Who knew there was countless underrated places to visit in Idaho? I moved to Idaho in late 2020 with no idea what to expect. My parents had lived there for nearly a year and raved about it, so as an outdoorswoman, I decided to follow them.
It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Idaho has incredible underrated places to visit, from Boise and Coeur d’Alene to breathtaking landscapes that are almost too wild to be real. It truly is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Below, I share my favorite sights across the state, highlighting locations and who will love them most. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or just looking for somewhere new to explore, these underrated places to visit in Idaho deserve a spot on your list.
Boise (all of it!)
Before setting foot in Boise, I was told to expect something like Grand Rapids, MI, the city I had called home. However, that comparison was far from the truth: THEY ARE NOTHING ALIKE.
Grand Rapids is way more industrial than Boise, while Boise is a hotspot for adventurers.
Boise Life
In Boise, the culinary scene features exquisite restaurants, while thrill-seekers enjoy three fantastic indoor rock climbing gyms. The vibrant social scene and the enchanting Spirit of Balloon Festival keep the excitement buzzing throughout the year.
Adventure awaits at Bogus Basin Ski Resort, where world-class skiing and hiking trails invite exploration of nature’s beauty!
A few notable hikes in Boise include:
-Table Rock
-Jump Creek (a little ways away but in the Boise area)
-Adelmann Mine
-Camel’s Back
-Stack Rock
-Dry Creek
And many more!
Freak Alley Gallery downtown! One of the many underrated places to visit in Idaho.
City of Rocks National Preserve (Almo, ID)
Tucked in Almo, the stunning City of Rocks awaits, famous for its rock sculptures and exciting hiking and climbing. As an outdoor enthusiast, I can confidently say it’s perfect for activities I love!
Admittedly, that opinion might be a little biased since my first outdoor climb was at the City of Rocks. Nevertheless, it was an absolute blast, and I will treasure those memories.
If you’re near here, I encourage you add this to your underrated places to visit in Idaho list, you won’t regret it.
Me climbing up “a crack” at the City of Rocks! Of the many underrated places to visit in Idaho with a fun activity!
Twin Falls
Twin Falls, along with City of Rocks, is a favorite spot for my parents to take our Midwest family. The city is famous for Shoshone Falls, and the view is even better with a rainbow!
This city is a thrilling gateway to the stunning Snake River Canyon and the iconic Perrine Bridge, a premier spot for BASE jumping. Imagine kayaking and paddleboarding beneath the magnificent bridge, it’s an adventure I can’t wait to embrace!
Shoshone Falls from my visit in June 2020. An underrated place to visit in Idaho I wish more people knew about.
Box Canyon (Wendell, ID)
A state park east of Boise offers a challenging hike to a waterfall and flat terrain.
At the outset of the hike, one is presented with a magnificent view of Box Canyon Springs and the crystalline water.
Hiking down reveals a glimpse of the crystal-clear waters cascading from the stunning waterfall, a treasure hidden in Idaho! This is hands-down one of the most underrated places to visit in Idaho.
The view from the top!
Lava Hot Springs
Nestled in Eastern Idaho, this picturesque city is renowned for its hot springs throughout the year. During the summer months, visitors take advantage of an Olympic-sized pool and a waterpark, which includes a year-round sunken garden exhibit.
Beyond the water attractions, the city buzzes with amazing restaurants, lively bars, and iconic ice cream shops. With a scenic river flowing through, a paradise is created for summer adventurers.
The perfect example of underrated places to visit in Idaho year-round
As winter arrives, the magic intensifies. The Fire and Ice Winterfest transforms Lava into a winter wonderland, where thrill-seekers glide down the river, embracing the season’s charm!
Before you go, remember this little local secret: Idahoans say Lava as ‘LAV-ah,’ not ‘LAH-va’ like most outsiders. Getting it right will earn you instant street cred with the locals!
The hot springs at Lava!
Bonneville Hot Springs (Boise National Forest)
Lava Hot Springs is just the start. Idaho’s natural hot springs are heated by the Idaho Batholith, which warms the state’s waters from deep below.
Natural hot springs are an example of underrated places to visit in Idaho
With that backdrop in mind, this hot spring is one of my favorite hidden treasures in Idaho. The memorable journey involved snowshoeing through a winter wonderland before leaping into the warm 100-degree waters. There is truly nothing quite like it!
On a practical note, keep in mind that since these hot springs are part of a flowing river, temperatures can vary dramatically. If you find cold water, rest assured, you just haven’t found the hot spring yet. Keep exploring, and the warmth will find you.
Me in front of the hot springs!
McCall
Nestled two hours north of Boise on the southern shore of Payette Lake, McCall is a charming resort town with a wealth of amenities in all seasons. Both winter and summer serve as peak tourist seasons, each bringing its own unique allure of excitement and adventure.
When winter arrives, visitors can enjoy ski resorts, snowshoeing, and other cold-weather activities.
Adventuring in McCall-An example of underrated places to visit in Idaho for two seasons
When summer arrives, options abound. Enjoy the lake and hiking at Goose Creek Falls in Ponderosa State Park, or discover McCall’s hidden gem: Ice Cream Alley, open only in summer. Plan accordingly!
During my unforgettable winter visit, I was captivated by the stunning ice sculptures at the festival. The craftsmanship was impressive! To top it off, I dashed down the slopes, reveling in the thrill of sledding.
