Whether visiting for a short vacation or a long trip, there are countless things to do in Boise throughout the year. The “City of Trees” houses numerous activities to indulge in. These include exploring outdoor recreation, historical places, museums, parks, cultural sites, etc. Furthermore, many of these attractions are located near the Boise River. Thus, visitors can explore multiple places in a single trip.
Therefore, with both outdoor activities and cultural events, Boise is a good place for families, couples, solo tourists, or groups at any time of the year.
9 Best Things to Do in Boise, Idaho
Along with walking/cycling along the beautiful Boise River Greenbelt, people can explore seven amazing and fun things to do in Boise, Idaho. Both domestic and international explorers can visit these places throughout the year.
1. Boise River Greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise’s most iconic sites. It is a 25-mile paved path that follows the river through parks, gardens, museums, and neighborhoods.
Also, visitors have options to walk, jog, bike, or just relax beside the river, taking in the scenic environments of the area. They can also explore tree-lined paths, wildlife, and multiple bridges.
Before visiting, people should have the following information about this tourist attraction:
- Address: Boise River Greenbelt, Boise, ID 83702
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Entry fee: Free
- Booking: Not needed
- Best visit time: Early morning or evening
- Required time: 2 to 4 hours
- Parking: Available at various points, including Julia Davis Park and Ann Morrison Park
2. Boise Foothills
Located just north of downtown, the Boise Foothills are a well-known outdoor recreation site. They feature 190 miles of interconnected trails, scenic viewpoints, and activities for people of all ages.
The foothills also give visitors a chance to experience Boise’s natural landscape. At the same time, they can understand why the city is not considered a woodland.
- Main Access Points: Camel’s Back Park, Table Rock Trailhead, Hulls Gulch Reserve, and Military Reserve
- Popular Activities: Hiking, mountain-biking, trail running, horseback riding, observing wildlife, and taking photographs
- Trail Difficulty: Easy trails for beginners and hard trails for experienced hikers
- Hours of Operation: Open every day from sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Free
- Bookings: No booking required
- Ideal Time for Visiting: March to May and September to October, when it is cooler and convenient for outdoor activities
- Wildlife: Numerous animals, including deer, rabbits, coyotes, and hawks
- What to Bring: Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and proper shoes
- Parking: Free parking at most trailheads, but not many parking spots are available during weekends and holidays.
- Stay Time: Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours, depending on the trail and activity chosen
3. Boise Whitewater Park
The Boise Whitewater Park is one of North America’s largest urban boating and river-surfing destinations. Here, one can take part in river sports or simply watch athletes navigate engineered waves.
In addition, one can find walking paths, viewing areas, and access to neighboring parks at this location. Moreover, to access the park, one can consider contacting a Car Rental in Boise.
- Location: 3400 W. Pleasanton Ave., Boise, ID 83702
- Phone: +1 (208) 608-7192
- Hours: Open daily
- Fee: Free
- Booking: No reservation needed for access
- Features: The park has three adjustable waves for beginner, intermediate, and expert kayakers and surfers
- Activities: River surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, walking, photography, and attendance at competitions
- Best time to visit: From late spring to early fall
- Parking: Free parking available near Esther Simplot Park and Whitewater Park Boulevard
- Nearby Attractions: Esther Simplot Park, Quinn’s Pond, Boise River Greenbelt, and Veterans Memorial Park
- Recommended time to visit: 1-3 hours
4. Julia Davis Park
Established along the Boise River, Julia Davis Park is the oldest public park in the city. It is located to the south of downtown. With various attractions and activities, the park is the cultural center of the city. Further, it features several landmarks that make it the best sightseeing spot for the day or just a couple of hours.
- Location: 700 S Capitol Blvd., Boise, ID 83702
- Telephone: +1 (208) 608-7600
- Operational hours: Daily, 5 AM–12 AM
- Entry fee: Free (certain paid attractions like Zoo Boise and museums)
- Reservation: No special pre-booking is required to visit the park or to access its facilities. However, booking for the garden and pavilion has to be done via the Boise Parks and Recreation Department
- Key attractions: Zoo Boise, Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Museum, Idaho Black History Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, and Gene Harris Bandshell
- Facilities available: Rose Garden, playground, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, fishing pond, paddleboat rental service, public art, and so on.
- Best season to visit: Spring or summer, as the garden opens at this moment
- Parking availability: There is free parking in the park and at nearby locations
- Recommended time to explore: 2 to 4 hours depending on the visiting plan
5. Basque Block
The Basque Block is a unique cultural destination in Boise. It promotes the city’s Basque heritage through its museums, restaurants, and cultural events.
The Basque migrants arrived in Idaho in the late 1800s as sheep herders. However, today, Boise has one of the largest Basque populations in the US.
