For such a small city, there is an abundance of really cool things to do in Twin Falls including phenomenal scenic attractions that you must see!

This beautiful city in south-central Idaho is most famous for its star attraction Shoshone Falls but there are so many other hidden gems here to discover.

Twin Falls is the gateway to exploring the Snake River Canyon whether it be from land or on the water and you’ll find several hiking trails that offer breathtaking canyon views as well as numerous places to enjoy the river.

There are also countless waterfalls, soothing hot springs and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities that await you. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Twin Falls has something for you.

The good news is that many of the top activities are completely free things to do in Twin Falls. And if they’re not free, they are under ten dollars or whatever it costs in gas to get you there so it’s also an inexpensive destination to visit in Idaho.

While Twin Falls is a popular stop on driving itineraries to Yellowstone National Park or road trips between Salt Lake City, Boise and Portland, it is also a destination in its own right and you could easily spend an entire weekend in Twin Falls and not run out of things to do.

In fact, there are so many amazing places you can day trip to from Twin Falls that you could easily stay here for an entire week while you explore other places and top attractions in Southern Idaho like Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve.

Twin Falls has become such a favorite destination of ours that we try to visit several times a year.

Take a look at this long list of the best things to do in Twin Falls to decide how long to plan your trip for. I guarantee once you are done reading this you might consider extending your vacation.

20 Best Things To Do In Twin Falls

Walk Across The Perrine Bridge

Walking across a bridge might not sound like an exciting activity but in Twin Falls, it most certainly is! This is because the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls is one of the highest bridges in the United States!!! And I guarantee walking out to the middle of this bridge will get your heart racing!

The Perrine Bridge spans the beautiful Snake River Canyon and is 1,500 feet long. It stands at a height of 486 feet which makes it the eighth highest bridge in the USA. On both sides of the bridge are pedestrian walkways so you can walk across it in both directions.

If you aren’t afraid of heights, the walk across Perrine Bridge will more than likely still scare the socks off you because the walkways are so narrow that the cars driving past are only an arms length away. These cars are zooming by at high speeds that will indeed terrify you.

From the middle of the bridge are spectacular views of the Snake River Canyon that you won’t be able to get anywhere else! If you are too petrified to make the trek to the middle of the bridge, don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the views because there are viewing platforms on both sides of the bridge, but from below it, which are almost as good.

Watch Base Jumpers Dive Into The Canyon

The Perrine Bridge is a popular destination for BASE jumpers from all over the world. It is one of the few structures they can use without special permits from the city.

If the walk across the Perrine Coulee Bridge didn’t freak you out, watching the base jumpers take off from the bridge will certainly get your heart pounding.

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A post shared by Jän Verhaeren (@verjanfpv)

Even though it is not you who is actually jumping, the incredible opportunity you have in Twin Falls to be able to see these dare devils do their thing from above either along the bridge or from the canyon rim is an amazing experience. I know my heart kept leaping into my throat each time I saw someone jump.

It was so cool being on the same level as the base jumpers while they glided down into the Snake River canyon. I am not aware of any other places where you can stand right next to base jumpers before they leap so be sure to add this to your list of things to see in Twin Falls. Oh, and if you do know of anywhere else please let us know in the comments!

The instagram video above was filmed by Jän Verhaeren, a professional drone videographer who films base jumping. We met him while we were watching the base jumpers on one evening while we were in Twin Falls.

His drone operation skills are incredible and he even builds his own drones would you believe! He is most certainly a remarkable character and I think we enjoyed watching him more than the base jumpers. Hopefully you’ll run into him on your trip to Twin Falls.

Want to try base jumping yourself? You can experience base jumping off the Perrine Bridge by organizing a tandem base jump with Tandem Base.

Walk Behind The Perrine Coulee Waterfall

Perrine Coulee Falls is another iconic landmark in Twin Falls that you must see! One of the best things about this waterfall is that it’s right in town, not too far from the Perrine Bridge which means it won’t take up much of your time to visit.

But that’s not all! This waterfall is unique because you can actually walk behind the waterfall on a narrow trail along a cliff edge. This trail that leads behind the waterfall offers spectacular views and a different perspective on the Snake River Canyon.

I don’t know about you but I always find it thrilling to walk behind waterfalls. As silly as it seems, there is something very delightful about being up close to the spray of a waterfall and getting a little bit wet.

It can also be a nice relief from the heat when you are visiting Twin Falls in the summer when temperatures soar into the nineties.

Getting to the trail that goes behind the waterfall can be a little bit tricky but only because parking near the trail head is limited. Find out where the trail head is here.

