Discover Coeur d'Alene: Top Attractions, Summer & Winter Activities, and Places to Stay
Welcome, traveler, to this fascinating city of Coeur d’Alene. You have landed here, and many adventures keep calling your name. After your arrival, you can stay in the comfort and safety of your hotel, or you could embrace this new destination. Learn its history. Meet its people. Are you ready?
Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene
Are you wondering about things to do in CDA? Explore the downtown area and look out for boutiques and museums or that next tasty meal. Perhaps it’s a delectable five-course dinner at a local restaurant that everyone’s talking about? Or maybe you would prefer reading the paper as you sip your favorite coffee at one of the cafes spread out in town. Go to a show at the theater, or simply take a walk down the main thoroughfare, as you watch people wander past. Don’t waste time contemplating over things to do in CDA! Allow the possibilities to wash over you while you explore the new region. Consider moving out on foot and getting to know the region on a more personal level. You can reinvent your whole artistic aesthetic at your newly introduced gallery or simply get the ideal souvenir at one of the local shops. Perhaps the wind is whispering some ideas in your mind? You can rent a car and go beyond city limits all through into the wild blue yonder. Check out the smaller towns and cities past the border, and learn about the stories behind them. Allow childhood memories to wash over you by visiting a county fair. Explore hand-made jam at a stop on some forgotten highway, or allow the modern life’s hustle and bustle to sweep you away while you lose yourself in the orchestrated chaos of a modern metropolis. Remember that you have endless choices, as well as the adventures to come.
Is Coeur d’Alene Worth Visiting?
Coeur d’Alene is a vibrant mountain town and is worth visiting any time of the year. The outdoor activities will generally differ depending on the season, with rafting, mountain biking, and hiking most common in the summer. On the other hand, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and skiing are at the forefront in the winter. The busiest times of the year are usually December – March and June – August, which can make the city a bit more crowded. That means getting accommodations and lodgings is more challenging. If you plan, however, you will find those challenges easily overcome.
What Is Coeur d’Alene Known For?
Defined by blue skies, forested mountains, and sparkling water, travelers to the Coeur d’Alene region experience a destination of exciting contrasts: intriguing attractions, four-season beauty and recreation, quiet gateways, and five-star amenities in a rugged setting. Attractions such as hotels, lake cruises, a visit to Silverwood Theme Park, and activities like shopping for art and antique downtown or teeing up at a championship golf course show why this town is described as the playground of the Pacific Northwest. Coeur d’Alene is also a great city that’s well known for its water sports. Furthermore, the region has a distinct set of trails situated in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area and the Coeur d’Alene Forest. It’s also a city that’s renowned for its amazing McEuen Park that has a trailhead, which leads to great hikes along with a grassy lawn for playing on or relaxing. The Lakeside City provides access to a playground and high-quality picnic spots. Would you like to explore the historic nature of the region? If so, you should consider visiting the Museum of North Idaho.
Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene in Summer
During long summer days, playing outdoors is the main thing in Lake City. Below are a few things worth considering to do in Coeur d’Alene.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises
In general, Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises provide a wide range of interesting, festive, and fun tours. The longer six-hour cruises tend to go down to the St. Joe River at the south end of the lake, while the shorter tours usually loop around the lake’s upper part.
Taking in the incredible Pacific Northwest scenery, you’ll also get the chance to view the amazing houses, the planet’s only floating golf green, hotels, and enjoy the Sunday brunches and sunset dinners, all as you learn about the local history.
Kootenai County Farmers’ Market
Generally speaking, it boasts a huge variety of quality fresh vegetables and fruits. There are numerous high-quality and fresh dairy products to pick from, such as cheese and milk, along with a wide array of bread and different grain-based foods.
You’ll also get freshly cut flowers and plants for decorating your home and arts and crafts created by the finest local artists. You will certainly love the freshly baked pies!
Car d’Lane
This is Coeur d’Alene’s interesting car show that occurs in mid-June. Please take a look at all car varieties as they roll on by, with some shooting flames! Mostly, the festivities begin on Friday night with a car cruise downtown (the classic way) and progress into Saturday. This is when you could stroll through this car show, check out different local vendors, look under the hoods, and enjoy incredible downtown cuisine.
North Idaho Centennial Trail
This is a vehicle-free 24-mile trail that connects Higgens Point State Park to the Idaho-Washington border on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail runs along the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene, with incredible views of the local scenery. Apart from great benches, there are rest points with fantastic views, and you’ll not get lost since there are a few signs along the trail.
2nd Friday ArtWalk
Every 2nd Friday of the month all year round, join the community in this amazing tradition of strolling the downtown streets of Coeur d’Alene and enjoying locally and nationally renowned artists. ArtWalk facilitates new connections, educates, and promotes new opportunities and relationships when it comes to art lovers, the socialites, and the curious. Apart from showcasing recent work, the artists also enhance mutual artist support and build community. Visit supporting galleries, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and shops for this free and family-friendly event!
Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene in Winter
Are you planning to stay in Coeur d’Alene? There are so many exciting things to do in this town during winter such that you won’t even be concerned about the crowded beaches you find on a hot day.
