Top 15 Activities in Sandpoint, Idaho for Travelers

Rich in historical architecture, Sandpoint is a charming small town situated in a remarkable location on the western shore of Idaho’s largest lake.

The beauty of Lake Pend Oreille is truly extraordinary. This expansive body of clear water is embraced by three significant mountain ranges, decorated with meadows and towering stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine.

The lake naturally attracts enthusiasts of water sports, cruises, and hiking along its shores. Alternatively, one might enjoy a scenic drive along the northern lakeshore or embark on an adventurous journey through the Selkirk Mountains via the International Selkirk Loop.

In winter, Schweitzer Mountain in the Selkirk Range emerges as a prominent skiing destination boasting more than 90 named runs, terrain parks, tubing runs, and extensive cross-country trails.

1. Sandpoint City Beach Park

Sandpoint boasts a variety of exceptional public parks, both beside the lake and along the inland creeks and sloughs.

However, the highlight is undoubtedly Sandpoint City Beach Park, located on a picturesque peninsula where Lake Pend Oreille flows into the Pend Oreille River.

The park offers breathtaking views over the expansive waters towards the mountains beyond, which remain snow-capped until summer.

This 22-acre park features sandy beaches, including designated swimming areas monitored by lifeguards and floating docks for boating.

For those seeking land-based recreation, the park includes tennis courts, a basketball court, pickleball courts, horseshoe pits, and a large playground for children.

2. Pend Oreille Scenic Byway

Following the intricately indented northern shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille, this breathtaking scenic drive extends eastward for slightly over 30 miles to the Montana state line.

While Sandpoint is not a large city, it stands as the most significant settlement along Lake Pend Oreille’s 111 miles of shoreline.

This offers insight into the remoteness of the rocky shores, while the views throughout the drive are nothing short of spectacular.

One can expect to encounter pine forests, lakeside farms, and the delta of the Clark Fork River, with the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot ranges rising majestically on every horizon.

This journey encourages leisurely pauses for birdwatching, fishing, or exploring mountain trails.

3. Schweitzer Mountain Resort

During a typical winter, Sandpoint’s backcountry receives around 300 inches of snow, and an exceptional ski resort is located just 11 miles to the northwest.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort spans two impressive natural bowls and features 92 runs across 2,900 skiable acres with a total vertical drop of 2,400 feet.

The resort is well-regarded for its efficient network of 10 lifts, accommodating nearly 16,000 passengers per hour, swiftly transporting guests to the slopes.

Children will delight in the Hermit’s Hollow tubing center, while freestylers can explore three different terrain parks.

For non-skiers wishing to enjoy stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille, scenic lift passes are available, allowing one to dine at the Sky House, where the Summit Cafe offers 360° views.

4. Water Activities

Idaho’s largest lake offers a multitude of water recreation opportunities. For those without personal equipment, Action Water Sports, conveniently located in Sandpoint, provides all necessary gear for various activities.

Available for rent are kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, pontoon boats, and motor boats suitable for wakeboarding and waterskiing.

Additionally, Action Water Sports offers lessons across various activities with experienced instructors, alongside scenic tours of the lake.

Another option for boat rentals is A Day on the Lake, which maintains a fleet including a 25-foot Chaparral Sunesta.

For those preferring guided experiences, Lake Pend Oreille Cruises presents a selection of sightseeing cruises aboard the Shawnodese, helmed by a knowledgeable local captain with extensive insight into the lake’s history and wildlife.

5. Sandpoint Shopping District

While the scenic beauty surrounding Sandpoint is undeniable, time should also be allocated to explore the delightful downtown area.

The Sandpoint Shopping District hosts galleries, art studios, a variety of eateries, gift shops, boutiques, and entertainment venues, contributing to a vibrant local economy that provides employment for over 1,000 residents.

This charming district features picturesque brick and stone heritage buildings, some over a century old.

Recent enhancements to the streetscape include new sidewalks and updated facades, and the area is frequently bustling with events.

A highlight of the holiday season is the festive tree-lighting ceremony in Town Square, complemented by live music, dance performances, and delectable food and drink options.

6. Mountain Horse Adventures

Characterized by flowering alpine meadows, expansive old-growth forests, shimmering lakes, and breathtaking peaks, the mountainous terrain surrounding Sandpoint is perfect for horseback adventures.

Mountain Horse Adventures operates from Schweitzer Village, providing two guided rides daily from late June through early September.

Participants will be accompanied by licensed guides with extensive knowledge of the Schweitzer Mountain area, leading to stunning natural sites.

Experienced riders may opt for a three-hour custom ride, while novices can enjoy the popular 2.5-hour trail ride.

7. Panida Theater

A cherished entertainment venue for generations, the Panida Theater opened its doors in 1927 as a vaudeville stage and movie house.

The name “Panida” combines “Panhandle” and “Idaho,” reflecting its local significance. The theater flourished until the 1980s, when it fell into disrepair.

In 1985, the Sandpoint community united to restore this iconic landmark, which now serves as a versatile arts venue, presenting independent films, live theater, concerts, dance performances, comedy acts, and workshops.

