Editor’s Pick · Destination Guide
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint, Idaho, is a small Panhandle town on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake and one of the deepest in the country, at more than 1,150 feet. Summer brings swimming at City Beach, boating and the Festival at Sandpoint concert series each August. In winter, Schweitzer Mountain Resort in the Selkirk Mountains, minutes from town, is Idaho's largest ski area.
Official visitor informationComing into Sandpoint from the south on U.S. 95, the road runs across a long bridge over Lake Pend Oreille, and the view opens in every direction: blue water, forested shorelines and the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains rising beyond. A few minutes later you are downtown, where coffee shops, galleries and brewpubs line streets just a short walk from the beach.
Sandpoint is our Editor's Pick for a four-season mountain lake town that feels relaxed, outdoorsy and refreshingly unpolished, with a ski mountain on one side and a vast lake on the other.
Why is Sandpoint, Idaho worth visiting?
Sandpoint sits on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake, and below Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho's largest ski area. That combination gives it big outdoor appeal in both summer and winter.
The lake reaches more than 1,150 feet deep at its deepest point, making it one of the deepest lakes in the United States. Around it, the Idaho Panhandle offers national forest, mountain trails, quiet bays and small towns linked by scenic roads.
When is the best time to visit Sandpoint?
Summer is Sandpoint's signature season for lake life, and winter is all about skiing. Spring and fall are quieter, with mild weather and fewer visitors.
- Spring: Snow lingers up high while the valley greens up. It is a peaceful time for walks along the lake and early-season paddling for those who do not mind cold water.
- Summer: Long, warm days for swimming, boating, paddleboarding and fishing. The Festival at Sandpoint brings outdoor concerts each August.
- Fall: Larch trees turn gold in the surrounding forests, typically in October, and the lake is calm and uncrowded.
- Winter: Schweitzer opens for skiing and snowboarding, typically from late fall into spring depending on snow, and downtown stays cozy and lively.
What are the top things to do in Sandpoint?
Lake Pend Oreille and City Beach
City Beach Park, steps from downtown, has a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas and views of the long bridge. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, take a lake cruise or charter a fishing trip in search of trout and kokanee.
Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail
This easy shoreline trail starts just north of City Beach and follows the edge of the lake, with water views and quiet coves along the way.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Perched in the Selkirk Mountains above town, Schweitzer offers thousands of acres of skiable terrain in winter, with views over the lake and toward Canada. In summer and early fall, the resort typically runs scenic lift rides, hiking and mountain biking; check the resort's website for current seasons.
Downtown and the arts
The historic Panida Theater hosts films, concerts and community events, and downtown has galleries, bookstores and locally owned shops. The Cedar Street Bridge, a covered bridge lined with shops, is a local landmark.
Scenic drives
Sandpoint is on the International Selkirk Loop, a scenic route through Idaho, Washington and British Columbia. Drives along the lake's northern shore toward Hope and Clark Fork are beautiful in any season.
Fishing and wildlife
Lake Pend Oreille is known for its sport fishing, and local charters target rainbow trout and other species much of the year. Ospreys and bald eagles are often spotted around the lake, and the Pend Oreille River and surrounding wetlands draw birders in spring and fall migration. Check Idaho Fish and Game for current licenses and regulations before you cast a line.
Where should you eat and stay in Sandpoint?
Expect laid-back dining: breweries, bakeries, cafes, lakeside patios and restaurants featuring Northwest flavors and local huckleberries. Lodging ranges from lakefront hotels and downtown inns to slopeside condos at Schweitzer, cabins, vacation rentals and nearby campgrounds.
How do you get to Sandpoint?
Sandpoint is in North Idaho, about 45 miles north of Coeur d'Alene on U.S. 95. Spokane International Airport in Washington is the closest major airport, typically about a 90-minute drive. Amtrak's Empire Builder also stops in Sandpoint.
Plan your visit
- Official visitor site: VisitSandpoint.com for lodging, dining, events and seasonal activities
- Best for: lake recreation, skiing, mountain biking and small-town arts
- Tip: Summer weekends and the Festival at Sandpoint fill lodging quickly, so book early
Find more Editor's Pick guides in our destinations directory, or browse more outdoor activities.
Frequently asked questions
- How deep is Lake Pend Oreille?
- Lake Pend Oreille is more than 1,150 feet deep at its deepest point, making it one of the deepest lakes in the United States and the largest lake in Idaho.
- Is Schweitzer the largest ski resort in Idaho?
- Yes. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, in the Selkirk Mountains just outside Sandpoint, is the largest ski area in Idaho.
- When is the Festival at Sandpoint?
- The Festival at Sandpoint is an outdoor summer concert series held each August. Check the festival's official site for the current lineup and dates.
- What is the closest airport to Sandpoint, Idaho?
- Spokane International Airport in Washington is the closest major airport, typically about a 90-minute drive from Sandpoint.
- What is the best time to visit Sandpoint?
- Summer is best for lake activities such as swimming and boating, while winter is best for skiing at Schweitzer. Fall brings golden larches and fewer crowds.