Travel Guide for Twin Falls, Idaho

Twin Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and adventure of the American West. Located in the heart of the Magic Valley, Twin Falls features access to world-class rock climbing, hiking, paddling, and skiing. With a thriving local culture and a variety of dining and shopping options, Twin Falls has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re drawn to Twin Falls for the outdoor recreation or for it’s job prospects (like we were!), this travel guide will equip you for your time in the Magic Valley!

Is Twin Falls, Idaho worth visiting?

Here are a few of the big reasons why you should visit Twin Falls, Idaho:

1. Natural Beauty: Twin Falls is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly Shoshone Falls. Often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is higher than Niagara Falls and can be a captivating sight, especially during the spring when the water flow is at its peak. The Snake River Canyon, Perrine Bridge, and the surrounding landscapes also offer scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
2. Outdoor Adventure: If you enjoy outdoor activities, Twin Falls has much to offer. The Snake River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. You can also explore the numerous hiking and biking trails in the area. Twin Falls has a thriving rock climbing community and BASE jumping enthusiasts from all over the world are drawn to Twin Falls’ Perrine Bridge, one of the few places in the United States where BASE jumping is legal year-round!
3. Attractions and Culture: Twin Falls is home to several interesting attractions. The Herrett Center for Arts and Science houses a planetarium, an observatory, and a museum with exhibits on archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. The Twin Falls Visitor Center provides information about the area and offers exhibits on local history. Additionally, the city hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, providing opportunities to experience the local culture.
4. Nearby Destinations: Twin Falls can serve as a gateway to other incredible destinations in the region. For example, the nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area is popular for its large swaths of wilderness, hiking trails, and beautiful alpine lakes. The City of Rocks National Reserve, known for its unique rock formations and climbing opportunities, is also within driving distance!

If you appreciate natural beauty and outdoor activities, Twin Falls is a perfect place to visit! While our list of things to do in Twin Falls is dominated by outdoor recreation, we also include several options for those who are looking for arts and culture, nightlife, and other entertainment options!

Twin Falls, Idaho is a worthwhile destination to visit! The town itself is super cool and offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities.

Lodging in Twin Falls, Idaho

There are plenty of accommodations options in Twin Falls! Whether you’re looking for a hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a camping experience, Twin Falls has something to offer. Click the link below to explore lodging options for all budgets and preferences. Note: This is an affiliate link so we receive a small commission of all stays books and completed at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support as we chase our dreams!

What is Twin Falls, Idaho Famous For?

Twin Falls, Idaho has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, and it’s closely tied to the Oregon Trail, a historic route used by pioneers in the 19th century to travel westward. Here are some of the main things Twin Falls, Idaho is known for!

Perrine Bridge. A significant landmark in Twin Falls, the I.B. Perrine Bridge is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. The Perrine Bridge spans the Snake River Canyon and connects Twin Falls with Jerome County to the north. The bridge is 1,500 feet long and 486 feet above the Snake River, making it the eighth highest bridge in the United States!

As mentioned earlier, the Perrine Bridge is a popular destination for BASE jumpers, who use the bridge as a launching pad for their jumps. BASE jumping is a high-risk sport that involves jumping from a fixed object such as a bridge, building, or cliff using a parachute to slow the descent. The Perrine Bridge is one of the most popular BASE jumping spots in the world, attracting thousands of jumpers every year because it’s one of only 2 bridges in the world that don’t require a permit for BASE jumping — and the only one in the United States!

Native American History. The Twin Falls area was originally inhabited by Native Americans. The Shoshone and Bannock tribes were the primary indigenous groups in the area, and they used the Snake River Canyon and surrounding landscape for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The Herrett Center of Arts and Science in Twin Falls preserves the anthropologic history of these native peoples through museum exhibits.

The Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail was a historic route used by pioneers in the mid-19th century to travel from Missouri to Oregon. The trail passed through the Twin Falls area, and many pioneers stopped near present-day Rock Creek Park to rest and resupply before continuing on their journey.

