Boise, Idaho truly has something for everyone! Whether you’re an art lover or biking enthusiast or just a weekend warrior like myself, you’re sure to love Boise. Boise is a lively and vibrant city with attractions and art all over the city, but it is also just steps away from beautiful mountains and hundreds of trails. You truly will experience the best of both worlds by exploring the artsy and lively downtown and then escaping to the quiet and serene mountains. There is an endless amount of fun things to do in Boise and it is the perfect city for a getaway. Boise is great for a weekend trip and there are non-stop flights from multiple cities in the US, including Atlanta. I had so much fun exploring Boise and there is always something going on in Idaho’s capital city. Check out the best things to do in Boise!
Places to Stay in Boise
Downtown Boise is very much walkable and staying in any of the hotels downtown will make it easy to explore. Check out these places to stay in Boise!
Booking.comThe Best Things to do in Boise
1. Walk along Boise River Greenbelt
Did you know that Boise is connected by a beautiful greenway? The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile path that connects downtown Boise with different neighborhoods and parks along the Boise River. The Greenbelt offers opportunities for walking, biking, birding, and even fishing! This path takes you through so many different natural areas of Boise and it is a great way to explore and see Boise!
2. Check out the fun murals around downtown Boise
There are so many fun murals on display all over Boise! The most popular spot to see murals is Freak Alley Gallery which is the northwest’s largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery. Located in the heart of downtown Boise, Freak Alley is a great place to admire public art and the murals are always changing so it offers a fresh breath of air for locals and visitors alike! It is free to visit so be sure to add this spot to your Boise bucket list.
You’ll also find murals all over downtown Boise so I highly recommend walking around the downtown district to see more of the unique street art. My personal favorite is the Boise mural located on 10th street on the side of Re-POP Gifts.
3. Try potato ice cream at Westside Drive-In
Have you ever tried potato ice cream? Yes, you heard that right…potato ice cream! How could you visit Idaho and not try everything potato related?! Visit the famous Westside Drive-In to try their famous potato ice cream. Westside Drive-In has been in operation since 1957 and was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on the Food Network! Stop by for a taste of nostalgia and classic items like burgers, malts, salads, and shakes.
4. Swing on the Gentle Breeze sculpture
Gentle Breeze is a sculpture by Matthew Mazzotta in downtown Boise that I had to feature! The shiny pink tree has features that make the leaves move in the breeze and it has swings for people to enjoy making it an interactive art piece. I love how this sculpture is made for everyone to enjoy and use in this public space.
5. Grab donuts at Guru Donuts
You have to grab donuts at Guru Donuts if you’re visiting Boise! Gru’s Donut is a famous donut shop in downtown Boise and it features classic and specialty flavors. Their seasonal menu is so fun and I love their creative take on the classic donut. The donuts are made from scratch daily and the shop is locally owned and operated! So stop by for delicious donuts while supporting a local business 🙂
6. Check out the Record Exchange
The Record Exchange is Idaho’s largest independent music store and features a wide selection of records and other fun memorabilia. Even if you’re not looking to buy records, it is still a cool store to check out as they sell a wide variety of other items such as t-shirts and collectibles!
7. Learn about the Basque culture at Basque Block
Did you know that there is a large population of Basque people living in Boise? The Basques are a Southwestern European ethnic group and most of them live in the Basque country, which is an area between Spain and France. However, Boise’s Basque community is one of the largest such communities in the United States! They have a unique area called the Basque Block and they welcome all to come to learn about their heritage!
There is a market selling specialty Basque goods and products called the Basque Market that I recommend visiting. You can even dine there and they serve a selection of tapas, pintxos, and even paella!
8. Create your own fries at Boise Fry Company
Visit Boise Fry Company to create your own fries! You get to choose your potato and how it is cut – plus there are a variety of sauces to choose from! It is definitely a fun place to grab a bite and try out different fries.
9. Tour Idaho’s State Capitol
Idaho’s State Capital is a work of art. The building is stunning and you can’t miss out on touring the inside! The inside is just as remarkable as the exterior with towering marble columns. Be sure to stop by to see this impressive building!
10. Hike around Camel’s Back Park and Military Reserve
As mentioned earlier, Boise is surrounded by beautiful nature! If you enjoy hiking (or biking), two of the best places to go are Camel’s Back Park and the Military Reserve. Both of these areas are close to downtown Boise and offer miles and miles of trails. You’re instantly transported away from the bustling city as you step into these nature reserves.
11. Enjoy an afternoon at Idaho Botanical Garden
Idaho Botanical Garden is a beautiful space to walk around and enjoy the outdoors. The garden covers over 50 acres and there are numerous gardens from an English Garden to a Rose Garden and more!
12. Tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
Right next to the Idaho Botanical Garden lays the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site which you can tour today! It was a functional prison from 1872 to 1973 and during these years, the site saw escapes, scandals, and the effects of Boise’s transition from the “wild west” to a mid-20th century capital city. Enter these walls to take a step back in time!
13. See the sunset at Table Rock
Hike to the top of Table Rock for the best sunset in Boise! The 3.7-mile hike offers scenic overlooks and views of the city. The views from Table Rock are so rewarding and I highly recommend anyone to make that hike.
14. Visit the many wineries and breweries around Boise
Did you know that there are several wineries and breweries in and around Boise? If you enjoy the brewery and winery scene, then you should definitely stop by these:
- Telaya Wine Co
- Western Collective
- Split Rail Winery
- Barbarian Brewing Taproom
- Clairvoyant Brewing Company
- SCORIA Vineyards
15. See the famous potato hotel
Did you know that you can stay inside a potato near Boise? This is the famous Idaho Potato Hotel and it is just 20 miles away from Boise. Recycled from the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour, this 6-ton potato has traveled on the back of a semi to 48 different states for 7 years! It is now sitting on farmland and rented out. Even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can still visit and take photos of the outside!
