Things To Do

Boise River Greenbelt

We will usually park at the Rose Garden at Julia Davis Park (670 Julia Davis Dr) and walk from there. Fun alternate starting spot: grab coffee at Push and Pour in Garden City (214 E 34th St) and hop on the green belt from there. Pets allowed but must be leashed.

Downtown Boise

Lots of cute shops, restaurants, and attractions. I love the Mixed Greens gift shop. Boise has one of the largest Basque populations in the US so a stop at the Basque Block to check out the food/museums is a must. Freak Alley Gallery is popular walk/photo stop. Tupelo Honey or BACON for brunch. Ride the mechanical bull at Dirty Little Roddy's or leave a bra at Humpin Hannah's if you’re feeling wild (live music every weekend, lots of pool tables). Sample all the fry shapes/potato varieties at Boise Fry Co. Go cider tasting at Meriwether Cider House. If you’d like something more upscale, have cocktails and dinner at The Lively (they also have a good whiskey selection and happy hour! - would recommend reservations if you're going to plan to stay for dinner). Or, if you want a view with your drink, head up to the rooftop bar, the Highlander, located above Hotel Renegade (take the elevator at the hotel all the way to the roof). End the night with ice cream from the STIL- classic or boozy!

Hyde Park Historic District

One of my favorite neighborhoods in the North End of Boise. Hyde and Seek is the coolest gift shop - highly recommend checking it out. There are also some great places to eat, grab coffee, and look around nearby. The whole area reminds me so much of where I grew up in Tacoma.

Broadway on the Rocks - Albertsons Bar!

Boise is the headquarters for Alberstons (hence the Boise State Stadium is Albertsons Stadium). Their location on Broadway Ave is known because it has a bar upstairs! Drinks are pretty cheap and food is reasonable! Also, it's just a fun Boise experience. This is right down the road from our house.

Rembrandts

My favorite breakfast spot! Further away, located in Eagle, but worth it! It's a beautiful location in an old church that was turned into a restaurant.

Idaho Botanical Garden

One of my favorite things is to check out the botanical gardens in different cities! There is an admission fee ($8-14). Double check which days/hours the gardens are open this fall.

Old Idaho Penitentiary Site

Tickets to the museum are about $5-10 and free for kids under 5. $2 for a guided tour (though this may require a reservation). Located close to the botanical gardens.

Barbacoa Grill

Known as one of Boise's best restaurants for both the atmosphere and delicious food. Steaks are served on a hot rock (very fun!) and they have an amazing grilled Caesar salad. The restaurant describes its fare as a "unique fusion dining experience", combining tastes of Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean. Recommend getting a reservation if you decide to try it.

Westside Drive In

They have 2 locations, though the State St. location is the original and was the one first featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The other is at 113 Park Center Blvd. in Boise.

3 Horse Ranch Vineyards

About 45 minutes outside of Boise. It's our favorite place to wine taste! Beautiful setting and great food/wine. It's actually owned and operated by one of my mom's friends from college.

Eagle Hills Golf Course

Eagle Island State Park

545 acre park west of Boise, bordered by the Boise River. It has more than 5 miles of trails, a small beach and grassy picnic area. The man made lake is stocked with fish and you can either bring your own gear or borrow poles and tackle box from the visitor center during open hours.

Table Rock

Popular short hike close to town. The large lit up cross is fairly iconic in the Boise area.

Hawkins Range Reserve Trailhead

There is an option for a very short hike with some fun rock scrambles and overlooks of Bose (up the Bogus road) or do the whole loop which is pretty flat but long. Estimated 5.8 miles and a little over 2 hours to complete the whole loop.

Red Cliffs Nature Center Trail

Popular loop that is about 3 miles, estimated 1 hr 30 min to complete the hike

Adelmann Mine Trailhead

Beautiful hike, comes highly recommended by our friend that is an avid hiker. However, it is definitely more strenuous. Estimate it would be about a 4 hour trip.

Kirkham Hot Springs

Fun stop if you want to explore outside of Boise area a bit. These beautiful hot springs are a couple hours from here. Drive through Idaho City on the way - such a cute little town. We always head up here to get our Christmas tree.

Zoo Boise

The Zoo is fun if you're looking for more kid friendly activities!

The Village at Meridian

Best shopping in town!

Topgolf Boise

Very close to the hotels. Would recommend getting a reservation, especially on weekends.

Monster Jam - Ford Idaho Center

Tickets available if you wanted to check this out Saturday or Sunday.

National Parks near Boise

Require you to do a little more driving / head a couple hours out of town.