Top 19 Beautiful Places To Visit In Idaho

Often overshadowed by neighboring Montana and Oregon, Hemingway’s favorite state still boasts stunning beauty. Deciding where to go can be a challenge, but here are my must-visit spots I’d love to share…

1. Sawtooth Mountains

I thought this pristine and dramatic mountain range was just stunning! I discovered this incredible area where sharp, jagged peaks rose dramatically from lush, forest-covered valleys, dotted with sparkling alpine lakes – and the whole place had this peaceful yet adventurous vibe that I absolutely loved.

I found it located in central Idaho, between the towns of Stanley and Ketchum – Ernest Hemingway’s former home – these mountains are a key part of the Idaho Rockies. Covering 678 square miles within the vast 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area, I saw they were home miles of hiking trails, fast-flowing rivers, and attracted outdoor lovers from everywhere!

I flew into Boise Airport (BOI) and then drove 3 hours and then out at the picturesque Stanley Lake Campground for four days.

That was enough to explore the iconic hiking trail Alice Lake Loop, kayak on Redfish Lake, go rafting on Salmon River, soak the natural Kirkham Hot Springs and explore Stanley, the small picturesque gateway town which was filled with cozy log cabin-style buildings and cool little independent shops. 

• Address: 5 North Fork Canyon Road, Ketchum, ID 83340
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer to make the most of the outdoor activities.

My highlights…

• Staying at the wonderful Limelight Hotel Ketchum – I loved the trendy decor, the hot tub and swimming pool and the handy onsite ski pass sales point! 
• Hiking the challenging 8 mile round trip on the Iron Creek Trailhead to see Goat Lake – the stunning turquoise lake and the impressive 650-foot Goat Falls became one of my favorite beauty spots!

2. Yellowstone National Park

I have to be honest, I was completely in awe of this world-famous natural attraction! It was breathtaking – sitting on a volcanic hot spot, I found myself in a place packed with jaw-dropping natural beauty.

There were bubbling geysers and colorful hot springs, dramatic canyons, ancient forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and so much amazing wildlife everywhere I looked. It felt wild, awe-inspiring, and untamed.

I found it located eastern part of Idaho (specifically in Fremont County) but it’s mostly located in Wyoming, but also extends into parts of Montana. It’s also among the largest national parks in the whole country covering around (an immense!) 2.2 million acres! 

I flew into Jackson Hole (JAC), drove an hour to the park entrance and stayed for a jaw-dropping four days. That was enough to explore the iconic Old Faithful geyser, marvel at the vivid colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, hike the trails of Lamar Valley (spotting as much wildlife as I could), experience the dramatic vistas of the park’s very own Grand Canyon and see the magical Tower Falls which had a dramatic 132 feet drop! 

• Address of nearest entrance: Yellowstone National Park West Entrance Road, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: April to October (but it does get very crowded in the summer months).

My highlights…

• Staying at the cozy 4-star River Lodge in the gateway town of Island Park – I loved the rustic-chic decor, the huge comfy beds and the balcony which came with gorgeous mountain views!
• Hiking the 2km Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail which took me around 40 minutes to complete. Standing at the viewpoint overlooking the bubbling hot springs definitely made the walk worth it! 

3. Boise

I was a big of this outdoorsy place which is also known as the city trees! I thought it was a gorgeous beauty spot with its picturesque blend of tree-lined streets, striking historic and modern architecture, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

I also loved how laid-back it felt – the strong sense of community really stood out, and I adored how it was a mix of all the perks of urban life and beautiful natural surroundings! 

I found it located in the southwestern part of the state, nestled along the Boise River and surrounded by the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it was a mid-sized city with a population of around 240,000 people. 

When here, I explored the charming downtown area, filled with welcoming locals, chic cafes, quirky shops, and a thriving art scene, including the contemporary Boise Art Museum. I enjoyed picturesque hikes in the foothills, leisurely strolls along the Boise River Greenbelt, and discovered the unique Idaho State Capitol building! 

• Visitor Center Address: 1101 W. Front Street, Suite 100, Boise, Idaho, 83702
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: September to November (fall is very pretty here)

My highlights…

• Staying in the very unique Anniversary Inn – I loved the extraordinary quirky decor and my room which had a large spa bath, four poster bed and romantic vibe which made it perfect for weekends and couples! 
• Taking part in a scavenger hunt – it was a fun way to explore the city’s landmarks and find some hidden gems. My favorites were the Freak Alley Gallery, Boise Art Glass and the quirky Idaho Potato Museum.

4. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

I was completely enchanted by this mysterious and otherworldly spot! It had a surreal, otherworldly beauty with volcanic landscapes, sprawling lava fields, unusual rock formations, and rugged caves – all set beneath vast, dramatic skies. This awe-inspiring and slightly eerie setting made me feel like I was stepping onto another planet! 

I found it located in the south-central part of the state (around 18 miles southwest of the city of Arco), it spanned around 753,000 acres and the landscapes were formed by volcanic eruptions between around 15,000 and 2,000 years ago.

I flew into Boise Airport (BOI), drove for 2-hour and 40-minutes and camped under twinkling stars in the Lava Flow Campground. I hiked the eerie Broken Top Loop Trail, climbed Inferno Cone which had panoramic lava field views, and strolled through the strange, twisted formations of Devil’s Orchard.

• Address: 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: spring to fall

My highlights…

• Exploring on a Full-Day Guided Tour – I loved the fun Jeep we were driven around in and stopping at the Shoshone and Bannock tribes communities!
• Hiking the short 0.5 miles round trip Inferno Cone Trail – it was steep but it eventually lead me to the top of Inferno Cone, where the panoramic views of the extraordinary lava field and Pioneer Mountains were just incredible!

5. McCall

I was a huge fan of this scenic mountain resort town! I found a low-key beauty spot with an idyllic lakeside setting on Payette Lake, surrounded by forested mountains, rustic log cabins, and charming alpine-style buildings. I also loved its laid back vibe and its cozy and inviting mountain town atmosphere.

I found it located in the Payette National Forest in west-central Idaho (around 100 miles north of Boise), it’s a small town with a population of around 3,800 people, but it expands significantly during peak seasons! 

On my summer visit, I drove 2 hours and 20 minutes north from Boise and it was the perfect long weekend with boating and swimming in Payette Lake, lazing on the sandy beach, hiked the pretty forest trails, watching the rock climbers at Fireman’s Point and went on thrilling zip-lining ride at Zip McCall.

I’ve actually also taken a winter trip too and this is when I went skiing and snowboarding at Brundage Mountain and caught the magical annual Winter Carnival which had gorgeous ice sculptures and family-friendly festive events! 

• Address: McCall, ID 83638
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer but winter has great seasonal events

My highlights…

• Staying in the gorgeous Scandia Inn – I was completely charmed by the trendy Scandi-chic decor, the communal hot tub and the ‘hygge’ vibe!
• Visiting the farmers market which was held twice a week. I loved sampling local delights – the stalls selling fresh bunches of lavender and the Long Valley Coffee were my favorites! 

6. Snake River Canyon

I thought this was a wonderfully rugged beauty spot. It was home to sweeping cliffs and a deep blue river that carves through ancient basalt lava formations and the sheer cliff faces and powerful river currents added to the dramatic scenery, creating an exhilarating backdrop that I was in awe of! It felt both awe-inspiring and adventurous at the same time! 

I found located along the Snake River int the southern part of the state (just minutes from the city of Twin Falls) and spans around 50 miles in length and has depths of up to 500 feet in some areas! 

On my trip drove 2 hours southeast from Boise I camped at the nearby Hells Gate State Park Campground for a long weekend break. I took in the stunning views from the Perrine Bridge, visited the spectacular Shoshone Falls (known as the “Niagara of the West”), went hiking along unique trails, enjoyed kayaking and boating on the river, and watched the brave base jumpers from the bridge (one of the only few legal spots for it in the U.S)!

• Address: 422 4th Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the fairly challenging Snake River Canyon Rim Trail which was 10.7 miles on a one way trip and took me 4.5 hours to complete –  I really enjoyed seeing the iconic steel arch Perrine Bridgebridge, the stunning Shoshone Falls and the mound of dirt which marks the historic location where daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon in 1974! Wow!

7. Shoshone Falls 

Often called the “Niagara of the West” I was in awe of this impressive scenic spot where a powerful cascade plunged 212 feet into the Snake River, flanked by rugged cliffs and with a thunderous sound of the falls and the atmospheric mist that rose above it! It had a powerful but zen-like vibe!