The area was a crucial stop for pioneers, as it provided access to water and supplies, and it was a relatively safe place to rest before continuing to a Snake River crossing further west.

The Magic Valley. Twin Falls is located in the Magic Valley. Once an arid high-desert, the valley was “magically” transformed into a land of lush vegetation with a thriving agricultural industry — thanks to the construction of a series of irrigation canals that divert water from Snake River.

Incorporated in 1905, Twin Falls has continued to grow and develop, becoming a center for industry, agriculture, and tourism. Today, the city is home to over 53,000 residents, and it’s a popular destination for outdoor recreation, cultural events, and historical attractions.

What National Parks are near Twin Falls, Idaho?

For those interested in national parks, Twin Falls is a gateway to several National Park System sites, including two national parks!

• Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument – Located just 38 miles northwest of Twin Falls, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument preserves the site where a wealth of fossils from the Pliocene epoch were discovered in 1928 by a local rancher. The most well-known specimen that was discovered here is the Hagerman horse, an equine species native to North America.
  
• Minidoka National Historic Site – Located in nearby Jerome, Minidoka National Historic Site recognizes a dark chapter in American history when Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to prison camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Visitors can explore the park’s interpretive center and take a self-guided driving tour of the former internment camp.
  
• City of Rocks National Reserve – An iconic landmark for immigrants heading west on the California Trail, City of Rocks National Reserve is just a 90-minute drive from Twin Falls. Known for its impressive granite towers, City of Rocks features hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as nearly 700 rock climbing routes!
  
• Craters of the Moon National Monument – Also about a 90-minute drive from Twin Falls is Craters of the Moon National Monument, a vast landscape scarred by ancient lava flows that will make you feel like you’ve left Planet Earth. At Craters of the Moon, you can venture inside a lava tube cave, hike up a volcano, and stargaze in a designated International Dark Sky Park!

While the sites listed above are good options for a day trip from Twin Falls, you have to drive much further to reach the two closest national parks. While planning your trip to Twin Falls, Idaho, consider adding a leg of your trip to explore one of these nearby national parks:

• Yellowstone National Park – About a 4-hour drive northeast of Twin Falls, Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. The park is home to a wealth of geothermal features, including Old Faithful, as well as abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. If you’re up for the drive, it’s worth visiting! 
  
• Grand Teton National Park – Grand Teton National Park, which is known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife, is also a 4-hour drive from Twin Falls. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, bison, and grizzly bears, as well as a range of outdoor recreation opportunities. The park is also conveniently located near Jackson Hole, Wyoming — a trendy city with plenty of dining and lodging options!

Weather in Twin Falls, Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho is located on the Snake River Plain, a banana-shaped river basin that runs across the entire southern portion of Idaho. The climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cold winters.

During summer, temperatures are warm, with average highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30°C) and plenty of daylight for outdoor adventures! Winter in Twin Falls can be cold and snowy, with average highs in the mid-30s Fahrenheit (around 1-2°C). The area receives about 10-12 inches of precipitation annually, with most of it falling as snow in the winter months.

When to Visit Twin Falls, Idaho

The best time to visit Twin Falls depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you’re there. If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, or paddling the river, the best time to visit is in the summer months, from June to August.

Spring in Twin Falls is beautiful, but the snowmelt can render some backroads in the area impassable (unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle). Because of this, spring can throw a wrench in some plans. But don’t let that deter you! Just be sure to do additional research ahead of time to ensure any nearby destinations are accessible.

If you enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, this can be a great time to visit Twin Falls, Idaho. We moved to Twin Falls in the middle of winter to chase the snow and advance our skiing and snowboarding skills!

How to Get to Twin Falls, Idaho

The most convenient way to travel to Twin Falls will depend on your starting location and personal preferences. Driving or flying to the city are the most common options, but bus service may also be a good choice for some travelers.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Twin Falls:

By Car. If you’re coming from a nearby location, driving to Twin Falls may be the most convenient option. Twin Falls is located along Interstate 84, which runs from Portland, Oregon, to Salt Lake City, Utah. From Boise, the capital of Idaho, it’s approximately a two-hour drive to Twin Falls. Speed limits are posted at 80 mph along most of this stretch of highway, so it makes for a straight, fast, and easy drive. 

