I grew up most of my life in a little town in Southern Idaho called Twin Falls. It’s situated about 2 hours south of Boise and about an hour away from Sun Valley, Idaho.
Twin Falls is a typical Idaho town with a population of about 50,000 people. It’s mainly popular because of its vicinity to the Snake River Canyon and the famous Shoshone Falls. Many people also drive through Twin Falls on their way to Yellowstone National Park, Boise or Salt Lake City. The town itself is surrounded by the Snake River Canyon, lots and lots of farmland and cattle, and smaller farm towns like Filer, Jerome, and Kimberly.
Since I now live in Boise and get to live closer to Twin Falls, I decided to put together a little list of things to do in Twin Falls. Hopefully, this will be helpful if you’re visiting Idaho or ever find yourself driving through the town and looking for some fun things to do in Twin Falls.
I recommend spending 1–2 days in Twin Falls. One day is enough to see the major highlights like Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge, and downtown. If you have a second day, you can kayak to Blue Heart Springs, explore Thousand Springs State Park, or take a day trip to Hagerman or Buhl.
Best Things to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho
Visit the Stunning Shoshone Falls Park
Shoshone Falls are actually some of the most amazing falls I’ve ever seen in the United States, and I grew up right next to them! What’s even cooler is they are 212 feet higher than Niagara Falls. People actually call them the “Niagara of the West”! You can drive right up to them, and from the lookout, you can feel the spray of the falls.
The view is pretty mesmerizing, and there’s also a large park next to the falls, Shoshone Falls Park, so you can bring a picnic and hang out here. Next door to Shoshone Falls is Dierkes Lake and Bass Lake (mentioned below), so you really can make a whole day out of hanging out in that area. See my reel of the Niagara of the West!
Paddle the Snake River to Shoshone Falls or Pillar Falls
If you’d rather get a bit more adventurous, I recommend kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding the Snake River to Shoshone Falls. You’ll go under the Perrine Bridge and get spectacular canyon views. The entire route is a 7.5-mile round trip and took me about 5.5 hours, and that’s with stopping for snacks, photos, and portaging across Pillar Falls, which can take a while.
If you’d rather go to the Perrine Bridge and back, it will be about a mile. You can rent your gear at AWOL Adventure Sports in Centennial Waterfront Park. My kayak rental was $25 for the day. Check out my full guide to kayaking to Shoshone Falls here.
Walk along the Perrine Bridge
The Perrine Bridge has become famous because it is a popular spot for BASE jumping and base jumpers. People from all over the world come here to jump off of it! It’s one of the tallest bridges in the USA and is the main connector to get into Twin Falls if you’re coming from Boise or one of the farming towns like Jerome.
When you drive across the bridge to get into Twin Falls, you’ll see the newly remodeled Twin Falls Visitors Center. I recommend parking in their lot and then walking over to the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail along the canyon. These will be some of the best canyon views you’ll see in Twin Falls! You can also walk across the bridge if you’d like!
Go to Perrine Coulee Falls
Not far from the Perrine Bridge is the Perrine Coulee Falls. You can either view it from the top of the canyon, drive to it, or hike to it. I like to drive down to it via the Centennial Falls Canyon entrance. When you see the large curve in the road with parking spots alongside the left of the road, you’ll be able to see a small opening to walk down to Perrine Coulee Falls. You can even walk behind the falls!
Adventure Down into the Snake River Canyon
One of my favorite things about Twin Falls is probably the Snake River Canyon. There are a ton of great hikes, places to go boating, and areas for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, golfing, and canoeing. Some people rock climb, and others BASE jump off the bridge. Dierkes Lake and Bass Lake are the most popular lakes in the canyon and the perfect places to swim and fish in the summer.
Bass Lake is part of the Blue Lakes Country Club, so you technically need to be a member to go, but Dierkes Lake is open to the public and a little larger. These are both great places to hang out and swim.
Eat or Grab Drinks on the Canyon Rim
Quite a few new hot spots are popping up in Twin Falls for food and drinks, but if you’re visiting for the first time, you must grab drinks or dinner on the canyon rim! I recommend going to happy hour at Elevation 486 for the view! Come here on a warm summer evening to watch the sunset and enjoy an Idaho Lemonade or a Corona Rita. Happy Hour is from 2-5 pm every day! Then, you can head to Red Hawk Gastropub for dinner!
Visit the Herrett Center for Arts and Science and the Faulkner Planetarium
I grew up going to shows at the Herrett Center’s Faulkner Planetarium and just loved them. It’s a great activity for the entire family and the shows they put on are amazing. Another fun activity, especially on a rainy day, is visiting the Herrett Center’s museum. These are all owned by the College of Southern Idaho and are fun for the whole family.
