6 Romantic Small Towns In Idaho For A 3-Day Weekend
If you need a long weekend recharge to spend time with that certain someone, Idaho has plenty of options to rekindle that spark. Whether you prefer isolated mountain retreats where the only sounds are the wind whispering through the trees or romantic candlelit dinners, these intimate corners of Idaho are a great way to spend a weekend. You can ski down Bald Mountain (and then warm up by the fire) in the winter, or relax beachside at Sandpoint in the summer. Each destination on this list is ideal for a three-day weekend, so no matter what time of year you need a break away, Idaho is ready for you.
Sandpoint
On the Panhandle of Idaho, settled along the scenic shores of Lake Pend Oreille, is the charming retreat of Sandpoint. One of the best ways to spend the day in this lovely retreat is to visit the Sandpoint City Beach. The water is calm, it has wide white sandy beaches, and the gently rolling hills in the distance stretch on for acres. It’s a great place to curl up with a good book or go for an intimate walk along the shoreline. After unwinding at the beach, you can get dressed up and head to The Bank: Barroom and Eatery for a fancy meal, or the Pend d'Oreille Winery Tasting Room.
Sandpoint has plenty of things to see and do, but once you check into the Talus Rock Retreat, you may find it difficult to leave your room! The retreat is absolutely stunning, with views of the mountains from every window, hot tubs, and 18 acres of beautiful land to explore. They offer a couple's spa services and romantic packages that include breakfast-in-bed options and private chef dinners. It is one of those retreats where the accommodations are so lovely that you may find yourself spending all weekend never leaving the grounds.
Stanley
If hot springs spell romance for you, Stanley makes for the ideal weekend retreat. The small community of Stanley lies within the Sawtooth Mountains, renowned for their dramatic granite peaks, crystal-clear waters, and fragrant pine trees. What makes Stanley special is its scenic hot springs found at the Mountain Village Resort. The resort is a lovely and secluded place where the rooms are rustic, and the views stretch on for miles. The resort also houses a Hot Spring, where visitors can soak in isolated hot springs with a breathtaking view of the Sawtooth Valley.
Stanley is a small community where the downtown area is designed primarily for picking up supplies before exploring the surrounding wilderness. The Mountain Village Mercantile is your one-stop shop for everything you need, like snacks, camping supplies, and basic necessities. Once geared up, there are so many secluded and romantic sights to check out near Stanley (if you can peel yourself away from the hot springs!). The Valley Creek Preserve offers some of the most beautiful views of the area, where you can wander along Valley Creek or sit by the water and take in the views of the mountains.
McCall
At the base of Payette Lake, nestled within the rustic beauty of the Payette National Forest, lies McCall, renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and small-town charm. It’s a humble retreat with cozy, intimate diners where you can sit down for a hearty breakfast at Alpine Pantry and Provisions before setting out on your McCall adventure. You can enjoy the scenery by visiting the gorgeous Ponderosa State Park, where you can hike through the ponderosa pines or along the calming waters. For a romantic evening, be sure to book a ride on the McCall Lake Cruises that takes you on a lovely ride along Payette Lake.
The best place to stay in McCall is at the Shore Lodge, which gives you prime access to the sandy beaches of Payette Lake. You can relax on Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake with the mountains in the distance, or take a dip in its resort-like pool. It even features a luxury spa called The Cove, complete with an indoor saltwater pool, steam rooms, and a range of spa treatments that include massages and facials. No matter what time of year you find yourself in McCall, it's bound to be an incredibly romantic experience.
Wallace
Wallace is a small community isolated in the northern Panhandle Region of Idaho, known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Wallace is by just hopping in your car and going for a drive down I-90. The highway takes you through the winding roads accented by mountain views, lush green forests, and calm streams. If you drive long enough, you’ll discover quaint roadside attractions like Elmer's Fountain! The fountain was built by a local miner who used scrap parts from mining equipment to create this odd art installation in the 1900s.
Another great way to enjoy the scenery is to take a hike on the Pulaski Tunnel Trail. The trail winds through shaded forests, across narrow bridges, and leads to the tunnel entrance. You can’t go inside the tunnel for obvious safety reasons, but you can peek inside. In the evening, visitors can relax with a live show at the historical Sixth Street Theatre and Melodrama, and then call it a night by checking into the Wallace Inn. The inn is slightly outside of central Wallace, but the mountain views from the rooms are isolated and romantic.
Sun Valley
Looking for an escape that's both adventurous and luxurious? Sun Valley is the perfect spot for a long weekend! Nestled in Idaho’s Rocky Mountains, this resort town became America’s first destination for skiers. The Sun Valley Lodge is the perfect romantic getaway, where you may find it difficult to leave the room to enjoy the mountains. The rooms are rustic and intimate, retaining their old-world charm from when they were built in the 1930s. The inn has a massive 20,000-square-foot spa with a yoga studio, glass-enclosed pool, and a few romantic lounges and restaurants to warm up after a long day of hitting the slopes.
There are two famous ski slopes in Sun Valley, Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain. Dollar Mountain is ideal for beginners, while Bald Mountain (nicknamed Baldy) is better for experienced skiers. While Sun Valley is made famous for its skiing, it’s also a beautiful place to visit in the warmer months, too. Visitors can take a romantic drive north of Sun Valley up Sun Valley Road, winding through the mountains and lush scenery to find romantic attractions like the serene Hemingway Memorial.
Harrison
While many of the bigger cities along Lake Coeur d'Alene see their fair share of tourists, the small community of Harrison isn’t nearly as crowded. It is one of those retreats that you’d never stumble upon by accident, and that’s what makes it feel extra special. Everywhere you look, there are stunning water views and lovely restaurants to grab a bite to eat. The Lakeside Brew Pub Bar and Grill has excellent food and cozy lakeside views on its outdoor patio that feels like a beach vacation. After lunch, the best way to enjoy the lake views is to take a walk down the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, which follows the water's edge, or stop to watch boats arrive at the Harrison Marina Trailhead.
The views of the lake are great, but the best reason to visit Harrison for a romantic getaway is to stay at the Red Horse Mountain Ranch. The retreat sits on over 300,000 acres of gently rolling hills and secluded forests, making the view from every window spectacular. It has private cabins, on-site dining, and outdoor shared spaces like fire pits and patios. If your idea of a romantic weekend is a secluded retreat with fantastic views, the Red Horse Mountain Ranch is one of the most romantic options.
Fall in Love All Over Again in Idaho’s Small Towns
These retreats may lie slightly off the beaten path, but that’s precisely what makes them so romantic. Imagine driving through the winding, scenic roads of Idaho, blanketed by fluffy clouds and miles of open road ahead of you, with a relaxing hot tub or cozy fireside inn waiting for you. They are places that never feel crowded or feel rushed, where you can take a romantic hike through fragrant pine forests, or a cruise along Payette Lake in McCall. When romance calls, these hidden hamlets are sure to create a weekend you’ll never forget.
