Sun Valley is a mountain town at its core. It was developed as America’s first ski destination, and has defined the idea of rustic recreation to this day. For almost one hundred years, travelers to Sun Valley have continued to come for the stunning alpine scenery, world-class recreation, and small community charms.
From green pastures framed by jagged mountains and dotted with horses and moose to fine dining at award-winning restaurants, Sun Valley has managed to maintain its quaint, mountain town charm while still providing an exceptional escape.
Here’s a look at where to stay, play, and dine in Sun Valley, Idaho.
What To Know Before Visiting Sun Valley
Time of Year to Visit Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a year-round destination if you’re adventurous enough. Most people come for the snow sports in the winter and the camp-like vibes during summer. Autumn is a stunning time to visit for the foliage, but keep in mind that the nights will be already dropping well below freezing. Spring is the quietest time to visit, but you may find many shops and trails closed during what is affectionately known as ‘mud season’.
Amount of Time in Sun Valley
Sun Valley itself is pretty small, but the activities are endless. To truly dip your toes into what Sun Valley has to offer, you’ll need at the very least a long weekend.
How to Get to Sun Valley
Sun Valley Regional Airport has several non-stop flights daily from several major cities, including San Francisco. Boise, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls are all airports within a reasonable distance that you can also fly into, although you’ll want to be very cautious of road conditions and closures through the mountains during the winter. If you fly into Boise, you’ll also be able to take the year-round Sun Valley Express shuttle directly from the airport once you land.
If you want to do exploring or are flying into a further airport, you’ll need a rental car. Otherwise there’s a pretty good free local bus service called Mountain Ride that will get you to most places you need to go.
What to Wear in Sun Valley
I find that Sun Valley is a funny mix of cowboy, granola girl, and trust fund. It’s the kind of place you’ll regularly see Hermes bags paired with Birkenstocks. Dark denim is usually the fanciest anyone dresses up here, and cowboy boots are really common in the evening. Whatever you do, just don’t wear white pants unless you want to draw a few chuckles from the locals.
Where To Stay In Sun Valley
Sun Valley Lodge – This is the iconic timber lodge in Sun Valley Village that pretty. Despite recently renovating any charm from the rooms, the lodge itself is lovely and could not be more convenient for a winter holiday.
Knob Hill Inn – Tyrolean style hotel with modern renovations. The service here is known for being great, and I love the location right in the middle of Ketchum.
Inn at Ellsworth Estate – Charming bed and breakfast located in Hailey. Its tucked into the woods with a big wraparound porch that’s perfect for elk spotting.
The Treehouse – Cosy treehouse log cabin right in the middle of Ketchum run by a longstanding local family. This is my top pick.
Where To Eat In Sun Valley
Maude’s – There are tons of choices for coffee shops in Sun Valley, but this is my favourite that I always start my mornings with. The coffee is locally roasted, the vibes are great, and there’s a fabulous vintage store attached.
The Kneadery – Local favourite housed in a little log cabin that gets extremely busy during peak season.
Konditorei – Old world style continental cafe with a commitment to locally sourced produce and sustainable practices. Make sure to try their snowball mocha at least once while you’re here.
Roundhouse – Take a gondola (or hike!) to the top of Bald Mountain to get to this historic little lunch spot. The views are honestly better than the food itself, but it’s so charming I really don’t mind.
Rickshaw – Cosy little restaurant with Southeast Asian inspired dishes. They don’t take reservations, so it’s a great last minute spot to try to grab a table at for dinner during peak season.
The Covey – Sleek, intimate restaurant with contemporary locally sourced dishes. Half of the tables each night are held for reservations, which you really should try to get if you can.
The Ram – This historic restaurant overlooking the mountains is as old as the resort itself. The vibe is rustic but elegant, with a player on the grand piano most nights – it’s kind of place you’ll probably want to dress up a bit for.
Pioneer Saloon – “The Pio”, as its known to locals, is an institution serving classic Idaho dishes. The food is great, but they don’t take reservations so the wait times can get long during peak season. If you don’t get a table, don’t sweat it and swing by for a drink at the bar anyways.
Casino – When my friends and I want to go out for some fun at night, this is where we always end up.
What To Do In Sun Valley
Hit the Slopes – It almost seems too obvious to mention, but you should definitely go skiing or snowboarding if you visit during the winter.
Visit Smiley Creek – About 45 minutes north of Ketchum, this is where we all gather to float down the ‘Lazy River’ in the summer. In the winter, it turns into a great snowmobile and nordic ski destination with rentals available at the lodge.
Go Thrifting – I’m not kidding when I tell you that the best thrift stores I’ve ever been to in my life are here. The Gold Mine in Ketchum is a favourite, but you’ll find tons of great spots worth popping into all the way to Bellevue.
Visit Stanley – Everyone I know who has visited Stanley leaves with a soft spot for this little mountain town. If you’re visiting during the summer, make sure you take at least a day to visit.
Take a Dip in a Hot Spring – There are hot springs everywhere, but the best are sworn to secrecy. Keep an eye out on the side of the road for steam, and you’ll be sure to find some.
Go White Water Rafting – The area is renowned for its world class white water rafting, with guides available for all levels and timeframes. The most locally recommended for beginners and day trips is with White Cloud.
