Best Places to Visit in Idaho

Idaho is a state of rugged mountains, scenic lakes, and charming towns, making it one of the most underrated places to explore in the U.S. Having traveled through its landscapes and communities, I’ve found that Idaho offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, relaxation, and local culture.

I’ve enjoyed peaceful lakeside escapes, hikes with breathtaking views, and vibrant towns filled with food, art, and history. From family-friendly activities to romantic getaways and adventurous exploration, Idaho has no shortage of incredible places to visit and things to do. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.

1. Letting the River Lead Me in Boise

We flew from Austin to Boise (nonstop about 4 hours, fares around $150–$250 round trip). We stayed at the Grove Hotel, right on the main plaza with views of the foothills.

Boise is a unique destination near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with the Boise River running right through downtown. I found it to be one of the coolest cities in the West, blending outdoor adventure with vibrant city life.

One of my favorite spots was the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile trail that felt like a dream for walking, biking, or just soaking in the scenery. I loved how it connected parks, neighborhoods, and hidden corners of the city—it made exploring easy and joyful.

I couldn’t get enough of the lively downtown scene. Between the affordable local eateries, craft breweries, and unique coffee shops, I felt like I stumbled into a vibrant community that was both exciting and welcoming. The Basque Block was my favorite discovery—it’s such a cool, unusual slice of history with authentic food and culture you rarely find anywhere else in the U.S.

Boise’s art scene was another surprise. I loved seeing murals, galleries, and even unexpected sculptures scattered throughout downtown—it gave the city such a creative, interesting vibe. The Freak Alley Gallery, with its outdoor street art, was absolutely the best hidden find.

For outdoor magic, Bogus Basin is just a quick drive from town. I thought it was awesome that in winter you can ski there, but in summer it transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise. That mix of city fun and nature adventure makes Boise one of my favorite weekend getaways.

For me, the absolute best thing about Boise is how it balances an exciting urban core with easy access to mountains, rivers, and trails—it’s the kind of place that feels both relaxing and adventurous at the same time.

2. Pausing at the Falls in Idaho Falls

From Boise, it was a long but scenic drive east (about 4 hours 45 minutes, 275 miles along I-84 and I-15) into Idaho Falls. The Snake River runs right through town, and I walked the Idaho Falls River Walk (5 miles of landscaped paths along both banks).

We spent the night at the historic Destinations Inn, where themed suites make it a fun, one-of-a-kind stay.

Idaho Falls felt like one of the most amazing hidden gems in eastern Idaho, sitting right along the Snake River with the spectacular falls as its centerpiece. I thought the riverwalk was the absolute best way to see the city—it stretched for miles, and I loved how it offered both peaceful spots and vibrant views of downtown.

One of my favorite experiences was standing near the cascading Idaho Falls themselves. The rushing water had such an exciting energy, and I found it to be the perfect backdrop for photos. It’s a spot that makes even a simple stroll feel magical and memorable.

I also enjoyed exploring the Museum of Idaho, which was such an underrated treasure. Inside, I discovered everything from local history to traveling exhibits that kept things interesting and unique. It was one of those cool places that worked for both family trips and solo adventures.

The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park turned out to be a joyful surprise. I wasn’t expecting such a diverse collection of animals in a smaller city, but it was awesome to see lions, penguins, and red pandas all in one afternoon. It made for an affordable and exciting outing.

Just outside town, I found myself in awe of the views stretching toward the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone—making Idaho Falls a brilliant idea for a base camp. For me, the best part was that the city gave me both a lively, vibrant downtown with cool eateries and breweries and quick access to some of the most spectacular natural wonders nearby.

I left feeling like Idaho Falls was a truly underrated destination—both relaxing and adventurous, with a mix of charm, culture, and outdoor magic that made it one of my favorite spots in Idaho.

3. Letting the Lake Hold Me in Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene completely won me over—it’s one of the most spectacular and exciting places in northern Idaho, tucked right near the sparkling blue waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. I felt like I had discovered an absolute gem that perfectly mixes outdoor adventure with a vibrant, small-town vibe.

One of my favorite things to do was walk along the Coeur d’Alene Resort Boardwalk, which is actually the world’s longest floating boardwalk. It was such a cool and unusual experience to be surrounded by water views in every direction, and I loved seeing the boats drift by while the mountains framed the horizon.

