Boise Guidebook

Kendal
Boise Guidebook

Sightseeing

Grand, neoclassical 1914 statehouse, featuring public galleries, tours & a gift shop. https://www.idaho.gov/
132 locals recommend
Idaho State Capitol Building
700 W Jefferson St
132 locals recommend
Grand, neoclassical 1914 statehouse, featuring public galleries, tours & a gift shop. https://www.idaho.gov/
The Mission of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center is to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Basque history and culture. https://basquemuseum.eus/
31 locals recommend
Basque Museum & Cultural Center
611 W Grove St
31 locals recommend
The Mission of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center is to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Basque history and culture. https://basquemuseum.eus/
Numbering about 16,000, Boise's Basque community is one of the largest such communities in the United States. Boise area Basques are very proud of their unique heritage like all other Basque communities, but the Boise and Treasure Valley Basques have a unique area to call their own - The Basque Block! https://www.thebasqueblock.com/
54 locals recommend
Basque Block
54 locals recommend
Numbering about 16,000, Boise's Basque community is one of the largest such communities in the United States. Boise area Basques are very proud of their unique heritage like all other Basque communities, but the Boise and Treasure Valley Basques have a unique area to call their own - The Basque Block! https://www.thebasqueblock.com/
Idaho City was the largest city in the Northwest 150 years ago. It had over 7,000 inhabitants and at the time, was bigger than Portland, Oregon. This was largely due to the flood of miners seeking gold. When mining declined many years later, the population of Idaho City dwindled down to approximately 104 people, giving the town a reputation as a ghost town. Today, Idaho City has about 485 inhabitants, and while it’s no longer technically a ghost town, it still has great charm and history. https://visitidaho.org/travel-tips/a-day-trip-to-idaho-city-the-perfect-getaway/
40 locals recommend
Idaho City
40 locals recommend
Idaho City was the largest city in the Northwest 150 years ago. It had over 7,000 inhabitants and at the time, was bigger than Portland, Oregon. This was largely due to the flood of miners seeking gold. When mining declined many years later, the population of Idaho City dwindled down to approximately 104 people, giving the town a reputation as a ghost town. Today, Idaho City has about 485 inhabitants, and while it’s no longer technically a ghost town, it still has great charm and history. https://visitidaho.org/travel-tips/a-day-trip-to-idaho-city-the-perfect-getaway/
Often referred to as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is a must see attraction in Twin Falls, Idaho. At 212 feet tall and 900 foot wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States surpassing the height of the famous Niagara Falls. Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River as it carves its way through a deep basalt Canyon on its way to the Columbia River. https://www.tfid.org/309/Shoshone-Falls
101 locals recommend
Shoshone Falls
4155 Shoshone Falls Grade
101 locals recommend
Often referred to as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is a must see attraction in Twin Falls, Idaho. At 212 feet tall and 900 foot wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States surpassing the height of the famous Niagara Falls. Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River as it carves its way through a deep basalt Canyon on its way to the Columbia River. https://www.tfid.org/309/Shoshone-Falls
The Boise Depot is a beautiful historic Spanish-style structure operated by the Boise Parks and Recreation Department as a public ceremonial or meeting space and historic site, and is home to the famous Platt Gardens. Designed by New York architects, the building opened in 1925 to elaborate fanfare in the capital city. https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities/boise-depot/
62 locals recommend
Boise Depot
2603 W Eastover Terrace
62 locals recommend
The Boise Depot is a beautiful historic Spanish-style structure operated by the Boise Parks and Recreation Department as a public ceremonial or meeting space and historic site, and is home to the famous Platt Gardens. Designed by New York architects, the building opened in 1925 to elaborate fanfare in the capital city. https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities/boise-depot/
The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 to some of the West’s most desperate criminals. Today, visitors can experience over 100 years of Idaho’s unique prison history with a visit to Solitary Confinement, cell blocks, and the Gallows. https://history.idaho.gov/oldpen/
131 locals recommend
Old Idaho Penitentiary
2445 Old Penitentiary Rd
131 locals recommend
The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 to some of the West’s most desperate criminals. Today, visitors can experience over 100 years of Idaho’s unique prison history with a visit to Solitary Confinement, cell blocks, and the Gallows. https://history.idaho.gov/oldpen/
The Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the first and oldest botanical gardens in Idaho, is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. Nestled in the Boise Foothills, it is a sanctuary in the heart of the Old Penitentiary Historic District. The Garden promotes horticulture in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants adapted to the intermountain region. https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/
124 locals recommend
Idaho Botanical Garden
2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd
124 locals recommend
The Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the first and oldest botanical gardens in Idaho, is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. Nestled in the Boise Foothills, it is a sanctuary in the heart of the Old Penitentiary Historic District. The Garden promotes horticulture in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants adapted to the intermountain region. https://idahobotanicalgarden.org/
Freak Alley Gallery (F.A.G) is the northwest's largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise. https://www.freakalleyboise.com/
102 locals recommend
Freak Alley Gallery
210 N 9th St
102 locals recommend
Freak Alley Gallery (F.A.G) is the northwest's largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise. https://www.freakalleyboise.com/
Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey and learn all about how we are conserving raptors around the world! Meet live birds of prey up close, see California Condors, and more! https://www.peregrinefund.org/visit
54 locals recommend
World Center For Birds of Prey
5668 West Flying Hawk Lane
54 locals recommend
Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey and learn all about how we are conserving raptors around the world! Meet live birds of prey up close, see California Condors, and more! https://www.peregrinefund.org/visit

