Sandpoint, ID is one of those towns that instantly feels special. Maybe it’s the way Lake Pend Oreille sparkles at sunrise, or how Schweitzer Mountain seems to call you up for an afternoon adventure. Or maybe it’s the local charm of the coffee shops where baristas remember your name, the breweries pouring small-batch favorites, and the quirky little spots you’d only find here.
If you’re planning a trip (or just want to play tourist in your own town), you’ll quickly realize there are so many unique things to do in Sandpoint. From astonishing adventures to favorable foods, here are some of our favorite ways to experience the magic of our lakeside mountain town.
In this article:
- Connect with friends at Evans Brothers Coffee
- Tackle two kinds of skiing in one day
- Cozy on up at Connie's Café
- Shop ‘til you drop
- Dance to music on a boat
- Enjoy a burrito at Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant
- Support a local author
- Aim for health at Heart Bowls
- Meander around the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market
- Spend an evening wining and dining
- Kick back with a beer at MickDuff's Brewing Company
- Treat yourself to an evening of live music
- Explore the trails at Pine Street Woods
1. Connect with friends at Evans Brothers Coffee
There’s something about starting your day with a great cup of coffee, and Evans Brothers Coffee has perfected the art of making it feel special. The space is bright and welcoming, with plenty of room to catch up with a friend, meet with your book club, or just linger over a latte while the world goes by.
Beyond the coffee itself (which is roasted right here in Sandpoint by our very own Daniel Gunter), it’s the sense of community that keeps people coming back. Evans Brothers isn’t just a place to grab caffeine; it’s where connections are made, ideas are shared, and mornings turn into something memorable.
2. Tackle two kinds of skiing in one day
Only in Sandpoint can you pull off something this epic: snow skiing and water skiing in the same day. Thanks to Schweitzer Mountain and Lake Pend Oreille, adventure-seekers can experience the best of both worlds without ever leaving town.
As Ben Olson, Publisher of the Sandpoint Reader, puts it, “If you time it right, you can snow ski and water ski on the same day in the late spring. Wear a Hawaiian shirt and a cape for your last day of riding at Schweitzer, then don a wetsuit and take your boat out on a calm section of water to check off the ultimate local's bucket list item.”
It’s part thrill, part bragging rights, and all Sandpoint. If you’re up for the challenge, this combo should definitely make your must-try list.
3. Cozy on up at Connie's Café
For more than 70 years, Connie's Café has been the kind of place where locals and visitors alike feel right at home. Recently named Food Network’s #1 Diner in Idaho for 2025, Connie’s serves up hearty, homemade meals at a price that feels just as comforting as the food itself. Slide into a retro diner booth for breakfast, or wander into the lounge for a laid-back evening filled with live music, trivia, cribbage, or jam nights.
No matter where you sit, you’ll find friendly faces, genuine small-town hospitality, and the kind of charm that keeps people coming back again and again.
4. Shop ‘til you drop
La Chic Boutique
La Chic Boutique, right in the heart of Sandpoint, is more than just a store - it’s a space where community, creativity, and connection all come together. Step inside to browse a carefully curated mix of consignment clothing and whimsical, sassy gifts that are sure to bring a smile.
What makes shopping here even better? Most purchases help support local initiatives in nature, education, and mental health, so every find has a purpose. Whether you’re hunting for a new-found wardrobe addition or the perfect gift, La Chic Boutique makes shopping feel thoughtful, fun, and full of heart.
Larson’s Good Clothes
A true North Idaho original, Larson’s has been part of the community since 1940. Family-owned and operated, the shop has spent decades outfitting locals with quality clothing at prices that feel just right.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t just pop in for clothes; you stop by to see familiar faces, swap a story or two, and maybe discover your new favorite jacket or pair of jeans. Larson’s proves that some things never go out of style: good clothes, good value, and good people.
5. Dance to music on a boat
It takes a special place to be able to rock out to a world-class music festival while floating on the water. The Festival at Sandpoint takes place along the shores of the Pend Oreille River, giving boaters a front-row seat with a twist.
