Top Things to do in Idaho
Top Hotels in Idaho
- 1. The Riverside Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boise Towne Square
- 3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coeur d Alene
- 4. Modern Hotel
- 5. My Place Hotel-Twin Falls, ID
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown
- 7. Best Western Plus Coeur D'Alene Inn
- 8. The Grove Hotel
- 9. La Quinta by Wyndham Pocatello
- 10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Twin Falls
10 Sights & Landmarks in Idaho That You Shouldn't Miss
A mixture of forested mountains, alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, deep river canyons, and high plains deserts, Idaho is a paradise for golf, skiing, fly fishing, and river rafting. Boise, the capital, is the state's largest city and airline hub. North of Boise are golf, lake, and ski resorts from McCall in the south to Sandpoint and Coeur D'Alene in the north. East of Boise are the ski slopes of Ketchum and Sun Valley. East of Sun Valley are Craters of the Moon National Monument, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and the small town of Island Park just across the border from Yellowstone National Park. Boise's Basque Museum and Cultural Center reflects having the largest Basque population in the U.S. Reflecting Idaho's diverse heritage, near the Idaho Historical Museum in Boise's Julia Davis Park is the Idaho Black History Museum's chronicle of the slave York who served the Lewis & Clark Expedition. After a family visit to the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey and an outdoor performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, the next stop after Boise is likely to be Payette Lake in McCall or Sun Valley and Ketchum. About 100 miles north of Boise, past Cascade Lake, McCall takes you to the shores of Payette Lake. Go golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, waterskiing, sailing, boating, or whitewater river rafting. Ski or snowshoe Brundage Mountain or Tamarack Resorts, as well as Ponderosa State Park in winter. Ice skate year-round at Manchester Ice & Event Centre. About 450 miles north of Boise, there are resort lakes near skiing and golf at Coeur d'Alene, Hayden Lake, and Sandpoint. Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and hunting are popular in Sun Valley and Ketchum. Sockeye salmon may no longer do much spawning in Redfish Lake, but the boating and mountain scenery in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area make the short trip north to Stanley worthwhile. When the snows come the whole family will head for the slopes of Soldier Mountain, Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, or the Sun Valley Resort. A tiny forested town of about 250 people, Island Park has a large reservoir with fishing and boating, as well as Henry's Fork of the Snake River for fly fishing. It's only 15 miles from Yellowstone as well.
Restaurants in Idaho
1. Linn Canyon Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Adventure on horseback through pristine Wilderness on our sure-footed mountain horses. Experience a pack trip into the stunning high country of the Tetons. Enjoy gourmet dining at the Ranch, followed by an evening around the campfire and sleeping in one of our luxurious and well-appointed sleeping tents. Create memorable weddings and other special events at this pastoral high country setting. Linn Canyon Ranch is perfectly situated for your ideal western adventure. Come for a Sunset Dinner Ride one evening or stay for several days. You and your family will be treated to a wonderful, relaxed experience that you will remember for years to come!
Reviewed By 687loria
Wow!!!! We were referred to this adventure by our Air BNB host and were they ever right. The horseback riding was good (though next time I go I will say that I am an intermediate rider, if you want to walk at a total turtle pace go with beginner) and our guide was nice and shared information about the area. But the dinner afterward (not on all rides, you have to ask for the dinner ride).... oh my gosh, the chef is on her A game! From the appetizers, to the beautiful dining room with fireplace and white tablecloths, to the incredible dinner, followed by the outdoors smores - an adventure I will not forget. We felt quite underdressed after riding horses for the event, but the hosts were very gracious and that was just our hang up considering the elaborate lengths they went to for this dining experience. You WILL leaved stuffed to the gills, you will leave with a light wallet (our total for two adults and one child for ride/dinner/tip for both was a little over $400), you will leave glad that you did it. Just a heads up on paying (honestly I thought I pre-paid for the whole thing when I booked months ago) - the bill at the end included all gratuity. Our horse guide also got a large cash tip since we didn't know that, so she made out pretty good that day~ :0
2. Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 421 reviews
SELF GUIDED TOURS BY APPOINTMENT DURING COVID THROUGH 2021. Email us and let us know how many in your group, date, and time. We understand the need for people to enjoy the great outdoors and meet some really wonderful animals. We charge $10 for people 12 and over, $5 for kids, toddlers under 3 are free. No children under 12 are allowed in the fenced areas with the animals but a walk-about along the fence is always fun. Mask and Social Distancing are required on the ranch if you are close to any of our guest and ourselves. Respect Sonia, Andy, and the 77 Heartbeats
Reviewed By 612amiah
Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch was amazing! Our guide, Sonia, was so nice and explained everything as we went around the ranch. You can tell she cares a lot about her animals and is willing to answer any and all questions about them. She offers to take your picture with the animals, and you can pet them. The little gift shop is amazing too, with items even made from the fur of the alpacas on the ranch! This is an excursion you won't regret!
