Discover Sandpoint, Idaho - Lakeside Charms & Mountain Adventures

Day 1: Lakeside Welcome & Downtown Delights

• Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Sandpoint, Idaho, and check into your accommodation. We recommend The Humbird Hotel (47700 US-95 N), offering modern comfort and a central downtown location. The drive from Spokane International Airport (GEG) is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (50 miles). Parking is available on-site. Once settled, take a moment to enjoy the hotel’s amenities and prepare for your lakeside adventure.
  • Estimated Cost: Accommodation at Humbird Hotel ~$300-$400/night (for 2 nights).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Begin with a casual walk (0.7 miles, 15 minutes) from your hotel to City Beach Park for a lakeside lunch at Hydra Sandpoint. Enjoy delicious American fare with views of Lake Pend Oreille. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores of City Beach, feeling the fresh lake air and admiring the expansive water and mountain views. Next, head back towards downtown (0.5 miles from City Beach) for some exploration. Browse the unique shops within the iconic Cedar Street Bridge Public Market and explore local boutiques along First Avenue.
  • Estimated Cost: Lunch at Hydra ~$40-$60 for two. Discretionary shopping $50-$100.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Indulge in a relaxing wine tasting experience at Pend d’Oreille Winery (301 Cedar St, 0.2 miles from the Public Market), sampling local varietals in a cozy setting. For dinner, enjoy an exquisite Italian meal at Arlo’s Ristorante (330 N First Ave), known for its authentic dishes and romantic ambiance, just a short stroll (0.1 miles) from the winery. Conclude your evening with a gentle walk along First Avenue, taking in the illuminated downtown before returning to your hotel.
  • Estimated Cost: Wine tasting ~$15-$25 per person. Dinner at Arlo’s ~$80-$120 for two with drinks.

Day 2: Mountain Majesty & Lake Serenity

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Monarch Mountain Coffee (100 N First Ave, a 5-minute walk from The Humbird), renowned for its coffee and pastries. After fueling up, embark on a scenic 25-minute drive (11 miles) up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Once there, take the Great Escape Scenic Chairlift to the summit (seasonal operation, check their website for current hours). At the top, soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille, the Selkirk, and Cabinet Mountain Ranges. Enjoy a short, easy walk on one of the summit trails to fully immerse yourselves in the crisp mountain air.
  • Practical Tip: Dress in layers as mountain temperatures can be cooler.
  • Estimated Cost: Breakfast ~$25-$40 for two. Scenic chairlift ride ~$25-$30 per person.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Return to Sandpoint for a refreshing and healthy lunch at City Beach Organics (117 N First Ave, 0.3 miles from your hotel), offering delicious organic salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. After lunch, head back to City Beach Park for some aquatic fun. Rent a tandem kayak or two stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from Action Water Sports, located right on the beach. Enjoy paddling on the calm waters of Lake Pend Oreille, observing the majestic mountains from a unique perspective.
  • Estimated Cost: Lunch ~$35-$50 for two. Kayak/SUP rental ~$30-$50 per hour for two.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Before dinner, stop for a local craft beer or cider at Idaho Pour Authority (203 Cedar St), a popular spot for its extensive selection. For a memorable dinner, experience upscale dining with unparalleled lake views at Trinity at the Beach (56 Bridge St, inside The Lodge at Sandpoint, approximately 1.5 miles from downtown). Their menu highlights fresh, Pacific Northwest cuisine. Consider making a reservation for a coveted window table to watch the sunset.
  • Estimated Cost: Drinks ~$20-$30. Dinner at Trinity ~$120-$180 for two (including drinks and tip).

Day 3: Farewell Brunch & Local Keepsakes

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Enjoy a leisurely farewell brunch at Di Luna’s Cafe (207 Cedar St), a beloved Sandpoint institution known for its delicious, hearty meals, charming atmosphere, and often live music (check their schedule). Their homemade French toast or huevos rancheros are highly recommended. After brunch, take a final stroll through downtown to visit Art Works Gallery (214 N First Ave) to admire local and regional art, finding a unique souvenir or piece of art to commemorate your trip.
  • Estimated Cost: Brunch at Di Luna’s ~$50-$70 for two. Discretionary shopping $30-$70.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM) Before hitting the road, grab a final taste of Sandpoint with a coffee from Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters (located inside The Humbird Hotel), a nationally recognized, award-winning coffee roaster. Check out from your hotel, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from your “Sandpoint Serenity Weekend,” and begin your scenic drive home, carrying cherished memories of Idaho’s gem.
  • Estimated Cost: Coffee ~$10-$15.
  • Total Estimated Weekend Budget (for 2 people): $1,130 - $1,605 (comfortably within the $1,200 - $1,800 range).

Day 1: Arrival, Sandpoint Charm & Lakefront Serenity

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Arrive in Sandpoint and check into your accommodation (e.g., Best Western Edgewater Resort for lakeside convenience, or a charming Airbnb downtown). Grab coffee and a pastry at Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters (524 Church St, Sandpoint) – expect ~$10-15 for two. Spend some time exploring downtown Sandpoint’s unique shops and galleries along First Avenue and Cedar Street. This area is easily walkable.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Lunch: Grab a casual lunch at The Idaho Club (105 S 1st Ave, Sandpoint) for good sandwiches and salads, or a quick bite at Pack River Store (1503 N Boyer Ave) for local deli fare. Budget ~$30-50 for two. Head to City Beach Park (Lake St & Bridge St, Sandpoint), a beautiful public park with sandy beaches. Lake Activity: Rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or kayaks from Action Water Sports located right at the Sandpoint Marina (1000 W Lake St, Sandpoint). Rates typically $30-40 per hour per board/kayak. Plan for 2 hours: ~$120-160 for two. Enjoy paddling on Lake Pend Oreille, taking in views of the Long Bridge and Schweitzer Mountain.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) Freshen up back at your accommodation. Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Trinity at City Beach (56 Bridge St, Sandpoint), offering upscale American cuisine with stunning lake views. Reservations are highly recommended. Expect ~$100-150 for two, including drinks. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Long Bridge pedestrian path (access from City Beach or the south end of town, approximately 1.7 miles one way) as the sun sets over the lake – a quintessential Sandpoint experience.

