Things to do & places to visit in Idaho, United States

A mixture of forested mountains, alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, deep river canyons, and high plains deserts, Idaho is a paradise for golf, skiing, fly fishing, and river rafting. Boise, the capital, is the state's largest city and airline hub. North of Boise are golf, lake, and ski resorts from McCall in the south to Sandpoint and Coeur D'Alene in the north. East of Boise are the ski slopes of Ketchum and Sun Valley. East of Sun Valley are Craters of the Moon National Monument, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and the small town of Island Park just across the border from Yellowstone National Park. Boise's Basque Museum and Cultural Center reflects having the largest Basque population in the U.S. Reflecting Idaho's diverse heritage, near the Idaho Historical Museum in Boise's Julia Davis Park is the Idaho Black History Museum's chronicle of the slave York who served the Lewis & Clark Expedition. After a family visit to the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey and an outdoor performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, the next stop after Boise is likely to be Payette Lake in McCall or Sun Valley and Ketchum. About 100 miles north of Boise, past Cascade Lake, McCall takes you to the shores of Payette Lake. Go golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, waterskiing, sailing, boating, or whitewater river rafting. Ski or snowshoe Brundage Mountain or Tamarack Resorts, as well as Ponderosa State Park in winter. Ice skate year-round at Manchester Ice & Event Centre. About 450 miles north of Boise, there are resort lakes near skiing and golf at Coeur d'Alene, Hayden Lake, and Sandpoint. Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and hunting are popular in Sun Valley and Ketchum. Sockeye salmon may no longer do much spawning in Redfish Lake, but the boating and mountain scenery in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area make the short trip north to Stanley worthwhile. When the snows come the whole family will head for the slopes of Soldier Mountain, Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, or the Sun Valley Resort. A tiny forested town of about 250 people, Island Park has a large reservoir with fishing and boating, as well as Henry's Fork of the Snake River for fly fishing. It's only 15 miles from Yellowstone as well.

Idaho #45 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.60 based on 57.4k traveler reviews, of 1.176 attractions. Timezone: America/Boise, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 0:18.

Top things to do (41)

Top destinations in Idaho 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Boise River Greenbelt (1.473 reviews)
- A safe walk in the middle of town. Zoo and Exploratorium appeals to kids.
Hiking Trails

Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking, hiking and jogging. See more..
5.0 Coeur d'Alene Lake (1.417 reviews)
- Don't Miss Beauty Bay
Bodies of Water

Fed by waters from three different rivers, this pristine, 30-mile lake offers just about every water sport imaginable. See more..
5.0 Idaho Falls Temple & Visitors Center (925 reviews)
- Uplifting visit for the whole family.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Open to the public, the Idaho Falls Temple grounds are a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the Snake River, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center. Or, during the pandemic, take a virtual tour from anywhere in the world! See more..
5.0 Escape This Boise (815 reviews)
- We are Master Wizards!
Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escape This is the oldest, largest and most experienced Escape Room in Boise. My #1 goal is that you have an amazing adventure! Once you meet the staff and play one of our games, you'll see why we are rated #1 in Boise. I'm quite proud of what my family and employees have created for you:) We currently have 6 rooms: Blackbeard's Ship, Wild West Saloon, The Wizard's Final Exam, Jungle Adventure, Zombie Apocalypse and Santa's Workshop. Check out our website for teaser videos, FAQs, and booking options. Hope to see you soon:) Sherry See more..
5.0 Snake River Adventures (665 reviews)
- Great birthday adventure!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours

3 adults and 2 young boys set off to celebrate an 8 year old's birthday. They caught many bass and 2 sturgeon, one of which measured more than 7 feet in length. None of them had ever experienced an adventure like this and I have been assured that "forever memories" were created this day! The 2 guides (or driver and guide) were amazing and very patient with the kids and gave the entire party an incredible experience! Would highly recommend Snake River Adventures! See more..
5.0 White Cloud Rafting Adventures (633 reviews)
- Stoked on the Salmon River
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Fishing Charters & Tours

