A Quick Trip to Twin Falls, Idaho: A Short-Timer’s Guide to Waterfalls and Where to Wander
I recently spent a day in Twin Falls, Idaho during a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Portland, Oregon, and genuinely loved my short time in this surprising little city! Twin Falls is an unsuspecting little city that has plenty of cool things to do and areas to explore, whether you’re looking for a fun solo trip (*points at self*), a girls’ weekend, or a quick daytrip with the fam!
Twin Falls, Idaho, is a charming small town that’s about two hours south of Boise and is known for its natural beauty and plethora of outdoor attractions. The Snake River, which twists wildly along the city, has created several spectacular waterfalls, canyons, and riverside views that attract travelers and thrill seekers from around the world who are looking for their next hidden adventure.
Twin Falls really felt like it struck a balance between natural beauty and community charm while offering a mix of cultural events, local shops, and plenty of great dining options to choose from.
If you’re like me and only have a short time to experience the area, here are a few of my suggestions on some of the top things to check out in Twin Falls.
What to see in Twin Falls When You’re on a Time Crunch
Shoshone Falls: The Niagara of the West
Shoshone Falls is arguably the top attraction in Twin Falls, and after checking it out for myself, it’s easy to see why. The park was gorgeous and easy to access and the view of the falls were stunning!
Fun fact: Shoshone was nicknamed "Niagara of the West" due to it being higher than Niagara Falls by about 45 feet!
The width of the falls varies throughout the year, and I’ve read that the flow is at its peak during the spring and summer months. I visited the park in early November and the stream was pretty slow at the time, but even then, the surrounding views of the canyon were still mesmerizing.
The fall’s lookout point was super easy to access, and you can drive right up to them from Shoshone Falls Park.
Pack a picnic, hike the scenic trails, and don't forget your phone or camera—you'll want to capture the magic of the falls against the backdrop of the Snake River Canyon.
Perrine Bridge: Where Daredevils Spread Their Wings
The Perrine Bridge may be the coolest playground in Twin Falls, and is known for being an adrenaline-junkie haven!
The steel giant stands tall and proud at 1,500-foot-long and 486 feet above the Snake River and offers itself up as the ultimate daredevil’s launchpad for BASE jumping.
I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to watch anyone take the leap while I was there, but I did see several people getting ready and setting up their parachutes. Apparently, jumpers travel from around the globe year-round to dive from the Perrine, so there’s a high chance that you could get to see them whenever you choose to visit!
The bridge isn't just for the wild at heart, though. It also has a beautifully maintained pedestrian walkway so that you can stroll, enjoy the view, and maybe sit back and catch a parachuting spectacle while you're at it.
Twin Falls’ Quirky Core
After soaking up the local views, head to downtown Twin Falls for a dose of quirky, small-town charm. Main Street Twin Falls is the heart of the city, and every shop has its own story to tell.
Unique shops to check out on Main Street:
Out of all the shopping I did on Main Street, Perrine Man Press was my favorite spot and the products’ overall message really stood out. PMP strives to create ‘good tees that do good’ and give back to their community, while creating unique, hand-drawn artwork for their merchandise that showcases the landscapes surrounding their city.
Their company slogan, Made for More, is meant to remind folks that we’re all made for more than just the hardships that life throws at us, and that every human being is valuable just as they are. What an awesome message to put out into the world! I think we could all use a little reminder of our value at times. Thanks for that, PMP!
The eats!
Okay, now onto nearly everyone’s top interest - the eats. Below are a few cravable restaurant options along Main Street that are worth adding to your itinerary:
Pictured above: Avocado toast, skillet potatoes, espresso, and seasonal mimosa from the Yellow Brick Cafe.
Beyond the Bridges, Falls, and Malls
If you’re looking for some other fun attractions in Twin Falls outside of shopping and nature hopping, here are a few more suggestions to add extra variety to your itinerary:
