Outside Boise, whose charming downtown is among the best in America, Idaho is sprinkled with many cute little towns, many of which can hold their own against the nation’s prettiest. Plus, these cute towns provide access to a varied and beautiful landscape, which speaks to the region’s raw beauty. From the thunderous roar of lordly waterfalls to the echoing depths of ancient caverns — vacationers have a big outdoor menu to work with. If scoping for Idaho towns ranked among the U.S. favorites, this list offers a meaningful glimpse.

Wallace

Wallace is a fantastic little community in the Silver Valley mining district of the Idaho Panhandle. The area around Wallace was once home to the largest Silver deposits in the United States, a feature that contributed to the town’s rise and growth, especially in the 1880s. Today, Wallace has transformed itself into a popular recreation and tourism site, although at least one mine is still active: the Galena Mine Complex. Located a short drive from many ghosted mining towns, including Burke, Wallace is an epicenter of recreation. There is the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, which is linked to the 1910 fires. A tour of the richest silver district on earth and Lookout Pass Ski Area previously voted the most family-friendly mountain resort in the Pacific Northwest. Of course, Lookout Pass also operates the Route of the Hiawatha, America’s most scenic bike trail.

Sun Valley

Although Sun Valley is known for skiing ( the resort was the first in the world to build a chairlift) — this beautiful town has a long line-up of attractions. The area provides some of the best stargazing on the globe, features the Sawtooth Wilderness, and hosts Trail Creek Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The Sawtooth Wilderness is an expanse filled with high alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and scenic trails, including the popular Fox Creek Trail. Non-skiers also have the Opera House, with its great old-time vibe (it was built before the start of the Second World War), a small but beautiful lake where one can paddle an afternoon away, and plenty of tasty restaurants. Konditorei Restaurant, for instance, is a famous breakfast spot known for kick-ass pastries and croissants.

Sandpoint

It may not look like a big deal, but no words can describe the experience of sitting outside by the river and enjoying a fantastic breakfast in a warm, homey environment. If this looks like something you can give a shot, kickstart your Sandpoint adventure at Pack River Store, a Sandpoint tradition since 1976. Schweitzer, the largest resort in Idaho and Washington, is a special place worth having an experience of. Plus, one will enjoy hiking lots of quiet forest trails here since Sandpoint is surrounded by the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot mountain ranges. Sandpoint City Beach Park loved for its sandy shoreline and placid waters, is a fantastic spot to swim, lounge, or just pass the time. It provides access to Pend Oreille Lake, Idaho’s largest lake.

McCall

There are people one meets by chance and immediately takes a liking to. It cannot be put down to a specific quality; the charm just softens you. That is McCall, Idaho. Some protest that it is only famous because it is close to Boise: Slightly more than 100 miles separate the towns. Others, however, give it its due credit. There is a lot to love about McCall, including its setting on the shores of Payette Lake, the famous McCall Winter Carnival, the trail-laden Ponderosa State Park, and the north fork of the Payette River, which flows through the town and provides a delightful range of recreational activities. Just don’t forget to grab a milkshake at My Father’s Place, a close-to-the-water space loved for its retro flair and outdoor seating.

Bonners Ferry

Some of the best mountain scenery in Idaho is in the area that encircles Bonner’s Ferry, a small, lovely town tucked away close to the 49th parallel. You can start with some of the best pho in Idaho at the Wok-a-Mole, one of a handful of ethnic food spots in town. The Kootenai River, which flows through the historic downtown, is an idyllic site for some afternoon boating. Pick some tasty cones and a nice gift at Under the Sun, a local favorite located on Main Street, before discovering the tons of history packed at the Boundary County Museum, which presents the indigenous Kootenai people through interesting artifacts and exhibits. The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive from town. It is a nice spot to mingle with bald eagles and peregrine falcons, the world’s fastest bird and animal. When flying, peregrine falcons can hit speeds of more than 186 miles per hour.

Victor

Those who don’t know about what Victor offers just glance over it on their way to Jackson, Wyoming — or the Grand Teton National Park, home to some of the oldest rocks found in any American national park. Victor is surrounded by mountains on almost every side. Snake River Range, for instance, is to the south, the Big Holes to the west, and the Tetons, arguably the most distinctive of the granite giants that comprise the Rocky Mountains, rise up to the east. All these are world-class outdoor recreation sites. If food is high on your list, you can start with a yummy and filling burger at Brakeman American Grill or some finger-licking ribs at Knotty Pine before ending the day at Wildlife Brewing, a lively taproom known for its amazing microbrews.

Driggs

In the spring of 1889, a wagon train of moneyed Mormons, members of the Latter Days Saints Church, clanked and clattered around the northern rims of the Big Hole Mountains, disturbing the quietude that hitherto enveloped the pristine landscape. Thus began the settlement history of Driggs, an adorable small town just a hair out of Victor. Spots for hiking, biking, and fly-fishing abound in the town’s precincts, including the Victor to Driggs Rail-Trail, an easy, paved path with charming scenery. If you have a thing for Mexican cuisine, Agave, conveniently situated on Main Street, should be your Ground Zero. You can afterward enjoy a thrilling mid-air experience as you ride over the Tetons with Teton Aviation. Crown your visit with a nice gift at Fireweed Shop & Studios, a beautiful spot with awesome art and ceramics from local artists. Their locally painted greeting cards are particularly beautiful.

Stanley

Idaho presents some of its finest recreation opportunities in Stanley, an underrated gem tucked away in the beautiful and peaceful Sawtooth Valley. This area is a leaf-peeper’s paradise, especially when an enchanting symphony of color envelops the mountain in fall. Rod and Gun, which has been around since when Franklin Roosevelt was president, is the oldest bar in town. Outdoor venues in the area include Sunbeam Hot Springs,

Redfish Lake, the nearby ghost town of Custer City, and Stanley Lake. You can start with a hearty breakfast at Stanley Bakery before crowning the day with exceptional food and wine at Sawtooth Luce’s Restaurant amid beautiful views and a fun, casual atmosphere.

Hagerman

Rounding off the list of Idaho towns ranked among U.S. favorites is Hagerman, a quiet but beautiful little town that provides top-tier water-based experiences, whether rafting, boating, or swimming. There is the Snake River, known nationally for its stocks of salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and rainbow trout — and Billingsley Creek, whose park is known for exceptional wildlife viewing and fishing. Speaking of trout, the best place to have them on a plate is The Riverboat Restaurant, located on State Street. Other fun outdoor sites include the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area, Thousand Springs State Park – Ritter Island (the name itself is a draw), and Lower Salmon Falls Park, a serene setting for bird watching.

The Takeaway

Whether you start exploring the Gem State from its grassy flatlands — or the tip of the panhandle, the adventure will expose you to a side of Idaho you never knew existed. No. Idaho is not some vast, flat field perfect only for growing potatoes. With its mountains and lakes, deserts and forests, Idaho often blows the minds of first-time visitors. Many little towns that dot the state are just as surreal. Plus, they are fantastic jumping-off points to world-class outdoor venues. Although it can be hard to pick favorites, Wallace — and the towns highlighted here — are a shoulder above the rest of the pack.