Guest guide
Local picks for guests staying in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and nearby North Idaho — unique, fun stops our team actually sends people to. Hours and menus change; please confirm details with each business before you go.
Dining
A historic burger counter, a restaurant that floats, and a Post Falls lounge you will not find anywhere else.
Downtown Coeur d’Alene
207 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene
A Sherman Avenue institution since 1907 — a small downtown counter known for hamburgers and cheeseburgers, not a long, modern menu. Worth the wait if you want a classic CDA bite.
On the water
Hagadone Marina · 1514 Marina Dr, Coeur d’Alene
Founded in 1965, The Cedars floats at the confluence of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River. Steak and seafood with lake views — a special-night-out kind of place. Reservations are a good idea.
Post Falls
712 N Spokane St, Post Falls
A well-known Mediterranean kitchen — Greek, Turkish, and Italian cooking, plenty of garlic, and a lively room. A favorite when guests want something other than burgers and lake-view steak.
Post Falls · nightlife
605 E 8th Ave, Post Falls
A cigar lounge and bar with hand-crafted cocktails, local beer, wine, sake, and more than 150 cigars. They are also the area bar with an authentic absinthe fountain. Relaxed indoor and outdoor seating, plus regular game nights — an adult evening, not a kids’ stop.
Summer activities
The lake is the main event. These are the easy, high-payoff ways to enjoy it.
Downtown hike
Trailheads near downtown · 210 S 3rd St area
About 165 acres of public hillside right on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Easy-to-moderate trails, swimming coves, and views back at the resort and city — steps from downtown, open year-round. Stay on trails; the hillside is fragile.
Beach & park
Downtown waterfront · City Park at 415 Fort Ground Dr
The city’s swim beach, picnic lawns, and playground sit next to Independence Point — benches, a swim area, and the usual launch point for lake cruises. Classic downtown lake afternoon.
On the lake
Boards at Independence Point
Climate-controlled boats run scenic trips on the lake (typically spring through fall). You get shoreline homes, wildlife, and a pass by the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s floating golf green — the only one of its kind. Check the current season schedule before you book.
Day trip north
27843 N Hwy 95, Athol · about 20 minutes north
The big family day out: a full theme park (officially 70+ rides, attractions, and shows) plus Boulder Beach water park. Seasonal — confirm open days and ticket options before you drive up.
Winter activities
Ski mountains are a drive; downtown still has a winter scene.
Closest ski hill
Kellogg · I-90 east of Coeur d’Alene
Ski and snowboard in winter, and ride North America’s longest gondola (3.1 miles from downtown Kellogg up the mountain). The gondola also runs in summer for hiking and sightseeing. Check the resort calendar for lift and gondola days.
Bigger mountain day
Above Sandpoint · north of Coeur d’Alene
Idaho’s largest ski area — a full day of skiing or snowboarding with views over Lake Pend Oreille. Plan it as a day trip or an overnight; confirm road and ticket conditions the morning you go.
Downtown, seasonal
McEuen Park, downtown Coeur d’Alene
An outdoor holiday ice rink with lake and Tubbs Hill views. It is seasonal (typically late fall through mid-winter) and runs timed sessions with skate rentals. Dates change each year — check the rink before you promise the kids.
Still downtown
Same trails as summer · open year-round
The hill stays open in winter (daily, with posted hours). Trails can be icy — good shoes, short daylight, and the same “stay on trail” request as summer. Quiet lake views without the July crowds.
Shopping
Independent shops first — the kind of places guests remember.
Local favorite
1844 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene
A locally owned garden center with annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs — including unique and hard-to-find varieties — plus pottery, fountains, statuary, and a gift shop of houseplants, home décor, and seasonal finds. Plants are sourced from wholesale growers in Spirit Lake so they handle this climate. Voted Best Garden Supply/Nursery by The Inlander readers in 2025.
Silver Lake Mall
200 W Hanley Ave, Coeur d’Alene · inside Silver Lake Mall
A local game store that has been in the mall for more than a decade. Board games, card games, miniatures, role-playing games, and classics — plus more than 2,000 square feet of space to play and hang out. Easy indoor stop on a rainy or snowy afternoon (near Planet Fitness).
Indoor mall
200 W Hanley Ave, Coeur d’Alene
The area’s enclosed mall — a simple place to duck inside for a few shops, a coffee, and Strategy & Games. Individual store hours can differ from the mall’s posted hours.
Downtown stroll
Downtown Coeur d’Alene
The main downtown street: independent shops, galleries, and places to eat within walking distance of the lake and Tubbs Hill. Pair it with Hudson’s or a walk to Independence Point. We are not listing every storefront here — wander and see what is open that day.
Staying with us?
Our team can help with bookings and questions during your stay. These recommendations are starting points — not a complete directory.
