Idaho

Travel Guide

Boise featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Photo provided by Peg Owens/Idaho Tourism
Twin Falls featuring a river or creek, a gorge or canyon and landscape views
Photo provided by Sun Valley Resort
Photo provided by Idaho Tourism

Embrace your wild side in this breathtakingly scenic state dominated by the dramatic and often isolated wildernesses of the Rocky Mountains.

One of the great mysteries of Idaho is that it remains a little-known state that makes it onto few tourist itineraries. Disappear into its spectacular mountains with barely any impact from development and explore idyllic landscapes in a stunning state that still feels undiscovered. The “Gem State” is just that, a hidden jewel among the western states that beckons to intrepid visitors seeking an escape into nature.

Roam through a landscape that was explored by Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s on their famous journey west. Ancient rock carvings known as petroglyphs, found at places such as Celebration Park, speak of the indigenous inhabitants of Idaho who lived here as long as 12,000 years ago.

Most of Idaho’s major cities are located in the south of the state, between the mountains and the desert. Spend time in Boise, the welcoming capital city, where you can enjoy wineries, bourbon distilleries and botanical gardens. The Idaho State Historical Museum is one of the best museums in the region and gives a fascinating overview of local history.

Bring your camera to the untamed, untouched wildernesses of Idaho. Places such as Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Shoshone Falls and Snake River Canyon have vistas of awe-inspiring beauty. Climb dozens of peaks that reach heights of over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) or ride a raft down white-water rapids.

Unwind in natural hot springs that bubble up through the mountains. Destinations such as Kirkham and Burgdorf offer serene spas in tranquil, secluded settings.

Winter in Idaho comes with the opportunity to speed down the mountains on skis and snowboards. Find resorts in Schweitzer Mountain, Brundage Mountain and Farragut State Park and spend your days carving up fresh powder.

One of the best ways to reach and explore Idaho is by driving. Revel in the scenery of routes such as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, which wind through mountains and alongside glimmering lakes. Come in every season to see Idaho in all its different colors.

Where to stay in Idaho

Idaho showing a waterfall

Downtown Boise

4/5(496 area reviews)

Downtown Boise boasts a vibrant cultural center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Idaho State Capitol and Egyptian Theatre. Stroll along 8th Street's pedestrian zone, lined with sidewalk cafes, or explore the Basque Block.

Downtown Boise
Pond at sunset

Southeast Boise

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the live music and sporting events in Southeast Boise. You might want to make time for a stop at Albertsons Stadium or ExtraMile Arena.

Southeast Boise
The City of Trees from the Boise Depot

Boise Bench

You'll enjoy the gardens and waterfalls in Boise Bench. You might want to make time for a stop at Hillcrest Country Club or Boise Depot.

Boise Bench
Idaho State Capital Building. Boise, Idaho.
#boise

North End

5/5(12 area reviews)

North End is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like First United Presbyterian Church and St. John's Cathedral.

North End
Coeur d\'Alene featuring golf and a lake or waterhole

Downtown

While Downtown might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Independence Point and Tubbs Hill Park.

Downtown
Default Image

Sanders Beach

While visiting Sanders Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Tubbs Hill Park and Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Sanders Beach
Blue Buffalo Resort

Blue Buffalo Resort

2 out of 5
3402 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID
The price is $188 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$188 total
per night
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Stay at this campground in Island Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Island Park Dam and Harriman State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Our little house was, as my wife said, so "cute". Very clean, modern, unique. The little village was very well maintained. Excellent communications through text. A breeze to check in and out."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Blue Buffalo Resort
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pocatello

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pocatello

3 out of 5
1440 Bench Road, Pocatello, ID
The price is $118 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$118 total
per night
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Pocatello. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,433 reviews)
"only negative was hot tub wasnt working, the rooms were really nice, recently remodeled and very clean."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pocatello
Teton West Motel

Teton West Motel

2.5 out of 5
476 N Main St, Driggs, ID
The price is $219 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$219 total
per night
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Driggs. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"I was appreciative of a good price. The room was cozy and clean. We stayed 2 separate nights and the rooms were clean."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Teton West Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blue Buffalo Resort

Blue Buffalo Resort

2 out of 5
3402 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID
Stay at this campground in Island Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Island Park Dam and Harriman State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Our little house was, as my wife said, so "cute". Very clean, modern, unique. The little village was very well maintained. Excellent communications through text. A breeze to check in and out."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Blue Buffalo Resort
Moose Creek Ranch

Moose Creek Ranch

3.5 out of 5
2733 East 10800 South, Victor, ID
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly cabin in Victor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (431 reviews)
"Our family absolutely loved our stay at Moose Creek Ranch. Our cabins were spacious and spotless. The creek was so beautiful and relaxing to sit near. The sauna and cold plunge was so relaxing. Their fire oven pizzas were so delicious. The staff was so welcoming and helpful. Can’t wait to come back ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Moose Creek Ranch
Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park

Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park

2 out of 5
Old U.S. Hwy 191, Island Park, ID
Stay at this campground in Island Park. Enjoy free parking, concierge services, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (468 reviews)
"The most fun experience!! Our kids ran around the camp with other kids. Tents are very spacious and comfortable, only downside was the mosquitoes but bug spray fixed that!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Wander Camp Yellowstone Island Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Idaho