Twin Falls is a modest city in the south of Idaho with a small population of approximately 50,000. It is more famous for its exquisite natural landscapes, highlighted by countless rivers and lakes, awesome trails, and vicinity to the majestic Shoshone Falls. Many first-timers in Twin Falls are usually enticed by its beautiful scenery and thrilling outdoor adventures, making sure to book a return trip for more. Surrounded by the scenic Snake River Canyon, the town is home to lots of farmland, with smaller farm towns like Kimberly worth escaping to plus plenty of scenic state parks to explore.
Tourists can expect a fun-filled stay in the city thanks to various outdoor activities. From rock climbing, hiking, and kayaking to mountain biking and base jumping, Twin Falls is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts and explorers looking for an adrenaline rush. Ready to experience this natural nirvana? Here is the ultimate travel guide and things to do in Twin Falls.
What To Know When Visiting Twin Falls
Twin Falls has all the hallmarks of a small town, including dense natural surroundings, a slow pace of life, and a conservative population that prefers to do things their way. Tourists shouldn’t be surprised when locals smile, wave, and strike up spontaneous conversations with them in the streets; the family-oriented community is just friendly like that.
The weather is a mixed bag and can be quite confusing for visitors. It changes drastically, and a cold day with fast winds can be followed by a sunny day with 75 degrees (F) temperatures and a few inches of snow the next day.
Twin Falls is located in the “Magic Valley,” an agricultural paradise known for its lush fields irrigated by the Snake River. It also has more than 30 waterfalls, but Shoshone Falls easily stands out. The “Niagara of the West” is one of the country’s top natural waterfalls. At 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, Shoshone Falls is taller than the more famous Niagara Falls.
The 48-story Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls is a popular BASE jumping site that hosts daredevils from around the country throughout the year. It is built across the Snake River Canyon and connects Jerome County to the interstate.
Best Time To Visit Twin Falls
The south of Idaho opens its doors to visitors all year round. Whether tourists want to bask in the hot summer sun or experience the windy fall and winter seasons, there is always something fun to do.
The driest months of the year are July, August, and September. With the sun out, daily highs averaging 75 °F to 83 °F, and no gusty winds, adventurers take this opportunity to explore the endless open spaces in Twin Falls. Meanwhile, this is the perfect time for extreme fun lovers who converge at the Perrine Bridge.
Although it doesn’t precipitate a lot in the area, summer and spring experience heavy flows that rejuvenate the abundant waterfalls in Twin Falls. The wettest month is March, a rare time when indoor activities surpass outdoor activities in the city.
Peak season falls in July, with the shoulder seasons in June and August. As visitors throng the tiny city, flight and hotel prices experience a major hike, so tourists are advised to book their transportation and lodging well in advance to avoid the high prices.
The town may look deserted in fall and winter as tourists shy away from the low temperatures. However, this is also a good time to take advantage of the low prices everywhere. Those who don’t prefer crowds have all the time to admire the beautiful natural landscapes without competition.
Guests should remember to pack enough layers to starve off the low temperatures. The cold can be unforgiving, with daily lows hovering between 27 °F and 31 °F.
Getting Around In Twin Falls
A person doing a backflip on Snake River
Tourists shouldn’t have too much trouble going around the city, although the public transit system is quite modest. The best bet would be to rent a car and drive around for more convenience.
Furthermore, most sites worth visiting are remote and further than walking distance from most hotels or in the city’s outskirts, so guests will need to drive to get there without taking too much time.
Fortunately, there are several car rental services in the city, starting from the point of arrival at Magic Valley Regional Airport. These include companies like Budget, Alamo, Hertz, National, and Avis.
- Rates: $47 for a compact sedan (4 adults), $80 for a standard SUV (5 adults), and $128 for a minivan (5 adults)
Guests who don’t want to drive can opt for taxi services. But there aren’t many taxis on the streets; the best way is to call a cab agency to book a ride.
Lastly, walking is another option that will work for explorers. There are many open spaces and sites, and the best experience may require taking the time to soak in the scenes. Furthermore, the multiple hiking trails and walking paths are a great way to exercise and eliminate jet lag.
Where To Stay In Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a laid-back town in the high desert, and this is mirrored in its lodging situation. Tourists shouldn’t expect luxury hotels with lavish suites but smaller and rather inexpensive lodges that are enough to guarantee a good night’s sleep.
