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 – A Cool, Creative Capital Surrounded by Nature

I was a big fan of this outdoorsy city, which is also known as the “City of Trees”! I thought Boise was an understated beauty spot with its picturesque blend of tree-lined streets, striking mix of both 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 unspoilt natural surroundings! 

I flew into Boise Airport and used the city as my starting point but first stayed here for three days, filling my time very happily with strolls along the tree‑lined Boise River Greenbelt, mural‑spotting and café‑hopping in the eclectic Linen District. 

I checked out the striking Idaho State Capitol, soaked up creativity at the Boise Art Museum, hiked the sweeping foothill trails of Camel’s Back Park, and strolled the tranquil Idaho Botanical Gardens.

• Visitor Center Address: 1101 W. Front Street, Suite 100, Boise, Idaho, 83702
• Location: along the Boise River and at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the southwestern part of the state.
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: September to November (fall is especially pretty)

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!
• Joining a scavenger hunt was a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems – I especially loved the edgy Jimi Hendrix portrait at Freak Alley Gallery, splashed with electric purples and jagged neon outlines, and the mesmerizing borosilicate “jellyfish” sculptures at Boise Art Glass.

2. Sawtooth Mountains – Idaho’s Wild and Scenic Gem

I thought this pristine and dramatic mountain range was just stunning! I discovered the incredible the Sawtooth Mountains 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 just couldn’t get enough of.

These mountains are a key part of the Idaho Rockies and lied near Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Ketchum – I could see why the literary giant loved this area so much – it was wild, remote, and creatively inspiring! It was also home to wildlife such elk, deer, moose, black bears, mountain lions, beavers, eagles, hawks and otters.

Touching down at Boise Airport (BOI), I drove three hours through breathtaking scenery and first spent a week in Ketchum and then I spent four nature-filled days in the rustic Triangle C Cabins.

While I was here, I managed to tackle the Alice Lake Loop, glide across Redfish Lake by kayak, ride the rapids of the adventurous Salmon River, soak in the riverside Kirkham Hot Springs, and lose myself in Stanley’s rustic log‑cabin lined streets and eclectic boutiques! 

• Address: 5 North Fork Canyon Road, Ketchum, ID 83340
• Location: central Idaho, between the towns of Stanley and Ketchum
• Size: 678 square miles within the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: Spring and summer (for the outdoor activities).

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 – A Chic Celebrity Hot Spot for All Seasons

This was an upscale resort town filled with world-class skiing! I really enjoyed my stay at this celebrity hotspot which I found was filled breathtaking alpine landscapes, pristine mountain vistas, and charming village ambiance. I was also hooked on its seamless mix of chic comfort and rugged thrills! 

I found it tucked away in the Sawtooth Mountains (near the town of Ketchum) in the central part of the state, it was a small place with only 1,500 residents and I found out from locals that it was famous for installing the world’s first chairlifts in 1936 which revolutionized skiing! Bald Mountain offered steep and challenging runs which were perfect for experienced skiers and Dollar Mountain had more gentle slopes which I saw attracted beginners. 

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 wild Huckleberry Iced Tea!

4. McCall – A Charming Mountain Town on the Shores of Payette Lake

I was a huge fan of this scenic mountain resort town! I found McCall to be a peaceful and 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 loved its laid‑back, welcoming vibe, with a downtown lined with snug cafés, artisan stores, and sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains.

I headed 2 hours 20 minutes north from Boise for a dreamy summer weekend filled with lake swims, beach time, forest hikes, watching climbers tackle Fireman’s Point, and testing my nerves on the thrilling Zip McCall zip‑line.

I’ve been back in winter too, skiing and snowboarding at Brundage Mountain before enjoying the Winter Carnival’s sparkling ice sculptures and fun, festive vibe.