I thought Tubbs Hill was another underrated treasure. Just steps from downtown, the hiking trails there offered amazing lake views, hidden coves, and peaceful spots that felt magical at sunset. It’s one of the best free things to do in the city, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos.

The downtown area itself was vibrant and joyful, filled with unique boutiques, affordable cafés, and local restaurants. I loved grabbing ice cream after a long walk and just soaking up the lively atmosphere. It felt like the perfect family-friendly and romantic getaway rolled into one.

Water activities were also a dream here. From kayaking on the lake to taking a scenic boat cruise, I felt like there was always something exciting and fun to try. Parasailing over the water gave me one of the coolest views I’ve ever seen!

For me, the best part of Coeur d’Alene was how everything blended together—the exceptional natural beauty, the unique outdoor experiences, and the warm, welcoming community. It’s truly one of my favorite places in all of Idaho and the kind of destination that feels unforgettable every single visit.

4. Finding the Unexpected in Pocatello

We drove about 2 hours 45 minutes north from Salt Lake City on I-15 to Pocatello nestled at the base of the Portneuf Range.

Pocatello turned out to be one of the most underrated gems in southeastern Idaho, tucked between the Portneuf Range and the Snake River Plain. I loved how it felt both adventurous and welcoming, with cool outdoor spots and a vibrant downtown that made exploring joyful and fun.

One of my favorite places was the Idaho Museum of Natural History, located right at Idaho State University. I thought it was such an interesting and unique stop, filled with exhibits on fossils, Native American history, and regional wildlife. It was affordable, educational, and surprisingly exciting for both families and curious travelers like me.

I couldn’t resist wandering Old Town Pocatello, which had a charming and vibrant atmosphere. The brick buildings, murals, and quirky shops gave it a cool mix of history and creativity. I especially loved grabbing coffee at a local café and browsing the unusual antique stores—each corner felt like a hidden treasure.

For outdoor fun, the City Creek Trails were absolutely the best. I enjoyed hiking and biking through the rolling hills, with spectacular views of the valley below. It was such a brilliant idea to spend a weekend here because the trails made me feel connected to nature without ever being far from town.

Another highlight was Zoo Idaho, a small but joyful place that showcased native wildlife like bears, cougars, and bison. It felt like a cool, family-friendly activity that tied right into the local landscape.

For me, Pocatello’s magic comes from its balance—it’s an affordable, exciting city with interesting museums, a lively downtown, and quick access to outdoor adventures. It might just be one of my favorite underrated places in all of Idaho.

5. Drifting into Wildness in Salmon

The drive north from Idaho Falls (3 hours, 160 miles) brought us into rugged country where the Salmon River winds through the mountains.

Salmon, Idaho, felt like stepping into one of the most amazing hidden gems of the West. Tucked along the Salmon River and surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains, it gave me that perfect mix of small-town charm and wild outdoor adventure. I thought it was the absolute best place to escape into nature while still having a vibrant, welcoming community nearby.

One of my favorite experiences here was simply walking along the river. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and I could see anglers casting their lines—it felt both peaceful and exciting at the same time. I loved how the town embraced its river life, making it a dream spot for rafting, kayaking, and fishing.

I also thought the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center was such a cool and underrated find. Learning about Sacajawea’s journey and the Lewis and Clark expedition added so much meaning to the area. It was one of those unique places where history felt alive and connected to the land around me.

The outdoor opportunities around Salmon are absolutely spectacular. I found the trails in the Salmon-Challis National Forest to be some of the most magical hikes, with hidden lakes, mountain views, and wildlife encounters. It’s a brilliant idea for a weekend getaway if you love adventure.

Downtown Salmon itself was joyful and interesting, filled with cozy cafés, local shops, and even a few unexpected art galleries. I loved ending the day with a meal in a family-owned restaurant and soaking up the friendly, small-town vibe.

For me, Salmon is one of Idaho’s coolest, most underrated destinations—affordable, exciting, and deeply connected to nature. It’s the kind of place that turns a simple trip into an unforgettable memory.

6. Letting the Light Settle in Sandpoint

From Spokane, WA, we drove just under 1.5 hours north into Sandpoint perched on Lake Pend Oreille. We stayed at the lakeside Edgewater Resort, right next to Sandpoint City Beach.