Goose Creek Falls! My first visit to McCall summer 2021.
Bruneau Sand Dunes (Bruneau, ID)
Who would imagine that Idaho hides breathtaking sand dunes? In Bruneau, these stunning landscapes leave even seasoned travelers in awe!
The breathtaking scenery came with unique challenges during the hike up the dunes. Trekking through the shifting sand made me long for sand shoes like snowshoes. Yet, every struggle was worth it, as sand sledding down the dunes awaited on the other side, an absolute blast!
Hiking the Dunes
Of course, as with all great thrills, there was one small catch — the hardest part was making it back UP the hill. Nonetheless, the beauty and memories made up for the burning legs!
If you find yourself in the Boise-Mountain Home area, make sure to stop by these incredible dunes. It’s an unexpected adventure that reminds you why Idaho never ceases to amaze.
The dunes + a pit of quicksand!
Blue Heart Springs (Hagerman, ID)
Not a hot spring, but a natural spring along the Snake River near Thousand Springs State Park in Hagerman, just an hour and a half east of Boise.
What makes this spot remarkable is that Blue Heart is the 13th largest freshwater spring in North America, showcasing some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen!
An example of underrated places to visit in Idaho during the summer
Adding to the wonder, when you gaze at the enchanting springs, you might catch a glimpse of sand bubbling as the clear water bursts forth.
My trips to Blue Heart were unforgettable, all four of them.
See how blue and clear the water is?! Definitely add this to your list of underrated places to visit in Idaho.
Craters of the Moon National Monument (Arco, ID)
Also located in Eastern Idaho, Craters of the Moon is a preserve of volcanic ash, with lava flows, cinder cones, and sagebrush stretching far and wide.
In terms of activities, there’s no shortage of things to do here. From scenic hikes and cave tours to exploring craters and running up volcanic ash hills, every visit offers something memorable.
I missed out on the cave tours during my first visit because it was the COVID era. However, during my second visit in 2026, Patrick and I toured the caves! You do need a pass to visit, but it is free and you can get it at the visitor’s center. To protect their bats, they will ask you if the clothes that you’re wearing have been underground before. If they have, you will be required to change them, just a heads up!
The caves were wonderful, though. A fair mix of dark and light, they are an underground collection of lava rocks! Definitely worth checking out.
Cave Tour! Visit from May 2026.
Coeur d’Alene
Very similar to McCall, this Idaho panhandle city is just half an hour from Spokane, WA, known for its large lake, water sports, and a floating golf course hole!
The floating golf hole is located at the heart of the city, Coeur d’Alene Resort. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities most notably at Tubbs Hill and McEuen Park.
Another example underrated places to visit in Idaho for two seasons
In the summer, people come here to party on the lake, hike, and take lake cruises. While in the winter, this is a popular ski and winter sports destination.
Silverwood Theme Park is just outside Athol, and I was bummed to miss it on my first visit.
View of the lake from Tubbs Hill, July 2020. Lake Couer d’Alene is another underrated place to visit in Idaho.
Sun Valley
The Aspen of Idaho- an expensive ski resort town that attracts lots of celebrities yearly. Ernest Hemingway also died while residing here and there is a lot of dedication to him in this town.
Honors include a Hemingway memorial, an exhibit at the Wood River Museum, and a cocktail named after him at the Sun Valley Lodge!
Not quite an underrated place to visit in Idaho but still amazing
This town offers summer activities like hiking in Bald Mountain, visiting Native American shops, wine tasting, and touring art and historical museums.
There’s an opportunity in Ketchum to snap a pic of an interesting Starbucks! As someone fascinated by unique looking places, I enjoyed seeing it.
This town has three themes: skiing, Ernest Hemingway, and Native American history.
You’ll also find this on any list of crazy looking Starbucks locations around the world! Definitely add this to your list of underrated places to visit in Idaho!
Sawtooth National Forest (Stanley, ID)
Nestled in Idaho, this mountain range was the setting for my first backpacking trip in late September, where I enjoyed stunning fall colors and perfect weather.
With that as our backdrop, my group and I set our sights on Alice Lake, the right choice. Despite the rocky six-mile trek, we were rewarded with stunning views of colorful leaves, beautiful mountains, and crystal-clear lakes.
If you find yourself in Idaho, this is a must-see! If camping isn’t your thing, there are charming hotels in Stanley that let you enjoy hiking in the Sawtooths.
An all in one photo: Fall colors, lake, and mountains! Add this to your list of underrated places to visit in Idaho.
After reading this article, I trust you’re inspired to see that Idaho is more than just potatoes. It’s nothing like Iowa, which pales in comparison to Idaho’s landscapes. Isn’t it amusing how easily people confuse the two? Let’s celebrate Idaho’s unique beauty!
Idaho is one of the fastest growing states in the 2020s, with many moving to Boise and Twin Falls, a choice I support! My world has opened up since relocating here.
I’ve fully embraced the thrilling adventures of backpacking and rock climbing, fueling a growing passion for the outdoors!
With this in mind, I urge you to visit Idaho, whether you’re exploring all 50 states or eager to discover its hidden treasures.
Idaho is often seen as a “passing-through” state, but it deserves a better reputation than just being the “potato state.” No matter where I go, Idaho will always be my home! Moving here or not, enjoy these underrated places to visit in Idaho.
Questions about visiting and/or moving to Idaho? Feel free to contact me!
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