and alpine charm.

What We Love:

Sun Valley skiing, scenic hikes in the Sawtooths, nine art galleries and a seasonal Art Walk, and the quiet legacy of Ernest Hemingway.

• Trace Ketchum’s roots to its 1880 founding as one of the richest mining areas in the Northwest.
• Play year-round in a town transformed by the development of the Sawtooth Recreation Area and nearby Sun Valley Resort.
• Get outside with world-class fishing, trail riding, tennis, and miles of gorgeous mountain hiking trails.
• Pay tribute to Ernest Hemingway, who lived his final years here—visit his grave at Ketchum Cemetery and his memorial on Trail Creek Road.
• Enjoy Ketchum’s creative side at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, which features theater, visual arts, and music events all year long.
• Stroll through nine major art galleries and don’t miss the Art Walk, when the entire town turns into a welcoming gallery crawl.
• Learn about local history at the Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society and see original 1880s ore wagons at the Ore Wagon Museum.
• Adventure in every season—ski the slopes at Sun Valley Resort in winter or hike through the Sawtooth National Forest in summer.