8. Cedar Street Bridge Public Market

Constructed on wooden piles and spanning Sand Creek, the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market stands as a unique endeavor in the United States.

This is the nation’s sole marketplace located on a bridge, reminiscent of the shop-lined bridges of Medieval Europe while incorporating modern architectural design.

Built in the 1920s, the bridge initially connected downtown Sandpoint with the railroad depot across Sand Creek.

With declining railroad traffic through the latter half of the 20th century, the bridge was repurposed in the 1970s into a covered marketplace inspired by Florence’s Ponte Vecchio.

The 400-foot span features bistros and coffee shops, alongside an impressive range of boutiques and specialty vendors offering handmade jewelry, essential oils, festive gifts, organic cosmetics, artisanal culinary oils, and vinegars.

9. Bonner County Historical Society & Museum

Nestled amidst greenery at Lakeview Park, the Bonner County Historical Society Museum houses an impressive collection of over one million artifacts related to the Idaho Panhandle region.

Outstanding permanent exhibits explore various topics, including the railroad, the Forest Service in North Idaho, agriculture, logging, Sandpoint’s archaeology, 19th-century fur trade, and the region’s natural history.

The museum’s collection is extensive enough to facilitate temporary exhibits focusing on specific themes, which are rotated every six to nine months.

Past exhibitions have showcased a traditional Cabinet of Curiosity, vintage clothing, medical history in Bonner County, as well as narratives about bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution in historic Sandpoint.

10. International Selkirk Loop

As the only multinational scenic drive in North America, the International Selkirk Loop traverses Sandpoint on its 280-mile journey through Idaho, Washington, and British Columbia.

This drive encircles the picturesque Selkirk Mountains, providing continuous captivating views of towering peaks, sparkling rivers, and serene lakes.

A plethora of side-tours and stopping points await along the route, featuring quaint towns, hiking trails, swimming locations, waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramas.

The loop culminates at its northern end with the longest free ferry ride in the world, spanning five miles across Kootenay Lake.

11. Gold Hill Trail

Beloved by hikers and mountain bikers, this 3.7-mile return trail leads to a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the western shore of Lake Pend Oreille.

The trailhead is conveniently located just across from the Pend Oreille River, approximately a 15-minute drive from Sandpoint.

The journey begins near the lakeshore, gradually ascending to a panoramic lookout that offers stunning views toward the northwest, where Sandpoint is set against the backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains.

Cyclists looking for longer routes can incorporate this trail into a 28-mile circuit using the Long Bridge bike and pedestrian route.

12. Mineral Point Interpretive Trail

For those enamored with the stunning vistas of Lake Pend Oreille, a delightful trail is available along the lakeshore approximately 15 miles southeast of Sandpoint.

This scenic route, one of the most picturesque walking or biking paths in Sandpoint, spans 2.1 miles of shoreline adjacent to Garfield Bay.

The exceptional views are complemented by wildflowers in blooming seasons. The gentle incline and manageable length of the trail make it suitable for families, concluding at the Green Bay Campground, which is equipped with fire grills, picnic tables, and restroom facilities.

13. Pend d’Oreille Winery Tasting Room

This Sandpoint-based winery produces exceptional wines by employing traditional French winemaking techniques and sourcing grapes from premier vineyards across the Northwest.

Pend d’Oreille Winery has been an integral part of the community for nearly three decades, during which its Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs, and Chardonnays have received multiple accolades.

At the tasting room within the historic Belwood Building in Sandpoint, guests can participate in tastings (five wines) or opt for a flight of three hand-selected glasses curated by the vintner.

The selection typically includes the aforementioned varietals, as well as Merlot, Cab Franc, Albariño, Riesling, Petit Verdot, red blends, and more.

Live music is frequently featured during weekends, and visitors can enjoy sophisticated snacks, ranging from spanakopita to antipasti.

14. Laughing Dog Brewery

Founded in 2005, this craft brewery and taproom is situated nearby in Ponderay. With a steadfast commitment to quality, Laughing Dog Brewery experiments with diverse techniques and styles to create an engaging assortment of brews.

The brewery’s flagship offerings include 219 Pilsner, 7B Hazy IPA, Alpha Dog Imperial IPA, a pecan porter, and a cream ale fermented with huckleberries.

Additionally, a dynamic selection of limited-edition seasonal beers is available. As expected, the taproom is dog-friendly, providing a cozy atmosphere for enjoying winter afternoons by the fire, and live music can typically be found during summer weekends.

15. The Festival at Sandpoint

Beginning in early August, War Memorial Field located by the water in Sandpoint hosts ten days of musical performances under the stars.

This annual event, inaugurated in 1983, presents a diverse lineup each year designed to resonate with a wide array of musical tastes and age groups. Attendance is limited to 4,000, fostering an intimate summer evening experience.

Recent performers have included Jackson Browne, Kool & the Gang, The Avett Brothers, Amos Lee, ZZ Top, and Sublime with Rome. Each year, a special concert for families is held, culminating in a performance by the Spokane Symphony followed by fireworks.