If summer were a city, it would be Coeur d’Alene, conjuring images of sweet sunny days on the lake, divine downtown dining, enticing craft brews, and the rousing romance of adventure. Set on the beautiful 26-mile-long Lake Coeur d’Alene in the mountains of northern Idaho, this picturesque lake community offers the ultimate summer getaway for couples seeking a mixture of adventure, romance and relaxation. Read on for the couple’s guide to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
How to Get to Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is located just about 40 miles from the Spokane International Airport in Washington. Most major airports in the United States and Canada fly directly to Spokane, and in less than an hour, you’ll arrive at the beautiful resort town of Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. If you’re flying from Seattle, Coeur d’Alene is about 300 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Coeur d’Alene does have an airport, but it is reserved for private planes.
Where to Stay
The Coeur d’Alene Resort is the premier hotel in the region. Located in the heart of the city, it offers beautiful rooms overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene, a state-of-the-art spa, gym, and delicious restaurants. Its romantic setting is the perfect place for a couple’s getaway.
Where to Adventure
Standup Paddleboarding: Lake Coeur d’Alene is the perfect place to paddleboard. Rent standup paddleboards from the Boardwalk Marina Shop outside of the Coeur d’Alene Resort, head out onto the lake, and cruise along the shoreline.
Hiking: There are plenty of hikes in the Coeur d’Alene region, but one of the most beautiful hikes is Tubbs Hill. From the top of Tubbs Hill, you’ll earn beautiful views of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Golf: The Golf course at the Coeur d’Alene Resort is one of the most iconic golf courses in the country. Home to the Floating Green, the world’s only floating and movable hole (the 14th hole), the unique setting and immaculate grounds demand a visit, even for non-golfers. The Floating Green Restaurant is also on site, serving up Northwest cuisine with impeccable views of the water and the famous green.
Boating: It wouldn’t be a trip to Lake Coeur d’Alene without a trip out on the water. There are plenty of sunset dinner cruises, or you can charter your own boat to cruise the lake.
Horseback Riding: If you have a few extra days, head north to Sandpoint, Idaho, for horseback riding at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.
Where to Eat
Beverly’s: Come for the views, but stay for the decadent wine selection. Beverly’s is the fine dining restaurant at the Coeur d’Alene Resort with the best views and vino in Coeur d’Alene. We highly recommend booking a private tasting with the Level Two Sommelier and then enjoying a delectable dinner in the dining room at sunset.
Crafted Tap House + Kitchen: Crafted was the first place that we spotted when we arrived in Coeur d’Alene, and we just knew that we had to go. The delicious craft brews, tasty food, and outdoor games make for a great date night.
Hudson’s Hamburgers: Hudson’s has been a staple of Coeur d’Alene for over 100 years! You won’t be disappointed by these delicious burgers–they taste like America.
Bardenay: This restaurant and distillery crafts its own spirits, fitting since Bardenay is a term used by sailors in place of the word cocktail. On a warm summer’s day, grab a seat outside (first-come, first-served), sip a cocktail, and enjoy the delicious meals (we highly recommend the salmon with sundried tomato butter!) Bardenay has additional locations in Boise and Eagle, Idaho.
Vault Coffee: Hands down, Vault Coffee was our favorite coffee spot in the Coeur d’Alene area. We highly recommend ordering a Cortado and an avocado toast.
Where to Relax
The Infinity Pool: The infinity pool is located next to the golf course at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. This idyllic infinity pool is open from morning till evening, and it’s the perfect place to relax on the lake with a cocktail.
The Coeur d’Alene Spa: From the moment you walk in, the whimsical waterfalls and sweeping views of the lake seem to soothe the soul and set the stage for a serene and romantic experience. After a day of adventures on the lake, couples should indulge in a relaxing couples massage in one of the spa’s specialty suites.
Feature image credited to Roamaroo.
This story originally appeared February 2020. It was updated in August 2020.
Scott and Collette Stohler are the husband and wife duo behind the couples travel website and social media experience, Roamaroo. Having traveled to over 60 countries together, they believe that adventures are the best way to learn. Their escapades can be seen on The Travel Channel, Matador Network, BBC, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Some of their greatest travel experiences have included watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Cambodia, swimming in the Devil’s Pool in Zambia, trekking the Inca Trail in Peru, and driving Highway 1 in California.
Published on August 25, 2020
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