Coeur d'Alene is Where Northern Idaho's Heart Beats

Nestled in the embrace of northern Idaho’s pristine wilderness, Coeur d’Alene emerges like a sapphire amid emerald forests—a crystalline lake town where the Pacific Northwest’s untamed spirit finds its most refined expression.

The Jewel of Northern Idaho

Lake Coeur d’Alene stretches for 25 miles, its mirror-like surface reflecting the drama of changing seasons and the gentle passage of clouds. This isn’t merely a destination—it’s a portal to a slower, more intentional way of experiencing the American West. The town’s French name, meaning “heart of an awl,” speaks to both the pointed shape of the lake and the way this place pierces the soul of every visitor.

Points of Interest: Where Adventure Meets Tranquility

The Floating Green

No pilgrimage to Coeur d’Alene is complete without witnessing the world’s only floating golf green. Connected to the 14th hole of the Resort Golf Course by a graceful 175-foot journey across Lake Coeur d’Alene, this maritime marvel transforms an ordinary round of golf into an extraordinary experience. Families gather to watch brave golfers attempt their shots while children count the splashes, and couples steal quiet moments observing this unique intersection of sport and nature.

Tubbs Hill Nature Preserve

Rising 120 feet above the lake’s southern shore, Tubbs Hill offers a network of trails that wind through old-growth forest and basalt cliffs. The hiking paths accommodate every skill level, from gentle lakeside strolls perfect for families with young children to more challenging ascents that reward adventurers with panoramic vistas. Pet owners will find their companions especially enchanted by the squirrel-rich environment and shaded resting spots along the way.

McEuen Park

This 15-acre urban oasis serves as the town’s living room, where community gatherings unfold against a backdrop of lake views. The park’s amphitheater hosts summer concerts that draw multigenerational audiences, while its expansive lawns invite impromptu picnics and games of frisbee. Children gravitate toward the adventure playground, and the paved pathways provide easy access for visitors of all mobility levels.

North Idaho Centennial Trail

Stretching 24 miles from Coeur d’Alene to the Washington border, this converted railway corridor offers one of the region’s most accessible outdoor experiences. Families on bicycles share the path with couples on evening walks and friends training for marathons. The trail’s gentle grade and smooth surface make it ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed pets, while multiple access points allow for customized adventures.

Culinary Heights: Beverly’s Rooftop Restaurant

Beverly’s at Coeur d’Alene Resort offers fine dining with panoramic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, featuring 5-star cuisine with distinctive Northwest flavors and the Pacific Northwest’s largest wine cellar. Perched above the lake like an eagle’s nest, this rooftop dining destination transforms meals into memories. Couples find romance in candlelit tables overlooking the water’s expanse, while families create special occasion moments with cuisine that celebrates the region’s bounty.

Vacation Rental Properties: Your Home on the Lake

Coeur d’Alene’s vacation rental landscape offers accommodations as diverse as the visitors it welcomes. Options range from downtown properties to lakefront homes to mountain retreats, with the choice between docked and non-docked accommodations.

Lakefront Luxury

Imagine waking to lake views from your bedroom window, where morning mist rises from pristine waters and loons call across the gentle waves. Luxury lakefront rentals provide private docks for boats, expansive decks for gatherings, and direct access to swimming areas. These properties often feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, accommodating large family reunions or gatherings with friends. Many include amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and professional kitchens perfect for preparing the day’s catch.

Mountain Retreats

For those seeking deeper communion with nature, mountain cabin rentals provide forest settings with lake access. These properties often feature stone fireplaces, wraparound porches, and rustic elegance that appeals to friends seeking escape from urban life. Many allow pets, recognizing that four-legged family members deserve mountain adventures too.

Family-Friendly Features

Many rentals offer practical amenities like fully equipped kitchens, fenced yards for children and pets, high-speed Wi-Fi for remote work capabilities, and parking for multiple vehicles plus boat trailers. Properties near beaches and parks provide easy access to outdoor activities, while those with game rooms and entertainment areas ensure fun regardless of weather.

Pet-Friendly Paradise

Coeur d’Alene embraces visitors of all species. Many trails welcome leashed dogs, lake beaches provide swimming opportunities for water-loving breeds, and numerous vacation rentals feature fenced yards and pet-friendly policies. Local businesses often provide water bowls and welcome well-behaved pets, recognizing that true family vacations include every family member.

Only in Coeur d’Alene, beneath towering pines and against a backdrop of distant peaks, families create lasting memories, couples discover intimate moments, friends bond over shared adventures, and even four-legged companions find their own slice of paradise.