(via Visit Idaho)
Visit downtown Twin Falls for shops, food, and drink
When I grew up in Twin Falls, the downtown was a bit run-down. Nowadays, it’s the place to be! With new breweries and restaurants popping up all over, it’s a great mix of new and old. I’ve got a list below of my favorite restaurants and bars in Twin Falls, both downtown and around town! I’d recommend stopping into the Glanbia Cheese Marketplace, Oh La La Boutique, Retail Therapy Boutique, or Hueology.
Zipline in the canyon
This zipline was added a few years after I moved away from Twin Falls. Zip the Snake allows you to zipline in the canyon. It doesn’t take you clear from one side of the canyon to the other, but it still has to be a thrill. Next time I’m in town I have it on my list to try!
The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail goes on for twelve miles along the canyon edge! It even takes you under Perrine Bridge. It’s a great spot for a stroll or a jog with amazing views. You can actually start the trail at the Shoshone Falls State Park and end it at the Perrine Bridge! Along the way, you’ll pass by Perrine Coulee Falls, and if you continue on, you’ll be able to reach some of the restaurants along the canyon rim!
Go Golfing
If you want a unique golfing experience—golfing in the Snake River Canyon might be for you. The popular golf course, Canyon Springs Golf Course is located in the canyon and you’ll get beautiful views!
Take a dip at Dierkes Lake
If you’re visiting Twin Falls in the summer, Dierkes Lake is the place to be. It’s a lake in the Snake River Canyon that you can swim in, complete with a grassy lawn and beach. It’s not far from Shoshone Falls Park, so you can easily do both within the same excursion. This area can get busy in the summer with people swimming and picnicking!
In the lake is a floating dock where people swim to and jump off. This is definitely a great spot to cool off in the hotter months!
Twin Falls is one of those places that’s very easy to visit with kids. Many of the biggest attractions are outdoors, there’s plenty of room to run around, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a fun day. Growing up here, I spent countless afternoons exploring the canyon, swimming at Dierkes Lake, and visiting Shoshone Falls, and they’re still some of the places I’d recommend first.
Here are some of my favorite family-friendly things to do in Twin Falls:
Visit Shoshone Falls Park and enjoy the overlooks, picnic areas, and walking paths
Spend the afternoon swimming or having a picnic at Dierkes Lake
Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Centennial Waterfront Park
Visit the Herrett Center for Arts & Science and catch a show at the Faulkner Planetarium
Walk or bike the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail and watch for BASE jumpers from Perrine Bridge
Walk Behind the Perrine Coulee Waterfall
Grab ice cream after exploring downtown Twin Falls.
Let the kids burn off energy at one of Twin Falls’ city parks or splash pads during the summer
Local Tip: If you’re visiting with younger kids, I’d pair Shoshone Falls with Dierkes Lake. They’re right next to each other, making it easy to see one of Idaho’s most famous waterfalls before spending the afternoon swimming or having a picnic.
Best Day Trips from Twin Falls
Visit Balanced Rock State Park (45 Minutes from Twin Falls)
Balanced Rock is one of Southern Idaho’s most unique natural landmarks. It’s a 48 feet tall balancing rock on a surprisingly small base, it’s worth the short detour if you’re exploring the area. There’s a small picnic area and an easy walk to the rock, making it a fun stop for families or anyone road-tripping through Southern Idaho.
If you have extra time while visiting Twin Falls, I highly recommend taking the 40-minute drive to Thousand Springs State Park. It’s one of the most unique areas in Southern Idaho and feels completely different from the dramatic canyon scenery around Twin Falls. You can see my full guide to it here.
Instead of waterfalls flowing over cliffs, you’ll see crystal-clear springs literally pouring out of the canyon walls and into the Snake River. It’s hard to believe the amount of water coming straight out of the rocks and let me tell you…it’s GORGEOUS!! The park is actually made up of several different units, so you can easily spend half a day or more exploring. Some of my favorite stops include Ritter Island, Malad Gorge, Blue Heart Springs, and Box Canyon Springs, where you’ll find one of the largest freshwater springs in North America.
Blue Heart Springs, has to be one of Idaho’s most beautiful landmarks. The water is an unreal turquoise blue, and the only way to reach it is by kayak or paddleboard along the Snake River. It’s one of my favorite places in Idaho and absolutely worth the trip if you’re looking for a unique outdoor adventure.
