15 Best Things To Do in Twin Falls, Idaho (Waterfalls, Trails & Scenic Spots)
Tucked away in southern Idaho, Twin Falls is one of the West’s most underrated outdoor destinations. Known for its jaw-dropping waterfalls, scenic canyon views, and endless recreation, this small city punches well above its weight — especially for road trippers exploring the Pacific Northwest or heading toward Craters of the Moon, the Tetons, or Yellowstone National Park.
While Shoshone Falls (often called the “Niagara of the West”) may be the headliner, Twin Falls has so much more to offer. From hot springs and hiking trails to bridge jumping and riverside picnics, this is a place where adventure meets serenity — and best of all, many of the top attractions are completely free.
Whether you’re looking for a fun detour on your next big summer road trip or a weekend getaway with a change of scenery, Twin Falls is the kind of hidden gem that makes you wonder how it’s still flying under the radar. It’s become one of our favorite places to return to again and again.
Ready to discover what makes this small Idaho city such a standout? Here are 16 of the best things to do in Twin Falls — from iconic sights to local secrets.
Best Things to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho
1. Walk across the Perrine Bridge
Walking across a bridge might not sound exciting — but in Twin Falls, it absolutely is. That’s because the Perrine Bridge is not just any bridge. Stretching 1,500 feet across the Snake River Canyon and soaring 486 feet above the water, it’s one of the highest bridges in the United States — ranked eighth in height nationwide.
If you’re brave enough to walk to the middle, your heart will be pounding — and not just from the elevation. The narrow pedestrian walkways hug the road, putting you just an arm’s length from speeding traffic. The combination of height, wind, and fast-moving vehicles makes this walk feel like an adventure in itself.
But the views are absolutely worth it! From the center of the bridge, you’ll get unmatched panoramas of the Snake River Canyon, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot BASE jumpers leaping from the bridge — it’s one of the only legal BASE jumping sites in the U.S.
Too nervous to walk across? No worries — there are scenic viewing platforms on both sides of the bridge that offer impressive views from below.
2. Watch BASE jumpers leap into the Snake River Canyon
Watching BASE jumpers dive into the Snake River Canyon from the Perrine Bridge is one of the most thrilling things to see in Twin Falls! It’s one of the only manmade structures in the U.S. where BASE jumping is legal year-round without a permit, which makes it a bucket list spot for jumpers from around the world.
Even if you’re not the one jumping, it’s an adrenaline rush just watching. Whether you’re standing on the bridge or looking on from the canyon rim, seeing these daredevils hurl themselves off the edge and freefall toward the river is wild. My heart was in my throat every time someone leapt!
The coolest part? You can actually stand next to the jumpers on the bridge before they take off. Not many places in the world let you get that close to the action, so this is a rare and unforgettable experience you’ll only find in Twin Falls.
While watching the jumpers one evening, we had the chance to meet Jän Verhaeren, a professional drone videographer who films BASE jumping in the canyon. He builds his own drones (seriously impressive!) and watching him work was almost as entertaining as the jumpers themselves. If you’re lucky, you might spot him filming during your visit.
👉 Want to try it yourself? You can book a tandem BASE jump off the Perrine Bridge with Tandem BASE, one of the few operations in the world that offers this kind of adventure to first-timers.
3. Walk behind the Perrine Coulee Waterfall
Perrine Coulee Falls is one of the most iconic and unique landmarks in Twin Falls — and it’s located right in town! Just minutes from the Perrine Bridge, this waterfall is incredibly easy to access and won’t take much time out of your day to visit.
What makes this waterfall special is that you can actually walk behind it! A short, narrow trail hugs the canyon wall and leads you behind the cascading water — offering a fresh (and slightly misty) perspective of the Snake River Canyon. It’s a rare and thrilling experience, especially for first-time visitors.
Let’s be honest — there’s something undeniably fun about walking behind a waterfall and feeling the cool spray on a hot summer day. It might seem simple, but it’s often a favorite moment for travelers — especially when Twin Falls temperatures climb into the 90s.
Getting to the trailhead can be a little tricky due to limited parking, so plan accordingly. [Click here to find exact trailhead info.]
If you’re short on time or can’t find a spot to park, you can also view the waterfall from above on the Canyon Rim Trail, which offers an awesome overlook and photo-worthy views.
