Why McCall Is the Perfect Idaho Staycation Destination

Your next best escape might be closer than you think. Luxury, adventure, and relaxation don’t require a passport when you get to call Idaho home.

If you’re craving a weekend escape from Boise or looking to trade Coeur d’Alene’s renowned pine forests for the charm of Central Idaho, McCall offers the perfect Idaho staycation. It’s close to home yet feels like a world away.

Idahoans know that the Gem State is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. So, the real question is: Why travel far for your next vacation when McCall has it all?

A staycation here offers crisp mountain air, the crystal-clear waters of Payette Lake, soaring mountain peaks, and an untamed backcountry to explore without the stress of long-distance travel. McCall is Mother Nature’s playground, and Shore Lodge is your front-row seat to it all.

Whatever your dream staycation looks like, chances are we already have it. A luxurious spa for a romantic getaway. A game room, private theater, and heated outdoor pool for unforgettable family fun. Lakefront suites, three dining venues, and a chic boutique, perfect for a bachelorette weekend. Nestled on the edge of the wild, Shore Lodge blends luxury with adventure. With endless activities and experiences, get inspired by what you can do during your McCall staycation.

Breaking from your daily routine to relax isn’t a want. It’s a need. The moment you get to Shore Lodge, you feel the pace slow down. Here, your constant “go-go-go” mindset fades. Fully embrace the art of doing nothing during your Idaho staycation by adding these to your itinerary.

• Lounge by the pool or lakeside during the summer with a book that’s been waiting on your “to-read” list for far too long.
• Savor a slow morning with in-room breakfast from The Cutwater on Payette Lake, enjoyed on your private balcony in one of our Lake View Suites.
• Book a spa appointment at The Cove and select from our various menu options before enjoying our famed immersion pools.
• Set sail on a chartered sunset cruise aboard The Idaho with McCall Lake Cruises, taking in the golden hour from the water.
• Take a peaceful morning walk along the shoreline and watch the sun rise behind the Salmon River Mountains from our private dock.
• Dine at The Narrows Steakhouse, where fine dining meets entertainment with our tableside activations.

While luxury soothes the body, sometimes the soul craves something more adventurous. And luckily for you, McCall is a natural playground for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers alike. If your ideal staycation includes fresh air, adrenaline, and unforgettable experiences, here’s how to turn your Shore Lodge stay into a high-altitude adventure.

• Hit the trails at Payette National Forest or Ponderosa State Park, where scenic hikes range from peaceful forest strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views.
• Let our Concierge connect you with trusted local outfitters for ATV rides, snowmobile excursions, or horseback adventures into McCall’s rugged backcountry.
• Rent or charter a boat from our private marina and add water toys for tubing, wakeboarding, or waterskiing on Payette Lake.
• Explore world-class mountain biking trails in Payette National Forest, known for its diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery.
• Swap the lake for slopes during the winter with a day pass to Brundage Mountain to ski or snowboard.

Getting away doesn’t mean you have to go far. A change of scenery and a stay at Shore Lodge is all you truly need for the perfect Idaho staycation. Book your stay and discover for yourself what it’s like enjoying a staycation in McCall.