Boise is a city full of life, offering outdoor adventures, cultural spots, and hidden gems. You can float the Boise River or explore the Basque Block. The city’s high-desert climate means fun activities all year, like hiking and skiing.
Boise is also known for its great food and craft beer. It’s perfect for foodies and beer lovers. Whether you’re with family, friends, or alone, there’s lots to do in Boise that will make your trip memorable.
Key Takeaways
- Boise offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to whitewater rafting and rock climbing.
- The city’s cultural scene includes museums, galleries, and the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary.
- Boise’s dining and nightlife options cater to a variety of tastes, with top-rated restaurants, local wineries, and craft breweries.
- Downtown Boise is a vibrant, walkable area with over 250 shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- Boise’s Basque community and the Boise River Greenbelt are unique local attractions not to be missed.
Getting Around Boise
Boise is the lively capital of Idaho. It has many ways to get around for visitors to see its beautiful views and busy downtown. Walking is a great way to see the city. You can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and places to visit downtown.
If you want to see more of Boise and the Treasure Valley, think about renting a car. This lets you go to places like the Garden Valley/Lowman loop drive or the Pine Flats Hot Springs. They are not far from the city.
Transportation Options for Visitors
Boise also has other easy ways to get around for visitors:
- Boise Public Transportation: The Valley Ride bus system is a good choice if you want to save money and see the city.
- Boise Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are easy to find, making getting around simple without the trouble of driving and parking.
- Boise Bike Rentals: Biking is a great way to see the city. You can ride the Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile path along the Boise River.
You can choose from a rental car, rideshare, walking, or biking to get around Boise. Each option lets you enjoy the city in your own way. This ensures you have a great time in this lively city.
Things to do in Boise in the Summer
Summer in Boise is magical. It’s full of Boise summer activities, Boise outdoor recreation, Boise summer events, and Boise summer festivals. The city shines with beauty and community spirit during these months.
Outdoor Activities and Events
The Boise River Greenbelt is a summer highlight. It has 25 miles of paths for biking, walking, or jogging. Floating the Boise River is also popular, with 125,000 people enjoying it yearly.
Cultural Attractions and Festivals
Summer brings out Boise’s culture too. The Idaho Shakespeare Festival offers open-air theater. The Alive After Five concerts and Idaho Botanical Gardens’ summer music series highlight the city’s music. The Boise Farmers Market and Capital City Public Market let you taste local foods and crafts.
Boise has lots of outdoor and cultural fun for summer. It’s great for nature lovers, music fans, or food enthusiasts. There’s something for everyone in this lively city.
Fall in Boise
As summer ends, Boise turns into a beautiful autumn wonderland. The city comes alive in the fall with many activities. These celebrate the changing leaves and the area’s farming roots. From pumpkin patches to harvest festivals, there’s something for everyone.
The Boise Farmers Market is a big event every Saturday. It supports local vendors with fresh food and crafts. You can also enjoy the Lowe Family Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival. Here, you can pick pumpkins, go on hayrides, and navigate a big corn maze.
Don’t miss the Fall Harvest Festival at the Idaho Botanical Gardens. It has wagon rides, live music, and a market for local artists every Saturday in October. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk at Capitol Park is also a key event. It helps raise money for cancer research and supports local families.
Food and wine lovers will enjoy the Eagle Food and Wine Festival. It highlights Idaho’s wineries and top chefs. For a fun time, the Old Boise Oktoberfest offers German beers, food, music, and games for the family.
Boise is great for enjoying the fall season with its many events and attractions. Whether you want to visit pumpkin patches, haunted houses, or just enjoy the outdoors, Boise has it all this autumn.
- Boise Farmers Market
- Lowe Family Farmstead Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival
- Fall Harvest Festival at Idaho Botanical Gardens
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk
- Eagle Food and Wine Festival
- Old Boise Oktoberfest
Unique Boise Attractions
Boise is more than just outdoor fun and cultural events. It has unique spots that show off its history and culture. You can see the old charm of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary or the street art at the Freak Alley Gallery. These places make visiting Boise an experience you won’t forget.
Old Idaho State Penitentiary
The Old Idaho State Penitentiary is a 19th-century jail built by inmates. It’s a piece of Boise’s history. Visitors can see the cells and learn about the outlaws who lived there.
The Basque Block
The Basque Block honors Boise’s Basque community. The Basque Museum and Cultural Center shares their culture and traditions. You can try Basque food, check out the markets, and enjoy cultural events.
The Black Cliffs
The Black Cliffs are a natural wonder of volcanic basalt. They’re perfect for outdoor lovers and rock climbers. The views are stunning, and climbing is a challenge for those who dare.
Albertsons Stadium
Albertsons Stadium is home to the Boise State Broncos. It was the first non-green football field in the world. Sports fans will love visiting this unique stadium.
Freak Alley Gallery
The Freak Alley Gallery is all about street art. It has many outdoor murals. It’s a way to see Boise’s artistic side and enjoy the city’s creativity.