- Address: W Grove Street, between Capitol Boulevard and 6th Street, Boise, ID 83702
- Entry Fee: Free to explore the area
- Attractions: Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Basque Market, Basque Center, old boarding homes, and Fronton (handball court)
- Food: Pintxos (Basque tapas), croquettes, chorizo, lamb dishes, paella, and Basque pastries are on the list of some of the best restaurants in Boise.
- Events: The annual San Inazio Festival is held in July and features traditional music, dancing, food, and sports. Jaialdi, one of the biggest Basque festivals in the world, is hosted every five years
- Museum Tours: Basque Museum & Cultural Center highlights Basque history, migration, culture, and the old Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House (built in 1864)
- Best Time to Visit: During lunch/dinner time to try real Basque cuisine or during festivals for cultural activities
6. Freak Alley Gallery
Freak Alley Gallery is the Pacific Northwest’s largest open-air mural gallery. It is located between Eighth and Ninth Streets in downtown Boise, Idaho.
In addition, it contains murals painted by artists from all over the region. Because the artwork changes frequently, each visit brings something original and exciting that people love to share on social media.
- Address: 210 N. Ninth St., Boise, ID
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
- Booking: No
- Best Time to Visit: During the daytime
7. Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
Established in 1872, the Old Idaho Penitentiary has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in town. Here, visitors can experience parts of the penitentiary, including its original cell blocks, solitary confinement, watch towers, and gallows.
In the meantime, visitors can also learn about the history of some famous inmates of the site. In addition, the place has its own exhibitions of various historical weapons, artifacts, and pictures.
- Address: 2445 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho 83712
- Phone: +1 (208) 334-2844
- Hours: Daily (season-specific)
- Entry Fee: Paid entry
- Booking: Either online or at the site.
- Recommended Visit: 2–3 hours
8. Bogus Basin
Located approximately 16 miles north of Boise, Bogus Basin is a year-round mountain outdoor recreation area. Ideal for families, there are numerous activities to enjoy. These activities change by season, with skiing and snowboarding during winter and mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and other activities in summer.
- Address: 2600 N. Bogus Basin Road, Boise, ID 83702
- Phone: (208) 332-5100
- Distance from Boise: 16 miles from the town and 20 miles from the Boise Airport.
- Winter activities: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.
- Summer activities: Mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, mountain coaster, climbing wall, challenge course, and bungee jumping.
- Summer hours: Wednesday-Sunday, from 11:00 A.M. to 07:00 P.M. until Labor Day weekend.
- Pricing: Some areas can be accessed free of charge, while other services require tickets and passes.
- Booking options: One can buy tickets on the Bogus Basin official website and make reservations ahead of time.
- Parking: There are designated parking lots available on the hill.
- Public transport: The bus operates on some selected weekends and holidays from Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and Eagle.
9. Idaho State Capitol
The governmental seat of Idaho, the Idaho State Capitol building, is located in downtown Boise. Tourists can look around the building, view historic items and furniture, and learn about Idaho’s history and government through both permanent and temporary exhibits. One of the permanent exhibits is called “Governing Idaho: How People and Policy Shape Our State” and is housed at the Garden Level of the building.
- Address: 700 W. Jefferson St., Boise, ID
- Phone: +1 (208) 332-1826
- Working Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7 AM-7 PM
- Entry: Free
- Booking: Not usually required
- Main Attractions: Rotunda, dome, historic furniture, permanent exhibits, historic items, memorials, and government offices
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
All in all, there are a variety of attractions for travelers in Boise. Whether they enjoy outdoor activities, history, or family-friendly places, the city has something to explore. Hence, plan the visit based on interest and make the most of the time in Idaho’s capital.
FAQs
Boise is famous for its outdoor activities, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Basque Block. It is known as the “City of Trees” due to the large number of parks.
Travelers can visit some of the sites in the city without paying any fee. These include the Boise River Greenbelt, the Boise Foothills, Freak Alley Gallery, and Basque Block.
Some of the most popular outdoor activities in Boise include hiking, cycling, kayaking, river surfing, jogging, and wildlife watching.
There are plenty of activities tourists can pursue in Boise, like biking along the Boise River Greenbelt, hiking in the Boise Foothills, or visiting museums and parks.
For families with kids, some popular sites to visit include Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise, and the Discovery Center of Idaho.
Wahooz Family Fun Zone, Pojos Family Fun Center, and Aquarium of Boise are some spots worth exploring inside in Boise.
There are numerous nightlife spots and bars in Boise to explore, including Press & Pony, Spacebar, and Neurolux.
Families with kids can explore Zoo Boise, near Julia Davis Park in Boise.
Couples can watch the sunset at Table Rock to strolling though the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise. Also, they can grab a coffee from a local spot in Julia Davis Park.
One can head to Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area in Boise and enjoy skiing and tubing in the month of February.
In the month of March, one can experience Treefort Music Fest in Boise. It is a five-day celebration of indie music, film, and culture held during this month.
Visit the Boise Centre for seasonal events. Also, exploring Julia Davis Park in November is a good option.
In Idaho IceWorld, tourists can engage in ice shows and skating sessions.
