Spend a day in Twin Falls, and it won’t take long for you to see why this place is a favorite among Idaho natives. With gushing waterfalls, pristine lakes, and miles of scenic hiking trails in Snake River Canyon, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to natural attractions.

Twin Falls is perhaps best known as the home of the spectacular Shoshone Falls, the “Niagara of the West.” While no trip to Twin Falls is complete without paying a visit to this beautiful natural wonder, you’ll quickly find that there’s so much more to this tiny town than its most famous waterfall.

You can easily spend your entire trip kayaking down Snake River, hiking along the rim of Snake River Canyon, or going boating on beautiful Dierkes Lake. Explore further afield, and you’ll discover the beautiful lava caves of the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, as well as all of the incredible outdoor adventures to be had in Sawtooth National Forest.

If you’re looking for something less active, you can always while away the hours shopping in Twin Falls’ historic downtown or watching the BASE jumpers launch themselves off of the iconic Perrine Memorial Bridge. 

No matter how you decide to spend your days, you can end them by sipping local craft brews at the popular KOTO Brewing Co. before dining out in one of downtown Twin Falls’ many farm-to-table eateries.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Twin Falls for you. Stick to these fun and unique Twin Falls bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time in this magical Idaho city!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho

15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Twin Falls

1. Marvel at Shoshone Falls (the ‘Niagara of the West’)

If you’re taking a trip to Twin Falls, chances are Shoshone Falls is high up on your Twin Falls bucket list. This natural beauty has a rim of nearly 1,000 feet and cascades 212 feet into the Snake River below. That makes Shoshone Falls 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls (though not nearly as wide)! 

One of the best things about Shoshone Falls is that it’s super easy to reach from Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls Park is an easy 15-minute drive from downtown Twin Falls. Once you reach the parking lot, the observation deck is just 75 feet away, so there’s no need to hike to reach these spectacular falls. 

Or, if you’re up for a bit of adventure, one of the coolest ways to view Shoshone Falls is to embark on a kayaking excursion from Centennial Waterfront Park to the base of the falls! Either way you go, it’s best to visit Shoshone Falls in the spring, when the cascades are at their fullest. While it is possible to visit any time of year, you may be disappointed in the dry fall months.

2. Take a Dip in Dierkes Lake

Once you’re finished marveling at Shoshone Falls, head over to nearby Dierkes Lake for more adventurous activities. In the summer months, this is one of the best things to do in Twin Falls to escape the Idaho heat. Plus, it’s less than one mile from Shoshone Falls, so it’s a convenient place to stop after visiting the falls. 

Explore the 191-acre park, and you’ll find plenty of green spaces, picnic tables, and a playground. If you want to stretch your legs, there’s even a dirt trail that leads you around the lake and offers spectacular views. 

Or, if you prefer to get out on the water, you can rent non-motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes, perfect for paddling around Dierkes Lake. Plus, the lake is brimming with bluegill, bass, and trout if you want to try your luck and attempt to catch a fresh fish lunch!

If you’re up for an underwater adventure, Dierkes Lake just happens to be a popular spot for scuba diving. Delve beneath the surface, and you’ll find all sorts of random objects, from sunken rowboats to a hidden treasure chest!

3. Take a Sunset Hike along the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

If you love scenic hikes, you are absolutely going to love following the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. For the most magical views, though, time your visit with the sunset, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful vistas and magical pink, purple, and golden hues. 

Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is a 10-mile, out-and-back trail that leads you to some of the best Twin Falls attractions. The easiest place to hop on the trail is at the Twin Falls Visitor Center (which is well worth checking out in its own right!). 

From there, the trail will lead you along the canyon’s rim to the spectacular Perrine Memorial Bridge, which straddles Snake Canyon and offers beautiful views of Snake River as it winds through the canyon. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Evel Knievel Jump Site, the Twin Falls Love Lock Fence, Shoshone Falls, and so much more!

4. Chill Out at Centennial Waterfront Park

If it’s not obvious by now, Twin Falls is just brimming with fun riverside attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Twin Falls in summer, be sure to carve out some time for Centennial Waterfront Park.

Centennial Waterfront Park is perched right on the banks of the Snake River, just down the way from the Perrine Memorial Bridge. This place is an excellent jumping-off point for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding trip through Snake River Canyon to Shoshone Falls. If you don’t have your own gear, AWOL Adventure Sports has got you covered. 

If you prefer to just hang around the park, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. One of the most fun things to do in Twin Falls is to go ziplining at the park’s on-site Zip the Snake course. This four-line zipline course will give you unforgettable views of Snake River Canyon!

For something a bit less thrilling, Centennial Waterfront Park is the perfect place for a riverside picnic.   

5. Walk Behind Perrine Coulee Falls

Shoshone Falls might get all of the attention, but there are plenty of reasons why Perrine Coulee Falls deserves a spot on your Twin Falls bucket list. The slender waterfall freefalls nearly 200 feet onto the rocky banks of Snake River Canyon below. Be sure to bring your camera because Perrine Coulee Falls is absolutely stunning!

