I enjoy soaking in Idaho hot springs, hiking around pristine lakes and exploring the attractions in Boise. Coeur d’Alene is awesome in the summer. Part of the iconic Yellowstone National Park is in Idaho. There is so much to love about Idaho!
Looking for rugged beauty, outdoor thrills, and small-town charm? Head to Idaho! I’ve traveled all over this state, and every time I come back, I find something new to love. With its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and warm, welcoming towns, Idaho really does have something for everyone—whether you’re rafting whitewater, wandering small-town streets, or just soaking in a quiet hot spring under the stars.
Idaho Highlights I Always Recommend
- For Outdoor Adventurers: Raft or kayak the Salmon River – I’ve paddled this one myself—it’s wild, remote, and unforgettable. They don’t call it “The River of No Return” for nothing.
- For Nature Lovers: Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument – Walking through lava fields and caves here feels like you’ve landed on another planet. I always tell people it’s one of Idaho’s most underrated stops.
- For Families: Explore the Idaho Potato Museum – Yes, it’s quirky—but it’s also fun and surprisingly informative. My nieces loved it, and the photo ops are gold.
- For Skiers & Hikers: Hit the trails at Sun Valley – Whether I’m on the slopes in winter or hiking in summer, this resort town is as scenic as it is cozy. You’ll love the vibe.
- For Small-Town Explorers: Stroll through Coeur d’Alene – With its lake views, friendly locals, and waterfront parks, Coeur d’Alene always feels like the perfect Idaho postcard come to life.
Best Time to Visit Idaho (From My Experience)
The best time really depends on what you’re after. I love summer (June–August) for hikes, lake days, and festivals. Winter (December–February) is fantastic for skiing—especially in Sun Valley or the Panhandle. And if you want peace, crisp air, and mountain color? Fall is breathtaking in the small towns.
How to Get to Idaho
- If you’re driving: I-84, I-15, and I-90 make road-tripping easy from Utah, Montana, Washington, and Oregon. I’ve done all three—each drive is scenic in its own way.
- By Air: I usually fly into Boise Airport (BOI) for city access, but Idaho Falls (IDA) is great for eastern adventures. If you’re heading north, try Spokane (GEG)—it's a good jumping-off point for Coeur d’Alene.
- By Train or Bus: Idaho doesn’t have much train service, but Greyhound and regional shuttles make it easy to connect between cities and small towns.
Where I Recommend Staying in Idaho
- Recommended for Families: Silver Mountain Resort (Kellogg) – I’ve stayed here with family, and it checks all the boxes—ski access, waterpark, and mountain views. Great for kids and adults alike.
- For Couples: Knob Hill Inn (Sun Valley) – Cozy, quiet, and romantic. I loved the alpine-style charm and the easy access to hiking and skiing.
- For a City Stay: The Grove Hotel (Boise) – Right in the heart of downtown, with modern style, walkability, and Greenbelt trail access. I’ve stayed here during festivals and loved it every time.
Best Things to Do in Idaho
Visit Lava Hot Springs - Soak in natural pools and relax on a peaceful retirement trip.
Have fun on Lake Coeur d'Alene - Paddle clear waters and enjoy lakeside views during an exciting summer outing.
Stroll through lovely Idaho Botanical Garden - Walk peaceful paths and admire blooming flowers on an easy spring visit.
Take the kids to the Museum of Clean - Explore fun exhibits and learn about cleanliness on a quirky kids-friendly trip.
Have fun at Silverwood Theme Park - Ride thrilling coasters and splash in water zones on a fun family adventure.
Discover the scenic Route of the Hiawatha - Bike forest tunnels and admire mountain views on an exciting fall trip.
Learn about history at the Warhawk Air Museum - See vintage planes and explore exhibits on a quick educational visit.
Learn about the gray wolf at The Wolf Center - See rescued wolves and discover their story on an unusual wildlife outing.
Learn about mining at the Wallace District Mining Museum - Explore historic tools and discover old tunnels on an affordable educational trip.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Visit Lava Hot Springs
- • Have fun on Lake Coeur d'Alene
- • Stroll through lovely Idaho Botanical Garden
- • Take the kids to the Museum of Clean
- • Have fun at Silverwood Theme Park
- • Discover the scenic Route of the Hiawatha
- • Learn about history at the Warhawk Air Museum
- • Learn about the gray wolf at The Wolf Center
- • Learn about mining at the Wallace District Mining Museum