10 Best Family Beaches in Idaho [for 2023]
Idaho is a wonderful destination for families seeking a memorable vacation. Known as the Gem State, Idaho’s beaches are a true gem, filled with breathtaking natural beauty, scenic backdrops, and endless activities for families to enjoy.
The state’s coastline is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the United States, with crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and plenty of exciting things to do. If your family craves adventure, you’ll nd that Idaho’s beaches There is something for everyone. From surfing and boating to jet skiing and kayaking, there are endless opportunities for water-based fun.
You can also try your hand at water skiing, fishing, and paddle boating, or just relax on the beach sunbathing with a good book. In addition to water activities, Idaho’s beaches are also great places to enjoy the great outdoors.
There are many other methods offered. You can take a walk in the nearby woods, go camping with your family, or have barbecues and picnics on the beach. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find an activity that will make memories last a lifetime. With so much to see and do, you will never run out of exciting activities to enjoy with your loved ones.
So grab your calendar, and start planning your trip with our list of the best family beaches in Idaho, and get ready to make memories your family will cherish for years to come!
1. Davis Beach, McCall
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Davis Beach, located on picturesque Payette Lake in Idaho, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This secluded and peaceful beach is an ideal place for families, especially families with young children. The beach boasts soft sand and a wide shoreline that is perfect for building sand castles and other sand sculptures.
The beach’s crystal-clear water is cool and refreshing, making it easy enough for kids learning to swim goes. Adults can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, read a book or listen to music while soaking up the sun. For those who want to stay nearby, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites McCall is just a stone’s throw away and one of the best family hotels in Idaho.
It offers comfortable rooms and a variety of amenities that meet the needs of families. Beyond the beach, you can explore the rest of Payette Lake and the nearby Ponderosa State Park. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a wide range of activities including jet skiing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Visitors can also hike, bike, or picnic among the park’s beautiful scenery.
2. City Beach, Sandpoint
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City Beach Located on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, this beautiful beach is one of the best family beaches in Idaho. With its crystal clear waters, breathtaking mountainous backdrop, and soft sandy beach, this shoreline offers the perfect setting for a family holiday filled with relaxation and fun.
One of the main reasons why I highly recommend City Beach is that it is equipped with a variety of water-based activities that are suitable for families. From sailing, paddling, and boating to swimming and splashing around in the pristine waters, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, kids can have fun on the beach by building sandcastles and sculptures, playing beach volleyball, or frolicking on the playground.
Another reason this beach is a great family destination is that it’s incredibly beautiful. is safe With shallow water close to the shoreline, there are no sudden drops or big waves to worry about. There’s also a designated rope-off area for swimming, as well as attentive lifeguards who are always on hand to ensure the safety of beach-goers.
For families looking to celebrate special occasions, City Beach offers elaborate picnics and Provides shelters that can be rented for a fee. These shelters provide the perfect setting for anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, or any other family gathering.
3. Coeur d’Alene City Park Beach, Coeur d’Alene
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Coeur d’Alene City Park Beach is a stunning beach located in Idaho that’s perfect for families with kids. The beach boasts crystal clear water that’s ideal for swimming, and plenty of amenities and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Its amenities and activities make it one of the best family beaches in Idaho.
One of the best things about this beach is the recreational activities it offers. Whether you’re into basketball, or volleyball, or just want to relax on the sand and soak up the sun, there’s something to do here for everyone. And there are plenty of picnic tables and grills available so you can prepare and enjoy your own food on site.
For families with young children, the large playground is sure to be a hit. There are also drinking fountains and restrooms throughout the beach, which makes it easy to stay hydrated and take care of personal needs.
If you’re planning a visit, the summer months are the best time to go. The cool water not only provides relief from the heat, but the beach is also host to the Summer Concert Series, which is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.
4. North Beach State Park, St. Charles
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North Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun-filled recreational experience at the beach. With its nickname “Caribbean of the Rockies”, the beach boasts turquoise waters and a huge shoreline that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sand castles, especially for your kids.
What makes this beach, even more, What makes it special is the nearby marina, which offers a wide range of water activities that are suitable for families and adventure seekers alike. From water skiing and jet-skiing to paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, North Beach State Park is the perfect destination for families with young children as it is one of the top kid-friendly beaches in Idaho.
The shoreline is wide and has a gradual slope which provides a large and shallow swimming area with almost no waves. Additionally, there are no small rocks or pebbles that could hurt your child’s feet, making it a safe and enjoyable environment for the whole family.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, a tent Landing and spending the night is highly recommended. Falling asleep to the sounds of nature and waking up to the beautiful views of the crystal clear Bear Lake is truly an unforgettable experience.
5. Lake Cascade Beach, Cascade
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Lake Cascade Beach is an excellent destination for families looking to enjoy an incredible outdoor experience in Idaho. The stunning coastline and picturesque landscapes of nature make it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday. One of the best activities to indulge in is to teach your kids to swim in the mud water of the lake.