Blue heart photos from my friend Mo at Idaho Bucket ListDrone shot from my friend Mo at Idaho Bucket List
Visit Buhl, Idaho: The “Trout Capital of the World”
Buhl, Idaho is just 20 minutes from Twin Falls and makes for an easy little side trip. It’s worth adding to your itinerary if you have a few extra hours. One of the best things to do here is visit the natural hot springs. Miracle Hot Springs is one of the most popular and the most updated. They have private soaking pools and then larger public geothermal pools. They are perfect for a day of relaxing! I love coming in the winter or fall. It’s honestly not too far from Boise as well, so I’ve done it as a day trip. Nearby, you’ll also find Banbury Hot Springs, where you can soak, or even rent kayaks to paddle the Snake River.
Before heading back to Twin Falls, be sure to stop by Cloverleaf Creamery. This is a family-owned dairy that’s famous for its incredibly creamy, old-fashioned ice cream made with milk from cows raised right on the farm. I also love Cedar Draw Cidery if you’re in the mood for a tasting! Their alcoholic ciders are so good and the farm and place to taste is so cute!
Visit Hagerman, Idaho
Another fun option is making the short 35-minute drive to Hagerman. This small Southern Idaho town is packed with unique history, beautiful scenery, and some of the state’s most fascinating natural attractions.
One of the biggest draws is the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. It’s best known for the discovery of the Hagerman Horse, Idaho’s official state fossil. While you can’t see the actual fossil dig sites, you can see interactive exhibits, fossil displays, and information about the area’s incredible prehistoric history. Afterward, you can drive out to the scenic overlooks where you’ll get views of the Snake River Canyon and even preserved Oregon Trail wagon ruts.
If you’re interested in wildlife, stop by the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery. The Hagerman Valley is known as one of the largest trout-producing regions in the country thanks to its constant-flow natural springs, and it’s fun to see thousands of rainbow trout being raised here. If you’re hungry, you can grab lunch at Snake River Grill where they famously serve alligator!
Day Trips Further Afield
All of these places are really close to Twin Falls and fun for an overnight or just a day trip! I grew up going to all of them and miss living so close to all of them. You could even make a Southern trip out of it. Here are some great stops to make along the way!
Besides what I listed above, here are a few more places to get some food and note that they aren’t all in downtown Twin Falls.
Buffalo Cafe – They have the best down-home breakfast, I highly recommend Buffalo Cafe. There’s a buffalo on the wall and it just feels very Twin Falls to me.
The Turf Club – If you want more of an upscale dining experience, you’ll have to try The Turf Club. They have a speakeasy in the back as well called Griff’s and I loved their food and drinks too!
Milner’s Gate – This is inside an old ballroom building and is so cool. They do drinks and a great brunch but also serve lunch and dinner as well.
West Wood Coffee and Social – Come here to get some work done, meet with friends and have some amazing coffee.
Elevation 486 – Right on the canyon rim with gorgeous views, good cocktails and happy hour!
Redhawk Gastropub – Another great spot to grab dinner or lunch right on the canyon rim
2nd South Market – This isn’t downtown, but it’s a popular food hall, perfect for a group!
Twin Falls Sandwich Company – This is a great lunch spot with awesome fresh sandwiches and soups.
Slice – A hip pizza spot with great pies and slice options.
Depot Grill – The perfect old school diner vibes
Glanbia Cheese Marketplace – Go here and try the many different cheeses they offer. Glanbia makes many cheeses you can try, and most are made locally!
Rock Creek – An institution serving up steak and seafood dishes.
Garibaldis – An awesome Mexican food staple.
Trufuel – Awesome acai and breakfast spot!
Best Bars
O’Dunken’s- This is a classic Irish pub that’s been around for a long time. It’s super fun on St. Patrick’s Day, or any day for that matter!
Koto Brewing – This is one of the only breweries in Twin Falls and is really neat! Go here for great pub food and beer.
Anchor Bistro & Sports Bar – This isn’t actually located downtown and on one of the busiest streets in town, but is a fun bar and restaurant that I had to add!
Where to Stay in Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls doesn’t have any boutique hotels, but there are plenty of comfortable places to stay depending on the type of trip you’re planning. If you’re spending a few days exploring waterfalls, hiking the Snake River Canyon, and taking day trips around Southern Idaho, I’d actually recommend booking a vacation rental. There are some beautiful homes (some with canyon views) that might make your stay feel a little more unique than a standard hotel.
The Perrinne Hideaway – This is an awesome A-frame in the canyon in Jerome! So there would be short drive into Twin Falls, but your views and location here can’t be beat!
Canyon Rim Home – Here is a luxury home right on the canyon!
Canyonside Retreat – This is an insanely massive property built for a family weekend or girlfriend or couples getaway! There’s a pool, a speakeasy on property and it’s right on the canyon rim! I’ve gotten to stay here twice and can’t believe how big it is each time!
Cute Craftsman – If you want to be closer to downtown, this is a cute old home near downtown Twin Falls!
