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
What to do and see in Idaho, United States: The Best Free Things to do
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. Payette Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 296 reviews
A 5,330-acre lake near the resort town of McCall.
Reviewed By idealjourney - Winter Garden, United States
I got a chance to visit Lake Cascade and Redfish Lake and you might be able to snag a better photo app at Redfish or even Cascade but overall Payette took the price for us. The most stuff to do in a medium sized lake. We visited both the State Park and also went paddle boarding on the lake. Paddle boarding and kayaking are the best on the Northeast end of the lake where you can rent from Backwoods adventures and take a journey up the Payette River. The current is almost non-existent so the up river paddling is easy. Ponderosa State Park is so unique in that it takes up almost the entire middle peninsula of the lake. It is worth $ 5 admission just to drive around and make sure you go to the end of the loop drive in the park because you will be rewarded with a higher up panoramic view of the lake.
2. Sawtooth Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 176 reviews
The 217,000 acres within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area include some 300 lakes, 40 wilderness trails and a forest of fir, spruce and pine.
Reviewed By ugaworldtraveler8 - San Diego, United States
Snow had fallen and remained on both sides of the highway, although the roads were plowed and safe. An Idaho senator proposed this as a national park in the 1930s, unfortunately conservative politicians stand in the way. It really deserves national park status.
3. Boise River Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,436 reviews
Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking, hiking and jogging.
Reviewed By marmot3 - Boise, United States
The beautiful Boise River flows through the heart of the city. Flanking the river on one side or the other or sometimes both, is the gently winding Boise River Greenbelt, a paved path that runs for 25 miles, from Lucky Peak Dam upriver to the town of Eagle downriver. Along the way, there are many entrances and exits, so you can make your Greenbelt experience as long or short as you wish. Previously, it was totally non-motorized, though recently e-bikes became admissible--with a speed limit. When my family gathered for a reunion in Boise in June, we loved our "bike hike" on the Greenbelt. Some people had brought their own bikes; others rented from bike shops downtown. One family rented a bike trailer/carrier for their little kids. Off we all went, our ride taking us through four leafy city parks, past the zoo, the Anne Frank Memorial, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Quinn's Pond and the Whitewater Park and beyond. On the return we stopped off for play time in one of Ann Morrison Park's playgrounds. Many cities are built on rivers, and many cities capitalize on these fortunate features. But I know of no other city that has been as successful as Boise in incorporating their river into the life of the city while preserving its natural beauty. Boise River Greenbelt is an extraordinary gift for the people of Boise and the Treasure Valley, as well as visitors. Just a word of caution: The Greenbelt is extremely popular for recreation, exercise, bike commuting, fun runs, photo shoots, etc. It's busy! The posted "rules" for use state that pedestrians always have the right of way, but many people are oblivious or careless. The yellow stripe down the middle of the path is there for a reason. Treat the path as a highway and stay on the right unless passing. Watch for children or the ubiquitous geese and squirrels straying into your path. Be reasonably careful, share the path, and enjoy this Boise treasure!
4. Coeur d'Alene Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,397 reviews
Fed by waters from three different rivers, this pristine, 30-mile lake offers just about every water sport imaginable.
Reviewed By Gregg-Midlo
Whether you want to water ski, tube, fish, hike, bike, golf or just cruise the lake you will be amazed as the contrasting vistas of cool water against the green mountains and blue skies. Be on the lookout for bears, moose, eagles, egrets and more. What a magnificent place to create a memory.
5. Moscow Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
This Saturday event celebrates local farmers, artists, craftspeople and musicians by providing them with an opportunity to interact directly with the community and its visitors. Highlights include fresh produce, meat, delicious homemade baked goods, healthy nursery plants, beautiful flowers and quality handmade crafts. The Moscow Farmers Market is located downtown in Friendship Square. It is held each Saturday, May through October, from 8:00 a.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Reviewed By llarking - Seattle, United States
You have to plan a trip thru the Farmers Market. Allow lots of leisure time to enjoy the entertainment, food offerings and the fabulous farmers and artisans from the local area.
6. Teton Geotourism Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Interactive museum for all ages highlighting the history of the Teton Valley area. This is the first GeoTourism museum in the United States. Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or embraces the geographical character of a place - it's environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
Reviewed By 17bobk - Victor, United States
Great historical information of travel, weather and settling of Teton Valley, ID. Well trained volunteers provide information in addition to written and taped information displays.
7. 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.
8. Japanese Pavilion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Stendel - Eastpointe, United States
A beautiful, peaceful garden .Sit by the peaceful stream that runs through this beautiful garden .Just across the street from downtown and the falls yet worth the visit. Absolutely beautiful.
9. Redfish Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Resort lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Reviewed By mikmeh - Boise, United States
Lodge with a restaurant. Marina with boat rentals including pontoons. Boat rentals are dog friendly. At the back of the lake are secluded docks you can tie up at and spend time jumping in the frigid waters. Beautiful beach areas and photo op galore.
10. Tubbs Hill Nature Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 807 reviews
Offering a taste of the wilderness in downtown Coeur d'Alene, this self-guided two-mile trail loop has historical points along the way as well as several great viewing areas.
Reviewed By gin48 - Idaho, United States
First time hiking here and we were on a bit of a time schedule - we took the main loop around the lake. Even tho' the temps were in the hi 30's when we started, the sun eventually came out; and the views are spectacular. Next time we'll take the summit trail. Highly recommend for an easy to moderate hike with spectacular views.
