As if I haven’t said it enough, McCall is my favorite place in Idaho. Any time I need to go to my “happy place” I’ll think of laying out on the dock by the cabin, water-skiing on the lake, stand-up paddle boarding, or going on adventures in the mountains.
I’d been saying to my girlfriends that we should do a girl’s weekend in McCall for a while and we finally got our shiz together and planned a weekend! Thank god, because it was so relaxing and I needed a recharge!
Below I have a list of our adventures to help you plan your own girls’ weekend in McCall!
Where to Stay
Whenever I go to McCall I stay at my grandparent’s cabin, but for a girl’s weekend in McCall, I highly recommend staying in a cabin Airbnb rental by or on the lake!
Another option if you are able to splurge is to stay at The Shore Lodge. It’s a beautiful resort located right on the lake and close to downtown McCall. Instead of indulging in a basic continental breakfast, The Shore Lodge offers a delicious sit-down breakfast that you can enjoy with your girlfriends. This includes Shakshuka and Avocado Toast, yum!
Read Reviews | Book Your Stay at Shore Lodge
Scandia Inn is another great option with a beautiful design and is near downtown McCall!
What to Do on a Girl’s Weekend in McCall Stay in McCall, Idaho
Have a Spa Day at the Cove Spa
The Cove Spa is located right at Shore Lodge! It features immersion pools and a full-service menu. Spend your day relaxing with your girls while indulging in their spa services. Get a facial or massage or simply float around in the pool.
They even have outdoor-themed facials, such as the forest Flora! It is a strawberry rhubarb hyaluronic serum that packs a powerful punch for your skin. This repairing facial includes two customized masks as well as a lip repair and eye-brightening treatment to help even the most tired skin bounce back. Sign me up!
Spend time on the Payette Lake
We went boating, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing during our time in McCall. We even made clay mud masks from mud my uncle found at the bottom of the lake. HA! Water sports are usually the highlight of my trips to McCall and they are easy to rent.
You can rent water sports gear from a lot of places in McCall, but I recommend the Mile High Marina.
Visit Some Hot Springs
There are over one thousand hot springs in the United States and Mccall Idaho has a few for you to enjoy We ventured to a hidden and excluded hot spring called Last Chance Hot Springs. A lot of people told us it was private property and they had shut it down to the public, but we drove over and walked right up to it. No one was there and it was GLORIOUS!!
There are a lot of public hot springs in the McCall area as well, check this site for their locations. If you love outdoor activities you have to check it out for yourself!
Go Hiking
There are 300+ alpine lakes hidden in the mountains around McCall. This means there are tons of incredible hikes! Here’s a list of my favorites, but one of my favorite easier hikes is Louie Lake and the views at the top of the lake and mountains are insane. It’s the perfect hike for a girl’s weekend since it’s not too hard and won’t take all day.
Another scenic lake hike is the Payette Lake Peninsula Trail in Ponderosa State Park, which is 10 minutes north of McCall, Idaho. This easy 4-mile trail offers great views of the lake since you will be walking alongside it. It’s lovely to enjoy during any season!
The state park does have a $10 fee to enter, but the serene atmosphere makes it completely worth paying the small price. A perfect addition to add to your weekend getaway.
Look out for wildlife!
Keep your eyes peeled because you might see a deer or some other kind of animal! Also, keep your eyes peeled if you drive down Warren Wagon Road because you might see a bobcat sitting outside. He’s someone’s pet and you can go up and meet him if you’d like…weird? lol Only in Idaho. 🙂
It comes as no surprise this area has plenty of wildlife with national forests in the surrounding area. There are even some major national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Tetons that are just a road trip away!
Eat & Pick Huckleberries
Huckleberries are a popular berry that grows in Idaho in the summer. They are smaller than a blueberry and a little more sour, but sooo good! Try huckleberry everything! The gift shop in town also has a ton of huckleberry items. I recommend trying 44 North, the huckleberry vodka, and then also trying the huckleberry pancakes and syrup, ice cream and shakes. All are amazing!
Picking huckleberries is a family-friendly activity that is great to add to any girl’s getaway weekend.
Go Horseback Riding
There are a ton of trails in McCall to go horseback riding in the mountains and the views are to die for! I recommend Ya-Hoo Corrals.
This excursion is excellent for those who love outdoor adventures with their girls!
Where to Eat in McCall, Idaho
Eat lunch at My Father’s Place. Their burger, fries, and shakes are to DIE FOR. This restaurant is a MUST!
Go taste the beer at the Salmon River Brew Co. Try the huckleberry beer. YUM.
Have a wine and a salad or sandwich while playing a game of bocce ball at Bistro 45
Make sure to get the giant ‘headsize’ cinnamon roll at the Pancake House for breakfast
Go out on the town and hit up Foresters and the Yacht Club. These are the two main bars on the main street and they were surprisingly poppin’ on a Friday night!
Go to the famous and favorite ice cream shop, Ice Cream Alley for a cone! You will not be disappointed.
For a nice dinner, go to Steamers for steak.
Have a drink or brunch on the water at the Cutwater at Shore Lodge
Anything else you want to add to the list of things to do for a girl’s weekend in McCall Idaho? If you’re looking to have a bachelorette in McCall, be sure to add some of the above to your activity list! Also, check out my girlfriend’s getaway guide to Sun Valley Idaho if you’re heading that way.
READ NEXT:
8 Best Hikes Near McCall Idaho
What to Do in McCall Idaho in the Winter
The 12 Best Places to Visit in Idaho
How fun! We love McCall too! I’ve been to alot of those places you mentioned. Our family has a home in New Meadows . I love spending our summers there.
I was wondering where the swinging bridge is?
Anita
It really is a special place! It’s a few miles from Smith’s Ferry and somewhat hard to find, but this map sort of shows where it is! http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMAT50_Big_Eddy_Bridge_Idaho