The Perfect 3-Day Sandpoint, Idaho Itinerary for Summer
This 3-day Sandpoint Idaho itinerary covers lake days, mountain views, local restaurants, breweries, and the best things to do in Sandpoint.
Most people know Sandpoint because of skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, but summer is when the town really comes alive. When friends or family come to visit us here, this is usually the kind of weekend we end up having: coffee downtown, afternoons at the lake, maybe a drive up the mountain, and dinner outside somewhere while the sun lingers later than you expect.
Part of what makes Sandpoint special is that it doesn’t feel overly polished. It’s scenic without trying too hard, laid-back but still full of things to do for families and outdoorsy types, and compact enough that you can experience a lot in just a few days.
As someone lucky to call Sandpoint home, this is the 3-day Sandpoint, Idaho itinerary I’d recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.
Sandpoint Travel Tips
Best Time To Visit: July and August are when the weather is at its best, the chance of rain is low, and Lake Pend Oreille has finally warmed up enough for swimming. Early summer can still feel cold in the water, but by mid-July, it’s consistently enjoyable. You can read more about seasonal travel in our guide on the best time to visit Idaho.
Do You Need A Rental Car? Yes. While downtown Sandpoint is very walkable, you’ll want a car to get up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, explore nearby hiking areas, or reach quieter spots outside of town. Check out Discover Cars to find the best rental car prices.
What Area Should I Stay In? If you want to be close to everything, stay in a hotel or home rental near downtown Sandpoint so you can walk to restaurants, shops, and Sandpoint City Beach. Our where to stay in Sandpoint article provides a more in-depth look at lodging options. You have to see the castle!
How to Spend Three Days in Sandpoint
Here’s how to have an amazing 3 days in Sandpoint. You can follow it exactly or use it as a jumping-off point for making your own itinerary for Sandpoint.
Day 1: Lake Time + Downtown Sandpoint
Morning: Evans Brother and Lakeside Stroll
Start your morning with coffee at Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, a local institution that started right here in Sandpoint and has become one of the most consistent places in town to begin your day. In summer, locals spill onto the patio early before heading to the lake or the mountain.
You can enjoy your coffee in their outside seating area or take it to go as you stroll the Pend Oreille Bay Trail. This roughly 3-mile out-and-back waterfront path runs along Lake Pend Oreille and is one of the easiest ways to settle into Sandpoint.
From there, head into downtown Sandpoint, where everything is close and easy to explore on foot. Spend some time wandering through the shops, stopping into places like La Chic Boutique, Campfire Couture, and the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market, which is part market, part local landmark.
Afternoon: City Beach Organics and Lake Time
For lunch, grab a smoothie or sandwich from City Beach Organics and bring it down to Sandpoint City Beach, where you can settle in for the rest of the afternoon. It’s one of the best beaches in North Idaho, and you could easily spend an entire day here. There’s a mix of sand and grass, plenty of space to spread out. By mid-summer, the water is warm enough to actually enjoy, especially in the afternoon.
If you’d rather be on the water, you can rent a pontoon boat from Sandpoint Rentals. If you have a kid or just want something more fun, you can opt to rent a boat with a slide attached. Other options include renting paddleboards or kayaks from Outdoor Experience.
Evening: Dinner Downtown
As the day winds down, walk back into town for dinner at The Bank: Barroom & Eatery. Set in a historic bank building in the heart of downtown, the menu leans New American, with a mix of thoughtfully prepared small plates, steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes, and a strong focus on well-crafted cocktails. It’s a step up from casual, but relaxed enough to fit the pace of an easy first day in Sandpoint.
GOOD TO KNOW
One of the best parts about visiting Sandpoint in the summer is how long the days feel. Because North Idaho sits so far north, daylight stretches well into the evening during peak summer, with sunset happening around 8:30 PM from June to August.
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Day 2: Mountains + Views
Morning: Schweitzer Mountain Views + Hiking or Lift Ride
Start your day with a drive up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, about 25–30 minutes from downtown Sandpoint.
From here, you have two great options depending on how active you want to be. You can take the chairlift up for sweeping views that stretch across Idaho, Washington, and even into Canada, or, if you’re up for more of a challenge, hike the Nature Trail. It’s a more demanding climb at around 2.5 miles one way, with roughly 1,600 feet of elevation gain. The payoff at the top makes the effort worth it, and the best part is that you can take the lift back down for free.
Tip: Even in the middle of summer, bring a layer for the highest point. The temperature shift on the mountain can surprise people.
Afternoon: Lunch + Mountain Activities
At the top, you can grab a drink or sit down for lunch with a view at The Nest in the Skyhouse. If you want something quicker, stop in the village at Gourmandie beforehand, a great spot for sandwiches and easy grab-and-go options.
If you’re looking to spend more time on the mountain, there’s plenty to do. You can rent a bike or an e-bike and explore the trails. Renting e-bikes is a great way to cover a lot of ground and see parts of the mountain you wouldn’t be able to easily get to on foot.
Schweitzer is also where Idaho’s state fruit, the juicy huckleberry, grows in giant patches. The season varies each year, but it is generally from July to August. You can inquire at the Activity Center, and they’ll point you to where to pick huckleberries and whether they’re still growing. If you’ve never picked huckleberries before, you can learn about it in my guide to huckleberry picking. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Sandpoint every summer.
