Boise Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, and hidden gems in Boise with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Boise

Nestled in Southwestern Idaho, Boise is a hidden gem in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It is the capital and largest city in the state, and is known for its outdoor adventures, cultural offerings, and a thriving culinary scene. Boise is also a thriving university town, with the Boise State University adding to the city’s vitality.

With year-round mild climate, natural beauty, and endless outdoor adventures, Boise is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking for a perfect getaway. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a long vacation, there’s something for everyone in Boise. In this comprehensive guide to Boise, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Boise. Let’s get started.

List of Places to Visit in Boise

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Idaho State Capitol Building: Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Idaho State Capitol Building is a stunning example of architecture from that era. It houses the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Idaho State Legislature. Visitors can explore this architectural marvel with a free guided tour.
  • Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology: This museum is dedicated to the mining industry and geological history of Idaho. It has well-curated exhibits that showcase Idaho’s natural resources, including fossils, rocks, and minerals.
  • Idaho Historical Museum: Located in Julia Davis Park, the Idaho Historical Museum exhibits artifacts and personal belongings from Idaho’s past and present.

Natural Attractions of Boise: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Boise River Greenbelt: A 25-mile urban parkway that follows the beautiful Boise river and offers breathtaking views of the city, Boise River Greenbelt is a must-visit attraction. The parkway runs through several parks and nature reserves and is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
  • Bogus Basin Mountain Resort: Located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin Mountain Resort offers year-round outdoor adventure activities. In winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, while in summer, activities include hiking, mountain biking, and disc golf.
  • Table Rock: At 3,600 ft., Table Rock is the prominent landmark overlooking the Boise Valley. Visitors can take a hike to the top of Table Rock to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Boise

  • Boise Ridge to Rivers Trail System: This trail system covers over 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, which connect Boise’s urban and natural areas. It offers diverse scenery, from the rugged mountain peaks to the serene river corridor.
  • Camel’s Back Park: Located in the heart of Boise, Camel’s Back Park features a network of trails that meanders through the Boise foothills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, running, or mountain biking in the park.

Best Things to Do in Boise: Activities and Tours

  • Trolley Tours: Take a trolley tour of Boise to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides and are a great way to learn about the city’s rich history.
  • Wine and Food Tours: Idaho is home to a thriving wine industry, and there are several wineries around Boise that offer wine tastings. You can also take a food tour of the city to try some of Boise’s best local cuisine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Boise

Day 1: Explore the city’s landmarks and museums. Start with a stroll around the State Capitol Building, followed by a guided tour of the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology. Spend the afternoon at the Idaho Historical Museum and finish the day taking in the sunset at the Boise River Greenbelt.

Day 2-3: Spend two days exploring the city’s outdoor attractions. Hike to the top of Table Rock for a magnificent view of the city, followed by a day of skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin Mountain Resort.

Day 4: Take a food tour of the city, sampling some of its best local cuisine, such as finger steaks, huckleberry ice creams, or the kolache.

Day 5-6: Take a wine tour of the city and visit some of the state’s best wineries. The tour comes with a knowledgeable guide to introduce you to the fine particulars of Boise’s viticulture.

Day 7: Cap off your trip with a serene ride along the Boise River Greenbelt before relaxing for the evening with a good meal at one of Boise’s fantastic eateries.

Food and Drink Scene of Boise

Must-Try Dishes

  • Finger Steaks: A Boise classic, finger steaks are strips of sirloin coated with seasoned breadcrumbs, deep-fried and served hot with sauce to dip in.
  • Huckleberry Ice Cream: Made from locally grown huckleberries, this creamy, refreshing ice cream is a must-try when visiting Boise.
  • Kolache: A Central European pastry stuffed with sweet or savory fillings, like fruit preserves or cheese, which is an Idaho staple.

Local Beverages

  • Boise Brewery Scene: Boise has several local brewers producing interesting, bold, and delicious craft beers worthy of exploration.
  • Snake River Winery: Snake River Winery is one of Idaho’s oldest and most iconic wineries, famous for its handcrafted, small-batch wines, like the full-bodied Syrah or crisp Riesling.

