Are you planning a road trip in Idaho? Twin Falls area is the perfect place for a unique family road trip.
From waterfalls to ice caves, blue lakes and turquoise river, no one will be looking for things to do in Southern Idaho and Twin Falls.
Idaho and the Twin Falls area has many outdoor activities to propose. But it’s not like driving along the Pacific California Highway, where you can just hop on the car and stop when you see an interesting sights.
It takes a little more planning to make the most of an Idaho road trip. Most of the amazing gems of Idaho are hidden.
So to help you plan your trip , we’ve created (and tested) this 4-day itinerary for an epic road trip in Idaho around Twin Falls.
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Why You Should Plan a Road Trip to Idaho & Twin Falls
Idaho is called the “Gem State” for a reason. This state has SO much to offer that you’ll never ask what to do. Twin Falls especially is filled with family-friendly activities.
Idaho is the perfect place for outdoor adventure families. The state of Idaho is home to more than 60 named waterfalls (and many more unnamed). Idaho also has the most soakable hot springs in the United States, some being natural hot springs, while others are more commercial ones.
Idaho does’t have any national parks on its territory, but is home of the Craters of the Moon National Monument, a dormant volcano. There are also other few young volcanos in Idaho.
✈️ Plan Your Road Trip to Idaho & Twin Falls: Tips & Tricks ✈️
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Boise Airport (BOI) or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) by using Google Flights, Skyscanner or Expedia. Those three search engine searches different airlines deserving those three international airport, including some low-cost ones.
Book Your Accommodation
Booking.com is a great search engine for hotels and guesthouses in Idaho.
Rent Your Car
DiscoverCars.com is a great search engine for finding the best car rental options.
Book Your Tours
Viator and Get Your Guide are two great hub for finding fun tours in Idaho.
Download a Few Apps to Help You Plan
The GoWhee app is the perfect app for finding fun kid-friendly activities along the way. RoadTrippers is good to map your itinerary when planning.
Need Help Planning Your Itinerary
Let me help you plan your custom itinerary.
What to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho
Now, you may be wondering what to do in Twin Falls, Idaho for 4 full days? Don’t worry, there is so much to do in Twin Falls and the area that you’ll have a busy Idaho road trip itinerary.
Let’s dive in our day-by-day itinerary for a Twin Falls road trip. If you’re in a hurry, you can also download our PDF detailed itinerary here:
Day 1 of Your Road Trip in Idaho: Twin Falls Itinerary
Start your first morning by exploring the city of Twin Falls.
Drive to the Perrine Memorial Bridge. You’ll find parking spot along the side of the road. You can park and walk under the Perrine bridge structure.
This bridge is really popular for base jumping. You may be lucky and see some base jumpers while you’re there. Another great spot to see the base jumpers is from the park at the Southern Idaho Visitor Center.
You’ll see the Visitor Center from the bridge. It’s the building overlooking the Snake River Canyon from the bridge. You should stop by the Twin Falls Visitor Center for some souvenir or a closer look at the base jumpers.
Then, drive to Shoshone Falls.
The Shoshone Falls are one of the largest natural waterfalls in the USA. They even received the nickname “The Niagara of the West”. The waterfall is 212 feet (65 m) in height, making it 45 feet (14 m) higher than Niagara Falls.
There is a $5 entrance fee to get into the park. The entrance fee includes access to Shoshone Falls Park as well as Dierkes Lakes Park.
There is a nice grassy area with shade and picnic tables. If you packed your lunch, it would be the perfect time to eat.
All along the canyon rim, you’ll find viewpoints to admire the waterfalls. Make sure you walk all the way around to see the waterfalls from different angles.
Once you’re done, you can drive to Dierkes Lake Park and enjoy the water. There is a nice playground for the kids and a swimming area. It’s also possible tor rent kayak.
There is a $5 entrance fee to get into Shoshone Falls Park. With the entrance fee, you can also access Dierkes Lake Park located a few minutes away from Shoshone Falls Park.
At Dierkes Lake, you can swim, rent a kayak, and there is a kids’ playground.
If you still have some time and energy, kids can go have fun at the First Federal Playground or you can hike the College of Southern Idaho Campus loop. 2.1-km loop trai
End your day with a dinner at 2nd South Market.
The 2nd South Market is located in a historic 94-year old blacksmith building. It offers a unique dinner experience that is perfect for families with young children. The market has 7 different vendors under one roof, from sushi to pizza and BBQ.
Each family member can decide what they feel like eating and all the family can meet on the outdoor patio to enjoy their meals. They even have bean bags games for kids to have fun.
🛏️ Stay at: TownePlace Suites Twin Falls
Day 2 of Your Road Trip in Idaho: Twin Falls Itinerary
Start your second day with a visit downtown Twin Falls. The Main Street is a nice historic street filled with quaint local shops and little restaurant. There are some nice architectural buildings as well.
Stop at Twin Beans for a breakfast and coffee stop. The Smoked Salmon bagel is delicious as well as the Chai Latte. Twin Beans have a small kids’ menu.
With your belly filled, head down to Centennial Waterfront Park. On your way down, you’ll want to make sure to stop at Perrine Coulee Falls. It’s halfway down the Canyon Springs Rd before the golf course entrance.
There are a few parking spots on the side of the road, but read the sign carefully as it’s not possible to park everywhere on that street.
It’s a short walk to get to the waterfalls. Make sure you walk behind the waterfalls, it’s a pretty special moment and it’s beautiful. Be prepared to be a little wet, but it’s part of the fun!
The fall drops almost 200 feet and runs year-round. Of course, the flows are stronger in the spring and the summer.
Once you’re doing exploring the falls, drive all the way down the street to Centennial Park. There is a nice little playground for the kids, but the most fun part is the access to the Snake River.
During the summertime, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks from AWOL Adventure Sports. They have a rental station right at the park. Otherwise, their rental store is located downtown Twin Falls.
Spending the afternoon on the Snake River paddling. You’ll follow the Snake River Canyon, pass the Perrine Bridge, and maybe even reach the base of the Shoshone Falls if you have enough energy.
If you feel like having an extra adrenaline boost, why not do ziplining across the Snake River? AWOL Adventure Sports at the Centennial Park will be able to help you.
End your day with a good dinner at Elevation 486. The restaurant sits on the Snake River Canyon Rim. On a nice day, make sure to eat outside on the patio. The views are breathtaking.
The salmon and the steaks are great options. Elevation 486 offers a good kids’ menu.
After dinner, take some time to walk along the canyon rim. There is an access right from the restaurant.
🛏️ Stay at: TownePlace Suites Twin Falls
Day 3 of Your Road Trip in Idaho: Twin Falls Itinerary
Start your day by driving to Balanced Rock. This uniquely shaped rock is over 48 feet tall and it weighs more than 40 tons. This rock is special since it was wind-carved and it balances on a pedestal of only 3 feet by 17 inches.
It’s a short walk to the rock from the parking lot.
Be careful: There is no cell services there and Balance Rock and Balance Rock Park are two different things. Balance Rocks is half a mile west of Balance Rock Park.
Balance Rock Park is a great place for a picnic or snack break.
One you’ve taken a few pictures of the Balanced Rock, it’s time to head to Miracle Hot Springs for a late morning soak.
Drive to Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl, It should take you 20 minutes to get there.
Miracle Hot Springs is a pool style. They have 4 outdoor general pools of varying temperature in addition of the private hot pools.
When you are all rested and wrinkled, it’s time to explore Thousand Springs State Park.
The Thousand Springs State Park is why the region is called the Magic Valley. This state park is unique since it’s divided into different units, a miles away from each other.
From Miracle Hot Springs, I would recommend you visiting the Units in that order:
- Box Canyon Springs
- Ritter Island
- Malad Gorge
Malad Gorge is also on the way to/from Boise, so if you’re arriving from or leaving to Boise, you could stop at the Malad Gorge Unit at that time.
The Niagara/Crystal Springs Unit is closer to Twin Falls. It’s almost halfway between Twin Falls and Miracle Hot Springs, so if you don’t mind the extra drive, you could visit Niagara/Crystal Springs before heading to Balanced Rock.
Below is the map of the Thousand Springs State Park to help you plan your itinerary:
End you long day at Snake River Grill in Hagerman for a good burger. If you like wine, they have a selection of local wines to try.
🛏️ Stay at: Billingsley Creek Lodge
Day 4 of Your Road Trip in Idaho: Twin Falls Itinerary
Start your forth and last day by driving toward Gooding. Your first stop will be Little City of Rocks.
You’ll find mysterious rock formations and ancient rock art at the Gooding’s Little City of Rocks. It’s the perfect place for a small family hike.
The City of Rocks area is located on a BLM land. You’ll see the sign 12.5 miles north of Gooding on Highway 46. There is a pull-off near the road. Once you parked, it’s a 1.5 miles well-marked trail until you reach the “Y” for the loop.
If you’re a beginner hiker and/or hiking your young children, I would suggest admiring the views but not attempting to do the entire loop. It’s a total of 4.6 miles loop that is not well-marked. And the views from the first of the trail are amazing too.
You can also do some rock climbing in the area if you have your own equipment.
Once you’re done exploring the Little City of Rocks, head to Idaho’s Mammoth Cave. Wearing a light jacket is recommended because the cave keeps a consistent 41 degrees. It is a self-guided tour that takes about half an hour. You walk about a quarter-mile in and quarter-mile out.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is the world’s largest volcanic cave opened to visitors. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can explore at your own pace. They provide lanterns, but if you can bring your head lamps, it’s might be better with kids.
The trail is well-maintained and easy for all levels.
Then, you’ll want to drive a little further to Shoshone Ice Caves.
This cave is open year-round and features ice all year-round. The cave remains at 37F all year. The cave can only be visited on a guided tour. The tours are offered every 30 minutes and it’s not required to book in advance.
On your way back into the city, stop at stop at Shoshone Snack Bar for amazing soft serve ice cream.
🛏️ Stay at: KOA Twin Falls/Jerome Campground
F.A.Q Idaho & Twin Falls
What is the closest airport to Twin Falls?
Twin Falls has a small regional airport, the Magic Valley Regional Airport, but it offers only flights between Twin Falls and Salt Lake City. If you’re flying, your best option would be to fly into Boise Airport or Salt Lake City International Airport.
What is Twin Falls known for?
Twin Falls is famous for its impressive Shoshone Falls. Nicknamed the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is a must-see when visiting Twin Falls. Thousand Springs State Park is another must-see.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Twin Falls, ID
Twin Falls is located in the heart of the Magic Valley and is the perfect home-base to exploring the region. Between potato fields, you’ll discover prestine rivers and canyon, lava flows and caves.
I hope this 4-Day Itinerary in Idaho and Twin Falls will help you plan your trip.
