23 Incredible Things To Do In Boise, Idaho (For Outdoor Lovers)

Post Summary: The Best Things To Do In Boise, Idaho (Places To Eat, Best Hotels, and Day Trips)

“The biggest small town there is…” someone said to us as we packed up our picnic after a thrilling show at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

It’s true, with a population of just over 200,000 people it sure does do a good job of creating a buzzing atmosphere of music, culture, and food! 

A few months ago, the Southwest Idaho Tourism Association (SWITA for short) contacted us, wondering if we’d like to come down and visit Boise.

We had recently finished a personal road trip at Craters Of The Moon in Idaho and had just seen Boise in passing.

Rarely do we refuse an offer to explore a new city, so after a few months of correspondence, we were on our way!

Hiking Table Rock - Boise, Idaho

We were excited for this trip because we realized Boise is surprisingly close to all the epic things to do in the Pacific Northwest. 

After flying for only 1.5 hours, we were in a new (but still near!) territory, with new mountains, rivers, and landscapes to explore.

Boise is one of those underrated cities – the kind where the locals know it’s awesome, but are apprehensive to share it with the world because everyone will want to come!

Well, sorry guys – we’re spilling the beans! Here are all the awesome things we did and why you should come and visit Boise too!

23 Amazing Things To Do In Boise, Idaho

This post is in partnership with the Southwest Idaho Tourism Association (SWITA). All opinions, words, and thoughts are completely our own!

1. Bike The Greenbelt Or Downtown Boise

Boise is the most bike-friendly city we’ve encountered on our travels!

We were blown away by how easy it is to get practically ANYWHERE via bike in Boise!

You can rent bikes for the day, but we were lucky enough to find out that our hotel, Inn at 500, came with complimentary bikes.

We took them everywhere to get around Boise – we explored the Boise River and Ann Morrison Park, picked up some coffee, ate lunch, and rode all over Downtown Boise!

The sidewalks are wide and there are bike lanes everywhere. If you’re looking for cool things to do around Boise, getting around on a bike is the way to go!

Love Biking? Ride the Route of the Hiawatha Trail in North Idaho!

Boise Greenbelt Downtown - Things To Do In Boise - The Mandagies

2. Stroll The Streets of Hyde Park Neighborhood

Hyde Park Neighborhood is proudly on the National Historic Register, and for several reasons!

Not only are many buildings preserved in their original state, but the retail area is also tucked away in a residential neighborhood. This makes is a unique and fun stop among the rows and rows of beautiful homes!

With stately homes tucked in every street corner, mom & pop shops, and tree-lined streets, this place has something for everyone.

This area of Boise has become a boutique attraction for North-enders and is very walk-able (and bike-able!) with many parks to explore.

It’s a great place for an evening stroll for ice cream at Goody’s Goodies or brunch with friends at Java!

Stay Comfy Walking Around Boise: Stroll the Streets In Our Favorite Walking Sandal Picks

Hyde Park Neighborhood Shops - Things To Do In Boise, Idaho

3. Take A Sunrise Hike To Table Rock

One of the best things to do in Boise (if you love the outdoors) is to explore one of the many hiking trails around the city!

Table Rock is a 3.7-mile loop trail just outside of Boise, Idaho. From the top, you can experience views of the city! The trail is fairly easy, with a steady incline.

The dusty trail takes you through the foothills on Boise, and from the top you can see the curves and ripples of the earth!

Tips For Hiking Table Rock Trail In Boise, ID:

  • Go early in the morning for sunrise or later for sunset (there is no shade so it’s very hot during the day!)
  • Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes. I got some pretty nasty blisters from ignoring this one!
  • Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.
  • Bring friends – the hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour, plenty of quality time to get to know someone!

Read More: 11 Stunning Places To See In The Inland Northwest

View From Table Rock Hike - Things To Do In Boise, Idaho - The Mandagies

4. Stay At The Inn at 500

Berty and I were extremely lucky to stay at the Inn at 500 hotel in Downtown Boise! The halls are filled with work by local artists and we spent some time visiting every floor and checking out the cool murals and art displayed there.

