Coffee Spots We Love Missoula has some fantastic local coffee shops that feel like a cozy second home. Black Coffee a Montana staple known for its strong, carefully brewed coffee and friendly, laid-back vibe. The baristas know their beans, and the space feels warm and welcoming—perfect for a quiet moment or catching up with friends. Break Espresso longtime favorite downtown spot with fresh-baked pastries and strong coffee. It’s casual, cozy, and great for grabbing a quick latte or lingering over a cookie. Funk it Coffee + Thrift mixes coffee with vintage shopping, making it a fun and unique hangout. Sip a great espresso while browsing funky clothes and records in a truly local spot full of personality. Hunter Bay Coffee is a newer spot known for its smooth brews and friendly service. With a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on quality beans, it’s quickly becoming a local go-to for both morning pick-me-ups and afternoon chill-outs.
Bernice's bakery Has been a Missoula favorite since 1976. From fresh scones and muffins to decorated cakes. Everything is baked from scratch that day. Le Petit Outre A French style bakery with French pastries and wood fired bread. There almond croissants, fruit galettes, and focaccia are to die for veera donuts a fun vegan donut shop with donuts the size of your face. They serve donuts from maples bars all the way to an everything bagel donut. Must try for any donut lover Big Dipper Ice cream Big Dipper is the local donut shop in town. Its has been serving ice cream from its classic vanilla all the way to cardamon. You must try the Huckleberry ice cream while in town it might be your next favorite flavor.
Ruby’s Diner Mentioned as a favorite local breakfast diner in community threads Classic diner vibe with friendly service and comfort food. Known for its showing on Yellowstone and its biscuits and gravy Golden Yolk Griddle Popular downtown spot (at the bus station) praised for its gourmet burritos and locally sourced ingredients Paul’s Pancake Parlor For classic comfort food, Paul’s is a Missoula institution. Expect big plates, hot coffee, and all the pancakes your heart desires (they even have cinnamon roll pancakes!). Market on Front If you’re on the go, this downtown café and market offers breakfast burritos, bagels, smoothies, and excellent espresso. Quick, tasty, and locally sourced. The Breakfast club a local favorite known for its big, handcrafted breakfast burritos names after the characters of the Breakfast Club
Gary's local burger A simple food truck style restaurant serving simple, delicious burgers made with Montana beef for 6$ Doc's sandwiches Doc's serves up creative sandiwches, all-day breakfast, and homemade soups Five on Black Five on black is a Brazillian - inspired bowl. Guest can build their own bowl with rice, meats, veggies, and bold sauces
Bigga Pizza A Missoula favorite for hand-tossed, brick oven pizzas made with fresh Montana ingredients. Cozy and casual, with creative flavors like Flathead cherry balsamic and caramelized onion goat cheese. Flora Bella A romantic Italian spot known for fresh, handmade pasta and seasonal dishes. Perfect for slowing down over candlelit dinners and local wines. Pangea One of our top picks for a fun night out. Creative, flavorful dishes with a warm, modern vibe—great for cocktails and sharing bites. Michi Ramen Comfort food at its best—warm bowls of flavorful noodles and broth that hit the spot any time of day. Notorious P.I.G. Bold, smoky St. Louis-style BBQ with tender pulled pork, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and ribs with perfect bark, all served with house-made sauces. Tamarack Brewing A welcoming Montana brewpub with house-made beers and hearty comfort food. Don’t miss their famous keg nachos—a massive, cheesy, shareable favorite
Plonk Elegant, cozy, and known for its inventive cocktails—Plonk is a must for cocktail lovers. Sip something seasonal and creative, or enjoy a glass of wine in their lush back patio garden. Western Cider For something a little different, Western Cider offers beautifully crafted ciders made right in Missoula. The Thomas Meagher Bar (The Mo) A lively Irish pub with a great beer list, solid cocktails, and a fun, upbeat vibe. Stave & Hoop A hidden speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an alley downtown. Expect strong drinks, moody lighting, and jazz on select nights The Rhino If you love whiskey, you have to stop at The Rhino while you’re in town. This beloved downtown bar is known for its incredible whiskey and bourbon selection—over 80 to choose from, including rare single malts and cask-strength pours.
Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium 1075 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801 A little step away from the outside and into a place inspired by beauty. The butterfly house is a tropical greenhouse filled with butterflies around the world. It also is an amazing exhibit featuring a wide array of insects. Missoula Art Museum 335 North Pattee Street, Missoula, MT 59802 Located in a restored historic building in downtown Missoula. The Missoula Arts Museum showcases contemporary art with a strong focus on native and regional art. With rotating exhibits, quiet galleries, and a charming outdoor sculpture park. Museum of Mountain Flying 5843 Museum Way, Missoula, MT 59808 The Museum of Mountain Flying is a hidden gem that tells the story of daring pilots, rugged terrain, and Montana’s unique aviation history. It celebrates the brave men and women who flew over the Rockies in small planes, delivering mail, supplies, and sometimes hope to the most remote corners of the West.
Garnet Ghost Town Garnet, MT 59832 Step back in time at Garnet, one of Montana's best-preserved gold rush ghost towns. Wander through weathered wooden building, old mining cabins, and relic of a once-bustling mining community nestled in the rugged hills. Rocky Mountain Botanical Garden 1075 South ave W, Missoula Located in the heart of Missoula, this beautiful garden showcases native plants, pollinator-friendly flowers, and peaceful walking path. Missoula Farmers Market 2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, MT 59801 Missoula Farmers Market happens every Saturday 8–1pm. It is a tradition rooted in the land and nurtured by generations—our beloved farmers market. Every Saturday morning, local farmers gather downtown with the fruits of their labor, many having risen before dawn to harvest what the earth offered overnight. These are the hands that plant by moonlight, water in silence, and harvest with care—people who know their soil like family and treat each season as a sacred promise.
Missoula offers an incredible range of hiking trails—from easy riverside strolls to challenging mountain summits. Mount Sentinel – “M” Trail Distance: ~1.2 mi round-trip Elevation Gain: 620 ft Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous (steep switchbacks) Highlights: That iconic white “M” overlooking Waterworks Hill (North Hills) Distance: ~3.5 mi round-trip Elevation Gain: ~700 ft Difficulty: Moderate Highlights: Wildflower meadows, open views of the Rattlesnake Range and Missoula downtown. Pattee Canyon – Sam Braxton & Crazy Canyon Trails Distance: 2.9–8 mi options Elevation Gain: 350–1,250 ft Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Highlights: Forested trails, CCC-built picnic spots, historical glimpses, serene surroundings . Blue Mountain Recreation Area Distance: 2–9+ mi, multiple loops Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Highlights: Meadow wildflowers, dog-friendly off-leash options, bird watching .
Missoula is surrounded by some of the best fly-fishing waters in the country Clark Fork River – Downtown Missoula Walkable from many hotels and venues, the Clark Fork offers easy access right in the heart of the city. Kelly Island Fishing Access Site Located west of town, this peaceful spot is great for both bank fishing and launching a drift boat. Bitterroot River – Maclay Bridge Area Just south of Missoula, this scenic stretch has great fishing access and views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Blackfoot River – Johnsrud Park A short drive east, the Blackfoot is legendary for fly fishing. The water is clear, cold, and full of native cutthroat and rainbow trout. Rock Creek (About 25 mins from town) This blue-ribbon trout stream is a favorite with locals. Serene, less crowded, and loaded with fish, it’s perfect for a peaceful day trip.
Seeley Lake Seeley Lake, MT Surrounded by forest and mountains, Seely lake is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're out on the water, walking a quiet trail, or just taking in the fresh mountain air, it's a calm and scenic spot to slow down and take it all in. Flathead Lake MT One of the largest natural freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi. Flathead lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountains backdrop. Perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, or just relaxing on the shore. It's a beautiful place to soak up the Montana sun and enjoy the wide-open views of the big sky.
A wild and rugged paradise, Glaicer National Park is where epic mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and hidden alpine lakes collide. With winding trails, rushing rivers, and the chance to spot bears or mountain goats, it's a dream for explorers and thrill-seekers. Every turn brings a new adventure. Please check the Glaicer website for dates and road openings.