Best Time to Visit:
Late spring to early fall (May to September) is ideal for most outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and sightseeing due to pleasant weather.
Winter (December to February) is perfect for skiing and snow sports, especially in resorts like Sun Valley.
How to Get There:
By Air: Major airports include:
Boise Airport (BOI) — Idaho’s largest airport, with connections to many U.S. cities.
Spokane International Airport (GEG) — just north of the Idaho border, convenient for northern Idaho.
Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) — near Sun Valley for ski resort access.
By Car: Idaho is accessible via Interstate 84, I-90, and I-15, connecting to neighboring states like Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Utah.
Top Attractions:
Shoshone Falls (near Twin Falls) — Often called the “Niagara of the West,” these dramatic waterfalls are higher than Niagara Falls.
Sun Valley — Famous ski resort with year-round outdoor recreation and festivals.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area — Stunning mountain range with hiking, camping, and fishing.
Craters of the Moon National Monument — Unique volcanic landscape for hiking and exploration.
Lake Coeur d’Alene — Popular for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.
Boise River Greenbelt — Scenic urban trail system along the Boise River for walking and biking.
City of Boise — Offers a vibrant arts scene, great dining, and cultural attractions.
Hells Canyon — North America’s deepest river gorge, ideal for rafting and hiking.
Silverwood Theme Park — Largest amusement park in the Northwest, near Coeur d’Alene.
Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway — Stunning drives with breathtaking views.
Activities to Do:
Hiking & Backpacking: Explore the Sawtooth Mountains, Hells Canyon, and Craters of the Moon for varied terrain and stunning views.
Fishing & Boating: Enjoy trout fishing in rivers and lakes like Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Salmon River.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Sun Valley and Schweitzer Mountain are top ski destinations in winter.
Rafting & Kayaking: The Salmon River and Snake River offer exciting white-water rafting.
Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching: Great opportunities in national forests and wildlife refuges.
Camping: Numerous campgrounds in Sawtooth National Forest and other wilderness areas.
Mountain Biking: Trails in Boise foothills and Silver Mountain Resort.
Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs like those at Goldbug or Burgdorf.
Visit Local Breweries & Wineries: Idaho has a growing craft beer scene and several wineries.
Historic Tours: Discover mining towns and Native American history through museums and tours.
Accommodation:
Resorts & Lodges: Sun Valley Resort is world-famous, plus smaller lodges in mountain towns like McCall and Ketchum.
Hotels & Motels: Available in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, and other cities.
Cabins & Vacation Rentals: Popular for a cozy, nature-immersed stay especially near lakes and forests.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: Plenty of well-maintained options in national forests and parks.
Bed & Breakfasts: Quaint and personalized stays in towns like Sandpoint and Moscow.
Hostels: Limited but available mainly in Boise and larger towns.
Food and Restaurant:
Northwest & Idahoan Cuisine: Hearty dishes with locally sourced ingredients — trout, elk, huckleberries, and potatoes.
Famous Idaho Potatoes: Featured in many dishes, from fries to gourmet sides.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Especially in Boise, with emphasis on fresh, local produce.
Craft Breweries: Boise and Coeur d’Alene have vibrant craft beer scenes.
Popular Restaurants:
Fork (Boise): Modern American with local ingredients.
The Boise Fry Company: Known for their fries made from Idaho potatoes.
Maddie’s on Main (Sandpoint): Cozy café with local favorites.
The Ram Restaurant & Brewery: Casual dining with regional beers.
Food Festivals: Annual events like the Idaho Potato Festival and the Boise Beer Week celebrate local food and drink.
Local Culture:
Outdoor Lifestyle: Idahoans value outdoor recreation—hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing are cultural staples.
Western Heritage: Rodeos, cowboy culture, and historic mining towns reflect Idaho’s roots.
Native American Influence: Tribes such as the Nez Perce and Coeur d’Alene have rich traditions and heritage you can explore at cultural centers and museums.
Community Events: Farmers markets, art fairs, and music festivals are common in towns across the state.
Friendly Small-Town Vibes: Idahoans are known for their hospitality and community spirit.
Arts and Crafts: Local artisans produce pottery, weaving, and woodwork inspired by nature and history.