Everything was included: free valet service for your car, complimentary bikes, and they even offered you a glass of beer or wine upon arrival!

There is also a snack and refreshment bar open at all hours (which we definitely took advantage of when we went out exploring for the day!)

The rooms were modern, comfortable, and tech savvy. Berty set up his own editing office right away and it was a great place to come and relax at the end of our busy days.

Thank you for such a wonderful experience! Next time we visit Boise, we’re definitely coming here again.

Book your stay at The Inn at 500 here!

Discover Their Sister Hotel: 12 Laid-Back Things To Do In Eugene, Oregon

5. Get An Adrenaline Rush At Cascade Raft & Kayak

Taking a whitewater rafting trip near Boise with Cascade Raft & Kayak was the highlight of our trip!

Cascade Raft & Kayak is located just 45 minutes north of Boise, along the Payette River. Family run, professional, family-oriented – they have adventures for all skill levels and ages.

During our trip, we went over a series of 17 whitewater rapids, all class 2 and 3. Our raft guide was so awesome and was telling jokes and made us laugh the whole time.

The staff here is professional, friendly and very attuned to making sure you have the best time possible. We are absolutely going here again! You can find more about Cascade Raft & Kayak here!

Pro Tip: Looking for more adventure in Idaho? Read our Idaho Hot Springs Guide, take a visit to Craters Of The Moon National Preserve, or go boarding down the Bruneau Sand Dunes!

Casade Raft And Kayak - Payette River Adventure
Photo courtesy of Cascade Raft & Kayak, Payette River, Idaho
Photo courtesy of Cascade Raft & Kayak, Payette River, Idaho

6. Attend The Idaho Shakespeare Festival

The Idaho Shakespeare F estival is an annual event that happens every summer in Boise.

The Shakespeare Festival put on high-quality shows for a thrilling night out in an intimate, one-of-a-kind outdoor theater.

When we came, some of the top shows are The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Wait Until Dark (that’s what we saw!) and Hamlet – to name only a few! Click here for the most recent plays being performed during your visit.

We met some friendly people after the show and we learned a lot about the Boise acting community.

Many successful actors and actresses come from Idaho (hellooo Aaron Paul!) and they have fabulous programs to develop performing arts for people of all ages.

Tips For Enjoying The Show At The Idaho Shakespeare Festival:

  • Bring a picnic! We stopped by Whole Foods and grabbed wine, cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit. Perfect for nibbling on throughout the show. Bringing your own food is allowed.
  • Sit in the lawn. Not only are they the closest seats to the stage, but you can bring your own blanket or chairs to sit on and relax.
  • Bring bug spray and a sweater. Especially early in the season, the temperature can drop quickly as soon as the sun goes down.

Read More Idaho Experiences:Amazing Activities To Do In In McCall, Idaho

Emily at Idaho Shakespeare Festival - Things To Do In Boise, Idaho
Idaho Shakespeare Stage View - TheMandagies.com

7. Explore More Of Boise On Electric Bikes

Before heading out on our adventure for the day, we squeezed in a stop to check out some electric bikes. We had already experienced how easy it was to get around Boise via bikes, but electric bikes take it to the next level.

From electric mountain bikes to road bikes, and custom-built ones for people with specific needs and desires, you can find anything you’re looking for here. Boise is one of the most bike-friendly cities we’ve had the privilege of exploring!

Berty was able to give one a spin around the nearby neighborhood streets and he was hooked!

Electric bikes can help you maintain speed and give you a little extra oomph – perfect for when you’re going up long, steep hills!

Are you a commuter? Hauling lots of stuff? Mountain biker? You name it, they will build it for you. Here are some Boise Electric Bike Companies to check out during your stay:

More Idaho Adventures: 15 Amazing Idaho Hot Springs You Must Visit

Berty on Electric Bike in Boise, Idaho

8. Drink Your Way Through Wine Country

When we explain to people that we went to visit wineries in Idaho, their first reaction is “What? Idaho has a wine country?” And we swiftly answer

“Yep, and it was beautiful.

