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Beyond Known Destinations
A person at a golf course surrounded by green and gold trees, preparing to swing a golf club.

Beyond Known Destinations

Extend Your Journey

Beyond Known Destinations

Venture into new territory on your next vacation. Idaho’s most-visited locations have a lot to offer, but the adventure continues outside of their city limits. After completing your trip must-dos, go beyond the popular stops and tap into a slower pace. Natural wonders, local eateries, impactful historical sites and unique attractions are all around the state if you know where to look. It can be hard to exceed your expectations in the places you’ve already visited, so branch out with Beyond Known Destinations and discover more in Idaho’s regions.
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Beyond Known Destinations

Explore Near Boise

An aerial view of downtown Boise.
Downtown, Boise. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Several buildings sit on a lush, green winery property.
Ste. Chapelle Winery, Caldwell. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A group of people standing on a wooden bridge crossing a river in a forest, along the Buena Vista Trail.
Buena Vista Trail, Idaho City. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Historic stone steps with a metal hand rail overlooking an open landscape.
Initial Point, Kuna. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Slow Down in Southwest Idaho

Surrounded by foothills and filled with trees, the capital city of Idaho is an awesome place to visit. However, keen explorers know that Idaho City, Kuna, Caldwell and Nampa are other sweet southwest spots to check out wineries, outdoor recreation, historical sites and good food.

 Beyond Boise

Explore Near Coeur d’Alene

A person in an orange shirt walks across a ropes course suspended in the air.
Tree to Tree Adventure Park, near Athol. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
An aerial view of a narrow, natural waterfall surrounded by forest.
Copper Creek Falls, near Bonners Ferry. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
An aerial view of Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Two people in athletic clothing hike along a lakeside forest trail.
Empire Trails, Spirit Lake. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Create Memories in Northern Idaho

Lakeside Coeur d’Alene is a lovely place to be, but the nearby towns of Bonners Ferry, Spirit Lake and Athol offer an additional level of fun for someone looking to dive deeper into the northern region. Natural waterfalls, craft brews, state parks, wildlife views and even the Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park await.

Beyond Coeur d’Alene

Explore Near Twin Falls

Five people float on kayaks and paddle boards on turquoise-blue water in front of a waterfall.
Ritter Island, Thousand Springs State Park, near Hagerman. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Exhibits inside the visitor center at Minidoka National Historic Site.
Minidoka National Historic Site, near Jerome. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A person climbs up a large rock face with a scenic rocky landscape in the distance.
City of Rocks National Reserve, near Almo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A waterfall flows out from a large rock wall onto rocks below.
Perrine Coulee Falls, near Twin Falls. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Spend Time in South Central Idaho

Twin Falls has no shortage of scenery and stops, from Shoshone Falls to the Snake River Canyon, but the attractions don’t end at the city’s edge. Find top-tier treks, epic rock formations and remarkable state parks in and around Jerome, Hagerman, Oakley and Albion. 

Beyond Twin Falls

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Beyond Known Destinations

Explore Near Pocatello

Plan for More in Southeast Idaho

There are plenty of reasons to book a trip to Pocatello, but quirky museums, Wild West history, developed hot springs and a turquoise-blue lake may lure visitors out of town and into the region at large. Consider expanding your southeast exploration to Montpelier, Lava Hot Springs, Blackfoot, Preston and Franklin.

Beyond Pocatello
A museum exhibit inside the Idaho Potato Museum.
Idaho Potato Museum, Blackfoot. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Several groups of people in bathing suits enjoying developed outdoor hot pools.
Lava Hot Springs Foundation Hot Pools, Lava Hot Springs. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Various groups of people spend time in a park with mountains and a large lake.
Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a trail surrounded by green grass and trees in the Pocatello Foothills.
Pocatello Foothills, Pocatello. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
An aerial view of Oneida Narrows flowing through a green landscape with mountains in the distance.
Oneida Narrows, near Preston. Photo credit: Matt Linton/ Merlin Films, LLC.

Explore Near Sun Valley

Seek Adventure in Central Idaho

It’s easy to see the appeal of shining Sun Valley, but a savvy adventurer may opt to expand their travel to nearby Arco, Fairfield and Gooding. Whether you are captivated by the history of the first town lit by atomic power or the blooming fields of camas lilies, discover an experience that resonates with you in the heart of Idaho.

Beyond Sun Valley
A woman riding a horse through a field of wildflowers, and the Sawtooth Mountains and Redfish Lake in the distance.
The Sawtooth Mountains, near Stanley. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A person with a lamp hikes through dark rock formations under a starry sky.
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A field of flowering purple Camas blooms at sunset on a prairie.
Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area, near Hill City. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A man in summer hiking gear walks toward earth-colored rock formations.
Little City of Rocks, near Gooding. Photo credit: Visit Southern Idaho.

Explore Near Idaho Falls

Enjoy Exploring in Eastern Idaho

When your to-do list leads you out of Idaho Falls, plot your route to Ririe, Ashton, Island Park, Victor and Driggs. These significant spots hold attractions worth seeing for yourself, including Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, Harriman State Park and the Teton River.

Beyond Idaho Falls
A smiling young person wearing tan shorts and green plaid short sleeve shirt touches a giant tortoise.
Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Idaho Falls. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
An aerial view of a state park made up of buildings, forest and river during fall.
Harriman State Park, Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
An aerial shot of a large waterfall during full flow.
Lower Mesa Falls, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Two men cast lines from a drift boat on a river surrounded by fall colors.
South Fork of the Snake River, near Swan Valley. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A sunset across a large Teton Mountain range landscape.
Teton Valley, near Driggs. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Explore Near Lewiston

Linger Longer in North Central Idaho

Lewiston is not only the gateway to Hells Canyon but is also a neighbor to the noteworthy destinations of Moscow, Orofino, Grangeville and Kamiah. Experience recreation in historic landscapes as you explore this storied region complete with parks, trails, restaurants and rivers.

Beyond Lewiston
A downtown street in the fall lined with cars all covered in leaves.
Downtown, Lewiston. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A blue and grey jet boat navigates up a river surrounded by mountains.
Hells Canyon, near Riggins. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Six people raft down a rapid on a river in a red raft.
Lochsa River, near Kooskia. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
People walking on nature path among trees at the University of Idaho.
University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Moscow. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
An aerial view of the water and expansive forest at Dworshak Reservoir.
Dworshak Reservoir, near Dworshak State Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

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Beyond Known Destinations

Kind Gestures Are Timeless Souvenirs

Travel With Care and be mindful to show your Care of Others on your journey to Idaho. Practice patience when businesses are short-staffed or operating on unusual hours, be mindful of private property when trekking outdoors and always keep in mind that most vacation destinations are also someone’s home.

Beyond Known Destinations
A man serving paella from a large pan to a woman at The Basque Market.
Beyond Known Destinations

Access Authentic Experiences

Browse travel tips about lesser-known destinations, read firsthand trip information and get inspired to create your own itinerary within any (or all!) of Idaho’s seven regions.