Where to Stay in Boise: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Grove Hotel: Located in downtown Boise, The Grove Hotel is a luxurious option with modern amenities and fantastic views of the city. It is just a short walk from popular attractions like the Idaho State Capitol Building and the Boise River Greenbelt.
  • Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown: This modern hotel is located in the heart of downtown Boise and features luxurious rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop patio.
  • The Boise Guest House: This cozy, family-run guesthouse is located in the historic North End neighborhood of Boise. It offers affordable and comfortable rooms with easy access to both the city and its natural surroundings.

What to Buy in Boise: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Idaho Potato Products: Idaho is famous for its potatoes, and there are several products you can buy to bring home, including potato vodka, chips, and even dog treats.
  • Outdoors Gear and Clothing: Boise is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, and there are several local shops that sell outdoor gear and clothing.
  • Handmade Crafts and Artwork: Boise has a thriving arts and crafts scene, and there are several local shops and galleries that sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and artwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Boise

Boise is a friendly, welcoming, and laid-back city, where people take pride in their outdoor lifestyle and love of their State. The population is a mix of urbanites, students, and outdoor enthusiasts, which creates a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. Locals are passionate about environmental conservation, which is reflected in the city’s outdoor activities and its green spaces. Boiseans are proud of their hometown and always keen to share its many charms with visitors.

Best Time to Visit Boise

The best time to visit Boise is in the Spring and Fall seasons, when the weather is mild, and the city is not too crowded. Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh air and is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Fall is also a great time to visit, with beautiful fall foliage, harvest season, and a plethora of events and festivals throughout the city. Summer is a beautiful time to visit; however, it can be hot and crowded, and it’s important to consider the summer activities you want to participate in.

Do’s and Don’ts of Boise

Do:

  • Do explore the city’s cultural attractions.
  • Do try some of the local cuisine.
  • Do visit the city’s outdoor attractions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, smoke, or use motorized vehicles on trails and parklands.
  • Don’t overlook the city’s cultural history and its varied outdoor activities.
  • Don’t forget to carry enough water and snacks when exploring the outdoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Boise

Overall, Boise is a safe city with low crime rates. As with any city, however, it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially at night. In case of emergencies or if you need medical assistance, Call 911.

Health in Boise

Boise has excellent health care providers, including St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center and Saint Alphonsus RMC, in case you need any medical attention. The city’s climate is dry, so it’s essential to stay hydrated, and use sunscreen to protect against sunburn while enjoying outdoor activities.

Getting to Boise: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Boise

The Boise International Airport (BOI) is located just three miles south of downtown, and it is the main airport serving the city. The airport has several rental car services, or it is well connected by taxis, Uber, or Lyft.

Bus Stations Near Boise

Greyhound Bus Lines provides transportation to and from Boise from several cities in the United States.

Other Options

  • Train: Amtrak provides train service to and from Boise from several cities in the United States.
  • Car: Driving is also an option if you have your car. Boise has several interstate highways that make it easy to get to from other cities in Idaho or other states.
  • Biking: Boise has an extensive bike path network that makes getting around the city by bike an easy and fun way to travel.

How to Get Around in Boise

Boise is a very walkable city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially downtown Boise. However, if you want to visit some of the city’s outdoor attractions or explore Boise’s Greenbelt, you may want to rent a bike or a car. Additionally, park and ride stations and e-scooter services are also prevalent around tourist sites making your travel more convenient.

Where to Go Next from Boise: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sun Valley: The famous ski resort town of Sun Valley is a four-hour drive from Boise and is a must-visit for skiing enthusiasts.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument: Located three hours from Boise, this national park contains spectacular geological wonders and is great for a day trip.
  • Yellowstone National Park: If you have time and want to explore more of the Rocky Mountain region, Yellowstone National Park is just a five-hour drive from Boise.

Conclusion

Boise is a stunning destination that offers an array of activities and attractions to suit any traveler’s interests. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, exploring the city’s food and wine scene, or just relaxing, Boise has something to offer. With this comprehensive guide, you are now well-equipped to plan your trip and enjoy all the charms that Boise has to offer!

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