Top 19 Beautiful Places to Visit in Idaho

Often overshadowed by neighboring Montana and Oregon, Hemingway’s favorite state still boasts stunning beauty waiting to be uncovered. Deciding where to go can be a challenge, but after traveling around the whole state in four weeks, here are my must-visit spots I’d love to share…

1. Boise 

I was a big fan of Boise, the “City of Trees.” I thought it was an understated beauty spot with tree-lined streets, a striking mix of historic and modern architecture, and mountain scenery as its backdrop. I loved its laid-back feel and strong sense of community — a perfect mix of urban perks and unspoiled nature.

Flying into Boise Airport, I made it my starting point and stayed three days, strolling the Boise River Greenbelt, mural-spotting and café-hopping in the Linen District, touring the Idaho State Capitol, exploring the Boise Art Museum, hiking the foothill trails at Camel’s Back Park, wandering the peaceful Idaho Botanical Gardens and joining a fun scavenger hunt – the edgy Jimi Hendrix portrait at Freak Alley Gallery was a stand-out!

Location: Southwestern Idaho | Size: medium-sized city | Vibe: outdoorsy, creative, and laid-back | Wildlife: coyotes, hawks, and occasional black bears in the nearby foothills

My highlights…

• Staying at the quirky 4‑star Anniversary Inn, I loved my room’s jetted tub, plush chenille robes, four‑poster bed, and romantic touches – especially the chocolate‑dipped strawberries waiting on arrival!

2. Sawtooth Mountains

I thought the Sawtooth Mountains were breathtaking — jagged peaks, forested valleys, and sparkling alpine lakes created a peaceful yet adventurous vibe I couldn’t get enough of.

Part of the Idaho Rockies and near Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Ketchum, the area felt wild, remote, and creatively inspiring, with wildlife like elk, moose, bears, eagles, and otters.

After landing at Boise Airport (BOI), I drove three hours, spent a week in Ketchum, then four nature-filled days at the rustic Triangle C Cabins. I hiked the Alice Lake Loop, kayaked Redfish Lake, rafted the Salmon River, soaked in Kirkham Hot Springs, and explored Stanley’s charming log-cabin streets and boutiques.

Location: Central Idaho (Sawtooth National Recreation Area) | Size: ~756,000 acres | Vibe: dramatic, alpine, and gloriously untamed | Wildlife: elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles

My highlights…

• Staying at the trendy 4‑star Limelight Hotel Ketchum – I loved unwinding in the spa with its hot tub and pool, then sipping a potent Spiked Hot Chocolate topped with peppermint bark during afternoon après hour while watching the soulful local blues band, Lost Ox! 

3. Sun Valley 

My highlights…

• Staying at the Bavarian-style upscale 4-star Knob Hill Inn – I loved going for a mineral-rich thermal mud bath at the onsite spa while sipping on a refreshing wild Huckleberry Iced Tea!

4. McCall 

I was a huge fan of McCall — a peaceful, low-key mountain resort town with an idyllic setting on Payette Lake, surrounded by forested peaks, rustic cabins, and alpine-style buildings. I loved its laid-back vibe, with downtown lined with cozy cafés, artisan shops, and sweeping Salmon River Mountain views.

After a 2-hour 20-minute drive north from Boise, I spent a dreamy summer weekend swimming in the lake, hiking forest trails, watching climbers on Fireman’s Point, braving the Zip McCall zip-line and checking out the local farmer’s market – the caramel‑toned Bear Basin Medium Roast from Long Valley Coffee was awesome! The locals swore by the skiing at Brundage Mountain in winter — and said the Winter Carnival’s glittering ice sculptures were pure magic! 

Location: West-Central Idaho (on the southern shore of Payette Lake) | Size: small mountain town ~3,700+ residents | Vibe: cozy, outdoorsy, and a little rustic-chic

My highlights…

• Staying at the charming Scandia Inn, I loved its trendy Scandi‑chic decor and cozy hygge vibe, especially soaking in the communal hot tub on the deck under twinkling string lights with the fresh scent of pine drifting in from the surrounding trees.

5. Lake Coeur d’Alene

I thought this was a true gem — a sweeping 25-mile-long lake in northern Idaho with bright blue waters framed by beaches, forests, and mountains. It struck the perfect balance of serenity and adventure.

After a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Sandpoint, I settled in for five relaxing days. I swam, paddle-boarded, and kayaked, picnicked at City Park Beach, took a scenic lake cruise, hiked trails with incredible views, visited Silverwood Theme Park, and strolled Coeur d’Alene’s artsy downtown and floating boardwalk.