Best of all? Perrine Coulee Falls flows year-round, so no matter when you visit, you’ll be treated to this natural spectacle
4. Take a stroll along the Canyon Rim Trail
The Canyon Rim Trail is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Snake River Canyon — and it’s right in Twin Falls. This 12-mile paved trail follows the canyon’s edge and offers spectacular views nearly every step of the way.
But don’t worry — you don’t have to hike the whole thing to enjoy it! You can opt for a shorter, easier section starting at the Twin Falls Visitor Center or Perrine Bridge, where you can take a leisurely walk along the rim and soak up dramatic vistas without much effort. This stretch offers some of the best views in the city and is perfect for a quick outing or sunset stroll.
If you’re up for more adventure, you can start at Shoshone Falls State Park and walk or bike the entire 12-mile trail, passing major landmarks like Pillar Falls, Perrine Coulee Falls, and ending at the Perrine Bridge. It’s a fantastic way to spend the day — but totally optional!
No matter which section you choose, the Canyon Rim Trail is flat, paved, and family-friendly, open to walkers, runners, and cyclists. There are several restaurants along the way if you need to refuel.
5. Dine with a view over the Snake River Canyon
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or just want to enjoy a memorable meal with stunning scenery, Twin Falls has you covered. Two of the best restaurants in town — Redhawk Gastropub and Elevation 486 — sit right on the rim of the Snake River Canyon, offering incredible views of the Perrine Bridge, Snake River, and Centennial Park below.
But the views aren’t the only thing worth savoring — both restaurants also serve up delicious food, creative drinks, and relaxing atmospheres perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Redhawk Gastropub, located closer to the Perrine Bridge, features a spacious outdoor terrace that’s ideal for summer evenings. If the weather’s too hot, you can grab a seat inside at the bar (they’ve got 28 beers on tap!) or cozy up in one of their private booths.
The menu is full of delicious options like a beer cheese jalapeño burger, pork belly and smoked bleu cheeseburger, and a wide range of loaded mac & cheese options. Don’t skip the dessert cocktails — the walnut old fashioned (bourbon, maple syrup, and walnut bitters) is a standout!
Elevation 486, named for its perch 486 feet above the canyon floor, is another top spot for scenic dining. The menu ranges from Kobe meatloaf and ribeye to King salmon, Idaho trout, quail, and Asian noodle dishes. The wine list is well-curated, and if you’re there for lunch, try the seafood linguine, the burgers, or our personal favorite — the homemade tomato and basil bisque.
Both restaurants make for a memorable dining experience, and they’re a great way to cap off a day of sightseeing in Twin Falls.
6. Kayak or paddleboard on the Snake River
For a truly adventurous way to experience Twin Falls, grab a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head out onto the Snake River! Rentals are available from AWOL Adventure Sports at Centennial Park, and no reservations are required — just show up and paddle out.
Being on the water gives you a whole new perspective of the Snake River Canyon. Instead of looking down into it from above, you’ll be surrounded by towering canyon walls, making the landscape feel even more dramatic and immersive.
From the launch site, you can paddle beneath the iconic Perrine Bridge, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a few BASE jumpers soaring overhead — it’s one of the few places in the world where you can witness that from the water!
Feeling up for more? Continue upstream to Pillar Falls, a scenic spot where the river tumbles over boulders and creates a series of small drops and pools. It’s a great place to take a break, enjoy the views, and snap some photos.
Rentals are typically available all summer long, and this is one of the best ways to cool off while exploring the natural beauty of the canyon.
7. Go ziplining in Centennial Park
If you’ve ever wanted to try ziplining, this is your chance! AWOL Adventure Sports — the same local outfitter that rents kayaks and paddleboards — also offers an adrenaline-pumping zipline experience in Centennial Park.
You’ll soar across the Snake River Canyon on four different zipline courses, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. The final zipline is the real showstopper. At 1,750 feet long, it’s even longer than the Perrine Bridge!
It’s a thrilling way to see the canyon from a new perspective, and perfect for adventurous travelers or families with older kids looking for an unforgettable experience in Twin Falls.
Even if you’re not usually a thrill-seeker, the friendly staff and scenic setting make this a great introduction to ziplining — and the views are absolutely worth it.
