{"id":82282,"date":"2023-12-18T09:24:56","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T16:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitidaho.org\/?post_type=travel_tip&p=82282"},"modified":"2024-09-03T13:56:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T19:56:36","slug":"make-summer-memories-at-idahos-beaches-and-lakes","status":"publish","type":"travel_tip","link":"https:\/\/visitidaho.org\/travel-tips\/make-summer-memories-at-idahos-beaches-and-lakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Make Summer Memories at Idaho’s Beaches and Lakes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Skip the Ocean:<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Beat the Heat With These Lakeside Idaho Beaches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Laurie McConnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Summer is fast approaching, which means it\u2019s time to slip into your flip-flops and hit the beach!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now you might be asking yourself, \u201cDoes Idaho have beaches?\u201d The answer is yes! There are, in fact, numerous lakes with beaches in Idaho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many Idaho lakes are in the mountains or remote locations, there are plenty of options that are easily accessible, family-friendly and have loads of activities and amenities nearby. This summer, build your own family memories with your kids and grandkids at one of these lakeside Idaho beaches.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Best Idaho Beaches for Swimming and Water Sports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Swimming, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Redfish Lake, Stanley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re craving a summer getaway, Redfish Lake<\/a> is a great spot to cool off with your crew. Unwind on the beach or rent anything that floats, from paddleboards and canoes to kayaks and paddle boats. Take a lake cruise or a shuttle ride to the main trailhead for the Redfish Lake Drainage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bear Lake, St. Charles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located in the state\u2019s southeast<\/a> corner, Bear Lake<\/a> spans the Idaho\u2013Utah border. Often called the \u201cCaribbean of the Rockies\u201d due to its intense turquoise blue water, the lake is best known for its waterskiing, swimming, sailing, Jet Skiing and fishing. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and watercraft of all sorts can be rented at North Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Priest Lake, Coolin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Situated in northern Idaho<\/a>, Priest Lake<\/a> is a must-visit for sand-seekers. Some of the lodging properties along the lake are beachfront, making both water recreation and relaxing a breeze. Blue Diamond Marina<\/a> offers rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and a variety of powerboats. Head to Priest Lake State Park<\/a> for day-use areas with large sandy beaches and designated swimming areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kayaking, Priest Lake State Park, Coolin. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Less than a mile from Shoshone Falls, Dierkes Lake<\/a> is a popular destination for some fun in the sun. Gather around a picnic table for a barbecue, or cool off with some kayaking and canoeing. If you\u2019re looking to get in touch with your adventurous side, don your scuba gear and venture beneath the water to discover sunken rowboats, a hidden treasure chest and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandy Point Beach, Boise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Poised at the foot of Lucky Peak Dam, 34-acre Sandy Point Beach<\/a> boasts an expansive swimming area complete with water features and two beach volleyball courts. Round out your day with some disc golf, or treat yourself to a picnic beneath a shady tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lucky Peak State Park, Sandy Point Beach, near Boise. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Best Idaho Beaches for Camping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sailboats ready for the day at Lake Cascade. Photo credit: Idaho State Parks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lake Cascade, Cascade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lake Cascade State Park<\/a> is the place to be for those seeking lake-view camping. While you\u2019re here, swim at the beach, take a boat tour or rent WaveRunners, boats and anything else you might need from surrounding rental shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Payette Lake, McCall<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for a place to pitch your tent this summer, head to Ponderosa State Park<\/a> for picture-perfect views of Payette Lake<\/a>, along with boating and fishing. Wiggle your toes in the warm sand, enjoy a scenic cruise with McCall Lake Cruises<\/a> or romp on Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards from Mile High Marina<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Lake Coeur d\u2019Alene, Coeur d\u2019Alene. Photo credit: Visit Idaho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Best Idaho Beaches for You & Your Pup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lake Coeur d\u2019Alene, Coeur d\u2019Alene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are more than 55 lakes within driving distance of Coeur d\u2019Alene, but none more scenic and full of activities than Lake Coeur d\u2019Alene<\/a> itself. Offering lake cruises<\/a>, kayaking, paddleboarding, seaplane tours and waterfront dining, there\u2019s no shortage of things to do! To top it off, Coeur d\u2019Alene is home to plenty of dog-friendly adventures, including McEuen Park<\/a> and Tubbs Hill Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lake Pend Oreille<\/a> holds the honor of being Idaho\u2019s largest and deepest lake, making it an excellent destination for a summer escape. Its shoreline is dotted with rental cabins and unique places to stay, and nearby Farragut State Park<\/a> offers public beach access and spectacular views of the water. Sandpoint\u2019s City Beach<\/a> is another local favorite, perfect for swimming or launching a kayak. Dog Beach Park<\/a>, just a few minutes away, is a great place to play in the sand with your pup. While you\u2019re in town, visit the local marinas for rentals and services, and don\u2019t miss your chance to take a narrated lake cruise<\/a> aboard the Shawnodese<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Tips for Visiting Beaches in Idaho<\/h3>\n\n\n\n