A Summer Bucket List for Sandpoint, Idaho

Written by: Team Schweitzer
July 8, 2026

A Summer Bucket List for Sandpoint, Idaho

Sandpoint has often been described as a lake town with a mountain, and summertime is when the magic of both come alive. While the summer days are long, the season somehow feels short, and packing it all in can sometimes be overwhelming.

We're here to offer you some inspiration and a basecamp for your next summer adventure.

Farmers’ Market at Sandpoint – In its 37th year, the Farmers’ Market is a community staple that’s proudly rooted in local farming and artisanship. Stroll along the sidewalks of Farmin Park every Wednesday from 3:00pm - 5:30pm or Saturday from 9:00am – 1:00pm, and you’ll find fresh produce, delicious baked goods, homemade candles, local pottery, jewelry, and more. Don’t forget to swing through the Oak Street Food Court for a bite from one of the many local food trucks.

City Beach – Just two blocks away from the downtown bustle, you’ll discover a park unlike any other. City Beach offers a peninsula of sandy shoreline that invites beachgoers to a perfect place to swim and soak up the sun. In addition, you’ll find a playground, tennis/pickleball courts, volleyball courts, and a marina. All you need is a towel and some sunscreen!

Scenic Lift & Sky House – Lazy afternoons are best spent on the mountain. Escape the heat and soar up to the summit where Sky House serves refreshing cocktails, mocktails, and a variety of delicious eats. Load the Great Escape Quad chairlift from the Village and you’ll have a 10-minute ride to soak in the views and maybe even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Summer scenic lift rides are available daily from 11:00am – 5:00pm in the summer months, weather-permitting.

Hiking & Biking – The greater Sandpoint area is riddled with trails for all interests and ability levels. On the mountain, Picnic Point is a great family-friendly hike to a viewpoint, while the Nature Trail is a heart racing traverse up from Village to Summit. For more hiking in the area, head across the long bridge to Gold Hill for a different perspective, or hike from Mineral Point to Green Bay Campground for a dip in the lake.

For the ultimate mountain bike adventure, experience a 3,800 ft descent from the top of Schweitzer to the Lower Basin Trails, on mostly singletrack. Whichever way you choose to enjoy the trails, make sure you’re prepared with things like water, sunscreen, bug spray, and bear spray.

Huckleberry Picking – From late July through August, the mountain transforms into a huckleberry heaven. These delightful purple berries are bursting with a sweet/tart flavor that can only be found in the wild. It’s true, attempts to cultivate these native bushes have failed, which means they can only be harvested out in the wild. What a great excuse to grab your daypack and a collection vessel and hit the trails! Before you head out, stop into the Ski & Ride Center for insider tips on where to find the best berries.

From sunbathing at the beach to adrenaline-infused adventures on the mountain, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to enjoy a summer weekend. And that's exactly what makes Sandpoint and Schweitzer a perfect place to explore. Find more inspiration at VisitSandpoint.com, SandpointOnline.com, and Schweitzer.com, and plan your visit today!