Located 60 minutes north of the highly popular city of Coeur d’Alene lies a lesser-known town with equal charm, a slower pace, and surpassing beauty.
For a family with two toddlers, time in the car is a resource quickly spent. That said, the journey to the upper lake of Pend Oreille is well worth the trip.
The drive itself is a scenic adventure, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and forests that define the Inland Northwest.
If craft food, privacy, and stunning beauty are things you look for in a day trip, Sandpoint, ID is your destination.
This town embodies the essence of the Inland Northwest: scenic lakes, hikes, and inviting eateries.

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Morning in Sandpoint
Breakfast at Winter Ridge Natural Foods
The way our family does breakfast is with lots of protein for the littles and lots of caffeine for the grown-ups. Sandpoint has us covered! We’re the type to choose whole foods over fast foods, so if we’re arriving early or starting out our day, we head straight to Winter Ridge Natural Foods.
From the shelves and fridges stocked with Idaho artisan cheeses, cured meats, and locally baked goods to the hot food bar with many options and clean ingredients, Winter Ridge is a must-stop for those seeking healthy and tasty options.
Other breakfast options:
- Hoot Owl Cafe: A cozy diner known for its hearty breakfasts and welcoming atmosphere. Located just outside Sandpoint, it’s the perfect spot for those looking for a classic American breakfast with a local touch.
- Connie’s Cafe & Lounge: This cafe offers a blend of traditional American breakfast options and a comfortable lounge experience. With its central location in Sandpoint, Connie’s is a great place to start your day with a satisfying meal.
- Spuds Waterfront Grill: Situated right on the waterfront, Spuds offers a scenic view and a delicious range of breakfast and brunch options. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to enjoy a meal with a view of Lake Pend Oreille.
Coffee time at Evans Brothers
As surprising as it may sound, North Idaho is a coffee haven. But we make no attempt to hide our preference because Sandpoint is home to our favorite coffee brewers in the world, Evans Brothers.
Perfect for our pallets, Evans Bros’ smooth yet bold coffee has never disappointed.
I recall one of our first visits to Evans Bros when I requested 3 shots of espresso in my 16 oz Oat Latte. My barista responded graciously, “Our 16 ounces always come with three shots.” That was the moment I knew these were my people. (I mentioned we like to be caffeinated, right?)
Two more coffee shop options:
- Panhandle Cone & Coffee: This unique spot offers a delightful combination of coffee, baked goods, and homemade ice cream. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its high-quality coffee and the chance to indulge in a sweet treat.
- Monarch Mountain Coffee: Known for its warm atmosphere and excellent coffee, Monarch Mountain Coffee is a cozy place to start your morning or enjoy a midday pick-me-up. The shop prides itself on its selection of brews and teas, catering to various tastes.

A stroll or nature walk
If you enjoy a light (or rigorous) walk in the morning, we recommend getting out in the neighborhoods.
Charming beach homes line the streets, and the town suits a window-shopper’s desires. If you’re visiting Sandpoint in the summer, an early morning nature walk along the lake at the Pend Oreille Bay Trail will keep you cool.
This is an easy trail, well-suited for small children. Fair warning: this is a dog-loving town, and many people will allow their well-trained dogs to walk off-leash.
Three more trails to try:
- Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail: A lakeside trail offering scenic views along Lake Pend d’Oreille’s northwest edge. It’s an easy trail, perfect for a leisurely hike or a family outing, starting near Sandpoint City Beach.
- Long Bridge Trail: Excellent for a short walk out of Sandpoint, it offers beautiful views and a straightforward path, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without venturing too far from the city.
- Mineral Point Trail: Known for its stunning views and serene environment, the Mineral Point Trail is a bit more challenging but rewards hikers with beautiful landscapes. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore the natural beauty surrounding Sandpoint.

Midday meals and activities
Picnic at City Beach Park
For midday meals, it’s hard to go wrong with the plethora of restaurants available.
With our children, restaurant excursions are not always our go-to, and we often find everything we want and more at Winter Ridge.
These morsels are usually brought to the City Beach Park for a picnic on the grass so the kids can run free the moment they decide to be done.
- Spuds Waterfront Grill: This spot is perfect for those looking to enjoy traditional American cuisine with a view. Located right on the waterfront, Spuds offers both delicious meals and scenic views of Lake Pend Oreille, making it a popular choice.
- MickDuff’s Brewing Company: A favorite among locals for its Irish pub atmosphere and an impressive selection of locally brewed beers. MickDuff’s serves up hearty pub fare that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch, all in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Swimming at Lake Pend Oreille
Now, we arrive at what is, most sincerely, our main objective for the trek to this northern lake.
Pend Oreille has perhaps the clearest water of any public beach we have ever seen. We’ve been thrilled to attend morning, afternoon, and evening for what we call “the closest thing to Hawaii in the Inland Northwest.”
Though many other families will be present during the summer, we have never regretted participating in the refreshing swimming opportunities (both in beauty and in temperature).
There’s a reason it’s called Sandpoint. The smooth beach is a perfect place to reside between dips and is loads of fun for sand-loving littles.

Afternoon delights
Cedar Street Bridge Public Market
The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is an excellent choice for a cool down after the lake’s fun.
Boutiques and gift shops fill this cozy space but the reason we go is for the children’s museum! The tremendous energy of our bubs needs to be expended somewhere, and here, there are many opportunities for fun.
The open children’s area includes a big toy play zone, a game area, and an art center.
Note: You will have to walk past a very enticing candy shop – you’ve been warned.
Evening in Sandpoint
Dining options
Finish off your day with a bite at any of the canal-adjacent restaurants like The Bank, Barrel 33, or Spuds.
Other dinner options:
- 113 Main: This spot stands out for its sophisticated ambiance and innovative culinary fare, paired with expertly crafted cocktails. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a refined dining experience in Sandpoint, with a focus on new American cuisine.
- Sweet Lou’s Restaurant and Bar: Offering hearty American cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere, Sweet Lou’s is perfect for families and groups looking for a satisfying meal. From burgers to bar favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Eichardt’s Pub: A Sandpoint staple, Eichardt’s provides a relaxed pub environment where guests can enjoy traditional American fare alongside a selection of coffee and drinks. It’s a great spot for a casual dinner with friends or family.
Dessert at Panhandle Cone and Coffee
Perhaps more importantly, we HIGHLY recommend closing out your evening with a visit to North Idaho’s own Panhandle Cone and Coffee.
This ice cream shop contains a wide variety of flavors offering the classics as well as their own inventions. Dairy-free options are available and may even entice lovers of cow’s milk with flavors like Coconut Caramel and Salted Ganache.

Sunset and golden hour
Take your cone on a walk and catch the sunset and golden hour on the lake. The City Beach Park and Marina walking paths are lovely in the shaded 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not miss Sandpoint the next time you visit North Idaho! It is truly a perfect family getaway, offering warmth, beauty, and simple joys at every turn.