Location: Northern Idaho (fed by the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe Rivers) | Size: ~25 miles long | Vibe: sparkling, scenic, and laid-back

My highlights…

• Staying at the nearby Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort, I loved its sleek modern design, the soothing on‑site spa – especially the Signature Massage which used warm basalt stones and locally sourced lavender oil – and its iconic golf course which had a unique movable floating island green! 

6. Yellowstone National Park 

I was genuinely awestruck — this iconic park, perched on a volcanic hot spot, delivered nonstop natural drama and beauty. It’s world-famous for a reason! I saw bubbling geysers, rainbow-colored hot springs, dramatic canyons, wildflower meadows, and wildlife everywhere — bison, grizzlies, elk, wolves, and coyotes roaming free gave the park a wild, untamed energy.

From Idaho Falls, I drove two hours to the gates and spent four unforgettable days watching Old Faithful erupt, marveling at the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, hiking wildlife-rich Lamar Valley, taking in the views of Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, and standing in awe at 132-foot Tower Falls.

Location: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho | Size: ~2.2 million acres | Vibe: raw, epic and wildly untamed | Wildlife: bison, elk, wolves, grizzly and black bears, moose, pronghorn, coyotes, bald eagles

My highlights…

• Staying at the rustic‑chic 4‑star River Lodge in Island Park, I loved my huge pillow‑topped bed layered with plaid throws and soft flannel cushions, the balcony with stunning mountain views, the cozy shared stone fire pits, and the scenic wooded trails right outside.

7. Sandpoint 

This picturesque small town is often called one of the nation’s most beautiful — a stunning lakeside gem ringed by mountains, dotted with historic buildings, and filled with galleries, cafés, and quirky shops. I loved its warm, welcoming vibe.

Set on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at the base of the Selkirk Mountains, it has just 9,000 residents yet is home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the state’s largest ski area.

After a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Lake Coeur d’Alene, I kayaked the glassy lake, browsed the artsy downtown, and hiked mountain trails with incredible views. In winter, it turned into a snowy wonderland — I skied Schweitzer’s famous slopes, snowshoed peaceful trails, and joined in the festive local events.

Location: Northern Idaho (on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille) | Size: small town ~9,000+ residents | Vibe: artsy, outdoorsy, and warmly welcoming

• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the unique Talus Rock Retreat, I adored the extraordinary rustic‑chic style, my guest room’s soaking tub, the warm welcome with Chai Spice Snickerdoodle cookies, and the relaxing onsite communal sauna and hot tub! 

8. Wallace 

I thought this was such a unique and picturesque spot — with historic architecture, quaint brick streets, and mountain views, it felt like stepping back in time. Nestled in the Silver Valley of the Bitterroot Mountains along I-90, this tiny town of around 800 residents is known as the “Silver Capital of the World” and is fully listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After a 5½-hour drive from McCall, I stayed at the charming Brooks Hotel for four days, touring historic underground silver mines, browsing the Wallace District Mining Museum, wandering antique-filled downtown streets, taking the fascinating Sierra Silver Mine Tour, biking the scenic Route of the Hiawatha, and hiking mountain trails. I returned in winter to ski and snowboard at Lookout Pass, snowshoe and snowmobile through the valley, and join in the lively seasonal celebrations.

Location: Northern Idaho (Silver Valley in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains) | Size: tiny town ~800+ residents | Vibe: quirky, nostalgic, and a fun Wild-West feel

My personal highlights… 

• Sampling locally brewed craft beer at the retro Wallace Brewing Company which was filled with vintage black and white mining photos – my favorite was the potent Huckleberry Shandy which had a really fruity kick!

9. Silver Mountain 

I thought this was a fantastic pick for a family-friendly ski resort — with mountain vistas, thick forests, and sweeping Idaho views all reached by North America’s longest gondola. I loved how its friendly, laid-back vibe matched its adventurous spirit.

Nestled in Kellogg in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, this little town of 2,493 has a 1,600-acre ski area with 73 trails across two peaks, a 2,200-foot vertical drop, and the Centennial Trail, a 2.5-mile run.

From my four-day base in Wallace (just 15 minutes away), I biked and hiked the mountain trails, glided up the gondola, and splashed around at Silver Rapids Waterpark. Locals told me winter brings skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and a scenic snowshoe trail that starts from the Mountain House.

