A full day trip from Davenport Hotel: Coeur d'Alene made practical
Start at Davenport Hotel (10 S Post St) and plan a roughly 8–10 hour round-trip day: walk downtown sights in the morning, drive about 30–35 minutes to Coeur d'Alene for beaches, the Tubbs Hill hike and the floating boardwalk, then return to the hotel for dinner. Pack swimwear, snacks, and a parking plan — traffic and parking vary seasonally.
In this guide
- Start from Davenport Hotel: quick prep and where to leave from
- Morning walk: Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls before you go
- Drive to Coeur d'Alene: the basics
- Midday: beaches, boardwalk and lunch in Coeur d'Alene
- Afternoon options: short hikes, kayaking, or just the boardwalk
- Return to Davenport Hotel and evening options
Start from Davenport Hotel: quick prep and where to leave from
Check out of logistics at the 24-hour front desk if you need to store luggage or request an earlier departure — standard check-out is 12:00 PM and check-in is 4:00 PM. The Davenport Hotel’s address is 10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201; BookResorts agents are available at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking questions.
If you plan to drive to Coeur d'Alene, leave from the hotel’s street-level entrance and confirm your parking plan: the Davenport offers on-site self-parking and valet (fees vary by source). If you prefer transit, check STA schedules though a car is easiest for a day trip. Photo: 5
- Confirm vehicle height limits for on-site parking if you plan to return to the hotel with a taller vehicle.
- Bring a physical or mobile map — downtown Spokane is compact and walkable, but Coeur d'Alene day parking and access points can be spread out.
- Charge phones, pack swimwear and a light daypack.
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Car or rental | Most direct; 30–35 minute drive cited in local sources |
| Swimsuit & towel | City Beach and Sanders Beach are swim options |
| Comfortable shoes | Tubbs Hill trail is rocky and uneven |
Morning walk: Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls before you go
Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls are a short walk from the Davenport Hotel; sources list roughly a 6‑minute walk (0.4 miles). A morning visit is good if you want cooler temperatures and fewer people.
Allow 30–60 minutes to stroll the riverside viewpoints and take photos; if you have kids, the nearby Mobius Children’s Museum is next door to the hotel for a quick stop before driving out of town.
- Riverfront Park viewpoints and trails — quick loops and photo stops.
- Mobius Children’s Museum — next to the hotel if traveling with children.
- Pack a light jacket in shoulder or cool seasons.
| Activity | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Riverfront Park viewpoints | 30–45 min |
| Short coffee or Emporium stop back at hotel | 15–30 min |
| Depart for Coeur d'Alene | by late morning for more beach time |
Drive to Coeur d'Alene: the basics
Local sources estimate the drive from downtown Spokane to Coeur d'Alene at about 30–35 minutes (roughly 33 miles). The most direct route is by car; public transit options take much longer and require connections.
Expect normal seasonal traffic on weekends and holidays; check live maps before you go. When you arrive, decide whether you want City Beach, Sanders Beach, or to park near the Tubbs Hill trailhead.
- City Beach — good for swimming, lifeguards may be seasonal (check local signage on the day).
- Sanders Beach — another popular shoreline option with lake access.
- Tubbs Hill trailhead — parking is limited; the loop trail is rocky and offers lake views.
| Option | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| City Beach | Beach swimming and shoreline access |
| Tubbs Hill | Short lakefront hike and viewpoints |
| Floating boardwalk | Walk the 3,300-foot boardwalk along the lakefront |
Midday: beaches, boardwalk and lunch in Coeur d'Alene
Plan lunch on or near Sherman Avenue (downtown Coeur d'Alene) where restaurants and cafés line the lakefront — choices vary by season and reservations are recommended for busy weekends. If you prefer a quick picnic, bring sandwiches and eat on the beach or a sheltered spot on Tubbs Hill.
Allow extra time to walk the floating boardwalk (listed locally at about 3,300 feet) for lake views, and to look for boat rental or tour options if you want to spend time on the water.
- Bring cash or card — many restaurants accept both but busy summer crowds can lead to waits.
- If swimming, watch posted conditions and lifeguard schedules.
- Look for boat or kayak rentals at the marina if you want an on-water hour or two.
| Lunch option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sit-down lakeside restaurant | Reserve ahead on weekends |
| Casual deli or café | Faster service if you’re on a tight schedule |
| Pack-a-picnic | Flexible and often quicker on busy days |
Afternoon options: short hikes, kayaking, or just the boardwalk
If you prefer activity, take the Tubbs Hill loop for a mostly-shaded, rocky path with lake viewpoints; it’s short but uneven underfoot. Alternatively, rent a kayak or take a short boat tour out on Lake Coeur d'Alene if that appeals.
If you need lower-energy options, spend more time on the floating boardwalk, explore Sherman Avenue shops, or relax on a beach. Time your return to Spokane so you’re not driving during the busiest late-evening travel window.
- Tubbs Hill: uneven trail — wear sturdy shoes.
- Boat/kayak rentals: check hours and reservation needs seasonally.
- Allow 45–90 minutes for a relaxed Tubbs Hill loop and viewpoints.
| Activity length | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 30–45 min | Floating boardwalk walk/viewpoints |
| 45–90 min | Tubbs Hill loop hike |
| 1–3 hours | Kayak or boat rental (varies) |
Return to Davenport Hotel and evening options
Back at the Davenport Hotel, you can freshen up in your room type — Room, 1 King Bed; Room, 2 Queen Beds; Junior Suite, with Sofa bed, Corner; or Room (Davenport) — then head downstairs for dinner or drinks in the property’s historic dining rooms. Palm Court Grill serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend Afternoon Tea; the Peacock Room Lounge and Lobby Bar offer cocktails in the evening.
If you want a relaxed finish, Emporium offers coffee and pastries earlier or late — check the concierge for up-to-date hours. Photo: 81
- Palm Court Grill hours: morning through evening; reservations available by phone or OpenTable.
- Peacock Room Lounge opens in the late afternoon for cocktails beneath a stained-glass ceiling.
- Use the hotel spa or pool to unwind after the day; pool hours are listed on hotel materials (on-site spa hours are published by the hotel).
| On-site evening venue | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Palm Court Grill | Dinner or weekend Afternoon Tea |
| Peacock Room Lounge | Cocktails |
| Lobby Bar | Pre-dinner drinks or nightcap |
