We all know potatoes are the best vegetable. There’s no better example than the great state of Idaho, where no spud is a dud.
We’re talking french fries, sweet potato pies, overloaded baked potatoes, pillowy potato doughnuts, and of course, vodka.
Boise may be Idaho’s most notable name to pig out as its undoubtedly become one of America’s trendiest cities, but it’s not just epic eats and college sports’ only blue football field that’s a draw to visitors — not even close.
Beyond various aforementioned food and drink concoctions are stunningly beautiful landscapes all around “The Gem State”, whether it be towering pine-laden forests, tranquil streams and rapid rivers, or in this case, shimmering lakes surrounded by posh hotels, luring tourists from all across the States and even as far as Asia, according to Idaho news source, KXLY.
One such town is having a record-breaking summer even as many usual Canadian vacationers politely say “no thanks” to visiting the U.S. given the, let’s say, unpredictable day-to-day political climate.
It turns out people are saying “tariffs schmariffs”! The luxe (and hard to spell) lake haven of Coeur d’Alene is welcoming more tourists than ever this summer as it’s simply too enjoyable to pass up its pristine nature and hometown warmth.
Coeur d’Alene: A Majestic Oasis In Northern Idaho
Hugging the Washington border across Spokane lies a lakeside beauty, Coeur d’Alene. This bountiful town’s centerpiece is the lake itself, going by the same name.
Lake Coeur d’Alene is truly majestic, wrapped by lush forest and an array of wildlife during summer months, and slowly transforming to a fall lover’s dreamscape too, with rustic treelines making for an even better photo-op.
Whether Coeur d’Alene will break fall tourism records is another question, but right now it’s all the rage.
Mark Robitaille, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitor Bureau, was quoted as saying, “I think people like that hometown feel of Coeur d’Alene”.
A recent visitor added, “Oh, I think it’s beautiful. It’s great. We went to the water yesterday. They were having a big to-do down at the water”, in regards to the town’s summer attractions and year-round beauty.
Summer offers splendid weather for aquatic thrills and beachside lounging — yep, there are indeed beaches in Idaho.
Expect to see temps hover in the low to mid 80’s until leaves begin to fall and change hues, meaning you have another 2 months or so left to enjoy summery splendor, whether it be partaking in a variety of lake activities such as kayaking or fishing, kicking back on your ritzy resort balcony taking in the views, or absorbing the down-home charm of downtown with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants.
Travel Tip: The easiest way to reach Coeur d’Alene is through Spokane’s small airport, which means a layover is likely. Check out Travel Off Path’s handy-dandy Jetlag Fixer!
No Shortage Of Luxury Stays: Coeur d’Alene Resort Takes The Cake!
Chances are, if you aren’t checking prices at Whole Foods, then you can afford a Coeur d’Alene splurge.
If not, there are still some options for you, but there’s no denying this town is a luxury destination in the same category as, say, Aspen.
Many vacationers here are multi-time visitors. As such, when they begin making summer plans, the most common go-to is the fab Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort, offering unmatched views, a world-class spa, and even a “floating” golf green for a unique way to test your swing, and award-winning Beverly’s, considered one of the country’s best restaurants.
Don’t even get me started on their immaculate wine cellar…
Needless to say, the resort comes with a premium price tag, but if you’re up for putting a bow on Summer 2025 in style, there’s no better place in Idaho to do so.
According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ top 3 favorite Coeur d’Alene luxury stays:
- Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort
- Blackwell Boutique Hotel
- One Lakeside Hotel
Travel Tip: If you’re ballin’ on a budget like me, check out name-brand hotels such as La Quinta or Staybridge Suites for much more palatable rates.
Hike, Bike & See The Sites! Explore Coeur d’Alene’s Stunning Nature
Beyond the gorgeous lake, there are ample inviting trails popular for exploring Coeur d’Alene’s breathtaking nature.
Tubbs Hill is arguably the favorite of tourists and locals alike. This public peninsula is smack dab downtown, making for easy access and leads you to sweeping views of the lake and vibrant townscape.
The North Idaho Centennial Trail is another popular spot, except this trail winds along the lake, meeting the Spokane River.
Since Coeur d’Alene is seeing such an uptick in visitors right now, it’s safe to say you won’t have any trails to yourself, so we at Travel Off Path scoped out a hidden gem nearby offering fewer crowds and a surprising place to discover Idaho’s oldest standing building — Old Mission State Park.
This under-hyped state park is just a half-hour drive and only $7 per vehicle (plus $5 for exhibits).
You’ll find the remarkably preserved Mission of the Sacred Heart (built without nails), eerie burial grounds, historic artifacts, and of course, plentiful trails to explore with far more space to enjoy the sights and sounds of Northern Idaho’s astounding nature.
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