Location: Kellogg, Northern Idaho | Size: ~1,600 skiable acres | Vibe: family-friendly and adventure-packed

• Location Map

My highlights… 

• Taking a leisurely float down the Lazy River, tackling the thrilling rapids at Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort and then relaxing with a frosty mango‑lime smoothie under a stripy umbrella!

10. Lava Hot Springs 

This was such a relaxing geothermal escape — a resort town with mineral-rich hot pools framed by mountains, early-1900s brick buildings, and a wonderfully laid-back vibe.

There were a dozen public soaking pools at varying temperatures, all fed by sulfur-free hot springs famous for their healing qualities. After a two-hour drive from Craters of the Moon, I spent the weekend soaking in the mineral pools, tubing the rippling Portneuf River, splashing around the Olympic-size pool with slides and diving platforms, and browsing the town’s heritage shops.

Location: Southeastern Idaho | Size: tiny resort town ~400+ residents | Vibe: relaxed, retro-spa getaway

My highlights…

• Staying at the characterful Riverside Inn and Spa – I loved its 1914 historic charm, the unique spa treatments – especially an aromatic soak infused with native herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage – along with the inviting communal hot tub and the Colonial Revival décor featuring ornate crown moldings, antique sideboards, and vintage black‑and‑white photos! 

11. Snake River Canyon 

I thought this was a wonderfully rugged beauty spot — a deep blue river cutting through basalt cliffs, roaring currents, and sightings of eagles, otters, and mountain goats made it feel wildly adventurous.

After a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Bruneau Dunes State Park, I camped at Hells Gate State Park Campground for a long weekend. I gazed down from the steel-arched Perrine Bridge, visited thundering Shoshone Falls, hiked rugged trails like Mogensen and the Rim Route, kayaked the ever-changing canyon waters, and watched brave base jumpers leap legally from the bridge.

Location: Southern Idaho | Size: ~50+ miles | Vibe: dramatic, rugged, and awe-inspiring | Wildlife: mule deer, coyotes, red foxes, golden eagles, hawks, pelicans

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the challenging Snake River Canyon Rim Trail – I really enjoyed seeing the iconic steel arch Perrine Bridgebridge and the mound of dirt and 8 foot tall earthen ramp perched on the south rim of the canyon which marked where daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon in 1974!

12. Idaho Falls 

My highlights…

• Taking a stroll along the riverwalk and greenbelt, I loved discovering historic sites and the interesting art installations before stopping at a charming independent café for a zesty carrot‑zucchini spice muffin, an aromatic lavender‑honey latte, and a nostalgic Ironport soda! 

13. Hells Canyon 

This rugged canyon was breathtaking — the deepest river gorge in North America, with sheer cliffs plunging into the roaring Snake River. I loved its wild, untouched feel — it was pure adventure.

After a 3-hour drive from McCall, I camped at Hells Canyon Park, went jet boating and white-water rafting on the river, hiked trails with sweeping views from the Seven Devils Mountains, biked the thrilling Hells Canyon Trail, and spotted bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Location: Along the Idaho–Oregon border | Size: ~10 miles wide at its deepest and up to 7,900+ ft from rim to river | Vibe: untamed backcountry | Wildlife: bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, golden eagles, hawks, and river otters

My favourite highlights…

• Tearing upstream on a Hell’s Canyon Jet Boat Tour was an adrenaline-raising experience – towering basalt cliffs streaked with ochre and rust closed in, scraggly junipers clung to ledges etched with ancient petroglyphs, and icy spray hit my face as we blasted through the churning rapids!

14. Shoshone Falls 

Dubbed the “Niagara of the West,” this spot left me spellbound — torrents of water plunged 212 feet into the Snake River, mist swirling through rugged cliffs and a roar that felt both wild and calming.

Set in the Snake River Canyon, a 50-mile rift through dark basalt cliffs, it offered scenic overlooks, interpretive trails, picnic areas, boat ramps, and shady spots to relax. After a two-hour drive southeast from Boise, I took in the epic viewpoints, enjoyed a romantic picnic in Shoshone Falls Park, and wandered the peaceful canyon trails.

Location: Twin Falls, Southern Idaho | Size: 212-ft high and ~900-ft wide | Vibe: dramatic and thundering

My highlights…

• Taking a refreshing swim in Dierkes Lake was the perfect cool‑down after the falls, with beautifully clear water, a soft pebbled bed, and serene canyon views that felt like a hidden oasis!

15. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve 

I was completely enchanted by Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve — a surreal landscape of sprawling lava fields, volcanic cones, rugged caves, and strange rock formations under vast, dramatic skies. It truly felt like stepping onto another planet.

