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.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Idaho.
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- Swimming
- Volleyball courts
- Boat launch
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Boat rentals
City Beach, Coeur d'Alene
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- Swimming
- Boat rentals
- Kayak rentals
- Restrooms
- Picnic area
- Fishing
Sandy Beach, McCall (Ponderosa State Park)
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- Swimming
- Fishing
- Camping
- Boat launch
- Restrooms (seasonal)
Magic Reservoir Recreation Area
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- Swimming
- Cliff jumping
- Rock climbing access
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Parking
Dierkes Lake Beach
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- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Boat dock
- Kayak launch
- Restrooms
- Lawn areas
City Beach, Sandpoint (Lake Pend Oreille)
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- Swimming holes
- Tubing
- Picnic areas
- Fishing
Payette River Beaches (Horseshoe Bend Area)
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- Swimming beach
- Boat launch
- Picnic areas
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Sandy beach
Lucky Peak State Park Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.