The Best Weekend Getaways in Idaho
From outdoor adventures to small-town escapes, these are the best weekend getaways in Idaho.
Table of Contents
- The best weekend getaways for couples in Idaho
- The best weekend getaways for families in Idaho
- The best weekend getaways for skiers in Idaho
- The best weekend getaways for foodies in Idaho
- The best outdoor weekend getaways in Idaho
- The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Idaho
- The best cheap weekend getaways in Idaho
- Why you need good car insurance (and how you can save on the best!)
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Whether it’s a couple’s getaway in Sandpoint or skiing with friends in Sun Valley,
Idaho
is the ideal place for that quick trip you’re craving. Whether it’s a ten-day holiday or a quick weekend away, taking time to go on an adventure is always worthwhile. Vacations, even short ones, help you disconnect from society and improve your mental health.
Jerry
, your handy car insurance
broker and super app
, knows that a weekend away is good for the soul—that’s why we’ve created this list of weekend getaways in Idaho. From rustic backcountry adventures and historical pilgrimages to romantic outings and fine dining, these are the best weekend getaways in the Gem State. RECOMMENDED
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The best weekend getaways for couples in Idaho
Shore Lodge
Located in the famed resort town
McCall
, Idaho, Shore Lodge
puts visitors smack dab in the middle of acres of untouched wilderness and incredible views. In contrast, the Lodge itself is anything but rustic: suites come standard with a flat-screen HD satellite TV, sitting area, fireplace, soaking tub, and outdoor terrace. You also get a kitchen and a private dock if you opt for a cottage. If you decide to venture outside, you’ll find a heated pool, hot tub, movie theater, fire pit, and more. The onsite
spa
offers massages, facials, full-body wraps, scrubs, and a private hot spring. Plus, with two restaurants
, a bar, a coffee shop, and a pool bar & grill, there are plenty of options for a romantic meal when you get hungry.Sandpoint
A little outdoorsy and a little artsy,
Sandpoint
is the perfect eclectic town for your romantic weekend away. Start your trip with some apple walnut buttermilk pancakes at the Tango Café, then head to Schweitzer Mountain Resort
for an afternoon on the slopes. If you’d rather stay indoors, hit up Schweitzer Massage
for a hot stone massage or a 30-minute foot treatment. Before you leave, grab dinner at one of the resort’s 16 restaurants
. The following day, head downtown to browse some art galleries or stop by the
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
for a photography workshop or horseback riding. If you have time, go to Sandpoint City Beach Park for some magnificent scenery along Lake Pend Oreille. Pro tip If you’re a music fan, head to Sandpoint in August for the annual Festival at Sandpoint. The eight-day fest only seats 4,000 fans, providing a much more intimate experience than most other concerts.
The best weekend getaways for families in Idaho
Twin Falls
Twin Falls
is the perfect base camp for your weekend away if your family is into outdoor adventure. Situated on the Snake River in the Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls has everything from giant canyons to hidden coves to (of course) waterfalls.Your family will want to explore all the area's famous falls, including
Shoshone Falls
, Perrine Coulee Falls, and the namesake Twin Falls
. Hike up some incredible trails for a view from the top, or kayak to the base of the falls for an up-close experience. Then, for a change of pace, take the kids to the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
, where you can see ancient fossils excavated from the area. Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls
is home to several prominent attractions and the Greenbelt—a system of parks, trails—and the waterfall for which the town is named. Stop by the Museum of Idaho
for an afternoon of science and history, or head to the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
for various exhibits and classes. Of course, a trip to Idaho Falls wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the nearby
Idaho Potato Museum
. It’s a little cheesy, but where else can you learn about Idaho’s first potato and the world’s largest Pringles Chip? Before you leave, stop by the café, where everything is made out of potatoes (even cupcakes). The best weekend getaways for skiers in Idaho
Sun Valley
If you don't mind higher prices on lodging and meals, Sun Valley is the ideal skiers' retreat (and trust us, the cost is worth it). If you stay at the legendary Sun Valley Lodge, you'll find everything from spa services to world-class dining under the same roof. And, of course, there's the skiing.
Sun Valley is home to one of Idaho's best ski areas—Bald Mountain. In addition to traditional downhill skiing, you'll find terrain parks, adventure trails, and public NASTAR racing. Try snowshoeing, ice skating, or even a
helicopter ride
if you don't feel like hitting the slopes. Tamarack Resort
Tamarack Resort is Idaho’s newest ski resort and is on its way to being the most sought-after destination in the state. The first thing you’ll notice is how fast the lifts are—you’ll reach the 7,700-foot summit in just under 12 minutes, and you’ll enjoy a stunning panorama of Lake Cascade.