“Ever watched a music festival from a boat?” questions Ben Olson. “The Festival at Sandpoint's location alongside the Pend Oreille River provides boaters with a unique vantage point to watch and listen to their favorite performing artists from their own vessel.”
6. Enjoy a burrito at Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant
Craving something hearty and delicious? Head down to Jalapeños Mexican Restaurant, a Sandpoint favorite that’s been serving quality Mexican food for over 33 years. With a full bar, banquet room, spacious dining areas, and even deck seating, it’s the perfect spot for everything from a casual lunch to a lively night out with friends.
7. Support a local author
Just a couple of blocks from Evans Brothers Coffee, you’ll find Keokee, a Sandpoint-based marketing and publishing company that proudly shines a spotlight on local voices. They fill their imprint with books written and published right here in the community; perfect for picking up something new to read while supporting local authors at the same time.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to grab a free copy of Sandpoint Magazine, which Keokee also publishes. It’s a great way to discover even more about the people, stories, and places that make Sandpoint so special.
8. Aim for health at Heart Bowls
For a pick-me-up that’s as colorful as it is nourishing, Heart Bowls is the place to go. This cheerful café serves up açaí bowls piled high with toppings, bright smoothies, creamy avocado toasts, and hearty rice bowls that leave you feeling good long after the last bite.
What makes it even better? Everything is crafted with care for both people and the planet. With compostable, plastic-free serveware and ingredients sourced from local farmers, Heart Bowls proves that eating well can also do good. It’s the kind of spot where you stop in for a quick meal but end up staying for the good vibes.
9. Meander around the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market
Built right over Sand Creek, the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is one of those places that’s fun just to wander. Inside, you’ll find a mix of shops, local art, and little surprises tucked around every corner. Maybe it’s a handmade necklace that catches your eye, a vintage treasure you didn’t know you needed, or just a cozy spot to people-watch.
It’s got that “come as you are” vibe; kids can play, friends can linger, and you never quite know what you’ll stumble across.
10. Spend an evening wining and dining
If you’re in the mood for good wine and good vibes, the Pend Oreille Winery is the place to be. They’re known for their award-winning wines, but it’s the atmosphere that really makes it special. You can sip something local, share a handcrafted meal, and stick around for live music that always draws a crowd.
It’s the kind of spot where you settle in, lose track of time, and feel like part of the Sandpoint community by the end of the night.
11. Kick back with a beer at MickDuff's Brewing Company
If there’s one spot that feels like the heart of Sandpoint’s craft beer scene, it’s MickDuff’s Brewing Co. Since 2006, they’ve been pouring pints and keeping the community well-fed, making them one of Idaho’s brewing originals.
Want a classic pub experience? Head to the historic Pub on Second Avenue for hearty food and brews. Craving something more laid-back? The Beer Hall on Cedar Street is where you’ll find locals swapping stories over cold pints, often with live music and a lively crowd.
12. Treat yourself to an evening of live music
Every town has that bar with stories in the walls, and in Sandpoint, it’s 219 Lounge. For more than 80 years it’s been the place where nights stretch a little longer. By day, it’s a chill spot to grab a cold drink on the patio. By night, it transforms. Music from live bands spills into the streets, carrying the unmistakable energy of a bar that’s been part of Sandpoint for generations.
13. Explore the trails at Pine Street Woods
Just minutes from downtown, Pine Street Woods is Sandpoint’s 180-acre community forest; a place to hike, bike, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air. The trails are wide and welcoming, perfect for families, casual strollers, or anyone looking to spend time outdoors without venturing too far from town.
In winter, the paths transform into groomed routes for cross-country skiing and fat biking, making it a true year-round destination. Best of all, it’s free and open to everyone, thanks to the support of the local community and Kaniksu Land Trust.
Unique things to do in Sandpoint: Final thoughts
At the end of the day, Sandpoint isn’t just about checking things off a list; it’s about slowing down and soaking it all in. Maybe that looks like catching a mountain sunset, wandering into a local shop, or lingering over coffee with friends. However you spend your time here, these unique things to do in Sandpoint are what make this little town feel so special.
Come with a loose plan, leave room for surprises, and let Sandpoint do the rest.