This Idaho Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Sitting on the sandy shores of northern Lake Pend Oreille, at the feet of three Rocky Mountain ranges, the small Idahoan city of Sandpoint is quite a sight. This seat of Bonner County builds on its scenic foundation by sporting a pedestrian-friendly downtown rich in breweries, boutiques, and secret side quests - making self-propelled exploration a highlight unto itself. No wonder so many social outdoorsy types climb this high into the Panhandle (or, like yours truly, so many Canadians drop just 60 miles south of the British Columbia border): Sandpoint has a bit of everything - and it's all within walking distance. Simply put, downtown Sandpoint was made for strolling.
Main Street: 1st Avenue (not to be confused with "Main Street")
Let's begin our circuitous stroll in the heart of downtown Sandpoint. 1st Avenue is the go-to commercial strip. And while there is a short, angular thoroughfare called "Main Street," 1st Ave is much more deserving of this designation, as it packs the highest density of shops, restaurants, and, consequently, crowds.
This north-south strip is a summertime ice cream and burger kind of place, but also mixes in healthier options such as City Beach Organics and Heart Bowls. So fuel up, do a bit of window-shopping (1st Ave businesses specialize in both fashion and function), ogle at Panida Theatre's marquee (a movie night might be in store after all of this), and then set your sights on the beach.
On the east side of 1st, at about its midway point, Bridge Street crosses over Sand Creek, dips under U.S. Route 95, and emerges into Sandpoint City Beach Park. And while motorists vie for parking, you get to slip right on past from the safety of the sidewalk.
Sandpoint City Beach Park
When you think of Idaho, soft, swimming beaches probably don't spring to mind. Well, Sandpoint City Beach Park will enthusiastically change this perception. Start with a lap of the paved perimeter path, taking in the lush mountainous backdrop, sparkling waters, passing boats, sporadic sunbathers, picnics, and volleyball games - heck, I even saw an open-air church service during my weekend in Sandpoint. By all means, take a mid-stroll swim, or if you'd prefer to double back after logging your full step count, then you know where the prime spots are. Either way, when you're ready for your next change of scenery, head back out the way you came and pause at the aforementioned bridge.
Cedar Street Bridge Public Market
Looking south from Bridge Street, you'll spot the Sandpoint Marina. But turn your attention north, and you'll see fellow strollers and cyclists on the Sandpoint Trail below. Now, if you're enjoying the creekside stroll and want to rack up an extra mile or two, then you can stay on this multi-use path for pretty much as long as you like (and then double back at your leisure). But if this brief respite proved sufficient, or the shopping mood strikes again, then climb the next set of stairs up to Cedar Street Bridge Public Market - a double-decker collection of vendors in a repurposed bridge that mimics Florence, Italy's Ponte Vecchio. It's quite a cool experience sifting through flannel shirts, fridge magnets, and ceramics from within this woody, high-ceiled, big-windowed marketplace. But hey, even if you're committed solely to the stroll, the opposite end of Cedar Street Bridge kicks us out right where we need to be: Cedar Street!
A Cool Community Cluster
Cedar Street picks up right at the north end of 1st Avenue - so as you're beginning to see, this route is not prescriptive, but rather a series of choose-your-own-adventure suggestions. With that said, while I'm steering the ship, or rather, guiding your step, let's head east on Cedar for about four blocks until our next pedestrian-only path. Throughout this tree-lined, secondary commercial strip, you'll be presented with such stop-and-sip establishments as MickDuff's Beer Hall & Brewery, Idaho Pour Authority, and Pend d'Oreille Winery Tasting Room. And if you're here to stay for multiple days, then you will also come across downtown's most centralized accommodation: Sandpoint Hotel & Suites.
It is here, at the corner of Cedar Street and Fifth Avenue, that you'll spot the Sandpoint-Dover Community Trail. Again, if you're looking to burn some extra calories, then rejoice in knowing that this car-less sanctuary runs in both directions for a good long way (in fact, as the name suggests, it goes south all the way to the next town of Dover). But to keep the attractions nice and frequent, let's head southwest for about a quarter of a mile to a synergistic trifecta of businesses. Matchwood Brewing Company, Evans Brothers Coffee, and Sandpoint Rock Gym all share the same lot between Oak and Church Street. Along with caffeine boosts, craft brews, and top-roping routes, you'll find ample outdoor seating and a live music stage courtesy of Matchwood. So choose a time-appropriate indulgence, and when you're ready, continue down to Pine Street for the last leg of our downtown Sandpoint Loop.
Pine Street to 1st
Pine Street constitutes the bottom of this little Sandpoint square. Walk east on the northside sidewalk, and you'll pass a similar trifecta of complimentary businesses: The Bernklau (cafe), The Forge Artisan Pizza, and Utara Brewing Co. (in case you didn't get your fill on 1st, Cedar, or at the last pit-stop).
Pub-crawl or coffee stroll complete, we now emerge on the south end of 1st Ave. Perhaps now is the time to patronize that shop you scouted at the start of the stroll. Or perhaps the time has come to grab a ticket for that matinee movie that caught your eye. Or maybe, now that the UV has softened a little bit, all you want to do is head back to the beach, dig your toes into the sand, and bask in the accumulated Sandpoint magic.
An Alternative City for Strolling
Since you're already in the Idaho Panhandle, why not drop down to Coeur d'Alene for a fresh urban stroll? Similar to Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene is based around the northern shore of a large freshwater lake - in this case, Lake Coeur d'Alene. Trading in 1st Ave for Sherman Ave, we find a similar string of specialty shops, personable pubs, and diverse restaurants. At the water's edge, Coeur d'Alene has its own little sandy beach. This destination features the world's largest floating boardwalk - which certainly increases the strolling appeal.
Adding some vertical variety is Tubbs Hill. Here, between the south end of downtown and the inviting waters of the city's namesake lake, is a stimulating network of nature trails working their way either around the forested perimeter or straight up to the modest summit. And finally, if you're strolling with the kids, then see if you can spot all five moose statues along the downtown Mudgy & Millie Trail.
So Long, Sandpoint
This old timber town has come a long way since its "Hang Town" reputation of the 1880s. Now, thanks to its varied topography, Sandpoint is an outdoor recreation hub. And thanks to its well-stocked and interconnected downtown, this Northern Idaho gem encourages leisure, socializing, and some serious strolling.