Best river guide and paddle man in the biz - ask for Wet Willie and he’ll take you to the splash zone. The river bends to his will and you will not be disappointed with his deep knowledge of the class III and IV rapids. Set your river dreams on fire and get down to the raft launch during the heavy season after the snow melts. Stanley, ID definitely grabs you by the imagination and gives you a taste of what the wagon trains and gold rush may have done for the minds of the settlers. 10/10 will come back and ask for Will aka Wet Willie so we can do a long haul trip with camping and food included. #wewillreturn #wetwilliestyle #idaho See more..
5.0 Sawtooth Adventure Company (577 reviews)
- Class 4 White water rafting down the Salmon River
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Bike Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Stand Up Paddleboarding

Tackled the class 4 white water rafting trip today. Staff were very friendly right from the start. We felt confident in our guide (Andrew) as he took us down the River. He shared some history about the river, pointed out scenery, and told some good corny jokes. If you’re willing to have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and have some thrill then go on this trip! I definitely recommend going in June when water is high- bigger rapids! See more..
5.0 Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch (527 reviews)
- Great experience!
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Ranches

PLEASE READ: OPEN BY APPOINTMENT, APRIL 1 THRU SEPTEMBER 30 AT 11 AM ONLY We are offering a guided tour at 11 am where you help take the alpacas from their evening field to the daytime pasture. This is a fun way to learn more about the alpaca. You will also receive a presentation on how two people in their retirement years landed on a ranch and are having the time of their life. Email us and let us know how many in your group, date, and time. We understand the need for people to enjoy the great outdoors and meet some really wonderful animals. We charge $10 for people 12 and over, $5 for kids, toddlers under 3 are free. No children under 12 are allowed in the fenced areas with the animals but a walk-about along the fence is always fun. Sonia, Andy, and the 77 Heartbeats See more..
5.0 59:Escape Room Adventures (510 reviews)
- Great escape room and fabulous family adventure
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Convention Centers • Game & Entertainment Centers

All private games! Just your group & no one else! Multi-game play, up to 3 rooms to explore per game! Featuring 4 thrilling escape games in movie set décor, filled with mystery & technology savvy surprises! Solve mysterious clues, codes, puzzles & interact with cool, automated props in order to solve your team’s mystery & escape! Our non-locked, escape rooms are equipped with the latest, cutting edge automated technology! We are the largest escape room facility in the Inland Northwest, catering to small & large groups (2 -13 Players) alike. Fun for families, friends and co-worker groups. Beginner to advanced players of all ages 8 . The clock is ticking and there is a mystery to solve. Can your team work together when it counts? ~TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award Recipient (6-Yrs.) ~Pacific Northwest Inlander Newspaper Best Escape Room N.I. (3-Yrs.) ~Idaho’s Best Escape Room Award Recipient ~Escape The RoomZ Best of Award (Top 100) Recipient See more..
5.0 Killgore Adventures Hells Canyon Jet Boat Trips & Fishing Trips (487 reviews)
- Best Hell's Canyon Adventure
Nature & Wildlife Tours • Speed Boats Tours

The trip was awesome. The river was somewhat low in the morning, but double the flow coming back. 100° plus weather and man did the getting wet coming back feel good. The day was packed with scenery, big horn sheep, bears and deer. The drivers kept the jet boats in best part of the river and added great information along the way... See more..
5.0 River Adventures (482 reviews)
- Fantastic Trip
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours

This is my third jet boat trip to Hell’s Canyon. By far the best. We had 7 of my family members on this trip. The guide and Captain Rick’s personal family history recounted during the day was a very nice touch. Becky was extremely attentive to customer needs was very engaging and a real delight. My father is 85 and his wife although younger does not get around as well. Becky made certain that they had all the extra help they needed at each stage of the trip without them feeling self conscious. Captain Rick had the best boat handling skills of any of the three commercial trips that I have taken. He was also more courteous to others on the river and worked hard to not take away from their experience on the water. I highly recommend River Adventures if you are looking into a trip up Hell’s Canyon. Next time we will try the lower Salmon. See more..
5.0 Payette River Company (429 reviews)
- Fantastic adventure awaits
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing

Payette River company made this experience so special. We had two couples in our group, all of us over 60 yrs, and we will be talking of this experience for many years to come. The owners and guides are very friendly and helpful. It is very obvious that they enjoy what they do. We had a BLAST! The only hard part for us was carrying the boat around the class 6 rapid. The provided lunch was very good and even the bus ride was fun with oldies rock playing loudly and everyone singing along. I can’t recommend it more highly. See more..
5.0 Mesa Falls (419 reviews)
- Great views!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Waterfalls

There is a $5 entrance fee if you don't have a federal lands pass. There are vault toilets with running water not too far away. The walk to the Upper Falls is about 0.4 miles return with lot of stairs that take you close to the falls. The Lower Falls can be accessed by a 2-mile return nature trail hike or go back to the main road and drive a short distance. The sign is past the exit. The walk to the Lower Falls is a very short one from the parking lot. There's also a vault toilet there. See more..
5.0 Yellowstone Horses - Eagle Ridge Ranch (419 reviews)
- Exceeded our expectations!
Horseback Riding Tours

Horseback riding for the family! Go on a half day ride near the Continental Divide, come back and eat your lunch and then for no extra charge go fishing in one of the private ponds here at the ranch. Wildlife is seen on nearly every ride and you'll love the great western atmosphere. Be sure and bring you camera! See more..
5.0 The River Company (404 reviews)
- First time Fly Fishing Experience. We're Hooked!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Fishing Charters & Tours

My wife and I had never gone fly fishing before. Dave (the owner) was incredibly professional and helpful in taking me through the reservation and fishing license process. Our guide, Will Small, was wonderful at teaching us techniques and encouraging us with each cast and catch. We rafted and fished about 11 beautiful miles of the Salmon River and are now waiting, with baited breath (pun intended), for our next fly fishing adventure. Thanks so much guys!!! See more..
5.0 Idaho River Journeys (340 reviews)
- Fabulous in every way!
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Fishing Charters & Tours • Sightseeing Tours

Everything was take care of. Travel arrangements were super easy. The guides were excellent - fun, experienced and helpful - and the food was extraordinarily good. They set up camp, loaded and unloaded the rafts, cooked, guiding the boats, led hikes, helped the novice kayakers and fly fishermen, and made it all look easy. This was a stellar experience, in nature, completely unplugged, spending time with old friends and making new friends. IRJ is a first-class operation. See more..
5.0 Labyrinth Escape Games (329 reviews)
- Creative masterminds
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

BE YOUR OWN HERO! You will go on a time-travelling adventure into a WWII silo in the action-packed OPERATION LONGBOW, escape King Arthur's castle in EXCALIBUR, or break a Pirate curse in the stormy finale of the 4D adventure SHIPWRECKED! Perfect for date night, bachelor and bachelorette parties, or corporate events. Having produced more than 65 escape games nationwide, Labyrinth is one of the most experienced escape companies in the entire USA! See more..
5.0 Cascade Raft & Kayak (306 reviews)
- Wonderful Day on the Payette with Cascade Raft & Kayak Co.
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Kayaking & Canoeing

We have long wanted to raft the Canyon section of the South Fork of the Payette River and finally were able to swing it in late August. We had high expectations and these were met, and then some, by Cascade Raft & Kayak Company. Our guide, Shane and accompanying kayaker Sebastian, were wonderful. Shane was experienced, friendly, knowledgeable, and humorous. We will request him to guide us again on our next trip. The trip has four Class IV and several Class III rapids, with stops at some hot springs and a nice beach for lunch. It was a great mix of occasional excitement, mellow floating and great scenery. Anne was extremely patient and helpful answering all our questions by email before booking the trip. And the prices in their store were very reasonable. We would highly recommend this trip and doing it with Cascade Raft & Kayak Co. See more..
5.0 Payette Lake (305 reviews)
- Is it the best lake in Idaho?
Bodies of Water

A 5,330-acre lake near the resort town of McCall. See more..
5.0 Silver Streak Zipline Tours (276 reviews)
- Superb for a first time Zipper.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

