Boise

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Peg Owens/Idaho Tourism
Boise
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 which includes a waterfall

Downtown Boise

5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown Boise is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Jack's Urban Meeting Place or Knitting Factory.

Downtown Boise
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

North End

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
Default Image

East End

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

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 €86 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
€86
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 (2,656 reviews)
Updates being made but still great service
"This large hotel is in the midst of some over due updating and expansion. The staff were excellent, the beds and pillows extremely comfortable, room was clean and the meals good."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner
Oxford Suites Boise

Oxford Suites Boise

3 out of 5
1426 S Entertainment Avenue, Boise, ID
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! (1,845 reviews)
"Lived in Boise for 17yrs and after being away for 4yrs, found myself needing to return for a week of onsite work. Loved the hotel's staff, cleanliness, breakfast, and walking proximity. Awesome for a quick bite at Panda and taking in a movie across the street. Goodwood is a favorite and I ate their ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Oxford Suites Boise
Hotel Renegade

Hotel Renegade

3.5 out of 5
1110 W Grove Street, Boise, ID
The price is €131 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€131
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Boise. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Boise Art Glass and Knitting ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (597 reviews)
"Truly amazing beautiful modern room with outstanding amenities! Best shower anywhere, and even the ice bucket was a touch of class. The robes were soooo comfy!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hotel Renegade
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! (36 reviews)
"The most perfect stay. For a longer stay, for our family of four, we could not have wanted anything more. Excellent pool, fantastic gym. Clean, great toiletries. We hope to come back!"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 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 Payette Brewing Company are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Tiny, cute.
"One bed in the living room. Beautiful bathroom. Clean. Very little."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Country Escape in the City
A Private space close to downtown Boise, green belt and Boise State.

A Private space close to downtown Boise, green belt and Boise State.

2 out of 5
Boise
Stay at this vacation home in Boise. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Ahavath Beth Israel Synagogue and Kathryn Albertson ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Family Basque Festival
"What an awesome stay your place was. Perfect size, cozy, beautiful and everything inside all was updated. They even left us some wine and cola so we could enjoy the Basque Kalimotxo! Very nice people, stay, relaxing...we rated this a 5 star only becuz i couldn't rate it a 10 star!! Thank you again ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

A Private space close to downtown Boise, green belt and Boise State.
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

Things to do