Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why! With the surrounding area by Lake Coeur d’Alene, incredible Idaho wineries, and good hiking nearby, it is a popular town for Pacific Northwest locals, families, tourists, and now even some celebrities. Keep reading for the 10 best things to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho!
Overview of Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of North Idaho, about 30-45 minutes east of Spokane, Washington. Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant downtown area, and an array of outdoor adventures, Coeur d’Alene offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.
Coeur d’Alene has become increasingly popular over the last few years, which is why I am so happy that I got to visit before it becomes a little too overcrowded. Coeur d’Alene is a great weekend or week-long getaway for anyone looking to go somewhere outdoors, breathe that fresh air, but also have some good food & drink options.
Coeur d’Alene Lake
The main charm of Coeur d’Alene is that it is a lake-side town. Coeur d’Alene Lake stretches over 25 miles and has tons of opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. You can explore the lake’s crystal-clear waters on a scenic cruise or rent a paddleboard for a peaceful glide along the shoreline. We particularly enjoyed wake surfing.
Coeur d’Alene Lake is a must-visit attraction that truly captures the essence of the area.
Downtown Coeur d’Alene
Downtown Coeur d’Alene is a charming and vibrant area nestled near the stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene. With its quaint streets and boutique shops, it offers a cozy small-town atmosphere that is perfect for a nice afternoon stroll. Despite being relatively compact, downtown Coeur d’Alene has plenty of good food and shopping options. There are even some wine-tasting rooms downtown.
While you are downtown, don’t forget to visit the Fort Sherman Playground. It is such a nice playground for toddlers and young kids, and it’s right next to the lake!
How to Get to Coeur d’Alene
The best way to get to Coeur d’Alene is to fly into Spokane International Airport (GEG) in Spokane, Washington. It is 40 miles west of Coeur d’Alene which ends up being a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Because Lake Coeur d’Alene is in a more remote area, you definitely will need a car as there is no reliable public transportation. I would suggest renting a car from Spokane Airport for your trip.
Psst: Looking to stay in Washington? Check out one of my favorite hikes near Seattle, Blanca Lake – Washington
Map of Things to do in Coeur d’Alene
I’ve mapped the 10 Best Things to do in Coeur d’Alene below to help with navigation. The town is quite small, and when deciding on where you are staying whether it be a hotel or Airbnb, it is helpful to get your bearings. We stayed at an Airbnb that was walking distance to the restaurants we wanted to go to, and that was super helpful!
10 Best Things to do in Coeur d’Alene
1. Explore Farragut State Park
Located just a short 30 minute drive north from Coeur d’Alene, Farragut State Park is a great place for hiking or picnicking. Hike through miles of scenic trails, enjoy a picnic by the shores of the bigger Lake Pend Oreille. You can also go fishing here with 144 miles of shoreline. Lastly, the park also features an expansive disc golf course.
2. Discover Tubbs Hill
If you are looking to go hiking somewhere closer, Tubbs Hill is a great option. This scenic area is right near downtown Coeur d’Alene by the lake. With just a short 2-mile hike, you can walk around the entire Tubbs Hill and get great views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. There are also a few spots where you can descend down to the beach shoreline of the lake and take a swim.
We loved hiking here in the morning. The weather wasn’t too hot yet, there were no bugs, and the lake views were stunning.
3. Visit McEuen Park
Situated in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene right next to Lake Coeur d’Alene, McEuen Park is one of the most picturesque parks I have seen. On most weekends, you will see both locals and tourists walking around the park. Dogs are welcome on leash, and it is very likely that you will see tons of cute pups during your walk around McEuen Park.
There is also a popular outdoor bar and grill called The Buoy that is adjacent to McEuen Park. On a warm summer day, this is the perfect place to relax and grab a drink after your walk. During huckleberry season, I highly recommend getting a huckleberry margarita.
4. Explore the North Idaho Centennial Trail
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23 mile paved trail, from the Idaho/Washington state line to Higgins Point, 6 miles east of Coeur d’Alene at the end of Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive. This trail goes right alongside McEuen Park.
It is a great option for a long bike ride. Although the trail is paved, it doesn’t feel “too urban.” There are tons of nice views along the way, and you can turn around whenever you want to make the trail longer or shorter.
5. Visit the Museum of North Idaho
For a glimpse into the rich history of the Coeur d’Alene region, make a stop at the Museum of North Idaho. Located in Coeur d’Alene’s downtown area, this museum showcases exhibits that highlight the area’s indigenous cultures, early settlers, mining heritage, and more. The current exhibit at the Museum of North Idaho showcases North Idaho in World War II.
The admission fee is only $6 for adults.
6. Tee off at Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
Another reason why Coeur d’Alene is so popular is because of golf. Golfers will love the world-class Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. This stunning course offers breathtaking views of the lake and features meticulously manicured fairways and greens.
The Coeur d’Alene Golf Course is also famous for its unique floating green on the 14th hole. This hole floats right on the lake! We drove by it on the boat and thought it was super interesting.