Berty and I were lucky enough to spend a whole day here in the Snake River Valley and experience four spectacular wineries.

This unique area in Idaho has perfect conditions for growing exceptional grapes.

Cold nights and hot days balance out the sugars, proximity to the river allows growers to control water intake, and high elevation provides the grapes with complex flavors and unique tastes.

We explore four Idaho wineries on our last visit, click here to read more about it!

Read More: An Enchanting Day in Idaho’s Wine Country

Visit Boise Wine Country - Bitner Vineyards

9. Join In The Action At Alive After 5

Every summer, the city of Boise holds a FREE, outdoor Summer concert series in the middle of the Grove Plaza downtown.

Here, you can get beer and wine, enjoy the restaurants nearby, do a little shopping and visit with the hundreds of people who come here every Wednesday night.

The city really does comes alive!

We came to check out the scene and stayed for the fun vibe, delicious food, and the chance to explore the city some more! Learn more about Alive after Five here!

10. One Of The Best Places To Stay In Boise Is At The Grove Hotel

The Grove Hotel in Downtown Boise is centrally located, tastefully updated, and the perfect pit stop after a long day visiting Boise.

With modern finishes throughout and beds that literally feel like a cloud, this place feels like a calm oasis among the hustle and bustle of the city.

Many rooms even have a view of downtown! We loved opening our windows in the morning and evening to see the twinkling lights of the city and people coming and going on the streets below.

Hotel Tip: If avaiable, try and ask for a room with a view facing west! We saw one of the most gorgeous sunsets during our stay!

Book your stay at the Grove Hotel Here!

Places To Eat In Boise, Idaho:

Boise is known for their several awesome breweries, local food, and amazing wine! (I mean, have you SEEN the Idaho wineries in the Snake River Valley??)

While we maily focus on adventure-travel on our blog, we couldn’t help but experience the delicious cuisine that Boise had to offer.

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in Boise to visit!

11. The District Coffee House

Urban, Simple, Modern. With its hipster vibe and funky furniture, District coffeehouse is a perfect Instagram spot in Boise!

We were surprised to find out that this coffee shop is not-for-profit. Their existence in Downtown Boise is to raise awareness for orphans in twelve different orphanages in India!

With it’s clean and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great space to bring friends and enjoy the company. They also help provide jobs to recently resettled refugees in Boise, which is a cause very dear to my heart.

Definitely check out their delicious coffee and freshly baked goods!

12. When You Visit Boise, Make Sure To Eat At Fork

Boise has a street (8th street) that is filled on both sides with interesting restaurants, bars, and other eateries. Fork is one of those, and in our opinion is the most attractive from the outside!

Their outdoor patio has beautifully strung lights that make for a great atmosphere, while at the same time enhancing the hipster vibe of the historic building it has acquired.

Like many other Boise restaurants, Fork is “loyal to local” which means they provide delicious dishes with ingredients from local farmers and growers. Way to support the community!

Fork Restaurant Exterior View, Boise, Idaho
Emily at Forks Restaurant in Boise, Idaho

13. Quick Burgers at Westside Drive-In

Hungry after rafting, Berty and I googled “Best Burgers in Boise” and Westside Drive-In came up as a top contender.

Driving up in the parking lot, bubblegum pink walls surround the outside eating area and you are immediately sent back in time to lazy summer days and greasy comfort food.

They had incredible milkshakes (could you expect anything less?) and it’s location on State St. made it perfect for stopping by on your way out to visit Boise and beyond.

14. Guru Donuts

This place was one of our first stops when we went to visit Boise. Located on 10th Street in the heart of downtown, this building has a historic charm about it – a perfect setting for some coffee and donuts with friends!

Guru Donuts constantly have an assortment of creative combinations and interesting flavors, always baked from scratch every morning.

