Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Coeur d'Alene, ID

  • Published 2022/05/03

Coeur d’Alene, the land of scenic beauty, is home to some of the best lakes, gorgeous landscapes, and hiking trails.

This city in Idaho attracts many tourists all year round and is one of the few places that looks majestic during both the summer and winter seasons.

Some of the best ways to take in Coeur d’Alene’s stunning natural sights include luxurious cruises and adrenaline-pumping activities like parasailing and zip lining.

Interested in finding out what else the city has to offer?

These are the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho:

See the Charming Lake Coeur d’Alene

Boats docked at Lake Coeur d'Alene

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

Lake Coeur d’Alene is among the top tourist spots in Coeur d’Alene.

Tourists and locals flock to this natural attraction every day.

The lake encompasses an area of 25 miles and is filled with salmon.

An eagle hunting down its prey in Lake Coeur d'Alene

Gregory Johnston / Shutterstock.com

You can pursue many activities here, such as fishing, hiking, or camping.

Overall, it is a beautiful place that should not be missed.

Try camping here for a night or two and enjoy the beautiful lake on a starry night.

A young man diving into Lake Coeur d'Alene

Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

Walk around Coeur d’Alene City Park

Snow covered Coeur d'Alene City Park

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

Located in the prime location of downtown Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene City Park is an attractive attraction for tourists of all ages.

Filled with beaches, water, and several picnic areas, the beautiful park draws everyone to its premises.

Scenic view of road, lawn and beach at Coeur d'Alene City Park

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

This venue hosts a lot of events and festivals seasonally.

So, be sure to catch at least one of those if you get the chance.

Take a Stroll around McEuen Park

Artifical water fall and pond set up at McEuen Park

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

Want to enjoy some quality time with your family?

McEuen Park is the best spot to do so.

While your children play, you can sit down, have a picnic, and enjoy the scenes.

Walkway with plant on both the sides at McEuen Park

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

The playground at McEuen Park is vast, and there are several gardens and fountains as well.

Do snap a few pictures, for this is a visual treat.

Pavilion at McEuen Park

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

The park is close to Tubbs Hill, so you can visit these two locations on the same day.

Shop at the Kootenai County Farmers’ Market

Do you enjoy farmers’ markets, fresh organic goods, and homemade delicacies?

Head over to Kootenai County Farmers’ Market for all these things.

The fruits and vegetables sold here are always freshly harvested from local farms.

Summer means delicious red strawberries, while winter indicates juicy oranges.

The fruits at this market are well known for being the best in the city.

High-quality cheese is available here, too.

You can sample them and purchase your favorites.

Cycle along the North Idaho Centennial Trail

North Idaho Centennial Trail during autumn

Wollertz / Shutterstock.com

Are you looking for a bit of adventure?

For the adventurous souls visiting Coeur d’Alene, there’s the famous North Idaho Centennial Trail.

The trail goes across the border of Washington and Idaho, offering some of the best scenes you will ever come across.

The path stretches across 23 miles.

Picnic bench placed on the pavement along the North Idaho Centennial Trail

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

You can walk across it, but cycling is an even more exciting way to enjoy the trail.

The bicycle trails here are scenic, well-maintained, and beginner-friendly.

Sign board of North Idaho Centennial Trail

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

On the way, you will pass by a lot of tourist attractions.

You can take a break and check them out as well.

Go Parasailing over the Coeur d’Alene River

A couple Parasailing in Coeur d'Alene

Wollertz / Shutterstock.com

If you are into adventure sports, parasailing is one of the best things to do in Coeur d’Alene.

Coeur d’Alene offers the best sights for you to see from up above.

One of the best spots to go on a parasailing adventure is around the area of the Coeur d’Alene River.

Parasailing high above the Coeur d'Alene River

Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

They will take you to a height of 600 meters, and the views are panoramic from there.

Idaho is a parasailing hub and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on.

Aerial view of the river, boat and the city from parasail

Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the Scenes of Tubbs Hill

Picturesque view of Tubbs Hill

Wollertz / Shutterstock.com

Interested in going on a scenic hike close to the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene?

Tubbs Hill is your destination.