3. Salmon River Scenic Byway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By P2868BAalisonp
We traveled most of this route when we landed in Missoula and drove down to Salmon, ID. It starts at the border to Idaho (Lost Trial Pass area). Stunning views of the mountains/valleys and the Salmon River, loads of wildlife. We traveled the rest of the route later in the week when we drove to ghost towns - Bayhorse, Bonanza, and Custer. The views were exceptional.
4. Rexburg Idaho Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By alexanderbU1975WA
The Rexburg temple is a beautiful sight to behold. It is hard to deny the feeling of peace and serenity that is made available on the temple grounds. If you are in town visiting, please take out time to drop by the visitors' center.
5. Idaho State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
The Idaho State Museum is a fun, interactive experience where people of all ages and backgrounds come to explore the story of Idaho! Featuring over 514 artifacts on display, 800 photographs, and 46 individual multimedia exhibits, the museum shows the profound relationship between Idaho's land and its people shaping each other over time.
Reviewed By Way2013 - San Diego, United States
This is one great museum! Lots to see and lots to learn. Going through this museum is just one incredible educational experience. There are some volunteers at the museum and their knowledge of any subject at the museum is amazing. Well worth visiting.
6. Cataldo Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
The Old Mission (Mission of the Sacred Heart) is the oldest standing building in Idaho.
Reviewed By JenniferandAlan - Easton, United States
On our way to Yellowstone from Seattle we spied the mission from the road and headed for it. We learned a lot. The mission was beautiful inside and outside. So well and lovingly preserved--even some of the original wallpaper remained. So glad it was open for a quiet moment. The museum was also well done with all the furniture from that time. It was easy to imagine how the priest lived. The visitor center was informative and had a small gift shop. A great stop.
7. Sun Valley Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Whether it's an exciting day on the slopes of Bald Mountain, or a relaxing sleigh ride or round of golf, Idaho's famous year-round resort promises a variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
Reviewed By jimrusssauer - Austin, United States
Sun Valley is our Favorite NA Ski resort and we have skied almost everywhere in Colorado, CA, Utah, NM and Canada. This was our 3rd visit in 5 years. The mountain and the town have a down home feel and folks are incredibly friendly. The mountain can be challenging but SV grooms almost every Blue and Green run every night. SV also has great snow making so even in a year like 2021 where not much snow has fallen, SV still has plenty. We skied all over but our favorite is Seattle Ridge Runs. They say Green on the map, but most are probably blues in any other resort. No houses on the Mountain which are a true Ski experience and also keeps the crowds away. Not easy to get to but worth it when you get there!
8. Crystal Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By 362glennf
The visit to the mine was entertaining and interesting to our entire group ages 1 to 57. The children and the adults liked the gold panning after the tour. I'd recommend the visit.
9. Old Idaho Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours.
Reviewed By moreworld2c - Poulsbo, United States
Several friends had recommended the visit and the guided tour, and we weren't disappointed! Our guide Said was excellent—obviously passionate about local history and had done a lot of personal study to be able to share interesting stories about the prison and its inmates. The visit includes several different styles of cellblocks for the general population, a couple of solitary confinement sites, and death row with its permanent gallows. This visit made me think a lot about crime and punishment, justice and injustice. Very reasonable price. Many well-labeled exhibits and displays.
10. Idaho State Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 734 reviews
Reviewed By writerdj - Lemont, United States
This is a fascinating building, best seen in the company of a tour guide so you don't miss anything. From the life size statue of Lincoln and the replica of the Liberty Bell out front, to the workings of the geothermal heating system, there's a lot to take in. More statues and photos and displays inside touch on Idaho's super-interesting history. If you're lucky there will be a fair or concert on the grounds!
