USA Today Features Coeur d’Alene Lake as a Top 10 Summer Destination

Now, the rest of the country is being reminded of that too.

Recently, USA Today highlighted Lake Coeur d’Alene as one of the top lake destinations in America for Summer 2026, recognizing what locals have known for years: this place is one of the most beautiful summer experiences in the country.

And honestly, we couldn’t agree more.

From long days on the water to sunset walks downtown, summer in Coeur d’Alene has a rhythm to it that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Visitors come here to relax, explore, recharge, and slow down for a little while. Whether that means renting a boat, hiking Tubbs Hill, shopping downtown, grabbing dinner on Sherman Avenue, or sitting by the beach with friends and family, there’s no shortage of things to do.

And somewhere in the middle of all of it is Vault Coffee.

Located just a short three-to-four-minute walk from the lake and public beach, Vault Coffee has become part of many people’s downtown routine. Some stop in before heading to the water. Some come in afterward to cool down and recharge. Others simply find a quiet moment away from the crowds with a coffee in hand before heading back out into the city.

That’s what we love most about being here.

We’re not just a coffee shop in a tourist town. We’re part of a real community that people from all over the country get to experience for a few days every summer. And when national publications like USA Today recognize Coeur d’Alene as one of America’s top destinations, it reminds us how lucky we are to call this place home.

So if you’re planning a trip to Coeur d’Alene this summer, here’s our recommendation:

Spend the morning on the lake.
Walk downtown.
Hike Tubbs Hill.
Watch the boats come in.
Stay out later than you planned.
And somewhere in between, stop into Vault for a coffee.

We’ll be here.