Sandpoint, Idaho, instantly became one of my favorite hidden gems in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, this town felt like a dream getaway with spectacular views in every direction. I thought it was the absolute best mix of mountain charm, lake magic, and vibrant small-town energy.

One of the most joyful experiences was walking along the Sandpoint City Beach Park. I loved how the sandy shoreline opened up to crystal-clear waters, and the backdrop of mountains made it feel both peaceful and exciting. It’s one of those affordable, family-friendly spots where you can swim, picnic, or just relax and watch the boats drift by.

Downtown Sandpoint surprised me with its unique and vibrant vibe. I enjoyed wandering through art galleries, cool boutiques, and coffee shops that felt local and welcoming. My favorite find was a quirky bookstore that seemed like an unusual treasure tucked right into Main Street.

For outdoor adventure, Schweitzer Mountain Resort was absolutely the coolest. In winter, I thought it was one of the best ski spots in the West, but in summer it transformed into a paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and even scenic chairlift rides. Every season had its own magic.

I also loved exploring the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, which hugged the shoreline and gave me some of the most spectacular lake views I’ve ever seen. It was an amazing, underrated experience that felt both relaxing and invigorating.

For me, Sandpoint is the perfect blend of adventure and charm—an affordable, exciting, and unforgettable Idaho gem that feels like the coolest secret waiting to be discovered.

7. Ketchum Alpine Calm & Culinary Discovery

We drove northeast from Boise about 2 hours 45 minutes into Ketchum nestled in the Wood River Valley. We stayed at the Tamarack Lodge, right in the center of town.

Ketchum, Idaho, felt like one of the most spectacular mountain towns I’ve ever visited, tucked near the stunning Sawtooth Mountains and right next to Sun Valley. I loved how it combined outdoor adventure with a vibrant artsy vibe, making it one of my absolute favorite places in the state.

One of the best things I did was wander through downtown Ketchum. The streets were filled with unique boutiques, cool galleries, and cozy cafés, and the atmosphere was both lively and laid-back. I thought it was such a joyful mix of rustic charm and modern creativity.

I couldn’t resist stopping at the Sun Valley Museum of Art, which turned out to be an underrated gem. The exhibits were unique, inspiring, and gave me a real sense of the town’s creative spirit. It was the kind of unusual find that made me feel more connected to the community.

Of course, the outdoor activities were absolutely amazing. In winter, skiing at Sun Valley Resort was a dream—it’s famous for a reason, with slopes that felt both thrilling and magical. In summer, I loved hiking and biking the scenic trails, especially those with spectacular views of Bald Mountain and the Sawtooths.

I also thought the Ernest Hemingway connection was fascinating. Visiting his memorial by Trail Creek was one of the most meaningful, interesting stops of my trip. It added a unique cultural layer to all the outdoor fun.

For me, Ketchum is the kind of destination that delivers the best of everything—an exciting, affordable mountain town with exceptional scenery, hidden gems, and a creative energy that makes every visit unforgettable.

8. Wild Love Preserve: Idaho's Wild Horses, Protected with Purpose

From Boise, it was about a 3.5-hour drive to Challis, where Wild Love Preserve manages over 250 wild horses across 150,000 acres of public land partnerships.

Visiting the Wild Love Preserve in central Idaho felt like stepping into one of the most meaningful and underrated experiences I’ve ever had. Nestled near the Salmon-Challis National Forest outside Challis, this amazing nonprofit sanctuary is dedicated to protecting wild horses, and I thought it was one of the coolest and most inspiring hidden gems in the state.

From the moment I arrived, I felt the magic of the place. Seeing wild horses roaming freely across the rugged landscape was absolutely spectacular—it gave me chills. I loved how the preserve balanced respect for the animals with conservation of the land, creating a truly unique and joyful environment.

I found the mission of Wild Love Preserve to be one of the most interesting parts of my visit. They don’t just rescue and care for horses; they work with local communities, wildlife, and the environment to ensure a sustainable future. It’s an unusual and brilliant idea that makes every visit feel purposeful and connected.

Walking the property, I was struck by the beauty of the surrounding Salmon River Valley. The rolling hills and open skies felt like a dream, and it was the perfect backdrop to witness these majestic animals. I couldn’t help but think it was one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets.

What made this experience even more special was how affordable and accessible it was. Supporting a cause while having such an exciting and heartfelt adventure made it unforgettable. For me, Wild Love Preserve is an absolute best Idaho treasure—exceptional, inspiring, and one of my favorite meaningful getaways in the West.