The trail leading to Perrine Coulee Falls is located just off of Canyon Springs Road, though it can be tough to find. Once you find the trail, it’s a short trek to reach the waterfall. You can take in beautiful views of the waterfall from two unique vantage points, and we highly recommend doing both.

One of the coolest things about hiking to Perrine Coulee Falls is that you can walk behind the falls to feel the force of the water – though be prepared to get wet from the spray! It’s also well worth taking in the waterfall views from above from the vantage point of the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail.

6. Sample Local Craft Beers at KOTO Brewing Co.

After an adventure-filled day in Twin Falls, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the city’s historic downtown with a pint of local craft beer at KOTO Brewing Co. One of the many cool things about this hip craft brewery is that it’s located in a 100-year-old building right in the heart of town. 

Depending on when you visit, KOTO will have all sorts of unique brews on tap. Whether you’re into smooth porters or hoppy IPAs, craft beer enthusiasts will find something they love. 

Think the hazy and fruity Table Base IPA, the tropical fruit-infused American Agenda Pale Ale, the chocolatey and fig-flavored Inlaw – Winter Ale, or the cold-brewed Colombian coffee-infused Basic Freedoms Breakfast Coffee Stout!

If you need something to soak up all that booze, KOTO Brewing also serves up an excellent menu of meaty and vegetarian Asian fusion dishes. Think Poke Nachos, Korean BBQ Broccoli Tacos, and Steak and Edamame Salad.

7. Watch the BASE Jumpers Leap Off of Perrine Bridge

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Twin Falls, you’d be remiss not to visit Perrine Memorial Bridge. Aside from Shoshone Falls, this is easily one of the most iconic and popular Twin Falls attractions. 

Perrine Bridge straddles Snake River Canyon and is perched 486 feet above Snake River. It’s well worth taking some time to traverse the bridge’s 1,500-foot-long pedestrian walkway to take in the dramatic canyon, waterfall, and river views along the way. 

As the eighth-highest bridge in the United States, Perrine Bridge also happens to be a prime spot for BASE jumping. It’s actually the only manmade structure in the States where you can BASE jump all year long without a permit!

Even if you’re not willing to take the leap, watching the BASE jumpers fling themselves from the bridge and parachute down onto the canyon floor is a must-do if you find yourself in Twin Falls!

8. Eat and Drink Your Way Through 2nd South Market

Housed in a fully revamped 1926 building, 2nd South Market is one of the coolest things to do in Twin Falls whenever you’re feeling hungry or thirsty. This place opened its doors as “Idaho’s Original Food Hall” in 2019 and has been going strong ever since! 

One of the best things about this trendy food hall concept is that you’ll find a handful of bars, cafes, and restaurants in this 13,000-square-foot space. So there’s something to suit all tastes. 

If you’re feeling hungry, you can order up Asian fusion dishes at Fuji Express, poke bowls and sushi rolls at Poke & Sushi Hut, brisket and pulled pork sandwiches at The Smokey Bone, or seriously cheesy pizzas at Lucy’s New York Style Pizzeria. For something sweet, be sure to top it all off with the homemade ice cream at CloverLeaf Creamery. 

Or, if you just want to hang out with your crew, grab a local brew from The Taproom and head out to The Yard, where you’ll find picnic tables, lawn games, and fire pits to gather around. Time your visit right, and you’ll get to hear live local bands perform, too!

9. Catch a Live Show at Orpheum Theatre

If you’re looking for things to do in Twin Falls that don’t require working up a sweat, take a break from the action and catch a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre. 

This 1921 theater is set right in the heart of downtown Twin Falls. While it’s been fully renovated, Orpheum Theatre is oozing historic charm and brimming with original architectural details – so it’s well worth visiting just to take a tour of this historic Twin Falls attraction.

If you do have some time to kill, check the schedule to see what’s on during your visit. Orpheum Theatre regularly shows classic movies, comedy shows, musical performances, and special events, such as a Rocky Horror Picture Show night! 

If you’re on a date night or just feel like splurging, you can even reserve a pair of private box seats and watch the show in true VIP fashion.

10. Hike, Fish, and Kayak in Sawtooth National Forest

Exploring Sawtooth National Forest is one of the best things to do in Twin Falls if you’re looking for day-trip ideas. The national forest is an easy 2-hour drive from downtown Twin Falls. And with over 2 million acres, Sawtooth is brimming with incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure!

If you’re looking for a challenge, it’s possible to embark on a range of backpacking trips to hidden gems like Alice Lake and Goat Lake. Or, for an easier day hike, you can always opt to visit Fishhook Creek and Redfish Lake Inlet.

