Where to stay

Nothing says charm quite like the North End of Boise with its tree-lined streets and 19th-century homes. Stay here for a quiet, residential feel, with access to the small downtown area of Hyde Park, which is full of mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. Shop, dine, and make your way to Camel's Back Park with a trail to a fantastic scenic viewpoint. For a rich historical perspective, book a room in East End, Warm Springs, or the city's historic district, which also includes the interesting Basque Block.

Reserve your stay in Southeast Boise or Harris Ranch, close to Boise State University and the Boise River Greenbelt, a wide trail that extends for miles. The Boise River runs through these neighborhoods, with ample opportunity for hiking, biking, and fishing. Look for a hotel in Northeast Boise for easy access to boating, waterskiing, snow sports, biking, Lucky Peak Dam, and Discovery Park. The mountains are less than a 1-hour drive from here. Northwest Boise is another great place to stay near the foothills and their excellent trails.

Foodies predict Boise will be the next great Pacific Northwest culinary scene. If great food is a requirement for your stay, look for a room in neighborhoods featuring the fresh tastes of innovative chefs. Lively East Boise is home to a number of the city's most popular restaurants. Stay in Downtown Boise for breweries and bustling restaurants or in Boise Bench to dine with the hipster crowd. Farther out of town, hotels in Garden City put you close to some of the area's best restaurants and breweries, many with outdoor seating.