McCall Visitor Guide to This Idaho Resort Town

Those looking to escape daily stress will love McCall, Idaho. This resort town is located in Valley County about 2.5 hours north of Boise. It provides a place to slow down and try new activities, offering a year-round destination. If outdoor adventures and mountain living sound good, then read our McCall visitor guide and start planning a trip.

McCall Visitor Guide: Explore One of Idaho’s Best Towns

Getting to McCall, Idaho

There are several ways to get to McCall. One of the most popular is to fly into Boise Airport and drive 115 miles to McCall. Due to its remote location, there are no commercial flights to McCall. However, part of the experience is the scenic Highway 55 or alternate route U.S. 95. Drivers should note these can be slow drives, so enjoy the view and plan ahead. To rent a vehicle, travelers will find Enterprise, Budget and Alamo in Boise.

Cities within an 10-hour drive include Seattle and Spokane in Washington; Missoula and Helena in Montana; Ogden in Utah; and Reno in Nevada.

Where to Stay in McCall

Those vacationing in McCall have different accommodation options. Lakefront homes, hotels, mountainside cabins, condos and campsites all welcome guests to their home away from home.

One of the most popular options is McCall vacation rentals. Each offer their own charm and amenities perfect for groups, solo travelers, friends, families and business travel. Home sizes range from three to five-plus bedrooms, and many have outdoor spaces, gourmet kitchens, fire pits and are pet-friendly. In addition to these accommodations, guests can also stay at RV resorts and local campsites.

Outdoor Activities

McCall offers four seasons of adventure. Payette National Forest, Payette Lake, Ponderosa State Park, Lake Cascade State Park and area hot springs provide a place for warm-weather outdoor activities. Popular things to do include hiking, rock climbing, ziplining, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, SUP, fishing and mountain biking.

Those who want a guided experience can book a McCall Lake Cruise, fishing trip and white-water rafting option. Local experts are happy to provide everything they need for a day of fun.

Snow Sports

During wintertime, the area turns into a snowy wonderland. Brundage Mountain Resort, located a few miles from McCall, offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and snow tubing. Families also love scenic horseback sleigh rides and ice skating.

Downtown McCall

This downtown has more than shops and restaurants. It also has Legacy Park, a top place for relaxing and swimming – or simply walking along the waterfront. For those who want to shop McCall, retailers include Christmas stores, thrift shops, souvenirs, a farmers market, home furnishings and outdoor gear.

In addition to shopping, the area has a theater for live performances, art walks and galleries. For some local culture and education, visit Central Idaho Historical Museum.

Where to Eat

No matter how guests choose to spend the day, one of the best activities is dining. Here’s a quick McCall visitor guide to the best restaurants:

Pueblo Lindo: Mexican food. Menu includes enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, combos and vegetarian dishes.

My Father’s Place: Burgers and acai bowls with fruit. Enjoy burgers with cheese, mushrooms, bacon, onion rings, sauces and ham. Chicken and vegetarian burgers are available.

The Pancake House: Breakfast and home-style entrees. Savory pancakes, crepes, egg platters, omelets, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches.

Steamers: Dinner only. Steak and seafood. Menu features chicken, trout, lamb chops, ribeyes, crab, soups, salads and vegetable sides.

Ice Cream Alley: Ice cream and dessert. Select from cones, sundaes, malts and shakes. Choose from 27 traditional and seasonal flavors.

McCall Visitor Guide: Day-trip to Nearby Boise

Those visiting McCall may also enjoy a day-trip to Boise. As Idaho’s state capitol, the city offers big-city attractions for all ages and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will love the museums, Boise River Greenbelt, aquarium, zoo, botanical gardens and live entertainment.

In addition, Boise has scenic parks, a water park, historical sites, hiking trails, wineries and shopping. Don’t forget to sample some of the 100 restaurants, catch a game and take a tour of the city.

Ready for adventure? Book a vacation rental in McCall and stay close to the action.

Main Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash