Should You Visit Sun Valley?

Is Sun Valley worth visiting?

This town is a good place to visit for three to seven days. Sun Valley is a popular resort town and ski destination in Idaho. Skiing is popular at nearby Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. During the warmer months the area has many great hikes and a relaxed atmosphere. We first visited in 2018 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with relaxing atmosphere and outdoor beauty.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Reasons to Visit Sun Valley

Skiing
There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Food
Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Resorts
The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Hiking
During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Nightlife
It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Shopping
While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Sun Valley

Museums: Sun Valley isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Sun Valley might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Sun Valley here or see if Sun Valley is expensive here.

Related

What is Sun Valley most famous for?

Sun Valley is most famous for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway. The town is very popular for its skiing. It is also known for its great food, resorts, and hiking. And many visitors also come to this town for its nightlife and shopping. It is often described as adventurous, outdoorsy, and active.

What is the most famous sight in Sun Valley?

The most popular sight in Sun Valley is Sawtooth National Recreation Area. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Sun Valley on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Sawtooth National Recreation Area and other attractions here.

How touristy is Sun Valley? Is it a popular town to visit?

Sun Valley is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in Sun Valley?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Sun Valley is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Sun Valley has a variety of activities such as skiing, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Sun Valley?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sun Valley?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sun Valley?.