I really needed to wake up so I got a shot in the dark (drip coffee with an espresso shot), and Berty got a vanilla latte.

We also ordered these classic donut favorites – maple bacon and braided cinnamon sugar. Just writing this makes us want to go back…

Bacon and Maple Donut at Guru Donuts in Boise, Idaho

15. Basque Market Lunch Is The Coolest Place To Eat In Boise, Idaho.

With 16,000+ community members, the Basque population in Idaho is one of the biggest communities outside of the Basque region of Spain!

The unique history here is celebrated on the Basque Block of downtown Boise in the way of food, museums, and shops.

We biked over here for lunch one afternoon and had a delicious meal at the Basque Market. We ordered wine and tapas and spent the afternoon on their covered patio enjoying the flowers, scenery and eating delicious food.

Basque Market Food Flatlay, Boise Idaho
Emily drinking wine at Basque Market - Boise, Idaho

16. Juniper

This urban restaurant, located on the foodie-famous 8th street, has an impressive focus on local ingredients and supporting Idahoans who create for the community.

After spending a full-day in Boise’s Wine Country, it was fun to look at the drink menu and say “Hey! That bottle is from Koenig Vineyards!”

They have signs on the walls explaining where their meat was sourced, where their fish were caught, and who grew their ingredients.

We envision coming back here with our friends for some more delicious fries, local beer on tap, and the relaxed vibe.

17. Java Coffee (Downtown & Hyde Park)

With only five locations, we’ve successfully visited 3 out of 5 locations during our trips to Idaho (the first being this post). That should tell you a lot about the quality of drinks and food they make – we keep coming back for more!

We were told to try their specialty drink, the Bowl of Soul (which is a shot of espresso with a Mexican Mocha I believe…) and it was INCREDIBLE.

Next time you visit Boise, definitely stop in for your own Bowl of Soul! They also have some pretty impressive grab-and-go breakfast options too!

18. Bonus! Big City Coffee & Cafe

DAY TRIPS FROM BOISE, IDAHO

While you could probably be content exploring the endless things to do in Boise, there’s actually so much adventure to be had just a quick drive away from the city.

Here are some of our favorite day trips from Boise – only a couple hours away from the city!

Staying longer? Check out all the best weekend getaways from Boise. just a little farther out of the city!

19. The Springs – Idaho Mountain Resort

The Springs Mountain Resort is a luxury hot springs resort located in Idaho City. The Springs channels in natural heat sources and provide a calm, clean, and beautiful environment for maximum relaxation.

You can come for a general soak in their large pool, hot tub, and steam room, but make sure you reserve your stop in advance! They cap the number of visitors per day to allow guests to have ample space.

To up-level your stay, try booking one of their several private pools, get a full body massage and stay nearby at the Inn The Pines!

See more beautiful photos from The Springs Idaho Mountain Resort here!

20. Bruneau Sand Dunes

Bruneau Sand Dunes is only an hour’s drive away from Downtown Boise, but you might as well think you’re on another planet!

Bruneau Dunes State Park holds the tallest single dune structure in North America, with the peak reaching a towering 470 feet above the ground!

This state park also boasts the longest camping season in Idaho, so grab your things and start planning that next trip to the Inland Northwest!

21. Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls is located in Twin Falls, Idaho on the Snake River.

The journey will take you two hours driving time but this day trip from Boise is completely worth the time!

The falls sit at 212 feet high but span across almost 1,000 feet in width! If you come in the spring, you can really feel the power (and the mist!) booming from the falls at their many viewing platforms.

Other must-see Idaho waterfalls in the area include Niagara Springs, Auger Falls, Perrine Coulee Falls, and Pillar Falls (to name just a few!)

22. Nordic Skiing or Snowshoeing In The Boise National Forest

If you’re visiting Boise in winter, you need to get yourself up to the mountains!

Just a 1.5-hour drive north near Idaho city are miles of trails to explore. There are lots of trail options for all types of winter sports – snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing just to name a few.

