Have a picnic, read a book, soak up some sun, or play in the water. Whatever your style of beachin’ it, we have the inside scoop on where to go for your slice of summer.
From the Coeur d’Alene Resort to the campus of North Idaho College, downtown Coeur d’Alene has plenty of beachfront. A popular hangout for the younger set, CITY BEACH is the place to see and be seen on hot afternoons, although you’ll have the place to yourself — you and the birds — on early mornings. Walk into town for a snack, stroll through the park or sit along the beach wall enjoy the view. Priceless.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up TUBBS HILL for beautiful views of the lake, or climb down to the water for a secluded bit of beachfront amongst the rocks. And just past Tubbs Hill along Lakeshore Drive is a wee bit of sand called SANDERS BEACH, nestled in between private residences and worth exploring, too.
With easy access parking, restroom facilities, picnic areas and shade trees, Rosenberry Drive beachfront along NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE is ideal for longer outings.
Take a drive to HARRISON, go to HARRISON CREAMERY for ice cream, and bring your treat down to the beach for the perfect combo of hot and cold.
Around the lake towards Plummer, HEYBURN STATE PARK awaits with day-use and overnight camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, boating and especially biking the easy-access TRAIL OF THE COEUR D’ALENES.
Coeur d’Alene Lake isn’t the only body of water where beaches can be found. In Post Falls, check out Q’EMLIN PARK just across from Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on the river, with plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, restrooms and a large covered meeting area.
In Hayden honeysuckle BEACH offers a wide sandy beach, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch and even a concession stand for hours of family fun in the sun.
Wherever your beach adventure brings you, remember some basic tips: Hot days for humans are especially hot for fur-covered critters, so if you’re bringing the dog, know whether or not they’re allowed on the beach. Also, our region’s beaches double as habitat for wildlife so be aware of information signage from our friends at IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & REC designed to help preserve our waterfront for future generations.
Upcoming Events
Hayden Days
July 27-28
You can’t beat Hayden in the summer, especially during Hayden Days, when live music by Kelly Hughes Band as well as the Fabulous Kingpins, pancake feeds, pony rides, a car show, pony rides, a talent show and more take over McIntire Family Park. Free; Friday, 6:30-9 pm; Saturday 7 am-9:30 pm; got to visitcda.org for a complete event schedule.
Guys & Dolls
JULY 26-29
This 1950 Tony Award winner for Best Musical features the unlikeliest of Manhattan pairings: a high-rolling gambler and a puritanical missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-and-narrow and a crap game manager who is anything but. $49 for adults; $42 seniors (62+) and military; Thursday-Sunday, 7:30 pm. Salvation Army Kroc Center.
The Big Bounce America
JULY 27-29
After a sellout in 2017, the Big Bounce America returns to Post Falls, complete with the world’s biggest bounce house (10,000 square feet of fun!). Try out the bouncy ninja run or turn your toddlers loose in the ‘lil bouncer. There’s active fun to be had here for toddlers, teenagers and adults. Tickets $11-21; Friday 2:15-5:45 pm; Saturday-Sunday 9:15-5:45 pm. Visit gpeventcenter.com for session times.