I found it located on the Snake River in southern Idaho, just a 10-minute drive from Twin Falls, this waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and spans approximately 1,000 feet in width! 

• Address: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: March to May (when the flow is the highest).

My highlights…

• Taking a refreshing swim in the nearby Dierkes Lake was a perfect way to cool off after seeing the falls. The peaceful water surrounded by scenic canyon views made it feel like a gorgeous hidden oasis!

8. Wallace

I thought this was such a quaint picturesque spot – it was home to well-preserved historic buildings, quaint brick-lined streets, a stunning mountain backdrop, and an enchanting community focused vibe – I felt like I had stepped back in time!

I discovered it nestled in the Silver Valley of the Bitterroot Mountains (along Interstate 90) in the northern part of the state and had a small population of around 800 residents. It’s known as “Silver Capital of the World” due to its history of silver mining, and the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places! 

I really enjoyed my time exploring the historic underground silver mines and discovering the fascinating Wallace District Mining Museum. Strolling through the charming downtown, I came across quaint antique shops and quirky historic buildings. I also took a scenic bike ride on the Route of the Hiawatha and enjoyed breathtaking mountain views on nearby hiking trails!

I also think it’s magical in the winter and this is when I go skiing and snowboarding at nearby Lookout Pass, snowshoeing and snowmobiling and indulging in the family-friendly festive local events. 

• Address: Wallace, ID 83873
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer or winter

My personal highlights… 

• Sampling locally brewed craft beer at the Wallace Brewing Company – my favorite was the Huckleberry Shandy which had a really fruity kick!
• Exploring the Sierra Silver Mine – the tour began with a scenic trolley ride through town, then we descended underground to see the mine and learn about the mine’s history, the lives of the miners, and the impressive silver deposits!

9. Sandpoint

This picturesque hidden gem is often celebrated as one of the nation’s most beautiful small towns! It’s a stunning lakeside town surrounded by gorgeous mountains and dotted with charming, historic buildings and a buzzing downtown filled with art galleries, cafes, and unique shops. I absolutely adore the cozy and welcoming small-town energy here! 

Located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and at the base of the Selkirk Mountains in the northern part of the state, it’s a small town with a population of around 9,000 residents but it’s actually home to the state’s largest ski resort, Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

During the summer, I go kayaking on the pristine waters of Lake Pend Oreille, stroll through the artsy downtown filled with galleries and cafes and hike the breathtaking mountain trails.

In the winter, it turns into a pretty snowy wonderland and I hit the famous slopes at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on magical snow-lined trails and enjoy festive events. 

• Address: Sandpoint, ID 83864
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the cool and unique Talus Rock Retreat – I absolutely adored the extraordinary rustic-chic styling, my guest room soaking tub, the exceptional service and the onsite communal sauna and hot tub! 
• Hiking the 7 mile round trip very scenic Mickinnick Trail which took me 3 hours – I saw incredible views of the Lake Pend Oreille and Cabinet Mountains. 

10. Thousand Springs State Park 

I love that this is a quieter and less-crowded tourist attraction! It’s also stunning with crystal-clear springs and waterfalls that cascade down rugged canyon walls into the Snake River. I’m always won over by tranquil, oasis-like feel it has as well as its off-the-beaten-path setting! 

Located primarily in the Hagerman Valley along the Snake River (around 40 miles northwest of Twin Falls) in the southern part of the state, it stretches across around 1,000 acres. 

On my trip, I explored the spectacular waterfalls at Ritter Island, marveled at the dramatic canyon views in Malad Gorge, visited the crystal-clear waters of Niagara Springs, hiked pretty trails, and went on a peaceful picnic! 

• Address: 1074 E 2350 S, Hagerman, ID 83332
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: spring to early fall

My personal highlights…

• Going on the leisurely 2.8 mile Malad Gorge Walk which took me an hour to complete – the scenery was incredible, I especially loved seeing and hearing the Malad River plunge dramatically into a deep, bowl-shaped cavern! 
• Paddle boarding in the otherworldly looking aquamarine spring-fed natural pools at the park – rentals were handily available in the park! 

11. Idaho State Capitol Building

I loved my visit to this grand and historic attraction! It features majestic neoclassical architecture, crafted with gleaming marble, a striking central dome, and intricate interior details that reflect the state’s history and pride! I found it to be elegant, dignified and inspiring! 

Located at the end of Capitol Street in downtown Boise, southwestern Idaho, this landmark was designed by architects John E. Tourtellotte and Charles Hummel. Completed in 1920, it stands approximately 208 feet tall and covers about 201,720 square feet.

I went on a free guided tour (there was no entrance fee either – nice!) and explored the grand marble halls and Roman-style columns, admired the central dome with its fabulous stained glass, gazed at the life-size statue of Abraham Lincoln, viewed historical artifacts and exhibits, saw the impressive Liberty Bell replica located in the Capitol grounds and learnt about the state’s government.

• Address: 700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: tours are available Monday – Friday at 10am and 1pm each day.

My favorite highlights…

• Wandering around the fascinating exhibitions located in the museum, my favorite was the Roots of Capitol History as it bought to life stories using interesting artifacts! 
• Learning about its history and facts on the hour-long free guided tour – I especially liked learning about how it’s the only Capitol Building which is heated by geothermal water! 

12. Lake Coeur d’Alene

This is a sprawling and sparkling gem! It’s home to crystal-clear blue waters, framed by several sandy beaches, green forests and rolling mountains and I love the tranquil but adventurous vibe it has!

It’s located in the northern part of the state near the city of Coeur d’Alene, it’s 25 miles in length and 1 to 3 miles in width. 

I love to come here and go swimming, paddle-boarding and kayaking, relax and take picnics on the sandy beaches (my favorite was the main City Park Beach), go on dreamy boat cruises, explore the biking and hiking trails which came with gorgeous lake views and explore Coeur d’Alene which has a thriving arts scene and a cool floating boardwalk! 

• Address: Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer (but sometimes it can reach 38°C!)

My highlights…

• Staying in nearby The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort – I loved the modern design, the relaxing on-site spa and its famous golf course which featured a movable, floating island green! 
• Renting a jet ski from FastSplash Jet Ski Rentals, and taking an exhilarating ride across the pristine waters of the lake! 
• Taking a trip to the nearby Silverwood Theme Park and checking out the fun family-friendly rides, my personal favorite was appropriately named Timber Terror which had heart-pounding drops and twists! 

13. Lava Hot Springs

This is a relaxing and geothermal attraction! This resort town is blessed with natural, mineral-rich hot pools set against a scenic mountain backdrop. The downtown area, lined with quaint early 20th-century brick buildings, really adds to its allure and I love the laid-back atmosphere! 

It’s a hidden gem located nestled along the Portneuf River in the southeastern part of the state and home to only 380 residents. There are no less than twelve publicly accessible soaking pools with varying temperatures and the geothermal hot springs and are rich in minerals (and free from sulfur odor) and are often considered to be therapeutic and healing. 

When here, I really enjoyed soaking in the public pools (which was very rejuvenating!), floating down the Portneuf River in a tube, visiting the Olympic-sized swimming complex – which came complete with slides and diving platforms – and exploring the charming local shops and historic architecture! 

• Address: 430 East Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer is crowded, winter has much fewer visitors.

My highlights…

• Staying at the characterful Riverside Inn – I loved the historic building which was built in 1914, the communal hot tub and the unique Colonial Revival decor! 

14. Idaho Falls

I have a real affection for this small, easy-on-the eye city! I love the serene Snake River views, green parks and its striking namesake waterfall, the charming greenbelt pathways, the interesting mix of historic and modern architecture with classic brick buildings and quaint storefronts!

• Visitor Center Address: Idaho Falls, ID 83402
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: spring and summer

My highlights…

• Taking a stroll along the riverwalk and greenbelt and discovering historic sites, cute cafes and awesome art installations – I especially loved the very photogenic Eagle Rock Fountain! 

15. Hells Canyon

This rugged and breathtaking canyon never fails to win me over! It’s home to dramatic, steep cliffs which plunge into the thrilling river rapids of Snake River. I can’t get enough of the untouched wilderness feel this place has – to me it feels wild and adventurous!

Part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the canyon is carved by the Snake River and located along the border between western Idaho and eastern Oregon (and stretching into northeastern Washington). It’s 10 miles in width and reaches depths of over 7,900 feet which actually makes it the deepest river gorge in the whole of North America.

