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 which includes a waterfall

Downtown Boise

Travelers come to Downtown Boise for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Jack's Urban Meeting Place and Knitting Factory while you're in town.

Downtown Boise
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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 P5,605 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P5,605
P6,053 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (993 reviews)
Perfect concert location. Very convenient!
"The logo makes it look economy but the room itself is high end similar to Hilton. We choose this place based on the concert we were attending at the Ford Center. It was PERFECT. It's like being in the parking lot. Only took a few moments to walk over."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

My Place Hotel-Boise/Nampa, ID-Idaho Center
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 Jul 31, 2025

Oxford Suites Boise
Hotel Renegade

Hotel Renegade

3.5 out of 5
1110 W Grove Street, Boise, ID
The price is P7,224 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,224
P8,919 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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 Jul 31, 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 Jul 10, 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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