Day 2: Schweitzer Mountain Summit & Alpine Adventures

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation or grab a hearty breakfast at Hoot Owl Cafe (30784 ID-200, Ponderay, just outside Sandpoint) – expect $30-40 for two. Drive to Schweitzer Mountain Resort (10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd, Sandpoint). This is a scenic 10-mile drive, taking about 20-25 minutes from downtown Sandpoint. Scenic Lift Ride: Take the Great Escape Quad to the summit. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille, the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, and three different states. Lift tickets are typically $25-35 per person for a scenic ride ($50-70 for two). Summit Hike: Explore the easy walking trails around the summit, like the “Nature Trail” or “Lookout Trail,” offering incredible photo opportunities. Allow 1-2 hours for exploring the summit.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Lunch: Have lunch at one of Schweitzer’s village eateries, such as Gourmandie for gourmet sandwiches and snacks, or Taps for a casual pub experience. Budget ~$40-60 for two. Adventure Activity (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, try the zipline ($20-30 per ride) or explore more challenging hiking trails like the Basin Trail. Alternatively, simply enjoy more casual hiking on lower trails or exploring the charming village shops.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) Drive back to Sandpoint. Dinner: Indulge in wood-fired pizzas and craft beer at Eichardt’s Pub Grill & Coffee House (212 Church St, Sandpoint), a beloved local institution often featuring live music. Expect ~$60-80 for two. Cap the night with a local brew from Laughing Dog Brewing (800 Schweitzer Plaza Dr, Ponderay), a short drive just north of Sandpoint, known for its award-winning craft beers.

Day 3: Scenic Trails & Lakeside Relaxation

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Grab a quick breakfast at Monarch Mountain Coffee (1418 N Boyer Ave, Sandpoint), known for its artisanal toasts and coffee. Budget ~$20-30 for two. Morning Hike: Head to the Pend Oreille Bay Trail (access from various points like the north end of Boyer Ave near the fairgrounds, or west of the Long Bridge). This paved and gravel trail offers stunning lake views and easy walking/biking. Choose a section for a 2-3 hour walk (Distance: up to 3.5 miles one way, out and back as far as you like). This is a free activity. Practical Tip: Bring water and sun protection.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch at The Fat Pig (114 W Superior St, Sandpoint) for delicious BBQ and comfort food. Budget ~$40-60 for two. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Dover Bay Resort (659 Lakeshore Ave, Dover), just 5 miles west of Sandpoint (approx. 10-15 minute drive). You can walk their beautiful waterfront trails, enjoy the public beach access, or simply grab a drink at The Dish at Dover Bay and watch the boats. Explore downtown Sandpoint’s boutiques and art galleries or visit the unique shops on the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market (Cedar St & First Ave).
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) Dinner: Experience farm-to-table dining at Di Luna’s Cafe (207 Cedar St, Sandpoint), known for its live music and delicious, locally-sourced dishes. Reservations recommended. Expect ~$90-140 for two. Consider catching a movie at the historic Panida Theater (300 N 1st Ave, Sandpoint) if there’s a show, or simply enjoy a quiet evening walk back along the illuminated downtown streets.

Day 4: River Rafting & Winery Delights

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Breakfast at a local spot like Blue Heron Cafe (417 N 3rd Ave, Sandpoint) for classic breakfast fare. Budget ~$30-40 for two. River Adventure: For a peaceful, self-guided experience, rent kayaks or canoes from a local outfitter (e.g., Sandpoint Watersports, 303 E Lake St, Sandpoint, or similar). Drive to the Pack River Delta Wildlife Management Area (approx. 15-20 min drive north-east of Sandpoint) for bird watching and calm paddling through the serene delta. Plan for 3-4 hours of paddling: ~$160-200 for two for rentals. This area is perfect for spotting diverse wildlife.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the Pack River, or grab a quick and easy bite back in Ponderay at a local deli. Budget $30-50 for two. Winery Tasting: Drive back into Sandpoint to Pend d’Oreille Winery (301 Cedar St, Sandpoint) for a tasting of their award-winning Idaho wines. Tastings typically $10-15 per person ($20-30 for two). Browse the adjacent shops or relax in the winery’s courtyard.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) Dinner: Enjoy a refined Italian dining experience at Arlo’s Ristorante (308 N 1st Ave, Sandpoint). Their handmade pasta and intimate atmosphere are highly rated. Reservations recommended. Expect ~$100-160 for two. After dinner, enjoy a final drink at the Small House Winery tasting room (next door to Arlo’s) or a quiet evening cocktail at a downtown bar.

Day 5: Farewell Views & Departure

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at Power House Bar & Grill (317 N 1st Ave, Sandpoint) for a classic American breakfast in a historic building. Budget ~$30-40 for two. Take one last scenic drive across the Long Bridge (US-95) for expansive views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains. Consider a quick stop at Lakeview Park (1100 W Superior St, Sandpoint) for a final tranquil view of the lake and a peaceful walk through its gardens.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM onwards) Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in downtown Sandpoint, perhaps picking up some local crafts or specialty foods. Check out from your accommodation. Depart from Sandpoint, taking with you wonderful memories of your North Idaho Adventure Week.