• Address: McCall, ID 83638
• Location: in the Payette National Forest in west-central Idaho 
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer but winter has great seasonal events

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.
• Visiting the local farmer’s market and browsing stalls piled high with freshly bundled lavender and sampling the rich, caramel‑toned Bear Basin Medium Roast from Long Valley Coffee! 

5. Lake Coeur d’Alene – A Lakefront Town with Storybook Scenery

I thought this was a gem of a place! I found it breathtaking, with bright blue waters edged by beaches, forests, and mountains, and a vibe that balanced serenity with adventure. I found it in northern Idaho close to Coeur d’Alene – a sweeping lake 25 miles long and up to 3 miles wide.

After a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Sandpoint I kicked back for five days. I mixed lake adventures such as swimming, paddle-boarding, and kayaking with beach picnics at the recreational City Park Beach, a scenic boat cruise, trails lined with gorgeous views, a fun trip to the family-friendly Silverwood Theme Park and a stroll through Coeur d’Alene’s artsy hub and 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 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 – Breathtaking Landscapes on Idaho’s Edge

I was genuinely awestruck – this iconic park which sits on a volcanic hot spot delivered nonstop, breathtaking natural beauty! This place is world-famous for a reason!

I was treated to Insta-worthy sights of bubbling geysers and colorful hot springs, dramatic canyons, ancient forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and so much incredible wildlife everywhere I looked. There was a truly untamed energy here, with bison, grizzlies, elk, wolves, and coyotes all roaming the land.

From Idaho Falls I drove two hours to the park gates and spent four unforgettable days – watching the breathtaking Old Faithful erupt, gazing at the rainbow hues of Grand Prismatic Spring, hiking wildlife‑rich Lamar Valley, taking in the epic views of Yellowstone’s own magnificent Grand Canyon, and standing gazing in awe of the 132‑foot Tower Falls.

• Location: Mostly in Wyoming, with sections in eastern Idaho (Fremont County) and Montana
• Size: Approximately 2.2 million acres (one of the largest national parks in the U.S.)
• West Entrance Address: 3305 Targhee Pass Hwy, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 
• Best time to visit: April to October (although summer was crowded)
• Location Map

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 – A Scenic Lakeside Town with Artsy Vibes and Mountain Views

This picturesque hidden gem is often celebrated as one of the nation’s most beautiful small towns! I found it to be a stunning lakeside town, ringed by mountains and sprinkled with historic buildings, with a lively downtown of galleries, cafés, and quirky shops — I also loved its warm, small‑town vibe! 

I unearthed this gem on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, nestled 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, yet it’s also home to the state’s largest ski resort, Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

I drove 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lake Coeur and kayaked the glassy waters of Lake Pend Oreille, wandered an artsy downtown of galleries and cafés, and hiked mountain trails with jaw‑dropping views.

In winter it had transformed into a snowy wonderland, where I hit Schweitzer Mountain’s famous slopes, snowshoed and cross‑country skied dreamy trails, and soaked up the family-friendly 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 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 – A Historic Small Town with Big Personality

I thought this was such a unique and picturesque spot! With its historic architecture, quaint brick streets, and mountain views, the town’s friendly spirit made me feel as though I’d wandered into another era.

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! 

After a 5½‑hour drive from McCall, and stayed for four days exploring historic underground silver mines, browsed the Wallace District Mining Museum, wandered a downtown of antique shops and quirky old buildings, went on an intriguing Sierra Silver Mine tour and biked the scenic Route of the Hiawatha, and hiked trails with stunning mountain views.

I also returned in winter and loved the magic of skiing and snowboarding at the winding Lookout Pass, exploring on snowshoes and snowmobiles, and enjoying all the lively seasonal celebrations (and there were many)!

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

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 – Scenic Gondola Rides, Ski Slopes, and Mountain Fun

I personally thought was a great option for a family-friendly ski resort! The setting was spectacular, with mountain vistas, thick forests, and sweeping views of Idaho’s wild side, all reached by a scenic gondola – I also really loved how its friendly, laid‑back feel matched the adventurous spirit.