On my trip, I camped at Hells Canyon Park campsite, went jet boating and white-water rafting on the river, hiked the trails which had stunning panoramic views from Seven Devils Mountains, rode a mountain bike on the exciting Hells Canyon Trail and spotted bighorn sheep and eagles! 

• Address: 8823 Cove Road, Enterprise, OR 97828
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer

My favourite highlights…

• Going jet boat tour with Hell’s Canyon Jet Boat Tours – it was incredible to speed upstream with the sheer cliffs towering above and the rush of the river below added an exhilarating touch! 

16. Sun Valley

This is an upscale resort town renowned for its world-class skiing! I’m always in awe of this celebrity hotspot’s breathtaking alpine landscapes, pristine mountain vistas, and charming village ambiance. I also really enjoy its heady mix of laid-back luxury and outdoor adventure! 

Tucked away in the Sawtooth Mountains (near the town of Ketchum) in the central part of the state, it’s a small place with only 1,500 residents but is known for installing the world’s first chairlifts in 1936 which revolutionized skiing! Bald Mountain offers steep and challenging runs perfect for experienced skiers and Dollar Mountain offers more gentle slopes which attracts beginners. 

My highlights…

• Staying at the gorgeous and upscale Knob Hill Inn – I loved the stylish but cozy decor, the incredible hot stone massages in the onsite spa, the open fireplace, the communal hot tub and swimming pool and the Bavarian-style architecture which really suited its mountain surroundings!

17. Silver Mountain 

I personally think this is a great option for a family-friendly ski resort! This location is breathtaking year-round, with superb mountain vistas, dense forests, and expansive views of Idaho’s rugged wilderness, all accessible via a popular scenic gondola ride. I’m a big fan of its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, which perfectly complements its adventure-oriented vibe!

Nestled in Kellogg in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains up north, this little gem has a population of just 2,493. The ski area spans about 1,600 acres with 73 trails across two peaks. It boasts a vertical drop of 2,200 feet, and get this — the longest run, Centennial Trail, stretches a whopping 2.5 miles!

In the winter I love skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and walking the picturesque snowshoe trail that begins at the Mountain House. In the summer, I head out mountain biking, hiking the pretty trails, ride North America’s longest gondola and splash around in the fun indoor Silver Rapids Waterpark! 

• Address: 610 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer or winter

My highlights… 

• Taking a leisurely float down the Lazy River and braving the exciting rapids at Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort – the river’s gentle currents and sudden thrilling twists was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure!

18. Bruneau Dunes State Park

I’m always wowed by this very unique beauty spot! It’s home to towering sand dunes – the tallest in North America – set against a serene desert landscape, with wide-open skies where I love to watch breathtaking sunsets and go stargazing! It has a tranquil and otherworldly vibe and I come here when I want to find some solitude. 

Located near the small town of Bruneau, in the southwestern part of the state, it covers over 4,800 acres and is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, reaching nearly 470 feet high! 

I paid the small entrance fee and camped at Eagle Cove Campground (which was an additional cost), climbed North America’s tallest freestanding sand dune, went sand boarding (which was awesome fun and there were rentals available in the park!), stargazed at Idaho’s only public observatory, hiked the truly extraordinary trails around the dunes and lakes, and spotted fish, frogs, and turtles in the quiet desert ponds! 

• Address: 27608 Sand Dunes Road, Mountain Home, ID 83647
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: spring to early fall

My highlights… 

• Bird and wildlife spotting here! It was awesome to see graceful violet-green swallows and the red-tailed hawks soaring high above!

19. 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! 

It’s tucked away at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains along the Salmon River, in the central part of the state and it’s a very small town with a population of only 100 residents. 

I come here on quiet nature retreats and I soak in natural hot springs along the Salmon River, explore the miles of idyllic hiking trails located in the Sawtooth Wilderness, go rafting on the pristine river, and enjoy local live music at Stanley’s rustic lodges! 

• Address: Stanley, ID 83278
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer to early fall.

My favorite highlights… 

• Mountain biking along the rugged 10km White Clouds Trail Mountain Trail. It took me through serene forests, past the mirror-like Washington Lake and then opened up to awe-inspiring views of the Sawtooth range and the imposing peaks of the White Clouds! Bliss! 

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