There is also an overlook of the Perrine Coulee Waterfall that you can get to from the Canyon Rim Trail. The view from above is just as cool as from behind the waterfall so if you don’t have time to wait for a parking spot, head to the above overlook of the waterfall.

This waterfall flows year-round so anytime is a good time to see it.

Take A Stroll Along Canyon Rim Trail

The Canyon Rim Trail is a paved walking trail that runs for twelve miles along the Snake River Canyon’s edge. There are outstanding views of the Snake River and Snake River Canyon along the entire trail!

Begin the trail at Shoshone Falls State Park and continue your hike all the way to Perrine Bridge. Along the way you’ll see Shoshone Falls, Pillar Falls, Perrine Falls, and of course Perrine Bridge.

Once you get to the bridge, you can continue for another mile along a path that goes through a residential area and past a few businesses. Feel free to stop in for a drink or lunch at one of the restaurants like Elevation 486 near the end of the trail to celebrate!

Most of the trail is easy and flat, except for a slightly steep section near the start of the hike at Shoshone Falls State Park. This trail is suitable for all ages, and is multi-use so feel free to walk, run, or ride!

Alternatively you can do this hike in reverse beginning in Twin Falls and hiking to Shoshone Falls State Park. In this case, you should park at Twin Falls Visitor Center which is located near Perrine Bridge.

Have A Romantic Lunch Or Dinner Overlooking The Snake River Canyon

If you’re looking for a place to have a romantic lunch or dinner, or just somewhere a little extra special to remember your trip to Twin Falls, look no further than these two restaurants that sit on the Snake River Canyon rim: Redhawk Gastropub restaurant and Elevation 486.

Both of these restaurants sit on the edge of the Snake River Canyon and offer spectacular views that overlook the Snake River, Centennial Park, and the Perrine Bridge. But the views aren’t the only thing to look forward to at these restaurants. They both have tasty food and delicious drinks too!

Redhawk Gastropub is located closer to Perrine Bridge and has a large terrace that is perfect for relaxing on summer evenings. If it’s too hot to sit outside on the terrace, this restaurant also has bar seating (there are 28 beers on tap here) and private booths available too.

On the menu you’ll find gourmet burgers like the loaded beer cheese jalapeno burger and pork belly with smoked bleu cheeseburger. They’ve also got pasta, cod, and a wide range of delicious mac & cheese options. One of our favorite things about this restaurant is the dessert cocktails! We loved the walnut old fashioned cocktail which is made with bourbon, maple syrup, and walnut bitters.

Elevation 486, named after its elevation above the Snake River Canyon floor, is another terrific restaurant with stunning views of Twin Falls and the Snake River Canyon.

This restaurant offers a wide ranging menu from Kobe meatloaf to Asian noodles, rib-eye, lamb, King salmon, trout, and even quail. They also have a well-stocked wine bar.

While we haven’t had everything on the menu, we have tried the seafood linguine and burgers which were great! However, our favorite thing on the menu here so far is the homemade tomato and basil bisque.

Hike Down To Box Canyon

Box Canyon is a secluded place where crystal clear water seeps from rock walls into a brilliant blue pool. The spring water flows at a rate of 180,000 gallons per minute making it the 11th largest spring in the United States!

Who would have thought that Idaho could have springs that rival Florida?!

The light blue waters of the pool and surrounding lush vegetation can be viewed from an overlook at the rim of Box Canyon. It is a spectacular view from the overlook that shows a stark contrast between tropical-looking water and dry, featureless farmland.

Box Canyon is one of six units that make up Thousand Springs State Park. It is located near Wendell which is only a short thirty minute drive from Twin Falls. Getting to this state park is an adventure in itself as the drive will take you through local farming communities that you otherwise wouldn’t see traveling along Interstate-84.

When you arrive at Box Canyon State Park, you’ll more than likely assume you have arrived at the wrong destination because the canyon cannot be seen from the parking lot. The only thing you can see for miles is flat agricultural land. Maybe even a cow or two. You will no doubt think to yourself there is no way a gaping-wide chasm could be anywhere nearby!

But what appears to be just a flat trail through farmland eventually leads to a canyon ledge where you can peer down into a sparkling clear-blue spring. The big blue pool looks magical and knowing that an astonishing amount of water is coming out of the canyon walls makes seeing Box Canyon even more impressive. The water from the pool winds through the canyon and spills into the Snake River.

If you visit during summer, you’ll probably ask yourself if it’s possible to swim in this beautiful blue pool? Well, you sure can!

