The hamlet of Sun Valley, California, is a beautiful place to visit thanks to its abundance of exciting sights and sounds and revitalizing natural surroundings. It makes a great vacation destination because it offers a wide variety of enjoyable activities, such as mountain biking, sightseeing, gourmet eating, and rest and relaxation. Join FactsVerse as we tour through the best things to do in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Explore the natural environment of Sun Valley.
In Sun Valley, adventure is never far away thanks to the region’s 300 lakes and rivers, 50 peaks, and 250 miles of trails.
The White Cloud Trail is a great starting point for getting your bearings. At a leisurely 2.5 miles in length, this is one of the most popular hiking circles in the Sun Valley area, and it’s easily accessible on foot or by bike. Make it a point to stop at the Hemingway Memorial on your journey down the route because it is an excellent location to take in the scenery and relax. Another awesome hiking trail is the Wood River Trail. Sawtooth Botanical Garden can be found about four miles along the Wood River Trail and makes for a beautiful place to stop and stretch your legs. The garden is a lovely spot to spend some time, especially in the summer when there are many activities going on, like wine tastings, tours, and cocktail hours.
Enjoy the waters of the region.
The state of Idaho is well-known for its abundance of naturally occurring hot springs, and a few of these pools are close to Sun Valley!
Frenchman’s Bend, located on Warm Springs Road just ten miles west of Ketchum’s central business district, is ideal for soaking in the region’s hot springs. Popular with Sun Valley locals for decades, this small spring is strictly off-limits to naked bathers. It also has a medium-sized soaking pool adjacent to the river where you can dive in to cool yourself if it becomes too hot.
Suppose you want to beat the crowds; visiting a hot spring before sunrise is your best bet. But if you’re traveling to the Sun Valley area in the winter, you might want to wait until the afternoon.
However, there are other ways to relish the water here than by being hot and sweaty. The 137-mile-long Big Wood River, which runs straight past Sun Valley, is an excellent location for whitewater rafting and fly fishing in nearby Stanley.
If you’re looking to capture those elusive rainbow trout, Sun Valley Outfitters offers guided fishing trips as well as a women’s intro to fly fishing course. Wild trout are well known in Big Wood, but Silver Creek Preserve is also a great location.
Check out downtown Ketchum.
Ketchum, a quaint little town, is conveniently located not far from the Sun Valley region. Ketchum is home to a plethora of unique boutiques and shops. Many of these shops cater to outdoor enthusiasts and can be found lining the city’s streets. There are delectable eateries, touristic boutiques, and a wonderful public square for relaxation.
Additionally, this charming hamlet is home to the world’s prettiest Starbucks, which also serves as the town’s Visitors Center. So be sure to take in the mesmerizing beauty of this quaint town before leaving Sun Valley.
Ride through Sun Valley
A bicycle ride is undoubtedly the best method to get to know the surrounding area of Sun Valley, Idaho. If you need to get your own bike, there are a ton of rental alternatives available. Pete Lane’s Bike Shop is a one-stop shop for bike rentals. They provide a wide variety of bicycles, from mountain bikes to tandems, and even trailers for the little ones. The shortest rental period they offer is for half a day. You can also find locations where you can hire bicycles in and around the downtown area of Ketchum if you can’t ride for such a duration. You can also rent motorcycles, which is another excellent option. We recommend riding along the Wood River Paved Path. You will be able to take in breathtaking panoramas of the Big Wood River as well as the surrounding mountains.
Get a taste of Sun Valley’s culinary scene.
Begin your morning with a cup of coffee and a ham and cheese croissant at Konditorei, and get a taste of the world-class dining scene that Sun Valley has to offer. Don’t be surprised that Sun Valley’s culinary scene is on par with any major metropolis. If you’re in the mood for a country frittata or the best Belgian waffles with whipped cream, do yourself a favor and head to The Kneadery in Ketchum
Warfield Distillery & Brewery.
If you walk off your fullness, hurry to the nearby Warfield Distillery & Brewery, where you can feast on some of the finest upscale pub fares. The stunning rooftop is the ideal place to take in Baldy Mountain’s views and downtown Ketchum’s views. Remember to save room for their carrot cake and order the Warfield Burger and Bacon Blue Ridge Salad.
If you’re a fan of homemade pasta and trout, make it a point to visit The Covey. They are located on a side street in the middle of downtown Ketchum. It is known to have some of the best locally caught trout and homemade pasta in all of Sun Valley. Additionally, it has a fantastic wine list and a stunning new outdoor area where you can enjoy it all. Feel free to hang out at the bar and talk with some of Sun Valley’s most incredible team of locals and longstanding friends who own and run this awesome location.