Just picture yourself as you look over a snow-covered mountain lake meanwhile drinking a cup of warm coffee.
Are you not convinced? Read on.
Infinity Pool
According to the Coeur d’Alene hotel, you require a reservation if you’d like to use the infinity pool. That’s right; this is an infinity pool that’s hot enough to have a pleasant time in the winter. Ensure that you go for the Hot Winter Nights package when booking.
Winter Hikes Near Coeur d’Alene
Are you ready to drive to the lake’s other side? If so, the hiking trails located on Mineral Ridge provide an excellent choice for winter activities.
It will largely rely on snow conditions and might need things such as trekking poles and snowshoes. Generally, Mineral Ridge is a somewhat frequented trail during the winter months. Therefore, a good pair of boots might be enough. It would be best to be safe out there. Undoubtedly, this hike allows you to have breathtaking views of the popular Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Walk in the Park
Because hiking Tubbs Hill during the wintertime may not be the best option, there is a perfect alternative. Just like in the summer, it’s always great to take a walk in the parks of Coeur d’Alene during winter!
Areas such as the Coeur d’Alene of Coeur d’Alene Park and McEuen Park are ideal for winter strolls.
Downhill Skiing
Based on how far you are prepared to drive, Coeur d’Alene offers a wide range of options in the winter. The best recommendation is the famous Silver Mountain located in Kellogg, ID. Apart from being the nearest to Coeur d’Alene, it also offers the longest gondola in entire North America.
Other downhill skiing options close to Coeur d’Alene are Lookout Pass east of Silver Mountain on the Idaho/ Montana border and Schweitzer, close to Pend Oreille, ID. If you head west into Washington, you could even explore another ski hill option on Mount Spokane.
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Additionally, winters in Coeur d’Alene provide amazing snowshoe & cross country ski locations. The most popular would probably be Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. It’s a paved trail utilized for nordic winter sports. Other examples of trails are the Lookout Pass or the 4th of July Pass.
Winter Lake Cruise
Consider taking a winter cruise across the famous Lake Coeur d’Alene throughout the amazing holiday light display. Quite frankly, the Journey to the North Pole is a spectacular adventure and not only for families.
Holiday Shopping
Even in the winter, downtown Coeur d’Alene has a lot to offer. The fantastic and walkable Sherman Ave is an ideal destination. There is also a year-round Christmas store known as Christmas at the Lake.
Coeur d’Alene Neighborhoods
The entire Coeur d’Alene region consists of a few different cities and is all found minutes apart. Coeur d’Alene is the largest city and has an estimated population of 38,000. The city of Post Falls, which is slightly west of Coeur d’Alene, is the fastest growing city in entire Idaho and has a fast-expanding population of approximately 22,000.
You will find other cities like Dalton Gardens, Hayden, and Rathdrum, which are all found within 10-15 minutes of Coeur d’Alene and generally have a total population of about 20,000. These cities are located close together such that you can drive from Post Falls through CDA, Dalton Gardens, and lastly into Hayden in less than 15 minutes.
CDA consists of an equal combination of newer and older neighborhoods, with the downtown region of Sanders Beach comprising a handful of genuinely historic households dating back to the beginning of this century. Generally speaking, Sanders Beach is found close to the major downtown resort and is usually much sought after because of its amazing location for boating, hiking, or simply trolling the downtown region.
Post Falls is encountering a large wave of new subdivisions, often situated in the prairie. Since the new home costs in Post Falls begin in the mid $100,000, there is no trouble filling the new households with out-of-state buyers. Post Falls has a wide range of well-recognized corporations relocating there because of its government business incentives and location.
Hayden and Hayden Lake are located a bit to the north of CDA, and, until recently, they’ve managed to escape the significant changes that have hit CDA. Although it’s relatively smaller than Lake Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake provides incredible fishing and boating and offers some multi-dollar households that rival throughout the U.S. It also appears that Hayden might be on its way to matching the constant growth of the rest of the regions.
Lastly, Rathdrum is located north of CDA and is set to make a huge difference. For some time, Rathdrum has mostly manufactured households on acreage, older households, with a single grocery store and several restaurants and bars. Because of its proximity to CDA and its overall natural beauty, most developers have started planning a few subdivisions, even one with its man-made lake, which should enhance values in the region and result in more retail and commercial neighborhoods.
Accommodations with Air Hosting
There’s no better way you could experience the Inland Northwest’s natural beauty than staying in your private vacation home in Coeur d’Alene. Air Hosting is the leading and longest-running vacation rental marketing, hosting, and management company helping vacation rental owners improve their experience.
Are you wondering where to stay? Whether you’re searching to schedule your next vacation or want help managing and marketing your existing Idaho or Spokane vacation rental, Air Hosting provides a full-circle solution.
Are you considering a family trip to CDA? Want to stay at the Coeur d’Alene hotel? Or are you simply wondering whether it’s the best travel destination? The truth is that it has numerous attraction sites that are great for both children and adults. There are also numerous hotels in Coeur d’Alene and little shops and restaurants for you to enjoy! What are you waiting for?
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