Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From the hundreds of hiking trails in nearby forests to amazing sounds on its beaches and lakeside paths, there are countless activities that make Coeur d’Alene a great destination for adventure seekers.
This article will give you 21 of the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene so that no matter what type of adventure seeker you are, there is something here for everyone. So go ahead – explore our list below for a perfect trip to Coeur d’Alene.
The 21 Best Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene
Here’s a full list of the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene:
- Stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
- Golf at the World Famous Floating Green
- Go Whitewater Rafting
- Hit the Beach at Independence Point
- Ski at Silver Mountain Resort
- Ride Thrill-Rides at Silverwood Theme Park
- Shop in Downtown
- Check out the Brewery Scene
- Experience a World Class Message at Tranquil Turtle Massage
- Enjoy a Night of Gaming at Coeur d’Alene Casino
- Pet & Learn About Animals at Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch
- Paddleboard at Coeur d’Alene Lake
- Hike the Tubbs Hill Nature Trails
- Bring Your Kids to the McEuen Park
- Taste Fine Wines at Coeur d’Alene Cellars
- Observe Art at the Art Spirit Gallery
- Go Back in Time at the Museum of North Idaho
- Pick Fresh Produce at Kootenai County Farmers’ Market
- Choose a Book to Read at Coeur d’Alene Public Library
- Enjoy a Live Performance at Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre
- Solve an Escape Room at Escape Game Coeur d’Alene
1. Stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
The Coeur D’Alene Resort is hard to miss, it’s the tallest building in the city. The resort features a massive marina, exhibition and convention space, a golf course, a spa, and many other amenities.
There are plenty of activities around its grounds. There’s a boardwalk around the marina that stretches for around 3/4 of a mile. In addition, the resort has a private beach that’s ideal for lounging around during the summer. At night you’ll find ten different restaurants ranging from grab-and-go to upscale dining.
The resort has 388 rooms, but it will fill up fast during the summer, with entire weeks often being book months in advance. Rates depend on the time of year, but during peak season weekend nights can cost around $500 for a room. During the offseason in spring or fall you can often pay about half that price.
2. Golf at World Famous Floating Hole
The second selection on our list will keep us at the Coeur D’Alene resort. The resort owns a golf course about a mile from its grounds that has a unique feature. Its fourteenth hole is an island! That’s right, you’ll need to actually take a ferry to and from the floating green!
Beyond the uniqueness of the island hole, Coeur D’Alene Resort is ranked among the top courses in Idaho. The CDA region is something of a golfer’s paradise, with a number of courses that take advantage of the area’s natural beauty. Other nearby courses that are acclaimed include:
- Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club: A private course south of the city in Harrison.
- The Idaho Club: A course north of Coeur D’Alene in Sandpoint. Public tee times are available.
- The Golf Club at Black Rock: Another private course that has a famous green situated next to a series of waterfalls.
3. Go Whitewater Rafting
The mountainous terrain surrounding Coeur d’Alene leads to elevation changes and canyons with running water at the bottom. These rivers are perfect for a variety of rafting activities, with everything from scenic rides to adventurous whitewater rafting.
Companies like Coeur d’Alene Adventures specialize in getting you out into nature. Whether you’re looking for adventure, to stroll along a river, or go fishing, they have a variety of outdoor activities that are sure to create a memorable day with friends & family.
4. Swim at Independence Point
Just steps from downtown you’ll find a 4-acre park with areas to picnic, lay in the sun, and even hit the beach. There is nearby parking, but keep in mind it’s limited. There are also a number of activities that depart from Independence Point including cruises around the lake.
5. Ski at Silver Mountain
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Most trips to Coeur d’Alene are during the summer, but there are winter activities in Northern Idaho as well! Silver Mountain is located about 30 miles from CDA and features a large number of ski runs and connecting trails.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort also is home to North America’s longest gondola which takes riders to the top of the mountain along a scenic route. During the winter, snow tubing is another popular attraction that’s great for kids. If you have a family where someone doesn’t want to ski, check out the resort’s spa for another winter activity.