Rickshaw
Your appetite for Asian fusion cuisine can be satisfied at Rickshaw, a quaint (read: tiny) local eatery. Every element of their Green Papaya Salad, Chiang Mai Curry Noodles, and Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) is prepared to perfection. Just keep in mind that this restaurant fills up quickly, and reservations can be difficult to come by. So, if you can’t get a table, pack a picnic at one of the surrounding parks and take your meal there.
Try your luck at a local thrift shop.
There are many upscale shops in and around the Sun Valley Resort and downtown Ketchum. However, Gold Mine Thrift Store is the best option for all your thrifting needs and a true taste of local flavor. Discover hidden treasures while knowing that 100% of your purchase supports the adjacent community library.
If you’re in need of any sort of outdoor equipment, stop by the Elephant’s Perch, and if you’re looking for a good book set in the area, head to Chapter One Bookstore, located just off Main Street. Last but not least, whether you’re looking for some unique Idahoan souvenirs or stylish home accents, The Farmer’s Daughter is the place to go.
Lodge in Sun Valley’s best hotels.
Sun Valley is home to some of the world’s finest hotels.
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Sun Valley, go no further than the Sun Valley Lodge. Although it was built in 1936, it is said that Ernest Hemingway’s typewriter is still kept in one of the rooms.
The hotel’s pool and bowling alley are popular gathering spots, but if you’re looking for some quiet time, The Spa at Sun Valley is the place to go. You’ll be a believer in the transformative power of a good shower after taking a spin in one of their “Experience Showers” in the locker room.
The Sun Valley Inn, located just across the courtyard from the glitzy Lodge, is a more affordable option for anyone looking to stay in the resort area. The Inn is more reminiscent of a traditional mountain lodge, rather than its modern counterpart.
If you want to be in the middle of all the fun in Ketchum, staying at the Limelight Hotel, which is located just off Main Street, is the best option for you and your pet. Take advantage of the pool and hot tubs to relax after a day of sightseeing, and be sure to get a room with a balcony overlooking Baldy.
Take part in the Ice Show.
Sun Valley, Idaho, hosts Sun Valley on Ice every summer. You can expect to see some of the top ice skaters in the world, including multiple Olympic medalists, in the lineup. The concert lasts over 90 minutes and features a wide range of performances, from young skaters to large groups to Olympian-caliber acts.
The event begins with a feast accompanied by a show on ice. The dinner service begins roughly three hours prior to the start of the show, and it offers a superb selection of foods and beverages. Salads, fruits, vegetables, and meats are all tasty options, and there’s also a dessert counter that will blow your mind.
The ice show is performed immediately following dinner, and guests enjoy it from their dinner seats. Because of the high demand for these tickets, it is strongly recommended that you buy them in advance.
While in the area, check the Sun Valley Ice Rink’s schedule and go for a skate.
Enjoy some symphonies
Sun Valley hosts free concerts by the Summer Symphony, a classical music ensemble, during the summer. If you happen to be there during the summer, be sure to catch at least a performance. Although its timing usually conflicts with the Ice Show, there are also performances on the weekends. Even if you can’t attend any of their nighttime performances, try to attend their dress rehearsal earlier in the day, which is equally incredible.
Experience the ultimate relaxation treatment at Sun Valley Spa
Sun Valley Spa is the place to go if you’re in need of some downtime. It’s a state-of-the-art complex with a gym, luxurious locker rooms, a pool, comfortable waiting areas, and soothing treatment rooms. There are simply no words to do justice to the incredible adventure you are about to embark on in this spa.
You ought to try it out and see for yourself. It’s hard to find a better massage than their 50-minute Sun Valley special. Afterward, try out the unique experience shower located in the locker area. The shower has an absurd number of spray nozzles. Your time there is going to be an experience that you won’t ever be able to forget.
Take advantage of the beautiful night sky.
This region of Idaho boasts a stunning night sky with virtually minimal light pollution. In fact, the entire area of Central Idaho, including the towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley, is a certified Dark Sky Reserve, covering more than 1,416 square miles. Just 12 reserves exist on the entire planet, so take advantage of your proximity to one of these spots while you can.
Since you’ll be in the mountains and it’ll take around 15 minutes for your eyes to acclimate to the dark, don’t forget to pack warm clothing and blankets. Even in the thick of summer, evenings can become chilly.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Which of the things to do above piqured your interest the most? For those who have vacationed in Sun Valley, Idaho, please share your experience.