Discover Sandpoint, Idaho: Lake Adventures, Outdoor Fun, and Local Eats

Today, we’re closing our chapter on Idaho by exploring the scenic town of Sandpoint. Nestled between mountains and the stunning Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint offers a year-round outdoor paradise with endless activities. Listen here to hear our excitement to share our experiences with you! From water sports to hiking trails, unique local businesses, and amazing dining spots, this town has a little something for everyone.

The Jewel of Northern Idaho: Lake Pend Oreille

Our Epic Sunset on the Cruise

The biggest draw here is undoubtedly Lake Pend Oreille. It's the largest and deepest lake in Idaho and the fifth deepest in the country. This lake is a playground for any water sport you can imagine—kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and something new to us: wake surfing! (Who knew?)

Even with all these activities, Lake Pend Oreille isn’t crowded like many other lakes. Whether you’re visiting Bottle Bay, Bayview, Dover Bay, or Hope, you'll find plenty of space to rent boats and enjoy a day out on the water. These spots also offer great dining, live entertainment, and rentals for every water adventure you can think of.

The lake itself is unpredictable. We understand that the lake's location, surrounded by mountains and within the Washington rainforest, creates unique weather patterns. Calm days can quickly turn into wild storms with waves as high as six feet. It's breathtaking to experience both its serene beauty and fierce power.

Endless Outdoor Activities: Biking, Hiking, and More

Sandpoint is not just about the water. This area is a hub for biking, hiking, and winter

The Castle on the Lake

sports. In the summer, you’ll find trails for street biking and mountain biking. There’s even a dedicated fat tire biking trail for winter adventurers at Pine Street Woods—an exhilarating way to experience the snowy mountains.

For hunters, the region offers some of the country's best elk, moose, and mountain lion hunting, with plenty of remote backroads to explore. Schweitzer Mountain is also a huge draw, offering year-round fun with skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and backcountry touring.

Schweitzer Mountain is set to become even bigger with new development. It is already the largest ski resort in both Washington and Idaho. During the winter, it’s a bustling ski hub, but in the summer, it turns into a peaceful retreat with affordable lodging and great outdoor activities like electric biking tours. Don’t forget to indulge at the spa and the great restaurants while you’re there!

City Beach and Dog-Friendly Fun

One of many islands on Lake Pend Oreille that are Public Lands

One of our favorite spots is City Beach in downtown Sandpoint. The water here is crystal clear, and the beach is free to the public. You can swim, rent boats, and enjoy activities like pickleball, horseshoes, and cornhole. It’s a fantastic place for a family day out, complete with a Snack Shack and charcoal grills for picnics.

Adjacent to City Beach is the Dog Beach, a secluded haven for your furry friends. You can let your dog swim off-leash and relax under the towering Ponderosa pines, making it an idyllic spot to spend a summer day.

One fun tip: There’s a convenience store right next to the parking lot. You can grab a drink for the walk down to the Dog Beach—perfect for a laid-back afternoon!

Must-Do Activity: Bald Eagle Sunset Boat Tour

If you love wildlife, we highly recommend the bald eagle sunset tour on Lake Pend Oreille.

Aren't we cute ;)

We spotted tons of bald eagles flying around like regular birds. This boat tour is a relaxing, scenic way to see the lake and its wildlife, and it’s super affordable—around $35 per person. You can also opt for an informational tour to learn about the lake’s history.

We especially recommend going at sunset. The skies over the lake turn magical with just the right balance of clouds. We were lucky to catch one of the most awe-inspiring sunsets. You won’t want to miss this experience.

Dining Gems in Sandpoint

Being silly on the water

No trip is complete without exploring the local food scene, and Sandpoint does not disappoint.

• Panhandle Coffee and Cone: For a sweet treat, head to Panhandle Coffee and Cone. Their house-made ice cream is to die for, with unique flavors and even dairy-free options. It’s the perfect end to a day at the beach.

• Powder Hound Pizza: If you’re a fan of pizza and wings, you’ll love Powder Hound Pizza. Located both downtown and on Schweitzer Mountain, they offer delicious thin-crust pizzas like the arugula and prosciutto pie, which we can’t get enough of.

• Hydra Steakhouse: This spot cooks their fries in beef tallow, which gives them an unbeatable flavor. Their burgers are also fantastic, and the menu offers steaks and pastas worth trying.

  
  

Another favorite of ours is Burger Dock, a great spot for gourmet burgers. Sandpoint has an eclectic mix of food options, perfect for every palate.

Eclectic Mountain Town Vibe

What we love most about Sandpoint is its unique vibe. It’s a mix of hippies and hunters,

City Beach

with cool shops, a historic movie theater, and plenty of live music. You can spend a day wandering around downtown, exploring restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s such a neat mountain town, and we’re really going to miss it.

Sandpoint has something for everyone, whether you’re here for outdoor adventures or want to soak in the local culture. We can't wait to be back soon!

We hope you’re inspired to add Sandpoint to your travel list. Whether you're chasing adventure or looking for a peaceful retreat, this town offers a little bit of everything.

As always, please feel free to reach out on Facebook, Instagram, or email for more information and advice to plan your own trip!

Thanks For Reading & Happy Travels,

<3Cara