If you’re looking for an amazing place to visit in Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is the perfect spot. This charming town is located on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene and is known for its stunning scenery and incredible recreation opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the lake or get out and explore the area’s trails, Coeur d’Alene has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Coeur d’Alene so special and show you some of the highlights you won’t want to miss during your visit!
1. Lake Coeur d’Alene
One of the first things you’ll notice about Coeur d’Alene is its amazing lake. This massive body of water covers nearly 50 square miles and offers plenty of recreation opportunities.
You can enjoy a relaxing day on the lake by renting a boat, kayak, or paddleboard, or you can head out on a fishing excursion.
The lake is also home to several beautiful parks, including Coeur d’Alene City Park, Tubbs Hill Park (we’ll talk about this in a moment), and Heyburn State Park..
We like this lake so much, we have a full article answering questions about the lake right here.
2. Coeur d’Alene Resort
No visit to Coeur d’Alene would be complete without a stop at Coeur d’Alene Resort. This world-famous resort is located on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene and offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, golf course (learn more about the Floating Green lower on this list), and casino.
This resort towers over downtown Coeur d’Alene, and is generally the most recognizable feature (outside of the amazing nature surrounding the town) that people know. If you want to learn more about this resort, you should definitely read through this article we put together.
3. Downtown Coeur d’Alene Restaurants & Shopping
If you’re looking for a place to eat or shop, downtown Coeur d’Alene is the place to be. This vibrant district features a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as art galleries and museums. You’ll also find plenty of nightlife options in downtown Coeur d’Alene, so be sure to check it out during your visit!
Some favorites in the downtown area is the Crafted restaurants, which not only features amazing food, but you can also watch turtle’s race (not joking) every Friday!
Another awesome shop is Mrs. Honeypeeps Sweet Shop, which is located at the beginning of the shopping portion of downtown.
4. Tubbs Hill Park
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, Tubbs Hill Park is a must-visit. This popular park features over two miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as incredible views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. There’s also a playground and picnic area, making it the perfect spot to spend a day with the family.
You can choose exactly how much excercise you want, as you are able to choose to hike around the edge on the easier trail. If you want to get your heart rate up a little more, you are able to take the trail up to the summit of Tubbs Hill to get a better view of the lake.
The hikes also feature swinging bridges, amazing views, and easy access to the park in CDA (learn what CDA means in this article).
5. Water Sports
Coeur d’Alene is a popular spot for water sports, and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. You can enjoy a day on the lake with friends or family, or take part in some of Coeur d’Alene’s more extreme activities, such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. No matter what you’re looking for, Coeur d’Alene has a water activity that’s perfect for you!
It also may not be water sports, however, there is even an airplane tour that you can take! This is a great way to see the Coeur d’Alene area from a different perspective.
6. Great location within North Idaho
Coeur d’Alene is located in the northern part of Idaho, and it’s just a short drive from Sandpoint, Canada, and even the much larger city of Spokane in Washington. This means that if you want to live or stay in Coeur d’Alene you quickly find that this central location allows you to get the best of both worlds.
7. Silverwood Theme Park
Coeur d’Alene is located in beautiful North Idaho, and it’s just a short drive from Coeur d’Alene National Forest.
This area is also home to Silverwood Theme Park, which is the largest theme park in the Northwest. With over 70 rides and attractions, Silverwood is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.
Silverwood is a constantly growing theme park, with a new addition of Stunt Pilot. However plenty of favorites such as Aftershock and more are found within its fences.
8. The Floating Green
If you’re looking for a unique golf experience, The Floating Green is a must-visit. This 18-hole golf course is located on Coeur d’Alene Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The golf course at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is home to the floating green, which is a 4,200,000 pound watercraft/island that moves regularly. If you land your golf ball on this moving green, you are greeted with a boat ride out to the island to finish your game (this is hole 14).
9. North Idaho Centennial Trail
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This 33-mile trail runs along the Coeur d’Alene River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.
10. Coeur d’Alene Cruises
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to see Coeur d’Alene, a cruise on Coeur d’Alene Lake is the perfect activity. Coeur d’Alene Cruises offers a variety of cruises, including dinner cruises, scenic cruises, and private charters.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Coeur d’Alene has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway, Coeur d’Alene has something for everyone. Be sure to add these highlights to your list and enjoy everything this incredible town has to offer!
