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Stop 8: Coeur d'Alene, ID
One of the most beautiful lake towns in America and one of the most underrated family destinations in the Pacific Northwest. CDA Lake is gorgeous — 25 miles long, forested mountains all around. The resort town vibe with excellent waterfront amenities.
Where to Stay
🏨 Hotels
The Coeur d'Alene Resort
★★★★★
$300–$550/night
Iconic lakefront resort — the jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Multiple pools including outdoor lakeside pool. Boat rentals, lake cruises, floating green golf hole (world's only). Spa, multiple restaurants, arcade. Kids will remember this one forever.
⭐ Best Family Splurge on This Trip
SpringHill Suites Coeur d'Alene
★★★
$160–$240/night
Indoor pool, spacious suites for families. Free breakfast, close to lakefront.
Holiday Inn Express Coeur d'Alene
★★★
$150–$220/night
Indoor pool, free breakfast. Walking distance to downtown and Sherman Ave shops.
💰 Budget Option
🚐 RV Parks
Blackwell Island RV Resort
$70–$110/night
ON Coeur d'Alene Lake — direct water access from sites. Full hookups, pool, playground, boat launch. Best location of any RV park in CDA — literally on the lake with stunning views.
⭐ Best — ON the Lake
Robin Hood RV Park (Worley, ID)
$50–$70/night
Full hookups, quiet, well-maintained. Near CDA — budget-friendly option if Blackwell is full.
KOA Coeur d'Alene
$65–$90/night
Full hookups, pool, playground, camp store. 15 min from downtown. Reliable KOA property.
Attractions & Activities
Wild Waters Water Park
Full outdoor waterpark in Post Falls (10 min away) — wave pool, waterslides, lazy river. $30–$40/person. Biggest waterpark in the region — the family hit of the entire trip. Book this day early.
City Beach & Boardwalk
Free sandy beach right downtown. Swim, paddleboard, kayak rentals all available. Beautiful boardwalk walk. Classic CDA experience.
Lake Cruise (CDA Resort)
Scenic 1-hour lake cruises ($25–$30/person) plus sunset dinner cruises from The Coeur d'Alene Resort. The floating golf green (world's only) is visible from the water.
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
72-mile paved bike trail along old rail line. Rent bikes and ride a section along the lake — incredible scenery and completely flat. Perfect family cycling activity.
Stateline Speedway (Post Falls)
Go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars in the Post Falls area. Kids love this as an evening activity after the waterpark day.
Paddle Boat & Kayak Rentals
Available from NIC Recreation on campus lake. Explore CDA Lake at your own pace. Sunset paddling is magical.
Family Hikes
🌊
Tubbs Hill Nature Loop 🟢 Easy
1.7 miles · Easy · Lakeside · Starts from downtown · Ages 5+
Beautiful lakeside trail that loops around Tubbs Hill, starting right from downtown CDA. Views of the lake from every angle. No car needed — walk from the resort. Stunning.
🏔️
Mineral Ridge Scenic Area 🟡 Moderate
3.3 miles · Moderate · Great lake overlooks
Excellent views of Coeur d'Alene Lake from above. Good moderate hike for the older kids who want more challenge than Tubbs Hill.
Restaurants
- Beverly's (CDA Resort)Upscale special dinner — lake views, Pacific Northwest cuisine at its finest
- Dockside Restaurant (CDA Resort)Casual lakeside lunch — beautiful setting, great for families
- Crafted Tap House + KitchenBest craft burgers in CDA — excellent food in a relaxed setting
- Bardenay Restaurant & DistilleryIdaho's first distillery restaurant — great food, unique experience
- The Melting PotFondue — fun for families, special occasion dinner the kids will remember
Location