By Plane. The closest major airport to Twin Falls is the Boise Airport, which is about 127 miles northwest of Twin Falls. From the Boise airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service called the Salt Lake Express. Twin Falls has a small airport with very limited flight options, so it’s not a good option for most visitors. 

By Bus. Greyhound and Salt Lake Express both offer bus service to Twin Falls. This may be a more affordable option for those traveling from nearby cities such as Boise or Salt Lake City!

Where to Eat in Twin Falls

Twin Falls has plenty of dining options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cute coffee shop, upscale cocktails, or a just a down-home dive bar, there’s a place for you in Twin!

Here are a few of our favorite spots in Twin Falls, Idaho:

• Twin Beans Coffee Company is a cozy and welcoming coffee shop that serves freshly brewed coffee, specialty drinks, and delicious pastries. It is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, socialize, or get some work done while enjoying a cup of their favorite coffee blend. Don’t forget to check out the super cute second level lounge!
  
• Elevation 486 is a popular restaurant with stunning views of the Snake River Canyon. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and includes options such as Idaho rainbow trout, Snake River Farms Wagyu beef, and handmade pastas. It was the perfect place to grab cocktails and celebrate a special occasion when we lived in Twin!
  
• Koto Brewing is a local craft brewery that not only offers a range of handcrafted beers but also hosts live music every Friday night! Visitors can enjoy a refreshing brew while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and listening to talented local musicians.
  
• Milner’s Gate is a brewpub that serves up craft beers and pub fare. The menu includes items such as burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas, and the brewery features a rotating selection of beers made on-site.
  
• Scooters Chillin-N-Grillin is neat little hole-in-the-wall restaurant downtown that offers their own twist on comfort food, an expansive drink selection, and a generous Happy Hour. We found ourselves at Scooters more than once in our short time there because we enjoyed our experience so much (and because Loran loved the pop-punk-heavy house playlist)! Be sure to try their Garlic Parm Fries. The Crispy Chicken Tacos are also a favorite among the staff. 
  
• The Cove of Twin Falls is a cute nautical-themed restaurant available for folks 21-and-up. They offer a fun atmosphere, nightly specials, and a jovial drink menu. We enjoyed their $1 wine and catfish nights! The Cove is also the perfect stop to fuel up after a day hike. Be sure to check out their homemade steak fingers!
  
• Yellow Brick Cafe is a welcoming and inclusive cafe that prides itself on being an LGBTQIA+ safe space. They offer a warm and accepting environment where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy a delicious meal or specialty coffee. The cafe is also known for its drag brunch, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for the community!
  
• Anchor Bistro & Bar is a cozy restaurant that serves up comfort food with a twist. The menu includes items such as lobster mac and cheese, pan-seared salmon, and chicken and waffles. I’m hungry just writing this!
  
• Mia’s Bakery is a charming family owned panaderia, a combined bakery and Mexican restaurant! Mia’s is a local favorite and the perfect stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
  
• El Matador Taco Truck is a local favorite for its authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine! Often set up next to Grocery Outlet off Addison Ave, El Matador serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties. El Matador was one of our go-to spots when we were craving mouthwatering, made-to-order tacos that reminded us of our time in Southern California!

Conclusion

Twin Falls, Idaho is a great place to visit for individuals, couples, or families seeking outdoor adventure with minimal crowds or price tags. We lived in Twin Falls for three months and had low expectations prior to our arrival, however looking back we both agree this small Idaho town was one of our favorite travel contracts. In Twin, there is great access to hiking trails, rock climbing routes, and beautiful waterfalls. Check out our Complete Guide to Things to do in Twin Falls for more ideas on fun activities in the Magic Valley!