I found it nestled in Kellogg in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains up north, and it was a little gem with a population of just 2,493. The ski area spanned around 1,600 acres with 73 trails across two peaks. It boasted a vertical drop of 2,200 feet, and the longest run, Centennial Trail, stretched a whopping 2.5 miles!

From my four‑day base in Wallace (it was just a 15 minutes drive from there), I explored the mountain on two wheels and foot, glided up North America’s longest gondola, and splashed through the lively Silver Rapids Waterpark.

I heard from locals that winter brings skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and a scenic snowshoe trail that sets off from the Mountain House.

• 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, tackling the thrilling rapids at Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark Resort and then relaxing with a frosty mango‑lime smoothie under an stripy umbrella! 

10. Lava Hot Springs – Soothing Mineral Pools in a Charming Mountain Town

This was a very relaxing geothermal hot-spot! This resort town really won me over with its mineral‑rich hot pools framed by mountains, a downtown filled with charming early‑1900s brick buildings, and a wonderfully laid‑back vibe.

I found this hidden gem nestled along the Portneuf River in the southeastern part of the state and it was very small, home to only 380 residents. There were a dozen public soaking pools, each a different temperature, fed by mineral‑rich hot springs that were sulfur‑free and famed for their healing qualities.

I drove two hours from Craters of the Moon for a weekend of mineral‑rich soaks, lazy tubing on the rippling Portneuf River, fun at the Olympic‑size pool with slides and diving platforms, and exploring charming shops and heritage buildings.

• 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 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 black‑and‑white photos tracing the inn’s storied past.

11. Snake River Canyon – A Jaw-Dropping Gorge with Epic Views and Adventure

I thought this was a wonderfully rugged beauty spot! A deep blue river sliced through basalt cliffs, roaring currents, and glimpses of eagles, otters, and mountain goats made the whole place feel wildly adventurous and breathtaking.

I drove an hour and 20 minutes from Bruneau Dunes State Park and I camped at the nearby Hells Gate State Park Campground for a long weekend break.

I spent my time gazing from the steel‑arched Perrine Bridge, visiting roaring Shoshone Falls, hiking rugged trails like Mogensen and the Rim route, kayaking the ever‑changing canyon waters, and cheering on the brave base jumpers leaping (legally!) from the bridge! 

• Address: 422 4th Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Location: southern part of the state, near Twin Falls city
• Size: 50 miles in length and depths of up to 500 feet in some areas
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer

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 which marked where daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon in 1974!

12. Idaho Falls – A Riverside City with Waterfall Views and Small-Town Charm

I had a real affection for this small, easy-on-the eye city! I loved the serene Snake River views, the green parks and its striking namesake waterfall, the charming greenbelt pathways, the interesting mix of historic and modern architecture which included 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! 

13. Hells Canyon – North America’s Deepest River Gorge and a Wild Idaho Wonder

This rugged and breathtaking canyon was a stunner! It was home to dramatic, steep cliffs which plunged into the thrilling river rapids of Snake River. I was completely sucked into the untouched wilderness feel this place had – it felt 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 drove 3 hours from McCall, I camped at Hells Canyon Park campsite, went jet boating and white-water rafting on the roaring river, hiked the trails which had stunning panoramic views from the rugged 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…

• Speeding upstream on a Hell’s Canyon Jet Boat Tour – it was an incredible experience with massive basalt cliffs streaked in ochre and rust, scraggly junipers clinging to the sides, and the river’s rush below adding an exhilarating edge.

14. Shoshone Falls – Idaho’s Own “Niagara of the West”

Dubbed the “Niagara of the West,” this jaw‑dropping spot left me spellbound as torrents of water crashed 212 feet into the Snake River, mist swirling through rugged cliffs and a roar that felt both wild and oddly calming at the same time!

I discovered it tucked within the Snake River Canyon, a striking 50‑mile rift carved through shadowy basalt cliffs. It offered overlook platforms, winding interpretive trails, shady picnic spots, playgrounds, handy boat ramps, and well‑kept restrooms.