We were a group of 5 ranging from ages 13 to 71 and without exception everyone had a fantastic time thanks to the guys at Silver Streak and the amazing ziplines they offered. We did them all including the Big Daddy. The staff were very professional and dedicated to making sure our experience was a great success. The ziplines were all exciting and got better with each succeeding line. I highly recommend Silver Streak Zipline Tours to anyone considering this type of event while in the great little berg of Wallace. Happy Zipping. See more..
4.5 Shoshone Falls (2.015 reviews)
- Running full force, spectacular.
Waterfalls

What a great show. We purchased tickets for the the light show. They may have over sold because there was an enormous crowd however organizers managed the traffic well. I’m sure glad we had a handicap plaqard as my mom is elderly and unable to walk distances. The light show was pretty. We decided to come back in the early morning 8:00 AM to see the falls in daylight. I’m glad we did. Only a few people were there, we had the place to ourselves and the falls were spectacular. See more..
4.5 Craters of the Moon National Monument (1.280 reviews)
- go visit if you are in the area
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

An ocean of blackened lava flows holds opportunities to relax, explore, and enjoy for all ages and abilities. The monument is an easy day trip from Boise, Sun Valley, and Idaho Falls. Click on the link below to learn more about this unearthly landscape and start planning your visit today. See more..
4.5 Old Idaho Penitentiary (1.001 reviews)
- Deep dive into prison history
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours. See more..
4.5 Perrine Bridge (875 reviews)
- Cool Bridge / Amazing View
Bridges

This bridge is very cool and even on a weekday we got to see base jumpers. The bridge is easily accessed from the Twin Falls Visitor center. It can also be accessed from the Best Buy / Home Goods parking lot. The visitor center has spots designated for RVs. See more..
4.5 Tubbs Hill Nature Trails (830 reviews)
- A Wonderful Experience
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Offering a taste of the wilderness in downtown Coeur d'Alene, this self-guided two-mile trail loop has historical points along the way as well as several great viewing areas. See more..
4.5 Idaho State Capitol Building (751 reviews)
- Beautiful building
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Monuments & Statues • Government Buildings

Architects were John E. Tourtellotte and Charles Hummel. Tourtellotte was a Connecticut native whose career began in Massachusetts and skyrocketed further when he moved to Boise. Hummel was a German immigrant who partnered with Tourtellotte in 1903. The final cost of the building was just over $2 million; it was completed in 1920. The architects used varied materials to construct the building and their design was inspired by Classical examples. Tourtellotte and Hummel used four types of marble: red marble from Georgia, gray marble from Alaska, green marble from Vermont, and black marble from Italy. Architectural inspirations included St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St Paul's Cathedral in London and the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The most prominent feature of the capitol is its dome. See more..
4.5 World Center For Birds of Prey (725 reviews)
- Family visit to Fall Flights
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and interactive exhibits complement hands-on experiences for all ages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Treasure Valley from the interpretive trail and gazebo, or browse the gift shop. Admissions and purchases support conservation programs worldwide. Reservations are available online or purchase in-person at the gift shop. See more..
4.5 Lava Hot Springs (686 reviews)
- Public hot springs pools in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Hot Springs & Geysers

Year round world class hot pools! Open 363 days a year! Relax in the odor free, chemical free, no sulfur all natural hot mineral water that bubbles directly into the bottom of the soaking pools at 112 cooling to 102 degrees F. Over 2 1/2 gallons of water flow through the pools in 24 hours. 5 outdoor pools with gravel or rock bottoms, 2 of them with jets. Dressing rooms, coin-operated lockers, heated floors. Gift Shop with drinks, snacks and souvenirs. See more..
4.5 Snake River Greenbelt (521 reviews)
- Fantastic, free city amenity.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wow, Idaho Falls has really created a gem with its greenbelt. Fantastic place to walk or bike. The civic groups and city have built beautiful gardens and the falls themselves are a vision of sustainable energy production. See more..
4.5 Idaho Botanical Garden (405 reviews)
- Small but packed with beauty
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Cultivate. Educate. Celebrate. Enhance your community and enrich your life. The Idaho Botanical Garden is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the Boise Foothills, located in the heart of Old Penitentiary Historic District. The Garden promotes gardening in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants that are adapted to the intermountain region. See more..