The downtown area along Pole Line Road and Blue Lakes Boulevard features most of the newer hotels in Twin Falls, with the majority having been constructed after 2007. Some of the top hotels to try out include The Fillmore Inn.
Set in a residential area and a short walking distance from downtown Twin Falls, this cozy hotel has elegant rooms decorated with antique furniture. The place is relatively affordable but comes with all the perks of a standard B&B.
If tourists want a little isolation, My Place Hotel is a secluded option in a rural setting and off Highway 93. It is 3 miles from Centennial Waterfront Park and a walking distance from the Herrett Center for Arts and Science. The best part is that guests can enjoy clean rooms and top service on a shoestring budget.
Not too far from My Place Hotel is SureStay Hotel along Highway 93. This places visitors close to the Perrine Bridge and multiple water adventures at Centennial Waterfront Park.
Another hotel worth checking out is TownePlace Suites by Marriott. It is proximally placed in the area and allows guests front-row access to major attractions like the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail (10-minute walk) and the Shoshone Falls (7 miles away).
But if tourists want to savor the natural settings in Twin Falls and sleep under the stars, various charming camping grounds will be a welcome alternative, including the Twin Falls 93 RV Park, Rock Creek R.V. Camp, and Twin Falls KOA Campground.
Mid-range options:
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Twin Falls
Budget Options:
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Twin Falls
- Address: 1260 Blue Lakes Boulevard North, Twin Falls, ID 83301-3307, United States
- Rates per night: $71 for 2 adults
- Amenities: Free WiFi, Breakfast, Parking, Laundry facilities, Express check-out, Room service, Coffee machine, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries, and Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply
Camping grounds:
Twin Falls/Jerome KOA Campground
- Address: 5431 US Highway 93, Jerome, ID 83338-6774
- Hours: Monday-Sunday (10 am – 4 pm)
- Amenities: Free parking, Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi), Children’s Activities (Kid / Family-Friendly), Pets Allowed (Dog / Pet-Friendly ), Self-serve laundry
Rock Creek R.V. Camp
- Address: 797 Addison Ave W Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States
- Rates per night: $20 (15-day stay limit)
- Amenities: 50 amp hookups available in some spots, water, pull-thru sites, pets allowed, family-friendly.
Where To Eat In Twin Falls
For a small town, Twin Falls impresses with a diverse dining experience. Multiple sit-down restaurants and fast-food eateries serve guests and locals tantalizing dishes from both American and Mexican cuisines.
- Best for breakfast: Abracadabra’s, Yellow Brick Café, Norms Café, Buffalo Café, Idaho’s Joe, Black Bear Diner
- Best for lunch and dinner: Jakers, Prasai’sThai Cuisine, Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant, Ketchum Burrito, La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
- Best pubs and bars: Milner’s Gate, Elevation 486, Scooter’s Chillin’ and Grillin’, Anchor Bistro and Bar, Koto Brewing Company
Best Things to Do in Twin Falls
There is a lot to do in Twin Falls, especially for extroverted tourists who yearn to be in the great outdoors. From sightseeing and hiking to kayaking and rock climbing or even bird-watching, these are the best ways to have fun in this natural nirvana:
Go Kayaking on the Snake River
Kayaking is one of the most popular pastimes in Southern Idaho. If tourists don’t mind a little white water, the Snake River offers a generally easy upstream paddle from Centennial Waterfront Park to Pillar Falls.
This trip will last around 2- 4 hours, and aside from the fun in the water, participants get to explore the amazing scenes surrounding the Snake River. AWOL Adventure Sports offers guests the perfect opportunity with their kayak rentals.
The trip gives guests an up-close and exciting perspective of Pillar Falls. But for those who want to go beyond and venture close to the Shoshone Falls, the $40 trip option will be ideal.
- Rates: $20 for 2 hrs., $30 for 4 hrs., $40 for 6 hrs. (comes with paddle and life jacket)
Marvel at Shoshone Falls
Experiencing the grandeur of Shoshone Falls up close is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences for first-timers in Twin Falls. Aptly nicknamed the Niagara of the West, the natural wonder surpasses the mighty Niagara Falls in height.