It’s worth noting that during the summer Silver Mountain has a large bike trail. A gondola takes you to the top of the mountain and then riders can select trail progressions that range from easier to expert level. The resort also has a water park that’s perfect for summertime.
6. Ride Thrill-Rides at Silverwood Theme Park
The Pacific Northwest isn’t exactly known for its theme parks. The Seattle area doesn’t have any major ones (Wild Waves comes closest) and neither does Portland. That makes Silverwood Theme Park the largest amusement park in the entire Pacific Northwest.
The park is very large at 413 acres. For perspective, Disneyland in Anaheim occupies a bit more than 100 acres. There are a bit less than 40 rides total and a water park that’s perfect for hot summer days. If you’re looking for thrill rides, the park’s ‘Timber Terror’ wooden roller coaster is probably the most iconic attraction at the park. Other thrill rides include the Stunt Pilot (loops and a large vertical drop) and Thunder Canyon. If you’re going to Silverwood with a family, they have a variety of family-friendly rides as well.
7. Shop in Downtown
Couer d’Alene has a historic downtown that’s centered on Sherman Avenue. In downtown you’ll find more than 150 restaurants and stores, many of which are local businesses. If you’re with kids there are stores like Honeypeeps Sweet Shop and Figpickels Toy Emporium. Grown-ups will appreciate plenty of boutiques, jewelry stores, antique shops, and home decor stores.
In addition to all the shopping, there are plenty of restaurants to pop in for either a drink or a meal. We’ll have more breweries and winery ideas below but consider a stop in at Honey Eatery & Social Club, Crickets, or an upscale bite at Collective Kitchen. For coffee, there are plenty of options including Coeur d’Alene Coffee Co., Lyfe Coffee, and Vault Coffee.
8. Check out the Brewery Scene
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its beer culture, and Coeur d’Alene has plenty of options. In downtown, you’ll find Chalice Brewing, Block Lodge Brewing Co., and many restaurants with an assortment of taps like Beir Haus and Crafted Tap House.
If you’re looking for a walk north of downtown, there are a number of breweries located between downtown and I-5. A walk up 4th Street will take you to Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, Outpost Brewing, and Daft Badger Brewing. As you can see, a brewery tour across Coeur d’Alene provides plenty of variety!
9. Experience a World Class Message at Tranquil Turtle Massage
Located in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Tranquil Turtle Massage is a growing massage therapy studio and spa that specializes in its very own signature massage known as the Honu Ashiatsu. The team here is passionate about providing an outstanding experience meeting each client’s needs.
Tranquil Turtle Massage offers various massage styles, including Deep Tissue work which utilizes hot stones to soften muscle tissue before applying pressure for deeper relief. Additionally, clients can complete their journey with additional services such as Warm Ginger Sugar Facial Massage & Foot Scrub, which will leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe.
At Tranquil Turtle Massages, prices are designed to make everyone feel welcome. Whether it’s the 2 1/2 hour Deep Sea Honu Spa Package Special at $260 or a one-hour Warm Ginger Sugar Facial Massage & Foot Scrub for only $90, you can be sure of outstanding quality care and complete relaxation without breaking the bank.
10. Enjoy a Night of Gaming at Coeur d’Alene Casino
Beyond all the usual table games and slots you can expect at a casino, Coeur D’Aleno Casino & Resort has a number of activities. First of all, its Circling Raven golf course is regarded as one of the best in the area.
Then there’s other amenities like 9 bars & restaurants and a large spa. Finally, the resort is a top destination for local entertainment with a packed calendar of sporting events, musicians, and comedians stopping by.
11. Pet & Learn About Animals at Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch
The Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch guided tour is led by the ranch’s owners, who explain how they came to establish their alpaca farm and offer personalized attention for each visitor’s experience.
During your visit, you will be able to pet animals up close to get a more intimate learning experience about them and take pictures of families with friendly animals for memories that last forever.
The tour accommodates a group of around 20 people as the ranch owners personally give each an in-depth presentation, allowing you to get better acquainted with their beloved animals. Afterward, you’ll be guided inside the alpaca paddocks and given more time for those special moments with the animals.