There is a hiking trail down to Box Canyon that will will lead you to the canyon floor where you can take a dip in the spring’s refreshingly cool waters. Once you get down to the bottom of the canyon floor you’ll find several spots that are good for swimming so be sure to pack your swimwear and a towel if you’re interested in hiking down.

>>Read: How To Hike Down To Box Canyon & Where To Swim

Visit Shoshone Falls Park

Shoshone Falls is one of the top attractions in Idaho and the pride of Southern Idaho so naturally a visit to this spectacular waterfall needs to be on your list of things to do in Twin Falls.

Nicknamed the “Niagara Falls of the West”, this monumental waterfall is 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the United States. It is actually 40 feet higher than the famous east coast waterfall, although not quite as wide.

Shoshone Falls, situated on the Snake River, plummets over a horseshoe-shaped cliff in an impressive display that will absolutely leave you awestruck!

There is an observation deck overlooking the waterfall that allows you to get extremely close to it. How close? So close that you will certainly be able to feel spray from the falls. If you don’t want to get wet, keep your distance! If you don’t mind a few droplets of water, be sure to walk out to the end of the platform to take some epic photos!!

Shoshone Falls is located inside Shoshone Falls Park which is three miles northeast of Twin Falls. There is an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle during the summer months.

Enjoy A Swim At Dierkes Lake

Dierkes Lake is the perfect place to cool off in Twin Falls! The lake is situated inside the 171 acre Shoshone Falls Park, and just upstream from spectacular Shoshone Falls.

At the lake you’ll find a sandy beach area, as well as a beautiful grassy park where you can relax under shady trees and make use of public BBQ facilities. There are several picnic tables and a restroom here too.

On the lake is a floating dock which locals enjoy jumping from into the water. When in Rome, do what the Romans do. Otherwise, take a stroll along the dock and perhaps take a seat and dip your feet into the lake. And enjoy the views.

Dierkes Lake is a popular place to go swimming in summer so expect it to be very busy here, especially on weekends and holidays between June and September. A lifeguard will be on duty between June and August. Because Dierkes Lake is located inside Shoshone Falls Park there is a $5 fee per vehicle to enter. Entry to Dierkes Lake is free in winter.

>>Read: Dierkes Lake: The Perfect Place To Swim & Kayak In Twin Falls

Visit Malad Gorge State Park

Malad Gorge is a hidden gem. This really cool geologic wonder is literally hiding in plain sight! The 250-foot wide chasm is situated right beside Interstate-84, however it is not visible from the road.

Most motorists who regularly commute between Twin Falls and Boise are unaware that they are even driving over a deep canyon or a thundering cascade called “The Devil’s Washbowl”.

The impressive gorge is located inside Malad Gorge State Park. You can reach this state park by taking exit 147 off Interstate-84. At the park, daring visitors can walk across a steel footbridge that spans Malad Gorge. From the footbridge are incredible views of the gorge and turquoise-colored Malad River which runs through the canyon. Stand here for a moment and watch the water make its way over large basalt rocks on its way out to the Snake River.

On the other side of the steel bridge is the Devil’s Washbowl, a waterfall that churns through a retreating cataract before plunging into the canyon below.

Malad Gorge State Park is only a short thirty minute day trip from Twin Falls. Be sure to stop by and see this Southern Idaho highlight on your way to or from Twin Falls!

>>Read: Malad Gorge State Park: A Hidden Gem In Southern Idaho

Check Out The Evel Knievel Jump Site

Evel Knievel was a stuntman and daredevil who became an icon in the 1970’s for his daring motorcycle stunts. He attempted one jump after another with each one becoming more formidable.

In his quest to find more daring and dangerous jumps, Knievel asked the Department of Interior if he could jump over the Grand Canyon but his request was denied. Undaunted, he set his sights on Idaho’s Snake River Canyon where he spent two years preparing for the undertaking.

Unfortunately his attempt to launch (which took place on September 8th, 1974) over the Snake River Canyon failed because his parachute deployed early interrupting his momentum, but saving him from a fatal crash into the canyon.

The mound used as the launch site for Knievel’s unsuccessful jump is still located at the south rim of the Snake River Canyon. Hikers can walk out to the jump site which is only a few miles west of Shoshone Falls.

Although another stunt motorcyclist eventually succeeded where Evel Knievel failed, this spot has always been associated with Knievel’s famous failed jump.

Kayak Or Paddleboard On The Snake River

For a really adventurous way to spend your day in Twin Falls, rent a kayak or standup paddleboard from AWOL Adventure Sports and get out on the Snake River! Not only is it fun but you also gain a new perspective on the landscape because the canyon walls tower above you instead of being below you.