7. Have a Blast at Triple Play Family Fun Park
Families with children will find endless entertainment at Triple Play Family Fun Park, located 15 minutes north of Downtown Coeur d’Alene. This indoor and outdoor amusement park has go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and an indoor water park called Raptor Reef.
If you want to go a bit further up north, you can also check out the much bigger Silverwood Theme Park, which is more like your traditional outdoor theme park.
8. Adventure Time with Timberline Adventures
Timberline Adventures is a fun outdoor adventure company that offers ziplining through the forests of Coeur d’Alene. It has been the #1 outdoor activity in Coeur d’Alene for 8 straight years. The ziplining tour starts at $125 per person.
9. Unwind at Sanders Beach
For a relaxing day by the lake, head to Sanders Beach. This serene and picturesque location is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Bask in the sun, take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Sanders Beach does get a bit crowded on the weekends because it’s so convenient from downtown. So if you are going there, try to head there early
10. Go Wakesurfing with Inland Wake
Finally, our favorite thing to do in Coeur d’Alene is to go wake surfing! That was actually the genesis of the trip. The lake was beautiful in early June and was not too cold.
The owners of Inlake Wake are also incredibly nice and helpful if you’ve never gone wake surfing before.
What to Pack for your Coeur d’Alene Trip
When you are packing for your Coeur d’Alene trip, you will want to bring both clothes that you can go hiking and be active in, as well as your nicer dinner-type clothes.
Hiking Clothing
With so many hiking opportunities near Coeur d’Alene, you will absolutely want to bring hiking clothes with you.
My adidas Adicolor Sweatshirt has been my go-to sweatshirt when I am both hiking and lounging around. I get tons of compliments on the Blue Dawn color that I have. The sweatshirt is also somewhat cropped as it sits perfectly at your waist, so it’s a good sweatshirt to pair with running shorts.
You can also explore more women’s hoodies and sweatshirt options on their website.
I also love wearing the adidas Powerimpact Training Medium Support Bra. It’s a super cute bra that can be worn underneath your hiking clothes, but also as a standalone bra. It pairs well with any hiking or yoga pants.
adidas offers sports bras for light, medium, and high support to better suit your needs. Typically medium support is good enough for me when I am hiking. I leave high support bras for when I’m running or doing any High Intensity Interval Training.
Hiking Shoes
The trails in Coeur d’Alene are not too strenuous or intense, but you will still want to make sure you have proper hiking shoes for your trip to protect your feet from blisters or any other issues.
My favorite hiking shoes right now are the Terrex Agravic Ultra Trail Runners that adidas sent me. They are light enough so they don’t feel like rugged hiking boots (that are definitely not necessary in Coeur d’Alene), but they also offer the stability from a good, solid shoe.
Why would you buy a hiking shoe and not use running shoes? Trail Runners offer a lot more grip and stability than a normal road running shoe. I like having more of that lateral stability when you’re hiking on rocks. The last thing you want to do is turn an ankle.
For more hiking shoe options, check out the adidas hiking shoes page.
4 Hidden Gems in Coeur d’Alene
In addition to the popular attractions, Coeur d’Alene boasts several hidden gems that are worth discovering during your visit. Here are four lesser-known gems:
1. Mineral Ridge Trail
Located within the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, the 3.3 mile Mineral Ridge Trail offers a rewarding hiking experience with panoramic views of the lake. The moderate trail takes you through lush forests and uphill to a ridge where you can enjoy stunning vistas. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and don’t forget to bring your camera – the views are epic!
2. Kootenai County Farmers Market
If you’re visiting Coeur d’Alene during the summer or fall months, make sure to check out the Kootenai County Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the city. This vibrant market showcases an abundance of locally grown produce, handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and delicious baked goods. Take the opportunity to support local farmers and artisans while indulging in the flavors and vibrant atmosphere of the market.
3. Heyburn State Park
Located 45 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, Heyburn State Park is Idaho’s oldest state park and offers a tranquil escape into nature. Explore the park’s extensive hiking trails, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the scenic Chatcolet Lake, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic surrounded by towering pine trees.
Heyburn State Park is a hidden gem that provides a peaceful setting for those looking for an even more remote experience.
4. Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch
Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch was such a fun find for us. The owner is incredibly nice and explains her story and history with the animals. She also lets you wander around at your leisure and enjoy the animals (respectfully of course).
They are a working ranch, not a petting zoo. Which means the animals are actually happy! Tours cost $12 for adults.
Although it’s a bit of a windy 20-minute drive up, it is highly worth the visit.
Conclusion
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is a destination that truly has it all – from the stunning Coeur d’Alene Lake to the vibrant downtown area, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking to relax, bond with the family, or go hiking, or generally explore the outdoors, Coeur d’Alene has it all.
From the 10 best things to do in Coeur d’Alene, our favorite thing was absolutely to go wake surfing. After that, we loved hiking and our alpaca tour!
Have you been to Coeur d’Alene before? What did you think?
