Coeure d'Alene, ID
- Cassie Bell
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
A Perfect Weekend in Coeur d’Alene: Biking, Hiking, Relaxing on the Water, and a Mimosa Cruise
I had heard great things about Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but nothing quite prepared me for how stunning it actually is in person. Tucked away in the northern panhandle of the state, this little lake town manages to be both adventurous and peaceful—a great adventure getaway.
From biking the scenic Centennial Trail to playing on the cool refresing water, finishing it all with a yoga-and-mimosa cruise across the lake, my trip was filled with the perfect mix of movement, nature, and relaxation. Here’s how I spent a long weekend soaking in everything Coeur d’Alene has to offer.
Biking the Centennial Trail
One of the first things I did after arriving was hop on my bike and hit the North Idaho Centennial Trail. This 24-mile paved path runs right through the heart of Coeur d’Alene, hugging the lake and winding through shady forests, open parks, and charming neighborhoods.
I started near downtown and pedaled east toward Higgens Point. The trail was smooth and easy to navigate, with plenty of places to stop and take in the views. At times, I found myself pulling over just to watch the sunlight dance on the lake or to snap a photo of a pine-covered ridge in the distance. It’s one of those rides where you lose track of time in the best way.
Whether you're into serious cycling or just a casual cruise, this trail is a must. You can rent an e-bike at Coeur d"Alene bike company (just blocks off of the trail) to access as much of the trail as you can. The employees at the bike shop are super helpful and tell you more about the trail.
Watersports on Lake Coeur d’Alene
One of the best parts of visiting Coeur d’Alene is spending time on the lake. You can do as much—or as little—as you want. I started with paddleboarding in the morning, when the water was glassy and calm, but there’s no shortage of ways to get out there. You can rent everything from kayaks to jet skis and motorboats, or even hop on a lake cruise if you’d rather let someone else do the navigating.
There are also plenty of beaches where you can kick back with a book or take a swim. Whether you're chasing adventure or just want to float the afternoon away, Lake Coeur d’Alene is the place to be. There’s something incredibly calming about being out on the water that time of day.
Hiking Tubbs Hill
Tubbs Hill, which is literally steps from the main strip and yet feels like you’re escaping into the wilderness. The 2.2-mile loop trail around the hill offers amazing views of the lake and plenty of shady spots to rest or snap photos.
The trail isn’t difficult, but it has enough ups and downs to get your heart rate up. Along the way, there are side trails that drop down to hidden swimming areas and rocky outcrops where you can sit and take in the sweeping view.
At the top, I found a quiet spot and just sat for a while, looking out over the water and soaking it all in. It’s wild how a place so close to downtown can feel so remote.
Tubbs Hill is a must-do in Coeur d"Alene, when locals find out you are a tourist, they will ask if you have done it.
Yoga & Mimosas on a Lake Cruise
On my final morning, I signed up for something a little different—a Yoga & Mimosas Cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
The boat had a large open deck where we laid out yoga mats and went through a gentle flow led by a local instructor, Yoga Kim & Company. The lake breeze, the sunshine, and the panoramic views made it one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever practiced yoga in.
Your ticket includes a mimosa. After the class fresh mimosas were served while the boat cruised past cliffs, forested peninsulas, and private homes tucked into the hills. It was the perfect blend of wellness and indulgence—and a really unique way to see the lake from a different perspective.
Final Thoughts
I came to Coeur d’Alene looking for a lake escape and left completely refreshed. What makes this place so special isn’t just the stunning scenery (though that’s a big part of it); it’s how effortlessly you can go from biking a forested trail, to paddleboarding on calm water, to sipping a mimosa on a boat—all in a weekend, without ever feeling rushed. It’s the kind of town that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and soak it all in—whether you’re out on the water, hiking through the pines, or just watching the sun dip behind the mountains. With so much adventure packed into one small town, it’s no surprise that everyone else wants to be here too. It can get busy, especially in peak season—but it’s absolutely worth it.
And yes, I’ll definitely be back.
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