9. The Route of the Hiawatha - Tunnels, Pines & Echoes

Riding the Route of the Hiawatha in northern Idaho was one of the most spectacular and unforgettable adventures I’ve ever had. Tucked in the Bitterroot Mountains near the Montana border, this 15-mile scenic trail felt like a dream come true for both casual riders and outdoor enthusiasts like me.

I loved how the route followed the old Milwaukee Railroad line, turning historic train tunnels and high trestle bridges into the coolest bike path. The highlight for me was pedaling through the legendary St. Paul Pass Tunnel—at 1.66 miles long, it was dark, chilly, and absolutely thrilling. It felt like such a unique and unusual experience.

The views along the way were breathtaking. I found myself stopping constantly to take photos of the rugged mountain landscapes, deep forests, and the hidden valleys below. Every trestle crossing gave me a new perspective, and the scenery was nothing short of amazing.

What I thought was brilliant is that the trail is mostly downhill, making it super family-friendly and joyful. Even if you’re not an avid cyclist, it’s an affordable, accessible, and exciting ride for just about anyone. I rented a bike and shuttle pass, which made the logistics easy and stress-free.

The history tied into the trail was fascinating too. I loved learning about the old railroad, and it gave the ride an interesting cultural layer beyond just the outdoor fun. For me, that combination of history, adventure, and natural beauty made the Route of the Hiawatha one of the absolute best things to do in Idaho.

If you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s both fun and magical, this ride is one of my favorite recommendations—it’s an exceptional and unforgettable experience that belongs on every Idaho bucket list.

10. Wallace Silver and Mountain Air

Driving east from Coeur d’Alene about 50 minutes, we reached Wallace, a tiny town of around 900 residents tucked into the Bitterroot Mountains. Known as the “Silver Capital of the World,” Wallace has produced over 1.2 billion ounces of silver since the 1880s.

Wallace, Idaho, felt like one of the coolest and most unusual small towns I’ve ever explored. Tucked into the Silver Valley of northern Idaho, near the Bitterroot Mountains, it’s famous for its rich mining history and quirky charm. I thought it was one of the absolute best hidden gems in the state, with a mix of adventure, history, and small-town magic.

One of my favorite things about Wallace was discovering that the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking its vibrant streets, I loved the vintage brick buildings, antique shops, and unique museums that gave me a joyful sense of stepping back in time.

The Sierra Silver Mine Tour was an exciting highlight. Riding a trolley and heading underground with a retired miner as a guide was such an interesting and memorable experience. I thought it was the absolute best way to understand Wallace’s heritage, and it felt both authentic and adventurous.

I also enjoyed climbing up to the Wallace Center of the Universe sign—a playful, unusual claim that made the town even more charming. It’s one of those quirky photo ops that made me smile and added a cool touch of humor to the visit.

For outdoor fun, Wallace is surrounded by spectacular trails. I loved that the famous Route of the Hiawatha and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes are just nearby, making it a brilliant base camp for biking and hiking. The scenery was amazing and the fresh mountain air felt magical.

For me, Wallace was the perfect mix of history, adventure, and personality. It’s an underrated Idaho treasure that left me with unforgettable memories—and easily one of my favorite small-town getaways in the West.

Conclusion

Looking back on my Idaho adventures, I truly believe this state is one of the most underrated gems in the U.S.

I loved how each destination had its own unique personality—whether it was history-rich Wallace, adventurous Salmon, artistic Sandpoint, or the heartfelt mission of Wild Love Preserve.

What stood out most to me was Idaho’s brilliant mix of affordable small-town charm and spectacular outdoor beauty.

I felt like I was constantly uncovering hidden treasures, whether biking the Route of the Hiawatha, hiking in the Sawtooths, or simply enjoying a joyful lakeside stroll.

The balance of nature, culture, and community made every moment feel meaningful and magical.

For me, Idaho isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a dream destination where every trip turns into a story worth telling.

If you’re looking for vibrant towns, exciting adventures, and some of the absolute best hidden gems in the West, Idaho delivers it all. It’s a state that surprised me, inspired me, and quickly became one of my favorite places to explore.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed me to experience each destination as a local, and I'm eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration, and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets to places of mystery. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on ABC6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USA Today. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX. Click for more.

 

Leave a Comment