Sandpoint Idaho Accommodations

When Is the Best Time to Visit Sandpoint, ID?

With all of its natural beauty, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy in Sandpoint. In fact, the town's motto, “What a beautiful pace,” exemplifies both its splendor and its laid-back small-town vibe. The best time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit is from early December to late March, when an average of 61 inches of snow falls in the area, allowing for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other cold-weather pastimes. Visitors in January will enjoy the lowest rates, making it the best time to engage in snow-related activities.

For those who enjoy more temperate weather, summer in Sandpoint is hard to beat. From June through August, temperatures rarely reach above the low 80s with almost no humidity, resulting in comfortable weather for all visitors and perfect for water sports, fishing, hiking, or horseback riding. July is the height of the season for both tourists and hotel rates, so perhaps consider a visit in spring or fall instead. Just be sure to pack an umbrella, as cooler temperatures may be accompanied by an increased chance of rain.

What Are the Best Hotel Discounts in Sandpoint, ID?

Known as a traveler's friend for decades, AAA offers many hotel discounts, including at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Sandpoint, where pets are welcome. AAA members can save 10% while enjoying free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free newspapers, free fitness facilities, and free parking (even for large vehicles).

Another Wyndham property, the La Quinta Inn, also provides the AAA discount, along with free “Bright Side” breakfast, outdoor pool, and pillowtop mattresses. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Connie's Restaurant, located onsite, then work off that meal in the fully-equipped fitness center. Pets are welcome, and both the parking and the Wi-Fi are free. You can even ditch your car and take advantage of Sandpoint's free bus system, “SPOT,” using the mobile app to locate the bus headed toward your next stop.

Yet another hotel offering the AAA discount is the Best Western Edgewater Resort. True to its name, this hotel is located at the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho, just steps from Sandpoint City Beach Park. The picnic area and beachfront restaurant allow for waterside dining. Indoors, guests can enjoy the pool and free Wi-Fi. Best Western also offers a 15% discount to seniors over age 55 and discounts of up to 10% for government employees and those serving in the armed forces.

What Are the Best Hotel Value Options in Sandpoint, ID?

For those seeking extra travel value, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites is newly-renovated, pet-friendly, and just a 10-minute drive to both Schweitzer Mountain and the Sandpoint Elks Golf Course. Add a free breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool, and conveniences like bedside outlets to the hotel's reasonable rates to make this a top value choice.

Another good value that provides guests with a different perspective is the Clark Fork Lodge, just a few minutes' drive from Sandpoint around Lake Pend Oreille. This family-owned and operated, lakeside retreat provides immediate access to hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and gorgeous vistas. In the winter the hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access, while during the summer, guests can enjoy an outdoor picnic area with barbecue grills. Year-round amenities include satellite television, high-speed Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes with full-size refrigerators.

What Are the Top Visitor Activities in Sandpoint, ID?

Entering Sandpoint from the south, you cross Lake Pend Oreille via the Long Bridge and see your first spectacular, panoramic views of Schweitzer Mountain, the Selkirk Mountain range and the town of Sandpoint itself. The bridge is even part of the Long Bridge Trail, a five-mile walking and biking trail that is wheelchair accessible. Other trails, such as Mineral Point and Gold Hill, provide a variety of activities at different intensity levels for both hikers and bikers.

For those who would rather drive, the International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile tour through Idaho, Washington, and even Canada. It encompasses two national scenic byways: Pend Oreille and Wild Horse Trail. And lake lovers can enjoy Lake Pend Oreille with a themed cruise, such as sunset dessert cruise, dinner cruise, or wine tasting cruise.

Back on land, visitors can peruse the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market (inspired by Italy's Ponte Vecchio), visit Pend d'Oreille Winery or MickDuff's Brewing Company, or attend special events such as the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, the Idaho State Draft Horse International Show, and the annual “Lost in the '50s” Car Show. The classic Panida Theater (named for the PANhandle of IDAho), built in 1927, has held entertainment events since the vaudeville era and currently hosts a variety of concerts, films, and dance performances, while the Pend Oreille Arts Council hosts the annual ArtWalk and Arts & Crafts Fair (which recently moved from City Beach to downtown).

From these artistic endeavors to the burgeoning culinary scene to the plethora of year-round outdoor activities available, Sandpoint has something that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. The town truly is a gem in the Gem State of Idaho.