Coeur d’Alene Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Idaho’s Lakefront Gem
Surrounded by pristine waters, scenic mountains, and a charming downtown, Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re looking for lake adventures, hiking trails, or fine dining, this vibrant lakeside city offers something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Coeur d’Alene.
Where is Coeur d’Alene?
📍 Location: Northern Idaho, near the Washington border
🚗 Drive Time from Spokane: ~40 minutes
🔗 Visit Coeur d’Alene
🚗 Drive Time from Spokane: ~40 minutes
🔗 Visit Coeur d’Alene
Located along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this city is a popular year-round travel destination known for its outdoor recreation, arts scene, and luxurious resorts.
Best Time to Visit Coeur d’Alene
☀️ Summer (June-August): Ideal for boating, paddleboarding, and lake cruises.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn foliage.
❄️ Winter (December-February): A magical season for holiday lights, skiing, and cozy getaways.
🌸 Spring (March-May): Great for hiking, golf, and sightseeing before peak tourist season.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Fewer crowds and beautiful autumn foliage.
❄️ Winter (December-February): A magical season for holiday lights, skiing, and cozy getaways.
🌸 Spring (March-May): Great for hiking, golf, and sightseeing before peak tourist season.
Top Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene
1. Explore Lake Coeur d’Alene
One of the most stunning lakes in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Coeur d’Alene offers endless water activities and breathtaking views.
🚣 Popular Activities:
- Take a lake cruise with Coeur d’Alene Cruises.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a relaxing water adventure.
- Enjoy fishing or sailing on the lake.
📍 Best Access Points: City Beach, Tubbs Hill, Higgins Point
🔗 Lake Coeur d’Alene Activities
🔗 Lake Coeur d’Alene Activities
2. Hike Tubbs Hill
This 2-mile loop trail is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Coeur d’Alene, offering lakefront views, forested paths, and hidden beaches.
🚶 Distance: 2 miles round trip
📌 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
📍 Trailhead: McEuen Park Parking Lot
📌 Difficulty: Easy to moderate
📍 Trailhead: McEuen Park Parking Lot
3. Visit Downtown Coeur d’Alene
Stroll through downtown Coeur d’Alene, a lively area filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants.
🏛️ Highlights:
- Coeur d’Alene Resort Boardwalk – The longest floating boardwalk in the world!
- Art Walk – Features local artists and cultural exhibits.
- Farmers Market – A seasonal event offering fresh produce and artisan goods.
📍 Best Streets to Explore: Sherman Ave & Front Street
🔗 Downtown CDA Guide
🔗 Downtown CDA Guide
4. Play a Round at Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
Home to the famous floating green, this golf course is one of the most scenic in the world.
🏌️ Highlights:
- The Floating Green (Hole 14) – A one-of-a-kind experience!
- Lakefront views throughout the course.
- Luxury clubhouse and spa services.
📍 Location: 900 S Floating Green Dr, Coeur d’Alene
🔗 Visit CDA Golf Resort
🔗 Visit CDA Golf Resort
5. Go Ziplining at Timberline Adventures
For a thrilling experience, soar above the forest canopy and Lake Coeur d’Alene on a zipline tour.
🚀 What to Expect:
- Seven zip lines with breathtaking views.
- Suspension bridges and eco-tours.
- Professional guides ensure a safe, exciting adventure.
📍 Location: 210 Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene
🔗 Zipline Tours
🔗 Zipline Tours
Where to Eat in Coeur d’Alene
🍽️ Best Restaurants:
- Beverly’s – Fine dining with lakefront views and a world-class wine list.
- Crafted Tap House & Kitchen – A casual spot with great burgers and craft beer.
- Hudson’s Hamburgers – A local icon serving classic burgers since 1907.
Best Places to Stay in Coeur d’Alene
🏨 Top Hotels & Resorts:
- The Coeur d’Alene Resort – Luxury accommodations right on the lake.
- Blackwell Hotel – A charming boutique hotel near downtown.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott – A budget-friendly option with modern amenities.
More Outdoor Activities in Coeur d’Alene
- 🚴 Bike the Centennial Trail – A scenic paved trail along the Spokane River.
- 🎿 Ski at Silver Mountain Resort – Just 40 minutes away, perfect for winter sports.
- 🦅 Eagle Watching at Higgins Point – Best seen in December and January.
Tips for Visiting Coeur d’Alene
✅ Book activities in advance – Cruises, ziplining, and popular restaurants can fill up quickly.
✅ Arrive early for parking – Downtown and lakefront areas can get busy, especially in summer.
✅ Pack layers – Weather can change quickly, even in summer.
✅ Respect nature – Help preserve the beauty of Coeur d’Alene by following Leave No Trace principles.
✅ Arrive early for parking – Downtown and lakefront areas can get busy, especially in summer.
✅ Pack layers – Weather can change quickly, even in summer.
✅ Respect nature – Help preserve the beauty of Coeur d’Alene by following Leave No Trace principles.
Nearby Attractions in Idaho
If you’re visiting Coeur d’Alene, consider exploring these nearby destinations:
- Silverwood Theme Park – The largest amusement park in the Northwest (30 minutes away).
- Farragut State Park – A beautiful park for hiking, camping, and water activities (35 minutes away).
- Sandpoint & Lake Pend Oreille – Another stunning Idaho lake town (1 hour away).
Final Thoughts
With its stunning lake views, endless outdoor activities, and charming downtown, Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s best travel destinations. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a romantic getaway, you’ll find it all in this lakefront gem.
For more Idaho travel guides, check out our Sawtooth Mountains Travel Guide and Best Things to Do in Idaho.