At the top, you’ll find uncrowded slopes and long, wide trails where the powder often remains untracked for days. There is truly something for everyone with 50 runs, a 2,800-foot vertical drop, 1,100 lift-accessible areas, and plenty of different levels of terrain. When you get hungry, choose from
11 different restaurants
, including a diner, a taquería, and a pizza shop. The best weekend getaways for foodies in Idaho
Boise
If you want the ultimate foodie weekend in Idaho, head to the state’s capital.
Boise
is chock-full of breweries, wineries, cocktail bars, and restaurants. Start with local favorite Wild Root Café
for a healthy breakfast (including many plant-based meals) or hit up Bacon
for their all-day brunch. Later, stop by the Bittercreek Ale House
, which has one of the biggest beer lists in town and a menu of beer-friendly foods. Nampa
Sitting in the heart of Idaho wine country,
Nampa
offers plenty of opportunities to sample your favorite beverage (and some fantastic food, too). Popular destinations include Sawtooth Winery
, Indian Creek Winery
, and Skyline Vineyards. While you’re in town, stop by
Babycakes Cupcakery
for a sweet treat or Flying M Coffee
for delicious baked goods and live entertainment. In the mood for something a little more savory? Little Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant has drool-worthy Pho, while Brick 29
specializes in “comfort food reinvented.” The best outdoor weekend getaways in Idaho
Log Spirit Bed & Breakfast
Located in the remote town of Athol, Idaho,
Log Spirit
is an outdoor lover’s dream. The Northern Idaho Inn is surrounded by mountain views that you can take in from the eight-foot-wide covered wrap-around porch or by strolling the 20-acres of wooded land. While walking, you might happen across the bridge, pond, gardens, waterfall, orchard, or even chickens. Heading out for an adventure? Take a quick drive to nearby
Silver Streak Zipline
, Farragut State Park
, or Falls Park. Then, when you’re ready to sit and rest, head back to the lodge to hang out in the Great Room, where you can sit around the massive stone fireplace or head upstairs to the library for reading, board games, or a movie. Yellowstone National Park
If you’re an outdoor lover,
Yellowstone National Park
is a must-see. While most of the park is in Wyoming
, a small section is in Southeast Idaho, and there is plenty to do without driving far. From the park’s West Entrance (which is closest to Idaho), you’ll encounter Madison Junction and Firehole Canyon
, where you’ll find a fantastic swimming hole. You’ll find
Old Faithful
, Grand Prismatic, and the Upper Geyser Basin
if you drive a bit further south. To the north, look for Steamboat Geyser and Artists’ Paintpots
, a group of over 50 springs, geysers, vents, and mud pots. Not sure what to do on your own? Try Yellowstone Adventure Tours
for a guided sightseeing trip. The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Idaho
Wallace
As the only city downtown in the United States to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wallace is a must-see for history buffs. Founded in 1884, the town was the regional center for the silver mining industry until the mid-20th century. Today, visitors `can go to dozens of museums and historical sights that tell the stories of miners, railroad workers, “working girls,” and others that helped create the town.
Start your trip by stopping at the
Historic Wallace Preservation Society
to view some historical photos of the area, then head to the Oasis Bordello Museum
, a former operating bordello. Later, check out the Wallace District Mining Museum
or the Northern Pacific Depot Museum
. And make sure to stop by the historic Brooks Hotel
restaurant for a quick meal! Coeur d’Alene
Beautiful
Coeur d’Alene
is known for its lakeside beach and abundance of water sports, but it also has a lot of history. Start by visiting Old Mission State Park
, home to the oldest building in Idaho, then head to historic Treaty Rock
, where a 19th-century contract with Indigenous Americans is etched right into the stone. Other must-see attractions include the
Crystal Goldmine
, established in the late 1800s, the Bing Crosby House
in nearby Spokane
, and Rider Ranch
, a real, working 1,300-acre ranch. The best cheap weekend getaways in Idaho
Stanley
Stanley, Idaho, is the perfect place for your budget-friendly getaway. While it is a well-known mountain town, Stanley is far less developed than other big-name locations, like Sun Valley’s
Hailey
. Still, it offers unparalleled access to some of the most pristine wilderness in the nation and all the activities that go along with it. Sitting at the conjunction of four national forests, the
Frank Church Wilderness Area
, and the Sawtooth Mountain Range, Stanley offers hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and even hot springs. And if you’re into photography, the area offers tons of opportunities for capturing gorgeous snaps, no matter the season. Lewiston
Lewiston offers another popular yet affordable destination. Located at the merging point of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Lewiston radiates an Old West feel and provides lots of opportunities for adventure.
Of course, being so close to two major rivers, the town has plenty of options for water sports, including kayaking, rafting, tubing, and swimming. Other inexpensive options include the
Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum
, Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, and the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
. Pro Tip Lewis and Clark Valley, home to Lewiston, has festivals all year long, from music to demolition derby. Check out theircalendarbefore planning your trip!
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