Redfish Lake is one of the most popular attractions in Sawtooth National Forest, and it’s the perfect place to rent a kayak or paddleboard and just paddle around. Or, if you want to try your hand at whitewater rafting, book a trip through Sawtooth Adventure and hit the rapids on Salmon River!

No matter how you decide to spend your day, you can end it by taking a soak in one of Sawtooth’s many hot springs, including Boat Box, Sunbeam, and Kirkham hot springs.

11. Check Out the Unique Rock Formations at Pillar Falls

It’s no secret that Twin Falls is home to some beautiful waterfalls. But just because Shoshone Falls is the most famous doesn’t mean you should skip the city’s smaller cascades. 

Pillar Falls is easily one of the coolest Twin Falls attractions. Pillar Falls is tucked away in between Perrine Memorial Bridge and the Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon Jump Site, so it’s super convenient to visit either via kayak or a short hike. 

If you opt to go by foot, the trail is a moderate 1.6-mile path that’s short but steep in places – so tread lightly. While the 20-foot fall is tiny compared to Shoshone Falls, it’s the towering Rhyolite pillars in between the cascades that make Pillar Falls such an incredible sight.

Plus, you’ll also get incredible views of Snake River and the Perrine Memorial Bridge in the distance. Summer is the coolest time to visit Pillar Falls as the water levels are low, and you can check out all of the funky rock formations and picturesque pools.

12. Go Underground at the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Exploring the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is one of the most unique things to do in Twin Falls if you’ve got the time for a fun day trip. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is located 90 miles from Twin Falls, but it is well worth the detour.

This otherworldly landscape was formed nearly 15 million years ago by molten lava and spans 750,000 acres. The Monument and Preserve is so big it can be seen from space!

If you’re short on time, you can take in the Martian-like views from the 7-mile Loop Road. But if you’ve got the time, it’s well worth going on a hike and exploring one of the many caves. 

The caves are easily a highlight of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. These lava tubes were formed by hot rivers of molten rock that once flowed beneath the surface. You can access four of these natural wonders easily from the Loop Road, but be sure to pick up the free permit from the Visitor Center ahead of time.

13. Drink and Dine with a View at Elevation 486

At the end of an action-packed day in Twin Falls, head over to Elevation 486 and treat yourself to dinner and drinks with a view. Elevation 486 is perched 486 feet above Snake River on the south rim of Snake River Canyon – so the location is unreal!

Not only will you get incredible views of Snake River Canyon and the Perrine Bridge, but on a clear day you’ll get views of Soldier Mountain to the northwest, the Pioneer Range to the north, and Pomerelle to the east. 

When the weather is nice, try your best to snag a seat on the patio (reservations are recommended, as this place is popular among locals and visitors alike!). But don’t worry if you’d prefer to sit inside because the floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’ll still get remarkable views. 

Elevation 486 is more than just good looks, though. The chef here serves up some seriously good locally-sourced, globally-inspired new American fare. Think Idaho Ruby Red Trout, Butternut Squash Ravioli with Pistachio-Basil Sauce, and Grilled “Falls Brand” Pork Chops. 

If you prefer a local craft brew and pub grub, Elevation 486 also has an excellent happy hour from 2:30-5 pm, and the bar bites range from Thai Chili Wings to Caprese Salad. 

14. Explore the Historic Downtown Twin Falls

Downtown Twin Falls is about as charming as it gets. Not only is this place bursting with fun things to do, but the entire area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts 42 heritage buildings – so you know it’s something special!

There’s always something fun going on in downtown Twin Falls, no matter what time of year you visit. From cool boutique shops and the buzzing KOTO Brewing Co. to funky vintage stores and the historic Orpheum Theatre, you won’t get bored here.

If you happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month, attending the Downtown Twin Falls First Friday event is easily one of the most fun things to do in Twin Falls. Expect tons of live music at restaurants, discounts at local businesses, and lots of mingling with locals! 

Or, if you’re visiting on a Saturday, be sure to go shopping for local goods and farm-fresh foods at the bustling Market on Main. And if you’re really lucky, your trip might just coincide with a fun-filled Western Day or the festivities of Oktoberfest or the Twin Falls Light Parade!

15. Check Out the Evel Knievel Jump Site

If you find yourself exploring the rim of Snake River Canyon, be sure to pay a visit to the famed Evel Knievel Jump Site. This is the very spot where the daredevil attempted to cross the quarter-mile-wide, 500-foot-deep Snake River Canyon using a steam-powered rocket-bike called the “Skycycle.”

Knievel was not successful in his venture and actually crashed just after the launch because of a parachute malfunction. Instead of making it across, Knievel floated down to the canyon floor. Luckily, he escaped with nothing more than a broken nose!  

The site is located just 2 miles east of the Perrine Memorial Bridge and is easy to view via the 1.8-mile paved Centennial Trail. While the site is technically on private property, you can still see Knievel’s launch ramp from the top of Centennial Trail or from the Twin Falls Visitor Center.

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho. What’s your favorite thing to do in Twin Falls?

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