Things to do in Idaho, United States: The Best Day Trips from

November 29, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

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. Private Yellowstone Old Faithful and Lower Loop Tour

Tied To Nature
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Spending the day on Yellowstone’s lower loop will give you an opportunity to experience the best of what Yellowstone has to offer. A long the way stop and see the famous Old Faithful Geyser as it erupts 150 feet into the air. Walk along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and view the Lower Falls as water plunges 300 feet into the canyon. Visit the colorful hot springs and other thermal features at one of the many geyser basins including Fountain Paint Pots, Black Sand Geyser Basin, and Wet Thumb Geyser Basin. Watch for bison, elk, bears, wolves and numerous other animals in Hayden Valley and other wildlife hotspots. This is the recommended tour if you just have one day and want to see the best of Yellowstone.

Inclusions: Picnic style lunch including a sandwich, drink, chips, and a snack., Use of binoculars and a spotting scope. , Snacks

Exclusions: Tips, Yellowstone National Park Pass.

Reviewed By 236joant

Adam Brunaker provided an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone National Park for our family on our April vacation. We saw newborn bison known as red dogs, wolves, a bear and other animals we never would have without Adam’s situation awareness, expertise and trained eye. Adam provided a comprehensive view of the Park in a safe and comfortable environment. I highly recommend Tied to Nature.

2. Private Day Tour Safari of Yellowstone from Idaho Falls and Rexburg

Globe Trekkers
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Guest will have private transportation to and from Gardiner with a professional photographer and guide. You will experience abundant wildlife, geysers, majestic mountains, and canyons.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Private transportation, Snacks, Soda/Pop

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

3. VIP Private Targhee NF, Palisades/Snake R., Swan Valley, and Mormon Row Day Trip

Globe Trekkers
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Cross over The beautiful Teton Pass in into Idaho for an outdoor adventure. Globe Trekkers is all about giving you The VIP and attention you deserve! These are private tours (your party only), hotel pick up and drop off included, you call the stops, we take your photos for you, And we offer complimentary snacks and drinks. This tour provides a unique experience to explore and see some of the most impressive landscapes of the American West. You will see wildlife, such as moose, and swans. You will cross The Beautiful Grand Tetons. This is a private tour with a Max of 4 people per vehicle so that each guest or group will be able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and rich history of this part of Idaho and Wyoming. Winter Conditions may temporarily affect roads and stops.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Photography - Driver/Guide will provide limited complementary photography services

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

4. Guided Tour to Craters of the Moon

Big Green Adventure Tours
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Begin your adventure in the Monument with a stop at the Visitor Center where you will learn how our Apollo astronauts used this rugged terrain to prepare for their 1969 moon landing. Walk through the monoliths of the North Crater Flow, one of the Monument's youngest lava flow areas. Stroll through Devils Orchard for an upfront view of the strange features of this volcanic "island" and learn about our impact on this delicate landscape and the preservation efforts underway to save it. ​Hike up Inferno Cone for a bird's eye view of the fissures of the Great Rift and see Big Cinder Butte, one of the world's largest known basaltic cinder cones. Take a break for lunch at the Cave Area just before you venture into an ancient lava tube at Indian Tunnel. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve abounds with flora and fauna appearing in different stages throughout the year, so be on the lookout for some of the unique plants and animals that call this beautiful place home!

Inclusions: Craters of the Moon. Box lunch with choice of sandwich/bread, fruit, chips, desert and bottled water., Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages, Restroom on board, WiFi on board

Reviewed By LtColLedbetter

I had never been to Idaho before visiting Twin Falls. The only thing I knew about Idaho was “Famous Potatoes.” So I figured what the heck, a guided tour might be informative. And indeed it was! Gabrielle, the owner of Big Green Adventure Tours, was my guide and I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. I did the Shoshone Falls and City tour. Gabrielle pointed out stuff I would have walked by and never noticed. She also provided me with interesting historical facts about the region, again stuff I never would have known. And not only was Gabrielle an excellent tour guide, she was also very friendly and pleasant!

5. Private VIP Mesa Falls, St. Anthony Sand Dunes, and Harriman State Park Tour

Globe Trekkers

Enjoy a private scenic day in The Tetons of Idaho. One of the regions most beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, The Snake River, history, and so much more. Your tour departs Jackson and takes you over the breathtaking Teton Pass and to Darby Canyon. Followed by Mesa Falls, and through Caribou-Targhee National Forest to Harrimon State Park. The final stop is The Saint Anthony Sand Dunes before driving back across the Teton Flood Plains and over The Teton Pass to Jackson.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Private transportation

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

6. VIP Private Shoshone Falls, Craters of The Moon NM, and Potato Museum

Globe Trekkers

This full day VIP tour takes you to some of the most spectacular sights in Idaho. The tour departs Jackson Hole and follows The Snake River to the high Idaho Desert. The main highlight are; Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon NM, The Potato Museum, and the almost abandoned Atomic City.

Inclusions: Snacks, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

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