Best Idaho Beaches for Swimming and Water Sports
With the summer heat already in full swing, it’s time to slip into your flip-flops and hit the beach! You might be wondering, “Does Idaho have beaches?”, the answer is a resounding yes! Idaho boasts numerous lakes with picturesque beaches perfect for summer fun.
While many of these lakes are nestled in the mountains or remote locations, plenty of easily accessible, family-friendly options offer a range of activities and amenities nearby. This summer, create lasting memories with your kids and grandkids at one of Idaho’s stunning lakeside beaches. Enjoy swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and more in the beautiful Gem State.
Redfish Lake, Stanley
For a perfect summer getaway, Redfish Lake is an ideal spot to cool off with your crew. Located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, it offers a range of activities from lounging on the beach to renting paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. Enjoy a scenic lake cruise or take a shuttle to the main trailhead for the Redfish Lake Drainage. The largest lake in the area, Redfish Lake is renowned for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Nestled next to the Sawtooth Wilderness, it sits at the headwaters of the Salmon River, which flows north to the Snake River and on to the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. Historically, thousands of sockeye salmon would make the 900-mile journey to spawn in the Sawtooth Valley. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the lake is stocked with sockeye salmon, and you might also spot bull trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon in the area.
Bear Lake, St. Charles
Nestled in the state’s southeast corner, Bear Lake straddles the Idaho–Utah border and is often dubbed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its stunning turquoise-blue water. Known for waterskiing, swimming, sailing, Jet Skiing, and fishing, Bear Lake offers plenty of rental options at North Beach, including paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. The natural freshwater lake spans 109 square miles and is equally shared by both states. Its unique color comes from suspended calcium carbonate deposits, making it a popular destination for visitors and sports enthusiasts alike. The surrounding valley is also famed for its high-quality raspberries.
Priest Lake, Coolin
Priest Lake in northern Idaho is a prime destination for sand-seekers and adventure lovers alike. With beachfront lodging options and watercraft rentals available at Blue Diamond Marina, visitors can easily enjoy activities like canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and powerboating. Priest Lake State Park offers day-use areas with large sandy beaches and designated swimming zones. This year-round vacation spot provides a stunning natural backdrop and a variety of recreational activities such as biking, golfing, fishing, rock climbing, and snowmobiling. Accommodations range from resorts and cabins to vacation homes, ideal for group activities, weddings, conferences, and seminars.
Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls
Just a mile from Shoshone Falls, Dierkes Lake is a prime spot for summer fun. Enjoy a barbecue at picnic tables, cool off with kayaking or canoeing, or dive into an adventure with scuba gear to discover sunken rowboats and a hidden treasure chest. This 191-acre park in Twin Falls offers a playground, seasonal concession stand, lifeguards, and picnic shelters. Only non-motorized boats are allowed, and there’s a $5 vehicle fee from March through September.
Sandy Point Beach, Boise
Located at the foot of Lucky Peak Dam, Sandy Point Beach is a 34-acre haven perfect for family fun. The expansive swimming area features water toys and two beach volleyball courts, ideal for a day in the sun. Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Boise River Greenbelt, then cool off with a refreshing swim. With plenty of grassy areas and shady trees for picnics, Sandy Point Beach also offers disc golf and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a top summer destination.
Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint
Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, is an ideal summer destination with its stunning shoreline, rental cabins, and unique lodgings. Farragut State Park offers public beach access and breathtaking views, while Sandpoint’s City Beach is perfect for swimming or kayaking. Dog Beach Park nearby is great for pet owners. Enjoy a narrated lake cruise aboard the Shawnodese and explore local marinas for rentals and services. The lake’s natural beauty, coupled with a rich history, makes it a must-visit spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene, the second largest lake in northern Idaho, offers a picturesque mountain setting and a wealth of activities. Visitors can enjoy lake cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding, seaplane tours, and waterfront dining. The lake’s 26-mile length and 135 miles of shoreline feature numerous parks, campgrounds, beaches, and trails. Coeur d’Alene is also dog-friendly, with places like McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill Beach. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and ample recreational opportunities, Lake Coeur d’Alene is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill Beach
Lake Cascade, Cascade
Nestled in the majestic mountains of southwest Idaho, Lake Cascade State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking lake-view camping and diverse recreational activities. Enjoy swimming at the beach, boat tours, or rent WaveRunners and boats from nearby shops. The park offers four-season fun with opportunities for water sports, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Spend a weekend under the stars and experience the natural beauty and adventure that Lake Cascade has to offer.
Payette Lake, McCall
For a summer camping spot with stunning views of Payette Lake, head to Ponderosa State Park in McCall. Enjoy boating and fishing on the pristine 5,330-acre glacial lake, or relax on its warm sandy beaches. Take a scenic cruise with McCall Lake Cruises, or get adventurous with Jet Skis, kayaks, and paddleboards from Mile High Marina. With over 1,000 acres of natural wilderness, camp sites, and hiking trails, Ponderosa State Park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of Idaho’s mountains.
