By Taylor Shillam
As North Idaho’s lakeside destination, the city of Coeur d’Alene has a breathtaking quality that is only enhanced by its local attractions and communities. Known for its incredible views across forests, mountains, and the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake, Coeur d’Alene is also home to luxury experiences, upscale attractions, year-round recreation, and quality arts and entertainment.
Shop
Sherman Avenue and the surrounding downtown Coeur d'Alene area offers endless shopping opportunities. Top local boutiques include CDA Garment District, Tiffany Blue and Lucky Monkey, plus Gas & Grain, a thrift shopper's haven for all things vintage.
To take home a piece of Coeur d'Alene as a gift or souvenir, visit Best Life Coeur d'Alene or the Resort Plaza Shops.
Coeur d'Alene's shopping centers include Silver Lake Mall, home to a selection of stores like Carhartt, Black Sheep, Columbia and Macy's. The Village at Riverstone offers more localized shopping in an open-air setting, featuring local boutiques, major retailers, restaurants, fitness destinations and a Regal movie theater.
Stay
Described as Lakeside Luxury, the Coeur d'Alene Resort is a top-rated local destination, a hub for lakeside views and upscale experiences. Book a luxurious spa escape, join a cruise across the lake, book a tee time at the Resort golf course, or visit the outdoor infinity pool. Resort dining includes Beverly's fine dining on-site and Cedars Floating Restaurant where the lake and Spokane River meet.
Triple Play Family Fun Park offers a complete selection of fun for everyone in the family, including Go-Karts, a ropes climbing course, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, and more, conveniently attached to the Triple Play Resort Hotel & Suites for a complete day-to-night experience.
Silver Mountain Resort offers a complete vacation experience in nearby Kellogg, with many of locals' favorite activities in one place, including biking, winter sports, and the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark. Home to North America's longest gondola, Silver Mountain is known for its stunning views and fun for all ages.
Silverwood RV Park in nearby Athol offers the chance to stay near the great outdoors, offering full-hookups, tent camping, and access to the Pacific Northwest's largest theme park, open May 2 through October 30.
The historic Greenbriar Inn offers a boutique feel and is just a few blocks north of downtown Coeur d'Alene's Sherman Avenue. Athol's award-winning Log Spirit Bed and Breakfast provides relaxing stays in a log lodge on 20 wooded acres. Other boutique hotels in the area include Blackwell Boutique Hotel and the McFarland Inn Bed and Breakfast.
Play
Entertainment in Coeur d'Alene is easily found both indoors and out. Golfers can choose from local courses, or practice at indoor venues Golf Island and Sand Trap Indoor Golf.
Art connoisseurs can take a walking tour down Sherman Avenue to see fine arts from local, regional and even international artists. Highlights include The Art Spirit Gallery of Fine Art, Emerge's collective community art experience, Blackwell Gallery, and Studio 107, which is more than just a gallery — it's a wine bar.
Downtown Coeur d'Alene's 22.5-acre McEuen Park offers lakeside views, sports courts, a splash pad, playground, and off-leash dog park. You'll also find the trailhead for Tubbs Hill and the chance to walk along the Centennial Trail.
One of the area's most exciting outdoor activities is zip lining, including Timberline Adventures, a top-rated destination with offerings like seven zip lines and suspended Tree House.
Enjoy the area's food scene with restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining and everywhere in between, with highlights including Honey Eatery and Social Club, Midtown Bluebird, Izzy's Comfort Kitchen, Moon Time, and Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery. Crafted Tap House + Kitchen is a popular Sherman Avenue destination, with ample patio space, an elevated gastropub menu and 62 rotating taps.
Brews and fine wines abound throughout Coeur d'Alene and its neighboring cities, including breweries Daft Badger, Post Falls Brewing Company, and Trails End. Sip fine wine from Coeur d'Alene Cellars or Rivaura Estate Vineyards, and keep a look out for events like the downtown Wine Extravaganza for a chance to sample and shop your way down Sherman Avenue.