A two‑hour drive southeast from Boise led me to epic viewpoints, a romantic picnic spot in Shoshone Falls Park, and peaceful trails to explore.

• Address: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Location: Snake River, southern Idaho (near Twin Falls)
• Size: around 1,000 feet in width
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: March to May (when the flow is the highest).

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 – A Surreal, Otherworldly Landscape

I was completely enchanted by this mysterious and otherworldly spot! The Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve 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 honestly made me feel like I was literally stepping onto another planet! 

I drove an hour and 30 minutes from Thousand Springs State Park on my Idaho state tour and camped under twinkling stars in the Lava Flow Campground over a weekend.

I squeezed in a hike along the haunting Broken Top Loop, a climb up the surreal Inferno Cone with its endless lava panoramas, and a stroll through Devil’s Orchard’s bizarre rock sculptures.

• Address: 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213
• Location: south-central part of the state, near the city of Arco. 
• Size and Facts: 753,000 acres and the landscapes were formed by volcanic eruptions between around 15,000 and 2,000 years ago.
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: spring to fall

My highlights…

• Going on a guided jeep tour and hiking through the jagged North Crater lava “monoliths” – I was fascinated about how when I touched them I saw that they radiated stored heat from the sun, almost like a warm stove!

16. Thousand Springs State Park – Cascading Waterfalls and Hidden Oasis Vibes 

I really enjoyed visiting this quieter and less-crowded tourist attraction! It was stunning, with crystal‑clear springs and waterfalls spilling down rugged canyon walls into the Snake River, creating a tranquil, hidden‑oasis vibe.

I found it tucked away in the Hagerman Valley along the Snake River (around 40 miles northwest of Twin Falls) in the southern part of the state, and it stretched acrossed around 1,000 acres. 

Just 36 minutes from Snake River, I spent a day chasing stunning falls at Ritter Island, soaked up the canyon drama at Malad Gorge, admired the glass‑clear waters of Niagara Springs, hiked scenic trails, and wrapped it up with a tranquil 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! 

17. Bruneau Dunes State Park – Towering Sand Dunes and Stargazing in Idaho’s Desert

I was seriously wowed by this very unique beauty spot! I discovered a place of soaring sand dunes—the tallest in North America—rising from a calm desert, as well as blazing sunsets and incredible stargazing. The place had an eerie, almost alien calm that made me feel completely alone in the best way.

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

After an hour cruising silent desert roads south of Boise, I reached the dramatic dunes, paid the minimal entry fee, and camped at Eagle Cove Campground for three days.

I tackled North America’s tallest freestanding sand dune, went sandboarding (an absolute blast with rentals on hand!), stargazed at Idaho’s lone public observatory, hiked unforgettable trails weaving through dunes and lakes, and found fish, frogs, and turtles in serene 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!

18. Stanley – A Remote Mountain Gem and Gateway to the Sawtooths 

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

I kicked back here 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.

• 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! 

19. Idaho State Capitol Building – A Grand Beacon of History and Architecture

I loved my visit to this historic attraction!  It was an impressive place, with majestic neoclassical architecture, gleaming marble, a striking central dome, and intricate interior details that beautifully reflected the state’s history and pride. I found it elegant, dignified, and genuinely inspiring.

I stumbled across at the end of Capitol Street in downtown Boise, southwestern Idaho, and it was designed by architects John E. Tourtellotte and Charles Hummel. Completed in 1920, it stood approximately 208 feet tall and covered about 201,720 square feet.

While based in Boise, I joined a free guided tour (no entry fee—bonus!) and wandered the grand marble halls and Roman‑style columns, admired the stunning stained‑glass dome, stopped by the life‑size Abraham Lincoln statue, browsed fascinating artifacts and exhibits, spotted the Liberty Bell replica outside, and picked up plenty of insights into 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! 

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