Things to Do in Boise Idaho
Boise, the capital of Idaho, is full of Boise attractions, Boise sightseeing spots, and Boise activities. It has outdoor adventures, cultural events, and unique spots to explore.
One top spot is the city’s parks and gardens. Julia Davis Park and Ann Morrison Park are perfect for a break. They have trails and picnic areas for fun.
- Boise has over 100 city parks for visitors and residents to enjoy.
- The Ridge to Rivers Trail System offers a interconnected network of hiking and biking trails throughout the city.
- The nearby area of Eagle features the Eagle Bike Park and Seaman’s Gulch, additional outdoor recreation destinations.
Boise is also known for its food and craft beer. It has over 100 unique restaurants. Places like Barbacoa, Chandlers Steakhouse, and Big Bun Drive Inn show off local flavors.
For excitement, try Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. It has skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking and biking in summer. You can also go whitewater rafting or skydiving nearby.
Boise has lots of Boise sightseeing spots, a great food scene, and fun activities. It’s perfect for everyone.
Boise River Recreation
The Boise River is the heart of Boise, offering many fun activities. Locals and visitors love it for its calm floats and exciting water sports. It’s the perfect spot for summer fun.
Floating the Boise River
Floating the river is a top activity here. Every year, over 125,000 people enjoy this calm trip. They float down the river in tubes or rafts.
The float begins at Barber Park and ends at Ann Morrison Park. It covers about 6 miles and takes 2-3 hours.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking
For those who like more action, paddleboarding and kayaking are great. Popular spots include Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Park. Here, people can paddle and check out the calm waters.
Whether you want a calm float or an active water sport, the Boise River has it all. It’s perfect for summer fun.
Boise’s Culinary Scene
Boise’s food scene is full of life, mixing many flavors and experiences. It’s known for its wineries, breweries, farmer’s markets, and food truck parks. This makes it a top spot for food lovers.
Local Wineries and Breweries
Boise’s craft drinks show off the area’s creativity. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail has over 17 wineries and vineyards. Each place lets visitors see how wine is made and enjoy local wines like bold reds and crisp whites.
Boise’s breweries are also a hit with beer fans. Places like Payette Brewing, Woodland Empire Ale Craft, and Sockeye Brewing are famous for their unique beers. They offer everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers.
Farmer’s Markets and Food Truck Parks
Boise’s culinary scene shines at its markets and food truck parks. The Boise Farmers Market and Capital City Public Market are full of fresh produce and unique foods. They show off the area’s farming riches.
Food truck parks like Green Acres Food Truck Park and The Switchback are also key spots. They let local chefs show off their skills. Here, you can find a wide variety of foods for every taste.
Outdoor Adventures in Boise
Boise is a dream spot for nature lovers. It’s right next to the great outdoors and has lots of fun activities. If you love hiking, biking, or just want to have an adventure, Boise is perfect.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Boise has many trails for hiking and biking. The Table Rock Trail is a 3.7-mile loop with amazing city views. It’s a bit tough but very rewarding.
The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is great for a calm walk or bike ride. It’s surrounded by beautiful trees and is loved by many.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Bogus Basin is close to Boise and open all year. In winter, it’s perfect for skiing and snowboarding. They even have night skiing when the snow is good.
When it’s warmer, Bogus Basin turns into a place for hiking, biking, and a cool mountain coaster. It’s a great spot for outdoor fun.
Boise has everything from tough hikes to easy bike rides. It’s a city that will make every adventurer happy. With places like Table Rock and Bogus Basin, the fun never stops.
Family-Friendly Activities in Boise
Boise is a great place for families. It has many activities for all ages. You can see animals at the Boise zoo or play at Boise water parks.
Zoo Boise and Julia Davis Park
Zoo Boise is in beautiful Boise parks. It’s a top spot for families. You’ll see animals like African wild dogs, baboons, and crocodiles. This is thanks to its work with Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique.
After the zoo, Julia Davis Park is a great place to be. It has paths, a duck pond, and more. It’s ideal for spending a day with kids in Boise.
Water Parks and Amusement Parks
For fun, try Boise’s water parks and amusement parks. Places like Roaring Springs Water Park and Wahooz Family Fun Zone are exciting. They have water slides and lazy rivers for fun times.
The Discovery Center of Idaho and the Children’s Museum of Idaho are also great. They have hands-on exhibits and learning activities. These places are perfect for a day of fun and learning in Boise.
Conclusion
There are many hidden gems in this city. It’s full of unique spots that make it special. You can enjoy 25 miles of scenic trails or see the 219 pillars of the Idaho State Capitol.
Planning a trip to Boise? This guide has tips and places to see. You can float the Boise River or try the city’s great food. Boise is both affordable and exciting.
When you visit Boise, dive into the local culture. Find hidden spots and make memories that last. Boise has the outdoors and city life, making it perfect for travelers looking for something special.