A modest $10 fee is required for each person. The funds are used towards supporting causes like animal rescue missions at Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch, which ultimately adds value to your experience and to all participants that share it daily!
12. Paddleboard at Coeur d’Alene Lake
Coeur d’Alene Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise. In summer, the lake comes alive with beautiful beaches and stunning forest views. There are plenty of activities available to enjoy on this majestic body of water.
Kayak CDA offers stand-up paddle board rentals for those looking to explore the lake at their own pace. This area has beautiful beaches and easy access to the lake from large stone ledges. You can rent other things like pontoon boats, jet skis, and tubing boats or take a relaxing cruise on one of Coeur d’Alene’s tour ships!
You can rent a paddle board from Kayak CDA for as low as $45 per two-hour rental. This is the perfect way to explore Coeur d’Alene Lake, with its many beaches ad unforgettable views of surrounding forests just beyond. You can enjoy the lake for free with activities like sand castle building, swimming, and more.
With all of these activities available at your fingertips plus public restrooms, restaurants nearby, and lots of shady areas to relax in – this place really has it all!
13. Hike the Tubbs Hill Nature Trails
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Coeur d’Alene from Tubbs Hill Nature Trails. This two-mile loop trail offers stunning views of Lake CDA and an appreciation for rural Idaho with its array of trees, flowers, and wildlife along the way.
The journey passes through thick forests beside crystal clear lakes as well as various historical points. During this trek, visitors should take some time to appreciate all of nature’s beauty, including animals peeping from the bushes.
Visiting Tubbs Hill Nature Trail is absolutely free! Visitors should note that there is free parking available along all the trails, and no reservations are required to access it.
14. Bring Your Kids to the McEuen Park
McEuen Park is a great place for families to visit and enjoy in Coeur d’Alene. This park has stunning views of the lake, with walking trails along its edges that are perfect for an afternoon stroll or some laid-back family fun time.
There’s plenty to do here – you can have lunch at the bar nearby, enjoy lakeside scenery, or watch your kids in the playground area! You can even feed birds or ducks if you come in the early morning days.
Visiting this amazing location could be surprisingly peaceful and pleasing. This park is known for its cleanliness, and benches and restrooms spread throughout the park.
The best part about visiting this fantastic park: it’s completely free. With no cost for admission, this makes McEuen Park an affordable option for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax by the lake.
15. Taste Fine Wines at Coeur d’Alene Cellars
Coeur d’Alene Cellars is the perfect place to experience fine wines’ unique and refined flavors. Offering a broad selection, visitors can do much more than just drink here.
They get exclusive tasting experiences, live music performances, and even join a wine club for additional perks. Coeur d’Alene Cellars is the right spot for those who appreciate long stories and full-bodied flavors.
Visitors to this winery can take advantage of both indoor and outdoor seating. Friendly and helpful wait staff provide service with a smile while guiding guests through the wide variety of wines.
Not only do visitors view the making of wines at Coeur d’Alene they also get to sample and enjoy flights as well. With a full menu, one can easily spend an afternoon or evening here discovering new flavors and having a truly memorable experience.
Despite offering top quality and unique wines, prices are quite reasonable with the red and white wines. The wine tasting is free for those purchasing wine by the bottle or case.
Coeur d’Alene Cellars also offer cheese boards and charcuterie plates to pair with their selection of delightful ambrosia, making it a great spot for appreciating the finer things in life without breaking their wallet.
6. Observe Art at the Art Spirit Gallery
The Art Spirit Gallery provides a vibrant art environment in the resort community of Coeur d’Alene and encourages education on arts participation in the region. Established by Steve Gibbs, this 4,000-square-foot space has showcased 200 exhibitions from local and regional artists in diverse forms, expressions, and styles.
The Art Spirit Gallery allows visitors to experience original work from talented local and regional artists while admiring Steve Gibbs’ legacy of appreciating craft, creation, and creativity.
From expressionism, realism, and abstract landscapes, among other styles – there is something here suitable for any type of admirer!