The terrains are amazing, and its gorgeous views make it one of the most favored hiking destinations for tourists visiting Coeur d’Alene.

Hiking signs at the foot hill of Tubbs Hill

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

From here, you can spot Lake Coeur d’Alene’s stunning blue waters.

There are several hiking trails for you to choose from, and each of them will take you through the most picturesque scenes.

Stunning crystal water alomg the Tubbs Hill trail

Francesca Bussotti / Shutterstock.com

Go Zip Lining and Enjoy a Bird’s-Eye View of the City

Idaho is the land of adventure activities.

For this very reason, adventure seekers crowd the city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Zip lining is one of the most thrilling activities you can enjoy here.

At the same time, it allows you to take in the very best views of Coeur d’Alene.

The best route goes over the majestic Beauty Bay, and you’ll be positioned at a height of 800 meters.

The operators even take your photos while you’re in the sky, and they’ll be given to you afterward.

Go on a Cruise

Cruise during winter in Coeur d'Alene

Wollertz / Shutterstock.com

Coeur d’Alene is a luxurious place.

One of the best ways to enjoy the true beauty of Coeur d’Alene is to take a cruise.

There are a lot of private travel companies and cruise operators that offer excellent deals and cruise packages.

Closer view of the people ejoying the Cruise in Coeur d'Alene

Nature’s Charm / Shutterstock.com

The cruises take you all along the shore, showing you the best of what the city has to offer.

There are many famous people who live on the banks of the Coeur d’Alene, and you might even get to spot their houses.

Appreciate the Views along the Mineral Ridge Trail

Mineral Ridge

Dan Lewis / Shutterstock.com

The Mineral Ridge Trail offers some of the most intriguing sceneries in Coeur d’Alene.

Overlooking both Coeur d’Alene Lake and Beauty Bay, Mineral Ridge deserves your attention.

Mind blowing view of the road and lake from Mineral Ridge Trail

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Mineral Ridge happens to be the home of hundreds of scarce bald eagles.

In the winter, you can also enjoy snow activities like snowshoeing.

View of the forest, lake and mountain from Mineral Ridge Trail

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Take a Stroll around Downtown Coeur d’Alene

Night view of Downtown Coeur d'Alene

Gregory Johnston / Shutterstock.com

A place filled with several restaurant chains, boutiques, and branded shops, downtown Coeur d’Alene is a fun place to hang out with friends and family.

It’s also home to a ton of tourist attractions.

Street view of Downtown Coeur d'Alene

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

After exploring the vicinity’s must-see spots, you can easily unwind and grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.

Restaurant and Market fair at Downtown Coeur d'Alene

Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com

This hub for entertainment, shopping, and eating is easily one of the most exciting places to visit in Coeur d’Alene.

Book your accommodations here if you prefer being in the center of all the action.

Sleep under the Stars at the Coeur d’Alene National Forest

Camping in Coeur d'Alene National Forest

Bogdan Denysyuk / Shutterstock.com

Originally a part of Idaho’s 2.5-million-acre Panhandle National Forest, Coeur d’Alene National Forest is one of Coeur d’Alene’s hidden gems.

It covers a lot of the city’s area and has every shade of greenery you can hope to see.

Within the forest lies a huge lake called Hayden Lake, which draws a lot of people every day.

A bald eagle seen in its natural habitat at Coeur d'Alene National Forest

Gregory Johnston / Shutterstock.com

Do you want to spend a night in the forest?

You’re welcome to book a stay at a rustic cabin.

Little Guard Lookout is one of the area’s premium cabins.

Mama moose and baby moose in Coeur d'Alene National Forest

Grimm Film / Shutterstock.com

There are also dedicated campgrounds, so you can spend a night under the stars if you wish to.

During the winter, you can ski on the powdery snow that decorates the forest.

Meet and Greet Friendly Woolies at Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch

Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch, which covers 40 acres and is only 15 minutes from the city center, is readily accessible.

Coeur d’Alene has many unusual sights to view, including the dozens of alpacas on this beautiful farm.

Numerous other creatures, including miniature horses, goats, donkeys, cattle, and llamas, also call this ranch their home.