The soft sand along the shoreline is also an excellent place to bury each other or relax while enjoying the scenery. For teens, the beach offers a variety of exciting activities, including windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Fishing is another popular activity at Lake Cascade Beach, where you can catch exotic fish like Rainbow Trout and Coho Salmon.
Camping at night and eating bonfires as you toast marshmallows is a great way to bond with family and friends. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that there are beautiful forests with wonderful trails surrounding the beach.
Hiking or biking through these trails is a great way to explore the area and experience wildlife up close. Keep an eye out for animals such as deer, eagles, owls, elk, and badgers, among other animals.
6. Lake Lowell Park Beach, Namada
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Lake Lowell Park Beach is a beautiful beach filled with natural beauty, with recreational activities available for every member of the family. Which caters to all age groups, making it a golden opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Is. The clear, pristine waters are perfect for swimming and fishing, providing an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their kids how to fish.
The beach offers convenience without having to carry restrooms and extra water bottles. Equipped with a water fountain to keep you hydrated. The nearby disc golf course adds another dimension of enjoyment to the experience, making it a great way to connect with your family.
The beach has a unique hiking trail called the Story Trail, specially designed for children. is designed. The trail features platforms that display wonderful stories along the way, providing a fun and educational experience for your little ones. With its stunning natural surroundings and abundance of recreational activities, this beach ranks among the best family beaches in Idaho.
7. Priest Lake State Park Beach, Coolin
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Priest Lake State Park Beach is a must-visit destination for families looking to relax and enjoy some quality time together in a beautiful, natural setting. This secluded beach is the perfect weekend getaway destination for families looking for a relaxing getaway in a tranquil setting. want to spend quality time together.
The picturesque landscape consists of towering mountains encircling the clear blue waters of the lake, and the breathtaking view will take your mind. There are plenty of activities to keep you and your loved ones entertained during your stay here. You can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, cycling, and bird watching while enjoying the beauty of nature around you.
There are also volleyball and horseshoe courts nearby, perfect for some family-friendly competition, as well as grocery stores, restrooms, and showers, ensuring your comfort during your stay.
For those who want to spend the entire weekend at Priest Lake State Park Beach but prefer not to camp it out in a tent, there are cabins available for rent. These cabins offer a more comfortable and luxurious feel, allowing you to enjoy your time with your family in style.
8. Green Bay Campground Beach, Sagle
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Green Bay Campground Beach is the perfect destination for families looking for a unique camping experience and fun activities on the beach. Located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho, the campground provides the perfect opportunity for you to camp and enjoy water activities all in one place.
You can pitch your tent right near the water here. This allows families to enjoy stunning views of the lake and experience the calming sound of the waves during their stay. The campground also offers a campfire pit for you to gather around and make s’mores, creating the perfect atmosphere for quality time with loved ones.
And boasts of being one of the best family beaches in Idaho. You can enjoy a variety of water activities here like boating, fishing, sailing, paddling, windsurfing, and whitewater paddling. These activities allow you to explore the lake and offer a panoramic view of the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
It is important to note that the beach is rocky and does not have soft sand, which means that you will not get to experience aqua sports while in the water. Shoes and slippers should be worn on the side so that their feet do not hurt or get blisters.
9. Pettit Lake Campground Beach, Ketchum
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Petit Lake Campground Beach is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the natural beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains. This alpine lake boasts crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing. The beach is a great place to sunbathe, take pictures and have a picnic with your family.
One of the reasons why Petite Lake Campground Beach comes highly recommended is because of its well-organized facilities. Picnic tables and grills are cleaned and ready to use, making it easy for you to cook and enjoy your meal while enjoying the stunning views. The toilets are clean and well-kept for you, ensuring that you have a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Another advantage of Petit Lake Campground Beach is that it is pet-friendly.
You can bring your furry friend with you on your family trips, as long as he is kept on a leash at all times. This allows you to enjoy the company of your beloved pet while discovering the beauty of nature. Petit Lake Campground Beach is one of the best family beaches in Idaho, and it’s sure to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. does.
10. Ponderosa State Park Beach, McCall
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Ponderosa State Park Beach is nothing less than a treasure located in Idaho, presenting a serene and peaceful getaway for families. The beach is surrounded by tall ponderosa pine trees and sits on the shores of picturesque Payette Lake, which provides a perfect backdrop for family vacation photos.
The excellent facilities at this beach make traveling with kids quite easy. Picnic shelters are a comfortable place for families to enjoy their packed snacks, while easily accessible restrooms ensure everyone is comfortable during their trip. Be comfortable during Additionally, retail stores are an excellent convenience for families who need to buy something they forgot to pack.
Here as you lay on the sandy beach, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, geese, and other unique breeds of waterfowl. The breathtaking views of nature at this beach will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Should you and your family want to take to the water, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent nearby.
This will allow you to explore the lake and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Ponderosa State Park Beach has an on-site souvenir and gift shop called The Nature Store. Here, you can buy unique souvenirs and gifts to celebrate your memorable holiday.