World · 22 Places · Best June
Idaho is a landlocked state in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regions of the United States, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the Snake River Plain to the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. Home to Boise — a vibrant, fast-growing city — Idaho offers world-class whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, skiing at Sun Valley, and some of America's deepest river gorges. Potato farms, craft breweries, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene round out a destination that rewards curious travelers willing to venture off the beaten path.
Idaho spans 83,569 square miles of extraordinary terrain: volcanic lava fields at Craters of the Moon, the continent's deepest gorge at Hells Canyon, glacier-carved alpine lakes in the Sawtooths, and the legendary Salmon River — the 'River of No Return.' Boise punches well above its size with a sophisticated restaurant scene, a lively downtown corridor, and easy access to hiking and skiing within an hour's drive. Sun Valley near Ketchum has been an international resort destination since the 1930s. The northern Panhandle town of Coeur d'Alene sits beside one of America's most beautiful lakes. Idaho is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise and a genuinely underrated American travel destination.
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The 22 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
This is a vast field of basaltic lava flows, cinder cones, and spatter cones left by eruptions along the Great Rift that occurred as recently as 2,000 years ago. A seven-mile loop drive connects short walks to features like Inferno Cone and the Devils Orchard, and several lava tube caves are open for exploring. The landscape is stark and black rather than green, which is the whole point of coming.
Hells Canyon is North America's deepest river gorge, cut by the Snake River between Idaho and Oregon, deeper than the Grand Canyon at its most dramatic points. Most visitors experience it either by jet boat or raft trip on the Snake, or by driving to overlooks on the Idaho side near Riggins, since there are no roads down into the canyon itself. It's remote country, and the scale is the main draw rather than any single built attraction.
The Sawtooth NRA protects a jagged range of granite peaks around Stanley and the Sawtooth Valley, with more than 40 peaks over 10,000 feet and hundreds of alpine lakes. It's a hub for backpacking, fishing, and horseback trips, with the town of Stanley serving as the main gateway. The scenery is the kind that draws people back for multi-day trips rather than a single stop.
Known locally as the 'Niagara of the West,' Shoshone Falls drops over a horseshoe-shaped rim on the Snake River near Twin Falls, taller than Niagara Falls itself. Flow is heavily controlled by upstream irrigation dams, so the volume of water varies enormously by season. A park at the rim has viewing platforms close to the falls.
Opened in 1936, Sun Valley was the first destination ski resort built in the United States and still centers on Bald Mountain, a peak known for consistently groomed runs across a wide range of difficulty. In summer the area shifts to golf, hiking, and fly fishing, with the resort village retaining its old ski-town character. It's as much a historic property as an active ski area.
This large lake in the Idaho panhandle is bordered by forested shoreline and the resort town of Coeur d'Alene, with the lake known for its clear water and mountain backdrop. City Beach in town gives free public swimming and lake access, while scenic cruises run from the nearby marina. It's a summer destination built around boating, swimming, and the lakefront resort scene.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Fork sits in downtown Boise's BoDo district and serves a menu built around Idaho ingredients — beef, trout, and produce sourced from regional farms and ranches. The dining room is modern and casual, with a bar area that works for a solo meal as well as a group dinner, and the kitchen leans toward composed plates rather than heavy comfort food.
Chandlers is Boise's upscale steakhouse, set inside the Hotel 43 building near the Capitol, with a dark, clubby dining room and a live jazz program that runs several nights a week. The kitchen focuses on dry-aged beef and classic steakhouse sides, with a raw bar and seafood tower option for the table.
Barbacoa is a Latin American grill in downtown Boise with a wood-and-stone interior built around an open kitchen and rotisserie, giving it a warmer, more upscale feel than a typical taqueria. The menu mixes Mexican street-food staples with heavier Latin grill dishes like whole roasted meats.
The Collections is a food hall on Idaho Street with multiple independent vendor stalls sharing one seating area, so a group can order ramen, pizza, and poke bowls separately and eat together at the same table.
State & Lemp is a small, chef-driven fine-dining restaurant in Boise's North End, working from a tight, frequently changing menu built around foraged and locally sourced ingredients. The room is intimate rather than grand, which puts the focus on the plates.
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Idaho is a drive-everywhere destination. Boise Airport (BOI) is the main gateway, with daily flights from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, and Chicago. Spokane Airport (GEG) serves the northern Panhandle. Once in Idaho, a rental car is essential for most itineraries — public bus service is minimal and rail does not serve most of the state.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $60–$90/night (hostel or basic motel) | $120–$200/night | $300–$800/night |
| Food (per day) | $25–$40/day | $50–$80/day | $100–$200/day |
| Transportation | $10–$20/day (gas share or bus) | $30–$50/day (rental car) | $60–$120/day |
| Activities | $0–$20/day (mostly public land access) | $30–$60/day | $100–$300/day |
| Daily total | $95–$170/day | $230–$390/day | $560–$1,420/day |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for United States.
June through September for outdoor activities; December through March for skiing
Wildfire smoke can be an issue July–September. Spring brings excellent whitewater rafting. Fall colors in the Sawtooths are spectacular in late September.
Carry bear spray in backcountry wilderness areas
Check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before mountain travel
Always tell someone your backcountry plans and expected return
Hydrate aggressively — Idaho's high-altitude desert is very dry
Wildlife is active at dawn and dusk; drive cautiously on rural roads
Idaho is one of the safest states in the US for travelers. Violent crime rates are well below the national average. Urban Boise is safe for daytime and evening tourism, and outdoor areas carry standard wilderness hazards rather than criminal risks. Wildlife encounters, weather, and remote terrain ar
The best time to visit Idaho is June. Idaho's climate varies enormously by region and elevation. Southern Idaho (Boise, Twin Falls) has a semi-arid climate with hot summers (90–100°F / 32–38°C) and cold winters with occasional snow. North
The currency in Idaho is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Idaho: English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Idaho include Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Shoshone Falls, and Sun Valley Resort. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