If you’re traveling with kids, there are also built-in activities like a zipline, sluicing area, a small playground, a climbing wall, and a trampoline jumper.
Evening: Dinner at Schweitzer
Rather than heading back into town, stay up on the mountain for dinner at The Crow’s Nest. It’s a more elevated dining experience with a quieter atmosphere and a nice cap to the evening.
Day 3: Choose Your Sandpoint Adventure
Start your morning with coffee and a pastry from Bluebird Bakery, or if you’re in the mood for a bigger, sit-down breakfast, head to TC Stacks for a traditional breakfast. Both are in downtown Sandpoint and make for an easy, unhurried start to your final day.
Afterward, you can tailor your day to what you’re most in the mood for. There are a few different directions you can go, depending on whether you want something active, relaxed, or a little more playful.
Option 1: All-Out Fun at Silverwood Theme Park
Just about 30 minutes south of Sandpoint, Silverwood is the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest and a favorite for families. It has roller coasters, a full water park, live shows, and just enough small-town charm to make it feel approachable. If you’re visiting in summer, bring swimsuits for Boulder Beach, the water park included with admission. Our son could easily spend hours at Boulder Beach alone.
Option 2: Brewery Walk Through Town
Start at Utara Brewing Company, a super-casual spot that stands out for pairing house-brewed beer with Indian-inspired food, then walk to MickDuff’s Brewing Company, which has both a pub and a separate restaurant. I prefer the restaurant, which is set inside Sandpoint’s historic Federal Building and has a bit more character and space to settle in. From there, finish at Matchwood Brewing Company, known for its laid-back vibe and fantastic outdoor seating. All three brew their own beer, so it’s an easy way to try a range of local flavors without needing to go far.
Option 3: Paddle Through Sand Creek
For something quieter, rent a paddleboard or kayak from Outdoor Experience and put in along Sand Creek near the downtown waterfront or marina area. From there, you can paddle a calm, scenic stretch that runs a couple of miles through town. It’s slower and more protected than the open lake, and offers a different way to experience the water. Early mornings are usually the calmest time to paddle.
Evening: Casual Dinner to Close the Trip
For your final dinner, keep it simple with pizza at The Forge Artisan Pizza. The pizzas are wood-fired with a crisp, slightly chewy crust, and the menu leans creative without being too overcomplicated.
If you have extra time or want to swap out part of the itinerary, there are plenty of other options nearby that work well as half-day or full-day additions.
Sandpoint Itinerary Alternative Options
Round Lake State Park
About 15 minutes from Sandpoint, Round Lake is a small state park that’s perfect for families wanting an easy lake day. The water is typically warmer than Lake Pend Oreille, and there’s a mellow walking trail that loops around the lake through the trees and marshland. This is one of the easiest lake spots in the area for young kids because the water stays shallow near shore.
Farragut State Park
About 40 minutes south of Sandpoint and set on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, this former WWII naval training base has morphed into one of Idaho’s best state parks, with over 4,000 acres of forest, shoreline, and hiking trails. Bring a picnic, rent a paddleboard, or wander the pine-scented trails and take it slow. They also have five frisbee golf courses (they’re free!) and an aerial obstacle course for kids and adults. You can learn more about Farragut here.
A Day Trip to Coeur d’Alene
If you want a slightly more built-up lake town experience, Coeur d’Alene is about an hour south and makes an easy day trip. You can walk the floating boardwalk at the resort, explore downtown shops, or spend time at the beach before heading back north. You can read our article on what to do in Coeur d’Alene for more inspiration.
Sandpoint Farmers Market
If you’re visiting on the right day, the local farmers’ market at Farmin Park is worth weaving into your itinerary. The market often features local produce, flowers, baked goods, huckleberry products, artisans, and live music, offering another glimpse into the slower rhythm of North Idaho summers. The livelier market is on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, but there’s also a market on Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm.
Take a Scenic Cruise on Lake Pend Oreille
If you want something slower-paced, a lake cruise with Pend Oreille Cruises is an easy way to spend an afternoon while seeing more of the shoreline and surrounding mountains without needing to plan much else around it.
Scenic Drive Along the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
If you want a more relaxed activity, take a drive east along the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway toward Clark Fork. North Idaho is packed with scenic drives, but this one is my personal favorite for its stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille. You can stop in Hope, Idaho, for a bite to eat at Pearls on the Lake or The Float House. Bring a bathing suit because you might be inclined to take a dip along the way!
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or settling in for a slower-paced stay, Sandpoint has a way of drawing you in with its mix of mountain scenery, lake life, and relaxed small-town charm.
From afternoons on Lake Pend Oreille to evenings downtown and adventures up at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, we hope this Sandpoint itinerary helps you make the most of your time here.
Looking for more guides to Sandpoint? Here are more articles to help you plan your next trip to Sandpoint.
The Ultimate Guide To Winter In Sandpoint
12 Places To Stay In Sandpoint For Every Budget
Lake Life And Beyond: 25 Ways To Enjoy Sandpoint
The Best Day Trips From Coeur d’Alene
15 Restaurants To Dine At In Sandpoint
A Complete Idaho Packing List
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