The Art Spirit Gallery is free to enter for visitors wishing to explore and bask in the beauty of art. Those wanting something special can purchase high-end pieces from local names at a price that reflects the devotion, imagination, and creativity put into each artwork.
17. Go Back in Time at the Museum of North Idaho
The Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene is the perfect place to go if you want to learn more about this vibrant area. The museum offers exhibits that cover topics from geology, logging, and steamboats through recreation and 1910 forest fires.
Prominent displays pay tribute to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and visitors will find a great selection of regional books in its museum store.
When visiting the Museum of North Idaho, you can expect an entertaining overview of this place’s incredible history and culture. The contemporary displays are completely captivating, with interesting artifacts that bring each era to life.
The knowledgeable staff and volunteers are always available to answer questions, ensuring that visitors have a truly enriching experience at this wonderful attraction.
One of the best parts about visiting the Museum of North Idaho is its affordability – with only a $4 admission fee. Parking is located nearby for convenience, and the first hour is free with a voucher from the museum itself.
18. Pick Fresh Produce at Kootenai County Farmers’ Market
Coeur d’Alene’s Kootenai County Farmers’ Market is one of the beloved local attractions for visitors and residents alike. Here, you can enjoy a wonderful selection of organic produce from over 20 different vendors selling everything from tomatoes to meats to dairy products—all sustainably sourced.
Not only do you get to shop and support local businesses, but there is also a wide selection of delicious food available from vendors like the Coeur de Breizh crepe truck! Plus, with live music playing on Saturday days, it’s the perfect place to relax and take in all that Coeur d’Alene has to offer.
Although goods throughout Idaho can be expensive, shoppers find good value when they visit Kootenai County Farmers’ Market—a large bag of produce costs around $50, which is right in line with what other customers expect throughout the area. You can find a calendar of market times here.
19. Choose a Book to Read at Coeur d’Alene Public Library
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library is one of the best libraries in Idaho. It has two levels – an upstairs and a downstairs to provide customers with ample book selection! When you’re upstairs, you can enjoy the current selection of materials in comfort, while downstairs is dedicated to a fun and interactive children’s library.
For a more immersed experience, take the time to appreciate local art covering all its walls and stairwells.
At this public facility, anyone has access to an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for quiet study and contemplation without distractions or noise. You can use their comfy seating in the library, whether writing your masterpiece or indulging yourself with a good book.
Enjoy some downtime while sitting near their inviting fireplace on colder days, and step outside to admire scenic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene from down below.
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library also offers free access to its vast collection of materials, from books and magazines to CDs.
20. Enjoy a Live Performance at Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre
Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is a non-profit organization that was established in 1967 and produces full-scale Broadway-quality musicals.
It utilizes the state-of-the-art Kroc Center theater at scenic Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, which hosts theatric performances from June to August by some of the most talented nationally and professional musicians nationally.
Visitors searching for a truly professional performance will experience it here with the CST productions that guarantee top-notch entertainment along with great aesthetics and acoustics for every show they present on its esteemed stage.
The pricing of the shows at Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is a great deal considering the quality and standards they have set for everyone’s entertainment. Price ranges from under $100 to as high as $200 for tickets.
21. Solve an Escape Room at Escape Game Coeur d’Alene
If you’re looking for an exciting indoor activity in Coeur d’Alene, look no further than Escape Game.
This real-life escape room is the perfect team-building and bonding adventure that will keep either couples or groups engaged and entertained. With rooms available for between two and ten players, you’ll be faced with challenging puzzles in a locked room, and you’ll only have one hour to escape!
Escape Room Coeur d’Alene offers a unique experience that combines problem-solving, strategy, and teamwork in an exciting one-hour adventure game.
With intense ambient music, themed rooms, and cleverly hidden clues, you’ll be fully immersed in this amazing game. With four different escape room scenarios to choose from – Wrath of the Gods, Professor Death, Rob The Mob, and Area 51 – there’s a challenge for everyone!
Escape Game Coeur d’Alene offers customers affordable pricing for their escape room experience. At just $29 per person (age 10+), this is a great way to get the whole group involved and have some exciting fun together without breaking your budget!