8. Visit Shoshone Falls Park and see the magnificent Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is the crown jewel of Twin Falls — and one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the entire western United States. Often called the “Niagara Falls of the West,” this massive waterfall plunges 212 feet into the Snake River and spans nearly 900 feet across, making it even taller than Niagara itself!
Set within Shoshone Falls Park, just three miles northeast of town, the falls are a bucket list destination for anyone road-tripping through Southern Idaho. For many travelers, it’s their first — and sometimes only — stop in Twin Falls.
From the main viewing platform, you’ll get up-close to the thundering cascade — and yes, you will feel the mist. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, walk to the end of the platform for epic photos and an unforgettable view. There are also picnic areas, restrooms, and a small gift shop nearby.
The best time to see Shoshone Falls is in spring and early summer, when snowmelt fuels the flow. It typically slows down by late summer, but the park remains scenic year-round.
Entrance to the park is $5 per vehicle during the warmer months (March–September), and it’s worth every penny!
9. Cool off with a swim at Dierkes Lake
Looking to beat the summer heat in Twin Falls? Dierkes Lake is a fantastic place to relax, swim, and soak up some sunshine — and it’s located just upstream from Shoshone Falls, within the same park.
This peaceful spring-fed lake is a local favorite, complete with a sandy beach area, a grassy park shaded by trees, and plenty of picnic tables and barbecue grills. There’s also a floating dock in the middle of the lake that’s perfect for jumping into the refreshing water — a summertime tradition among locals. Or if you’d rather keep it mellow and are just here for the sightseeing, take a stroll along the dock and dip your feet in while enjoying views of the canyon.
Because Dierkes Lake is part of Shoshone Falls Park, it’s covered by the same $5-per-vehicle entrance fee (charged during spring through early fall). Entry is free in winter. If you’re visiting during the summer months, you’ll likely find it bustling with families and sunseekers, especially on weekends — and a lifeguard is on duty between June and August.
You could easily make a full day out of exploring Shoshone Falls Park — start with the falls, bring a picnic lunch, then head to Dierkes Lake for an afternoon swim or even some kayaking on this quieter stretch of the Snake River.
👉 Want to know more about the lake, how to get there, or what to pack?
Read: A Local’s Guide to Visiting Dierkes Lake in Twin Falls
10. Check out the Evel Knievel Jump Site
If you’re already exploring Shoshone Falls Park, take a short detour to see one of the most infamous stunt sites in U.S. history — the Evel Knievel Jump Site.
In 1974, legendary daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to launch himself across the Snake River Canyon in a steam-powered rocket. The stunt failed when his parachute deployed prematurely, but he survived — and the dirt launch mound from that dramatic moment still sits on the south rim of the canyon, just a few miles west of Shoshone Falls.
You can hike out to the site and imagine the sheer guts (and maybe madness) it took to even try it. It’s a quirky, offbeat stop — especially for those who love American pop culture, motorsports history, or just weird roadside landmarks.
Another stunt rider eventually made the jump decades later, but this dusty mound will always belong to Knievel.
11. Relax at nearby hot springs
If soaking in steamy mineral-rich water sounds like your idea of bliss, you’ll be happy to know that two of Southern Idaho’s most popular hot springs are just a short drive from Twin Falls.
Located about 40 minutes west in Buhl, both Miracle Hot Springs and Banbury Hot Springs offer a peaceful place to unwind after a day of exploring.
Miracle Hot Springs features four large outdoor pools with varying temperatures, along with several smaller private soaking tubs that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Right across the highway is Banbury Hot Springs, which has a large outdoor pool maintained at a steady 100°F, plus private pools for rent. The main pool even has a diving board and a floating log that makes it especially fun for families with kids.
Both hot spring resorts also offer overnight accommodations, including cabins, tent sites, and RV camping. We’ve stayed at Miracle Hot Springs before and loved having access to the pools early in the morning and again at night — the perfect way to relax after a full day of hiking, paddling, and sightseeing in Twin Falls.
12. Find (and hike!) your way down to Box Canyon
Box Canyon is one of Southern Idaho’s most stunning hidden treasures — a deep canyon carved into farmland where crystal-clear, spring-fed water flows through a turquoise-blue pool, lush greenery spills over the edges, and the entire scene looks like it belongs in the tropics… not rural Idaho!
Part of Thousand Springs State Park, Box Canyon is fed by underground springs that gush 180,000 gallons of water per minute, making it the 11th largest spring in the U.S. And yes — the color really is that blue.