Trail Tip: Make sure to check out The Idaho Parks and Rec Website for this area. They’ve got a mobile trail map located on the Avenza App. It’s really helpful when you’re out in the snow to know where you are!

Don’t want to leave? Book a stay in one of the backcountry yurts right of the trails!

23. Kirkham Hot Springs

Kirkham Hot Springs is just one of the multitude of natural Idaho hot springs available in the gem state!

Kirkham is one of the easiest hot springs to reach from Boise. Located just under 2-hours away from the city, you can easily make this a relaxing day trip.

Hot Springs Tip: These pools are extremely vulnerable to toxins, so it’s important to be mindful of what you bring in and out.

  • Don’t use these locations as showers (bring shampoo/soap/etc) because they may take a long time to flush out of the area, or even travel downstream.
  • Always pack out your trash to promote a clean site, and consider even packing out leftover trash too.
  • Be considerate of others using the space. Some hot springs in Idaho are extremely small so you may have to wait your turn!

Other Nearby Idaho Hot Springs:

Map Of Things To Do In Boise, Idaho

What are some of your favorite things to do in Boise Idaho? Tell us in the comments below!

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30 Comments

  1. I always enjoy your photos and adventures! I especially loved your food and photo from wine country!

    xo, emma

    1. Thank you Emma! That means so much to us πŸ™‚ We will have an entirely separate blog post coming out about our time in Idaho’s wine country – We’ll let you know when it’s out!

  2. Real talk – (this is probably coming from the Californian in me) – whenever anyone would mention Boise I’d be like “whyyyy would you visit?!” (not that I had done any research). But it looks so ADORABLE in your photos. Totally adding it to my weekend agenda!

    1. Hi Giulia! I’m so glad you are inspired to visit Boise! We were definitely lucky to visit such cool places and taste such delicious food. It’s soooooo worth the trip!

  3. Very surprised Barbacoa Restaurant was not mentioned, or Goldies. Barbacoa is probably one of the most unique and entrancing restaurants I have ever set foot in. A highly must go-to if you are ever in Boise

    1. Hey Cameron! It’s such a bummer we didn’t hear about Barbacoa! I quickly looked it up and it’s beautiful! Let’s just say it’s definitely on our list when we return. Thank you for the suggestions!

  4. I was just in Boise in June. I really regret missing Table Mountain, so I am super jealous!

    1. So good Gabby! Where did you go? What adventures did you take? Table Rock is definitely worth coming back to – the views in the morning are spectacular!

  5. This looks incredibly fun! I am an East Coast transplant here in Seattle and have surprisingly never made it to Boise. Never even to Idaho actually! It is on my travel list for the next few years though.

    1. Welcome to the West Coast Abbey! Definitely worth it to check out Boise – it’s such a quick flight and they have the best summer AND winter activities! Have fun with your travels!!

  6. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to my hometown! Boise has a lot to offer (far more than most people realize) and is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in the country. Did anyone that you met mention the Old Penn? It’s a great historic site and is reportedly one of the most haunted locations in Idaho.

    Aside from Table Rock amd the green belt there are tons of other hiking/biking trails and countless parks both in Boise and in the surrounding towns, including a state park just a few miles outside of Boise. There’s also great fishing, camping, hunting, skiing, and much more nearby. Next time you’re in the area you should try sandboarding at the Bruneau Dunes! t’s truly a nature lover’s dream here!

    1. Hi Kelsey! We soo agree – it needs more recognition than it gets! And we actually walked passed the Old Penitentiary on our Table Rock hike! It looked really cool! We heard they do Halloween stuff there every October?? SCARY!

  7. Gee guys, I never made it to Boise having lived in Spokane for many years and always heading either west or to Coeur d’Alene. I’ll have to check it out someday. Love your blog.

    1. Hi Julia! I’m so glad we gave you a little taste of what more Idaho has to offer! I hope you make it down someday, it’s such a great place. Thank you for your support!