Besides that, it has a gift store where you can purchase goods like toys, scarf sets, gift baskets, and tours of the region.

Come to Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch with your loved ones, significant other, or group of friends and unwind in a laid-back atmosphere.

You may visit the region with a friendly guide and engage with the numerous creatures that call this place home, including alpacas, miniature horses, llamas, etc.

Step Back in Time at the Museum of North Idaho

Exterior view of Museum of North Idaho

Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

At its original site in 1973, the Museum of North Idaho was a history museum.

It is ADA-compliant and has several galleries devoted to the area’s history.

Tour this historical museum if it’s rainy or freezing outside and you’re looking for something to do.

In addition to a few historical exhibits and guided tours, the museum provides enlightening talks, movie evenings, and holiday-themed activities.

As a memento of your trip, stop by the gift store to pick up some books or other memorabilia.

The Museum of North Idaho has a wide variety of exhibitions and galleries well worth your time.

Discover its fur trade sector, the Scandinavians who came here, the everyday lives of the Native Indians, and much more.

Depending on the time of year you visit, it’s possible to attend lectures by expert historians.

Experience Riding a Seaplane at Brooks Seaplane Service Tours

Brooks Seaplane offers three kinds of flights.

It takes 20 minutes to fly the 25 miles around Lake Coeur d’Alene in the Lake Coeur Loop Flight.

Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area, including St. Joe and Spokane rivers, the Bitterroot Mountains, Fernan Lake, and the Washington Palouse, are all visible from the air.

It takes 40 minutes to fly 80 miles from north of Lake Coeur d’Alene to Pend Orielle, Hayden Lake, and Farragut State Park in an 80-mile loop.

Charter services are available for flights over Montana, Idaho, and Washington.

Sample Exquisite Wines at Coeur d’Alene Cellars

The Coeur d’Alene Cellars winery, formed in 2002, produces more than 3,000 cases each year and is considered one of the best in the region.

This vineyard is one of the most popular nighttime activities for locals in Coeur d’Alene.

There are tasting rooms where you may sample wines from the excellent collection, free live music on Saturdays, and delectable appetizers to enjoy your wine experience.

Enjoy a bottle of good wine and a charcuterie board full of savory appetizers to round off your day.

During your visit, you may sample their merlot, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and many other varieties of wine, all while taking in a show put on by local musicians and singers.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Fishing in Falls Park

Amazing view of the Post Falls Dam

Gregory Johnston / Shutterstock.com

Are you looking for a quiet side trip destination you can enjoy with the whole family?

Falls Park is located in the neighboring city of Post Falls, which is just a 15-minutes drive away from Coeur d’Alene.

The 22-acre park is a peaceful place offering views of the Post Falls Dam.

Nature trail in Post Falls

James Sakaguchi / Shutterstock.com

There are picnic tables, a playground, and a fishing pond, which is the park’s main attraction.

Kids love Falls Park and enjoy trying out fishing on their own.

Mother Goose and Goslings in Post Falls Dam Park

Gregory Johnston / Shutterstock.com

Go Skiing at Silver Mountain Resort

Skiing at silver mountain, Idaho

CSNafzger / Shutterstock.com

Are you into skiing?

Offering the best excuse to enjoy the snow, Silver Mountain Resort is one of the best skiing resorts in Coeur d’Alene’s vicinity.

The snow is quite lovely and powdery, and there are more than 70 ski routes that you can choose from according to your liking.

When you visit in seasons other than winter, there are trails where you can go mountain biking.

There are a lot of camps that take place here, so you can easily go camping.

Try Out the Different Activities of Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park

David Blaine from Spokane, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Perfect for a scenic side trip, the stunning Farragut State Park lies in Athol, less than 40 minutes away from Coeur d’Alene.

The park is situated at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho.

A haven for adventurous souls, the place is ideal for biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

Want to play golf?

This park also gives you access to one of the most premium golf courses near Coeur d’Alene.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a natural adventure, a history lesson, a taste of local cuisine, or a spot to relax on the beach, the coastal city of Coeur d’Alene has it all.

Create a lifetime of memories by trying various water sports, trekking through multiple trails, shopping at boutique shops, and more!

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