There’s an overlook just steps from the trailhead that offers a dramatic view into the canyon, but the real reward lies in hiking down to the canyon floor, where you’ll find hidden swimming holes and shaded spots to relax by the water.
Swimming is allowed, and the water is incredibly refreshing in summer. Just be prepared — the trail down is rocky in parts and not well-marked, so it’s best for those who are up for a bit of adventure.
Box Canyon is located near Wendell, about 30 minutes from Twin Falls, and the scenic drive takes you through quiet farming communities most visitors miss. From the parking area, it’s hard to believe there’s a massive canyon nearby — the landscape looks totally flat until, suddenly, it doesn’t!
👉 Want step-by-step directions to the trail, swimming spots, and how to find the secret entrance? Read: How to Hike Down to Box Canyon and Where to Swim
13. Paddle to hidden Blue Heart Springs
If you’re up for one last adventure, Blue Heart Springs is the perfect way to end your time in Twin Falls — or better yet, to inspire you to stay longer.
This jaw-dropping oasis is only accessible by water and can be reached by kayaking or paddleboarding up the Snake River from Banbury Hot Springs (about 40 minutes west of Twin Falls). The spring itself is tucked away in a small cove and surrounded by towering basalt walls, giving it a completely secluded and otherworldly feel. The water is incredibly clear with a vibrant blue hue, and it stays a cool 58°F all year-round.
You can rent kayaks or SUPs from Banbury Hot Springs and paddle upstream (about 30–40 minutes) to reach the spring. Because it’s off the main river, many visitors don’t know it’s there — making it feel like your own private slice of paradise.
💎 Blue Heart Springs is one of the most magical places in Idaho. If you want to find more jaw-dropping landscapes in the Gem State, see this ultimate Idaho bucket list that will show you where to find other secret springs, stunning alpine lakes, and more!
14. Take a quick day trip to Malad Gorge
Malad Gorge is one of Southern Idaho’s coolest hidden gems — and it’s hiding in plain sight! This stunning geologic marvel features a dramatic 250-foot-wide canyon and a powerful cascade called The Devil’s Washbowl, yet most drivers on Interstate-84 pass right over it without even knowing.
Located just 30 minutes from Twin Falls, Malad Gorge is part of Thousand Springs State Park and is easily accessed via Exit 147 off I-84. Once inside the park, you can walk across a steel footbridge that spans the gorge for unforgettable views of the turquoise-colored Malad River rushing through the canyon far below.
Continue across the bridge to see The Devil’s Washbowl, where water crashes over a retreating cataract before plunging into the canyon — it’s loud, wild, and mesmerizing.
👉 Read: How to Visit Malad Gorge
15. Take a scenic drive along Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
If you love scenic drives packed with waterfalls, hidden springs, and off-the-beaten-path wonders, then the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is calling your name.
This 67-mile stretch of Highway 30 runs from Bliss to Twin Falls, tracing the course of the Snake River through dramatic canyons, open farmland, and some of Southern Idaho’s most magical natural attractions.
The route earns its name from the countless springs that literally burst out of the canyon walls, creating stunning waterfalls and lush green oases in an otherwise arid landscape.
Along the way, you’ll pass quiet small towns, fish hatcheries, hot springs, campgrounds, and even some of the stops mentioned in this list, like Box Canyon and Malad Gorge. It’s a beautiful way to get a glimpse of rural life in Idaho while soaking in bucolic views.
While you could drive the byway in a few hours, we recommend turning it into an overnight road trip so you can truly explore the area’s hidden gems and natural wonders — whether you’re in search of adventure or just want to relax and enjoy the ride.
👉 Interested in taking this road trip? See our complete guide to all of the best stops along Thousand Springs Scenic Byway (with itinerary)
Where to Stay in Twin Falls, Idaho
Hopefully your visit to Twin Falls is more than just a quick stopover — because as you’ve seen, there’s a surprising number of awesome things to see and do here! The good news is that Twin Falls is also a very affordable place to stay, with a wide range of accommodations at budget-friendly rates. Here’s a quick guide to the top-rated hotels in Twin Falls to help you plan your stay.
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.
Looking for a place to stay in Twin Falls? Use the interactive map below to find hotels, motels, and other lodging in Twin Falls, Idaho. Recommended hotels and other points of interest are also marked on the map.
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