Boise, ID

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Peg Owens/Idaho Tourism
Boise showing an administrative buidling
Boise which includes 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

4/5(496 area reviews)

Downtown Boise boasts a vibrant cultural center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Idaho State Capitol and Egyptian Theatre. Stroll along 8th Street's pedestrian zone, lined with sidewalk cafes, or explore the Basque Block.

Downtown Boise
Pond at sunset

Southeast Boise

4.5/5(135 area reviews)

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

5/5(12 area reviews)

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

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

5/5(13 area reviews)

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

East End
Default Image

Southwest Ada County Alliance

4/5(231 area reviews)

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
Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner
Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner
3.5 out of 5
1800 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID
The price is $109 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$109 total
per night
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Boise. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
6.2/10 (2,623 reviews)
"The pool and hot tub was a nice amenity. It's great having coffee available in the morning. Free parking is a plus."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner
Oxford Suites Boise
Oxford Suites Boise
3 out of 5
1426 S Entertainment Avenue, Boise, ID
The price is $157 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$157 total
per night
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,802 reviews)
"Great Boise stop"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $123 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$123 total
per night
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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! (902 reviews)
"No negatives. Nice clean facillity"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

My Place Hotel-Boise/Nampa, ID-Idaho Center
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
Country Escape in the City
Country Escape in the City
Boise
Stay at this chalet in Boise. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and patios. Popular attractions Cinder Winery and AEN Playhouse are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Very nice stay, super quiet and AC was working well. Host is very kind and communicates well."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Country Escape in the City
Lakeside Studio -> Kayaks & Bikes included!
Lakeside Studio -> Kayaks & Bikes included!
Boise
Stay at this apartment in Garden City. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Memorial Stadium and Expo Idaho are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Lovely and safe little place
"Exceptionally clean. The bed was very comfortable for me. The location was perfect for me as it was close to my friend's house and close to grocery stores. I'm a female and I stayed alone and I felt very safe."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Lakeside Studio -> Kayaks & Bikes included!
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Boise

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1495
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
1293
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
255
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
29
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's a great place for relaxation.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Conveniently located

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We were passing through on our way to Texas. Didn't take time to see anything in Boise

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love Boise

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Boise is a fantastic city with lots of outdoor activities in town and along the greenbelt

4/5 - Good

Bentley

Downtown what I saw was clean and nicely landscaped

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