You can paddle underneath the Perrine Bridge and if you’re lucky you might get to see BASE jumpers launch above you.

After paddling to the Perrine Bridge you can keep going to Pillar Falls, a waterfall just upstream from the bridge but before Shoshone Falls.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from Centennial Park throughout summer. No reservations are required.

Go Ziplining In Centennial Park

If you’ve always wanted to try ziplining this is your chance to give it a go! AWOL Adventure Sports (the company who also rent out kayaks and paddleboards) offer ziplining in Centennial Park.

There are four zip courses where you can race 45 miles per hour through the Snake River Canyon. The final zipline is 1750 feet long which is longer than the Perrine Bridge.

Even if you have been ziplining before, this experience will still be exhilarating because of the unique location.

Find Blue Heart Springs

One of the most magical places in all of Idaho is Blue Heart Springs. This incredible oasis has the clearest tropical-blue water that will have you wondering how on earth is this place in Southern Idaho!

The secluded lagoon can only be accessed by boat or other watercraft which makes this hidden spring an exclusive location! If you’re an adventurous type of traveler, then make sure you add a trip to Blue Heart Springs to your Twin Falls or Idaho bucket list!

If you do want to visit Blue Heart Springs but don’t have your own kayak, don’t worry! You can rent one from Banbury Hot Springs.

Road Trip Along Thousand Springs Scenic Byway

Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is a pleasant drive through Southern Idaho that will lead you to gushing waterfalls, hidden springs, and ancient fossil beds. This road trip which begins in Bliss follows the Snake River all the way to Twin Falls.

The 67 mile journey travels through extraordinary landscapes that are sure to leave you awestruck. As you make your way along this scenic byway, you’ll soon learn how the road got its name of “Thousand Springs”. The area is literally bursting with natural spring water that gushes out from the steep walls of the Snake River Canyon.

Along the route are cute small towns, fish hatcheries, hot springs, and campgrounds. Although you could easily complete this road trip in one day, it would be best as an overnight trip so that you can see all of the fascinating places here. You can make this road trip as adventurous or relaxing as you like.

Thousand Springs Scenic Byway travels down Highway 30. If you are coming from Boise, consider taking this scenic detour via Highway 30 to Twin Falls instead of Interstate-84.

>>Read: Thousand Springs Scenic Byway: Take A Road Trip Through Southern Idaho

Soak In Soothing Hot Springs

If relaxing in a hot spring is your idea of fun, you’ll be happy to know there are several hot springs near Twin Falls for you to soak and soothe your troubles away.

The two most popular hot springs near Twin Falls are Miracle Hot Springs and Banbury Hot Springs. Both of these hot springs are located in Buhl, which is about a forty minute drive from Twin Falls.

Miracle Hot Springs has four large outdoor pools of varying temperatures, and several smaller private soaking pools that are first come first served.

Banbury Hot Springs is located across the highway from Miracle Hot Springs and has just one large outdoor hot spring which is kept at 100 degrees, in addition to several smaller private pools. The main pool here has a diving board, and large floating log in the middle of the pool for kids to play on.

You should also know that both destinations offer lodging options that include cabins, campgrounds, and RV sites. We have camped at Miracle Hot Springs before and really enjoyed it there. It was so nice to be able to use their hot spring early in the morning and evenings after a long day of adventuring!

Where To Stay In Twin Falls

Hopefully this trip to Twin Falls is more than just a brief stopover for you because as you can see from the list above there are many things to do in Twin Falls! Twin Falls is a very affordable city to visit and most of the hotels here have very reasonable rates.

Best Hotels In Twin Falls

There are several nice hotels within walking distance of top attractions in Twin Falls like the Hilton Garden Inn and TownePlace Suites which are near the Canyon Rim Trail and restaurants that overlook Snake River Canyon.

The Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn are close to the Perrine Bridge and walking distance to big chain restaurants like Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Chick-fil-A.

If you’d prefer to stay out on Interstate-84 to hit the road early in the morning, stay at the Comfort Inn or Sleep Inn & Suites in Jerome.

RV Parks & Campgrounds In Twin Falls

The closest RV park and campground to Twin Falls is the KOA in Jerome which also has several cabin rentals. Not too far is Oregon Trails Campground in Kimberly, and the Twin Falls 93 RV Park in Filer.

You could also stay on Thousand Springs Scenic Byway at Miracle & Banbury Hot Springs who offer campsites right on the Snake River across from Thousand Springs State Park.

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