Canyonside Retreat
Getting Around Twin Falls
Twin Falls is one of those places where I think having a car makes a huge difference.While downtown is easy to walk once you’ve parked, most of the best attractions in Twin Falls are spread out. Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge, Centennial Waterfront Park, and the nearby towns of Buhl, Hagerman, and Thousand Springs State Park are all easiest to reach by car.
If you’re flying into Twin Falls’ tiny airport, renting a car is definitely the best option so you can explore at your own pace. Parking is generally free throughout downtown and at most attractions. If you’re staying downtown, many restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and the canyon rim trail are just a short drive, or even a walk, from one another.
How to Get to Twin Falls
Flying
The closest airport is Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF), just 15 minutes from downtown Twin Falls. The airport has flights through Salt Lake City. Most people fly into Boise Airport (BOI) and drive from there. BOI has, significantly more nonstop flights and rental car options. From Boise, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Twin Falls, making it an easy weekend road trip. Need Boise reccomendations? I got you right here with my Boise Guide!
Driving
Twin Falls is located directly along Interstate 84, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in Southern Idaho.
Approximate drive times:
Boise: 2 hours
Sun Valley: 1.5 hours
Salt Lake City: 3.5 hours
Pocatello: 2 hours
Jackson, Wyoming: 3.5 hours
If you’re planning a longer Idaho road trip, Twin Falls pairs perfectly with stops in Boise, Bruneau Sand Dunes, Hagerman, Thousand Springs State Park, Craters of the Moon, or Sun Valley. See my Southern Idaho Roadtrip intinerary here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Twin Falls worth visiting?
Yes! Twin Falls is one of the best stops on a Southern Idaho road trip thanks to Shoshone Falls, the Snake River Canyon, Blue Heart Springs, and several easy day trips nearby.
How many days should you spend in Twin Falls?
I recommend spending 1–2 days. That’s enough time to see the main attractions and even fit in a day trip to Thousand Springs, Hagerman, or Buhl.
What is Twin Falls best known for?
Twin Falls is best known for Shoshone Falls, the Perrine Bridge, and the stunning Snake River Canyon.
What is the best time to visit Twin Falls?
Spring through fall is the best time to visit, especially if you want to see Shoshone Falls at peak flow or enjoy kayaking, hiking, and the canyon.
Is Twin Falls a good stop on the way to Yellowstone?
Yes! Twin Falls makes an excellent overnight stop on a Yellowstone road trip and is about a 4-hour drive from the park’s West Entrance.
Psst...interested in exploring more of Idaho? Get this free Idaho road trip itinerary guide!
I’m Katie, a local Idaho blogger who is passionate about sharing my travel tips around Idaho and the rest of the world with you!
About the Author: The Traveling Spud
Welcome to the Traveling Spud! I’m Katie, a 30 something from Idaho who quit her marketing job in San Francisco, California to travel the world for a year. After a trip around the world, my heart chose Idaho. I’m addicted to outdoor adventures, photography, and inspiring others to get out of their comfort zones and cross experiences off of their bucket lists. Let’s explore together! Read more here.
Comments
15 responses to “15+ Things to Do in Twin Falls Idaho”
Katie Chapman
Hi Katie!
After reading your post about Idaho, my friend and I wand to meet in either Idaho falls or twin falls for about three days this fall. She’ll be driving from Reno and I will be coming from billings MT. Do you have any recommendations for what we absolutely must do for those three days? We love outdoor stuff and We’d love to camp so if you have recommendations for either we would greatly appreciate it!
Hi Katie!
Sorry for the delayed reply! I would definitely recommend going to Thousand Springs, Bruneau Sand Dunes or Craters of the Moon. All are short distances from Twin Falls and Boise. In Twin Falls you’ll have to go to Shoshone Falls as well! It’s an amazing waterfall that you shouldn’t miss. I hope you have fun! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for responding! Those sound like awesome suggestions thank you! Do you happen to know of any camping in the Twin Falls area or at any of the sites that you mentioned?
We LOVED Buffalo Cafe!! It was such a great find while we were in Twin Falls. I definitely have a soft spot for small town diners, and this spot met my every expectation – especially friendly folks and a definite “locals” vibe.
Great article! However a few things are misleading. It is not bungee jump it is BASE jump. The Ziplone does not go across the river it is in the canyon.
Idaho, especially Twin Falls, really took us by surprise! We were only planning to pass through on our RV trip, but loved it so much we stayed for a week and I want to go back and see more of it. Truly a beautiful place!
Wanna know something funny?? When I was traveling in South Dakota a few months ago I saw your instagram handle on your trailer I think, and then now just saw your post on Pinterest!!! I’m sitting with my boyfriend and I’m like “Wait?? The traveling spuds?? Arent those the people we saw?”
This Twin Falls Idaho guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
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