  8. Flying M Coffee House is a Boise institution! Shop their funky gift shop, check out the local art, and relax with a cup of locally toasted purple bean coffee. If you visit Boise the week before Valentines Day make sure to check out the silent art auction, Valentines for Aids. The art auction began in 1993 and benefits SNAP Boise (Safety Net for Aids Program). It’s a great way to get a piece of art from one of Boise’s 250 participating artists while supporting local assistance in housing, utility bills, groceries, and medical insurance payments for people living with HIV/AIDS.

    1. Yessss JamieLou we actually stopped at Flying M on our last trip to Boise! We loved all the funky furniture and little gifts you could buy! Thanks for the SNAP Boise tidbit. It sounds like an amazing program!

  9. Originally from Southern California and lived there for 4 years. It was fantastic. I think two things are necessary here- Bleubird for lunch and surfing at the Boise River Park. Great list!! Made me miss it. πŸ™‚

    1. Hey Lauren! We definitely heard from a few people that you could surf on the river. How cool! Next time we go, we’re definitely going to check out Bleubird. Thanks for the recommendations!

  10. This was such a fun post, I love all your pics especially the one at the vineyard!
    I have only ever been through Boise, never stopped…
    Have a great day!

    Valerie
    Fashion and Travel

    1. Hi Valerie! I’m so glad you liked it! We’ve got a whole separate post coming out on our day at the wineries – we’re excited to share it soon!

    1. Ahh we wanted to Amy but it just opened up the weekend after we left! Definitely next time πŸ™‚

  11. Thank you for the wonderful review of our city! My husband and I were sitting in front of you, and are in your photo, at the Idaho Shakespeare festival! Another beautiful (and much cooler) summer hike close to Boise is the loop around Mores Mountain near Bogus Basin, offering views in all directions for miles. Visit again when the Boise River is open to float, you won’t regret it!

    1. Oh my goodness what a small world Lisa! We had such good time there – you’ve sure got a good city! Thanks for the hike recommendations too – we’re already excited to come back and experience more!

  12. I’m from gig harbor/ Tacoma. I was living in Portland when my husband told me he got a job in Boise. I was bummed and thought I’d never been to Idaho. I had a lot of stereotypes in my head. It will be 5 years this December that we moved. We bought a house blocks from Hyde park. We LOVE it here! I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I loved reading your blog and you did an excellent job describing the awesomeness of Boise! Thank you. I read above you missed the river float by a weekend. That’s unfortunate. Most of our friends visit from Seattle to float the river. I would also recommend you check our Bittercreek, Boise brewing, and Saint Lawerence Grid Iron whole you’re here next. Did you have a chance to check out the Saturday market? Hope so! Boise is a really rad Pac NW city.

    1. Hi Michelle! We LOVED Hyde Park! That’s so cool you stayed and ended up getting a house over there πŸ™‚ And yes, we missed the river opening by only a few days! Soooo sad. πŸ™ Thank you for all the recommendations – it seems as if just through the comments alone we have enough new things to check out to make a whole week-long trip out to Boise again!

  13. Great read! Glad you loved our awesome city. Sooo much to do for all ages. Next time you will have to take some Pedego Electric Bikes out for your adventures on the Greenbelt. You can rent for the whole day and cover up to 60 miles on them. Such an amazing way to see this beautiful city!

  14. I’ve been living in Boise for 3 years now and we LOVE it! We lived in Utah before and when my husband for a job in Boise, I was upset that we hadn’t made good use of our time in Utah to see everything it had to offer, so I resolved not to do the same in Idaho. I’m always browsing the interwebs for new items for my Idaho bucket list and most articles about Boise have fallen flat. I felt your post not only represented our city properly and wonderfully, it showed me some new places, too! Thank you!

    And yes, it’s a bummer the river opened so late this year. You’ll definitely have to come back for the river and more!

    1. Hi Jessica! Thank for you such a sweet comment!I’m so glad you enjoyed our post, we seriously loved our time in Boise. We’re hoping to come back some time in the winter – it will give us a whole new perspective! And yes, we’ll have to come back when the river opens too!