Coeur d’Alene lies just across the Washington/Idaho border from Spokane in the valley between the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, Mt. Spokane State Park, and Liberty Lake State Park. Coeur d’Alene’s position on the banks of Harrison Slough and just south of Hayden Lake gives visitors prime opportunities to explore nature from hiking to swimming. Spend days reconnecting with the family in the mountains and enjoying Coeur d’Alene’s nightlife. With a respectable population, you can find everything from museums and galleries to eateries and golf courses. Here are some of the top Coeur d’Alene vacation rental locations to start you out on your trip planning.
1. City Park and Beach, Coeur d’Alene
Catch a rental near the City Park and Beach, located on Harrison Slough, and always be within a stroll of the beach. The bathrooms, playgrounds, and picnic areas give you all the amenities to spend your entire day at the park alternating between playing and lounging. Stop at Independence Point and wander the pier, or rent all the equipment you need to go paddleboarding or parasailing. Add a little education to your family vacation by stopping at the Museum of North Idaho. You can also pick up the Centennial Trail here, a 24-miles biking and walking trail that meanders through stunning scenery.
2. Downtown, Coeur d’Alene
Downtown Coeur d’Alene lies just east of City Park and Beach. With close proximity to the nearby McEuen Park and Dog Park, you can bring your family pet to your vacation, or take advantage of the Boardwalk Marina. Keep your family boat here between water outings. After coming in from a day of waterskiing and fishing, stop at the marina’s Dockside restaurant for good food and a lake view. There are a number of shops and restaurants studs the downtown area, so be prepared to eat well for the duration of your stay at such places as the Burger Express, Bakery by the Lake, and Crafted Tap House + Kitchen.
3. Lakeshore, Coeur d’Alene
Lakeshore is a neighborhood just southeast of downtown that fronts the slough with Tubbs Hill on one side and the Coeur d’Alene Golf Course on the other. Lakeshore is just far enough way from downtown, nestled amidst greenery, to give you privacy but close enough for a run on the eateries. Tubbs Hill boasts acres of wooded trails and beach access, a great way to expand your kids’ excess energy.
4. Sherman Avenue to Harrison Avenue, Coeur d’Alene
North of Lakeshore and south of I-90 is the middle of the city, boasting plenty of rentals and easy access to everything. A few minutes to the south is downtown with shopping and eating, to the west is the Spokane River with boating, and the east is Fernan Lake with even more boating. If you want to stay close to your rental, the neighborhood boasts a number of parks like GO Phippeny where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and run on the grass.
5. Fernan Lake Village
Cross I-90 to the east and hit Fernan Lake and Fernan Lake Village, an intimate community with lakeside homes. Hop onto Fernan Lake Road and take a scenic drive with the family around the lake. You can also reach a boat ramp and parking area, especially useful if you don’t have a rental on the water.
6. Gibbs
Gibbs is located just north of Harrison Slough along the Spokane River. Get a place on the river or further inland. Either way, you can stroll to the nearby parks and restaurants like Le Peep, an all-American eatery on the river. Kayak across the river to Blackwell Island Recreation Site, an area with camping and fishing. Grab some grub at Cedars Floating Restaurant for a truly unique experience.
7. Huetter
Go a little further upriver to Huetter, a town set between Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. A vacation rental on the river gives you the best sort of traveling freedom. Take a short trip to either city for a day at the museum or shopping, or revel in the privacy of Huetter. With Highlands Golf Course just across the street, you can relax in a different way and take some adult time.
8. Dalton Gardens
Dalton Gardens lies north of Coeur d’Alene and against the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. Go from your backyard to the mountains, and spend your time hiking, camping, and exploring the outside world. This forest covers more than three million acres, so the possibilities are endless. Hike down to Beauty Creek, or explore Mullan Road Historic Site which contains the remains of a military wagon road dating back to the mid-1800s.
9. Clarksville
Clarksville lies on Lake Hayden and in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. It’s another small community rife with waterside vacation rentals and plenty of suburban space. Take a drive along the wood-shrouded roads, or continue that drive along the lake’s coast. If you need to rent a boat, Hayden Lake Marina is conveniently close along with The Boathouse restaurant.
10. Hayden Lake
Hayden Lake is located on the west side of Lake Hayden. With vacation rentals with water access available, a nearby golf course, and plenty of eateries, this town is the prime place to get away for a few days and enjoy nature without giving up everyday amenities. For scenic views, hike up to English Point.