Boise

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Peg Owens/Idaho Tourism
Boise
Boise showing heritage architecture
Photo provided by BanBury Golf Course
Photo provided by Western Idaho Fair

The City of Trees is Idaho’s capital and largest city, known for its natural beauty, outdoor pursuits and museums. 

Tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and along the Boise River, Boise revels in the outdoor life. From skiing at Bogus Basin and kayaking down rivers to hiking, biking and bird watching, there is an abundance of ways to enjoy and embrace nature.

Take an extended walk or bike ride along the Boise River Greenbelt. This is a 22-mile (35.4-kilometer) tree-lined paved pathway that follows the river through the city and encompasses several parks and wildlife habitats. The path runs on both sides of the river and can be accessed from numerous streets and bridges in the city. Look for the local wildlife that includes songbirds, Canada geese and great blue herons. 

Float down the river on a raft or inner tube, or rent a kayak to explore the waterway. Engage your sense of adventure with some whitewater rafting on the main section of the Payette River, just 40 minutes outside of Boise.   

During winter months make your way up to the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area for skiing and snowboarding. There are 2,600 acres (1,052 hectares) for day skiing and 165 acres (66.7 hectares) for night skiing. The resort is situated 16.5 miles (26.5 kilometers) north of Boise.

Enjoy a day at Boise National Forest. There are more than two and a half million acres (800,000 hectares) of forests, mountains and fast rivers. Here you can hike, bike, rock climb, sail or water ski. Overnight camping is possible at many forest locations. There are developed and undeveloped sites, and remote cabins are available for rent.

Boise knows how to excite lovers of the outdoors, but the city also has many indoor attractions. Downtown Boise’s few blocks are easily explored on foot. Here you’ll find a number of major attractions including the Boise Art Museum, the Discovery Center of Idaho, a hands-on science museum, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. At night the downtown area turns into a party playground with several bars, lounges and clubs featuring live entertainment.

Where to stay in Boise

Idaho showing a waterfall

Downtown Boise

Travelers come to Downtown Boise for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Knitting Factory and Idaho Central Arena while you're in town.

Downtown Boise
Pond at sunset

Southeast Boise

You'll enjoy the live music and sporting events in Southeast Boise. You might want to make time for a stop at Albertsons Stadium or ExtraMile Arena.

Southeast Boise
The City of Trees from the Boise Depot

Boise Bench

You'll enjoy the gardens and waterfalls in Boise Bench. You might want to make time for a stop at Hillcrest Country Club or Boise Depot.

Boise Bench
Idaho State Capital Building. Boise, Idaho.
#boise

North End

North End is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like St. John's Cathedral and First United Presbyterian Church.

North End
View of the Boise foothills from the Table Rock trail.

The trail is in an ideal location adjacent to downtown Boise. The area has lots of trailheads alongside a fun and vibrant urban scene. Boise truly  has the best of both worlds.

East End

You'll enjoy the gardens and parks in East End. You might want to make time for a stop at Natatorium Pool & Hydrotube or Idaho Botanical Garden.

East End
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Southwest Ada County Alliance

If you're spending some time in Southwest Ada County Alliance, Boise Spectrum and Regal Edwards Boise are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Ada County Alliance
Oxford Suites Boise
Oxford Suites Boise
3 out of 5
1426 S Entertainment Avenue, Boise, ID
The price is P8,382 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P8,382
P10,107 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Boise. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,800 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. Very friendly staff clean room"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Oxford Suites Boise
My Place Hotel-Boise/Nampa, ID-Idaho Center
My Place Hotel-Boise/Nampa, ID-Idaho Center
2.5 out of 5
5720 E Franklin Rd, Nampa, ID
The price is P6,531 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P6,531
P7,054 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nampa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (891 reviews)
Outstanding
"This was new, sparkling clean and didn't smell. Very nice!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

My Place Hotel-Boise/Nampa, ID-Idaho Center
My Place Hotel - Boise/Meridian, ID
My Place Hotel - Boise/Meridian, ID
2.5 out of 5
3050 East Jewell Street, Meridian, ID
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,032 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P7,032
P7,594 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Meridian. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,335 reviews)
"Single night stay was great."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

My Place Hotel - Boise/Meridian, ID
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa on the River Boise
Kasa on the River Boise
4 out of 5
749 E Park Blvd, Boise, ID
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Boise. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Albertsons Stadium and Morrison-Knudsen ...
7.4/10 Good! (35 reviews)
Great family place
"Great directions to access the place. Great location and beautiful grounds. Many fun things to walk to. Condo had plenty of space and big comfortable beds. Blackout curtains would be nice in the early morning sun. Having a patio was a plus. Also had a nice big gym overlooking the pool. Would stay ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Kasa on the River Boise
Newly remodeled private home
Newly remodeled private home
3 out of 5
3462 N Lancer Ave, Boise, ID
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Boise. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions The Village at Meridian and Big ...
Newly remodeled private home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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