Shoshone Falls lies on the Snake River but carves deep into the Columbia River to dump its majestic waters. The half-day guide tour to Shoshone Falls is the perfect way to experience it alongside a small group of fellow adventurers.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Charges: $69 per adult
For extra adventure, tourists can hike an easy canyon rim trail to get a first-hand view of Shoshone Falls from various vantage points and appreciate its overwhelming beauty.
Spring is the best season to experience Shoshone Falls for those who travel to Twin Falls specifically for that.
Visit Herrett Center for Arts and Science
A tour of the Herrett Center for Arts and Science is the ideal alternative for introverted guests who’d rather explore the indoors rather than the open spaces. This non-profit museum in the College of Southern Idaho showcases interesting natural history, anthropology, and astronomy artifacts.
Before ending up in the hands of the College of Southern Idaho, the Herrett Center once belonged to Norman Herrett, who it gets the name from. Its history dates back to the 1950s when it started as a hobby project, where Norman Harriet exhibited various artifacts he purchased from his trips around America.
The museum was later transferred to the College of Southern Idaho after a successful negotiation and opened in 1980, after Norman’s death.
Hike at the Auger Falls Park Loop
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy trying the adventurous loop to Auger Falls. This relatively easy 4-mile trail features a flat elevation ideal for all skill levels. Other than hiking, mountain biking is a nice alternative, with dedicated MTB trails that offer the perfect adventure of discovery.
The trail gets hot in the summer, with no substantial shade to shelter from the scorching sun. As such, tourists should plan to start the hike earlier in the day for a better experience. The Auger Falls leads visitors to the Urie Homestead, a site of old homes domiciled by the Urie family in the 1910s-1940s.
Furthermore, hikers enjoy sweeping views of the Auger Falls, Snake River, and other charming waterfalls cascading the canyon walls.
Admire the courage of BASE jumpers at Perrine Bridge
Watching BASE jumpers risk their existence to jump from a 486-foot bridge into the abyss of the canyon is a spectacular sight that will send a chill down adventurers’ spines. However, it can also be artistic to see them in their wingsuits and parachutes gracefully gliding down before touching the waters of the Snake River.
This extreme sport attracts a lot of fans and participants who camp near the bridge all year. Perrine Bridge is also the only BASE jumping site in the country where participants don’t need a permit. It is a renowned spot that attracts daredevils from all corners of the world who come to offer tourists and locals free entertainment with their death-defying acts.
How To Spend The Perfect Day In Twin Falls
For a city with endless natural beauty like Twin Falls, a day is best spent exploring the amazing landscapes and sights spread around the town.
But before setting off, a hearty breakfast at Norm’s Café is the perfect way to prepare for the adventurous day ahead. From waffles to pancakes and breakfast burritos, the food is delicious, with various options that will help stock up the energy.
After breakfast, head to the imposing and popular Shoshone Falls to enjoy the sunrise and take in the sights before the crowd grows. From there, spend the next hour at the Evel Knievel Jump Site and learn about the interesting story of the pioneer daredevil.
To escape the scorching midday sun, head to Twin Falls Visitor Center for shade and explore the gift shop for cute souvenirs. This will also be a good time to document the experience in the city with memorable photos beside the art displays.
After lunch, stop by the Perrine Bridge to marvel at the daredevil BASE jumpers before heading to the water for a boat tour on the Snake River. When tourists have had enough of the water, they can go back to town and hop into Scooter’s Chillin n’ Grillin sports bar for a mouth-watering meal to recoup the lost energy, followed by drinks to close out the day.
FAQ
Q: Is there anything to see in Twin Falls Idaho?
Twin Falls, ID may seem like an offbeat vacation destination, but it offers tons of things to do. Parks, adventuring, and historic attractions are just a few highlights—not to mention Shoshone Falls, the Niagara of the West!
Q: Do you have to pay to see Twin Falls?
Visitors don’t have to pay to see Shoshone Falls, AKA Twin Falls, but a few dollars can earn them a better view and convenient parking.
Q: What is the best time to visit Twin Falls Idaho?
The best time to visit Twin Falls, Idaho is during the summer, because weather conditions are favorable. However, Idaho can be enjoyed in all seasons; scenic winter road trips are just one seasonal highlight.
