We’re experiencing a walking renaissance.
Growing awareness of stress and cortisol levels has gifted us the thumbs up to experience “relaxed exercise.”
Simply walking has quickly become a pastime for us on our vacations.
And who can blame us?
Who wants to get back in the car after a long drive to the destination so that you can get to do the things you traveled so far to do?
What if you could step out the door of your Airbnb and continue your adventure…on foot?
Enter Coeur d’Alene, ID.
From spacious parks to beautiful views and exciting nightlife, CDA is a town worth walking.
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Spacious parks
CDA’s vibe screams “fun for all ages.”
And nowhere is this better expressed than at McEuen Park.
With a multifaceted playground and splash pad, our kids start gleefully squealing the moment we get out of the car.
McEuen spans 4 acres of picnic-ready lawn that is well-kept year-round.
Follow the Centennial Trail through the park to explore the beautiful Veterans Memorial and old-timey statues that line the path.
There’s even a dog park for your pup to run off some energy.
Multiple onsite (and clean) facilities also make McEuen a great pad for launching out of or landing on your walking tour of Coeur D’Alene.
(Shout out to Pilgrim’s Market for always supplying us with ample provisions for our McEuen picnics.)
Charming neighborhoods
Neighborhood walks may not sound like the most exhilarating experience…but that’s kind of the point.
Want to lower your stress level a bit after a stressful road trip into town?
Pick a neighborhood and wind your way through this city’s charming streets.
We recommend any of the following neighborhoods:
- Fort Grounds
One of the oldest neighborhoods in CDA, Fort Grounds has an eclectic mix of beautiful homes. It is perfect for a brief wander after a dip at City Beach on the adjacent block. - Sanders Beach
On the other side of town, you’ll find a mix of beach houses, mansions, and other luxury homes, enough to make you drool. Sanders Beach is also close to the water, offering a sublime late-evening summer stroll with stunning views. - Garden District
With Victorian and Tudor-style homes, the Garden District is (perhaps not surprisingly) one of the greenest parts of town. Located a bit off the water, you’ll find a delightful afternoon walk, well-shaded from the mid-day sun beneath a generous canopy of trees.
We love exploring and re-exploring these cute vignettes of CDA.
But if neighborhoods sound too mundane for you, take a turn downtown for some fun.

Engaging Downtown
Downtown CDA has long been a favorite setting for ambling, with no shortage of restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops.
Our morning routine involves a stop by one of our favorite coffee houses—Evans Bros or CDA Coffee Co.—followed by window-shopping down Sherman or Lakeside Ave.
Heading west, we arrive at The Shops and peruse the resort-adjacent mini-mall.
Finally, with a load of options to choose from, we turn back toward town and settle in for a delicious lunch.
Of course, don’t sleep on CDA’s downtown evening and nightlife. Wednesday night hosts a substantial farmer’s market (mid-May – September) from 4 to 7 PM. And with craft food and beverages galore, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an eatery that lets you down.
Whatever time of the day you find yourself there, downtown is a great way to spend a few hours on foot in this beautiful city.

The Waterfront
You’re missing out if you don’t plan on getting in the water at some point (unless it’s winter).
CDA is called the “Lake City” for a reason.
Our post on water activities: Wet and Wild: Your Guide to Water Fun on Lake Coeur d’Alene
From late Spring through early Autumn, the waterfront serves as a perfect “dip and walk” destination. Beginning at the resort and stretching well past the college, the waterfront path is a must for walkers at any time of day.
Check out the Riverstone waterfront boardwalk if you want to change things up.
This is a great way to get the blood flowing into your body after a long movie at the Regal Cinema or after a delicious bite at Vicino Pizza or Terraza Waterfront Grill.
With a city so close to the lake, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views.

Panoramic hiking
Tubbs Hill is a stellar and scalable hike for people of all ages.
We’ve taken our boy (3 y/o) on the path around the hill, and he’s done great. (Our 1 y/o daughter is perfect in the front pack.)
Without the kids, we take the upper road to the summit—a moderate hike with a vista payoff that over-delivers.
Whichever path you take, you won’t be disappointed when it comes to lake views.
But the real reason to hike Tubbs (only locals and frequent visitors will know) is to crash at one of the many hidden beaches along the water.
These coves dot the trail—though you will need to hike down a few dozen feet to reach most of them.
The water in these spots is crystal clear, and the smooth stone beaches are stunning.
Tubbs Hill is a must if you’re walking your way through CDA.


Bonus: CDA thrift shops
While you will likely have to drive or bike to reach a few of these, we can’t leave the thrift shops of CDA out of a walking tour.
CDA hosts (literally) dozens of thrift shops.
We love starting our thrifting adventure at Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Thrift, located kiddie corner to the CDA Coffee Co.
Then, we head north to the Idaho Youth Ranch and Gathered For Good.
From there, you can branch off to hit up any of the many remaining thrift shops. Make sure to stop by St. Vincent De Paul for a wide selection of items far beyond just clothing. For higher-end clothes, check out any of the Beau Monde locations!
With a diverse selection of second-hand stores in the Lake City, you won’t be disappointed.
Coeur d’Alene pairs fun with charm and puts it next to a lake
As one of the most walkable towns in the Inland Northwest, CDA is a must-stop for any “chill-exercise” enthusiast.
Catering to the needs of both tranquility-seekers and experience junkies, you don’t want to miss out on this fantastic destination.