After a 1.5-hour drive from Thousand Springs State Park, I camped under a blanket of stars at the Lava Flow Campground for the weekend. I hiked the eerie Broken Top Loop, climbed the surreal Inferno Cone for endless lava panoramas, and wandered Devil’s Orchard, with its bizarre rock sculptures.

Location: Central Idaho | Size: ~753,000 acres | Vibe: surreal and lunar-like | Wildlife: pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, pygmy rabbits, bats, ravens, sage-grouse

My highlights…

• Going on a guided jeep tour and then hiking through the jagged North Crater lava “monoliths,” I was fascinated to feel them radiating stored heat from the sun, it was almost like touching a warm stove! 

16. Thousand Springs State Park 

I loved visiting this quieter, less-crowded gem — with crystal-clear springs and waterfalls spilling down rugged canyon walls into the Snake River, it felt like a hidden oasis.

Tucked in the Hagerman Valley about 40 miles northwest of Twin Falls, this 1,000-acre area was a peaceful escape. Just 36 minutes from the river, I spent the day chasing falls at Ritter Island, soaking up canyon views at Malad Gorge, admiring the glassy waters of Niagara Springs, hiking scenic trails, and ending with a relaxed picnic.

Location: Southern Idaho | Size: ~2,000+ acres | Vibe: tranquil, and quietly magical | Wildlife: mule deer, river otters, herons, pelicans, bald eagles

My personal highlights…

• Going on the leisurely 2.8‑mile Malad Gorge Walk, which took me about an hour, I loved how the trail wound past wild sagebrush and bright yellow balsamroot before reaching the spot where the Malad River plunged dramatically into a deep, bowl‑shaped cavern.

17. Bruneau Dunes State Park

I was seriously wowed by this unique spot — North America’s tallest sand dunes rising nearly 470 feet from the desert, with blazing sunsets, starry skies, and an eerie, peaceful silence that felt otherworldly.

After an hour’s drive south of Boise, I camped for three nights at Eagle Cove Campground, hiked trails winding through dunes and lakes, went sandboarding (rentals available!), stargazed at Idaho’s only public observatory, and even spotted fish, frogs, and turtles in the desert ponds.

Location: Southwestern Idaho | Size: ~4,800 acres | Vibe: quiet and otherworldly | Wildlife: coyotes, kit foxes, mule deer, badgers, lizards, owls, hawks

My highlights… 

• Going bird-watching and seeing swallows dart and swoop over the dunes and lakes, saw red‑tailed hawks gliding effortlessly on the thermals, and even spotting a few rust‑feathered kestrels and golden‑breasted meadowlarks! 

18. Stanley 

I’ve long been a fan of this quiet and unspoiled small mountain town! I’m always enticed by its breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine rivers but also by its rustic, charming buildings and cozy cabins which give the town a quaint, alpine character! 

I kicked back at a cozy holiday home for three days after a five‑hour drive from Yellowstone, slipping into natural hot springs by the Salmon River, exploring the Sawtooth Wilderness on foot, rafting sparkling waters, and soaking up live music in Stanley’s laid‑back lodges.

Location: Central Idaho | Size: tiny town ~120+ residents | Vibe: true Old-West wilderness feel | Wildlife: elk, mule deer, moose, black bears, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles, ospreys

My favorite highlights… 

• Mountain biking the rugged 10 km White Clouds Trail took me through peaceful forests, past the glassy Washington Lake, and out to breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Range and the Insta-worthy sun‑lit peaks of the White Clouds glowing brilliantly! 

19. Idaho State Capitol Building

I loved visiting the Idaho State Capitol — with its majestic neoclassical architecture, gleaming marble, soaring dome, and intricate interior details, it felt elegant, dignified, and truly inspiring. Designed by John E. Tourtellotte and Charles Hummel and completed in 1920, it beautifully reflects the state’s pride and history.

While based in Boise, I joined a free guided tour (no entry fee!) and wandered the marble halls and Roman-style columns, admired the stained-glass dome, visited the life-size Abraham Lincoln statue, explored fascinating exhibits, spotted the Liberty Bell replica outside, and came away with a deeper understanding of Idaho’s government.

Location: Downtown Boise, Southwestern Idaho | Size: 208-ft dome | Vibe: stately and historic

My favorite highlights…

• The Roots of Capitol History exhibition – I loved how the old photographs, well‑preserved handwritten letters, and original architectural fragments made the building’s past feel very alive!