Food scene

The Westside Drive In has been in operation since 1957, and was purchased by Chef Lou in 1993. His goal was to bring his experience as a classically trained chef to the setting of a '50s-era drive-in restaurant. The resulting restaurant was a hit, and is known all across the Boise, ID area. We have even been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network! Join us at one of our two locations to try a selection from our expansive menu and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era.
36 locals recommend
Westside Drive In
1929 W State St
36 locals recommend
The Westside Drive In has been in operation since 1957, and was purchased by Chef Lou in 1993. His goal was to bring his experience as a classically trained chef to the setting of a '50s-era drive-in restaurant. The resulting restaurant was a hit, and is known all across the Boise, ID area. We have even been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network! Join us at one of our two locations to try a selection from our expansive menu and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Trendy hamburger joint draws crowds for its locally sourced comfort eats & famous 1-lb. burgers. http://www.bigjuds.com/
10 locals recommend
Big Jud's
1289 S Protest Rd
10 locals recommend
Trendy hamburger joint draws crowds for its locally sourced comfort eats & famous 1-lb. burgers. http://www.bigjuds.com/
Big Bun has been providing a classic drive-in experience since 1954, when the Randel Family started sharing their love of serving great food with the Boise community. https://www.bigbundrivein.com/about
7 locals recommend
Big Bun Drive In
5816 W Overland Rd
7 locals recommend
Big Bun has been providing a classic drive-in experience since 1954, when the Randel Family started sharing their love of serving great food with the Boise community. https://www.bigbundrivein.com/about
Fork Restaurant. Creative, farm-to-table American dishes & craft cocktails served in a vibrant, brick-&-wood space. Downtown Boise, Idaho. https://boisefork.com/
146 locals recommend
Fork
199 N 8th St
146 locals recommend
Fork Restaurant. Creative, farm-to-table American dishes & craft cocktails served in a vibrant, brick-&-wood space. Downtown Boise, Idaho. https://boisefork.com/
For more than two decades, Epi’s has been bringing traditional Basque dishes from grandma Epi’s kitchen to the residents of the Treasure Valley https://www.episabasquerestaurant.com/
19 locals recommend
Epi's Basque Restaurant
1115 N Main St
19 locals recommend
For more than two decades, Epi’s has been bringing traditional Basque dishes from grandma Epi’s kitchen to the residents of the Treasure Valley https://www.episabasquerestaurant.com/
Located inside the Grove Hotel, Trillium is a true Boise gem, complete with chic decor and new American menu. The kitchen’s unwavering commitment to local ingredients is evident in dishes like smoked trout poutine, bison meatloaf, and huckleberry short ribs. https://www.trilliumboise.com/
Trillium Restaurant
245 S Capitol Blvd
Located inside the Grove Hotel, Trillium is a true Boise gem, complete with chic decor and new American menu. The kitchen’s unwavering commitment to local ingredients is evident in dishes like smoked trout poutine, bison meatloaf, and huckleberry short ribs. https://www.trilliumboise.com/
Barbacoa is a fitting name for this restaurant, whose kitchen is centered around an open-fire grill, where bold flavors arrive from Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. https://barbacoa-boise.com/
160 locals recommend
Barbacoa Grill
276 Bobwhite Ct
160 locals recommend
Barbacoa is a fitting name for this restaurant, whose kitchen is centered around an open-fire grill, where bold flavors arrive from Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. https://barbacoa-boise.com/

Shopping Areas

Historic District near downtown Boise https://northend.org/historic-hyde-park/
73 locals recommend
Hyde Park
1413-1620 N 13th St
73 locals recommend
Historic District near downtown Boise https://northend.org/historic-hyde-park/
https://www.boisetownesquare.com/en.html
71 locals recommend
Boise Town Square
350 N Milwaukee St
71 locals recommend
https://www.boisetownesquare.com/en.html
Handmade items made by local artisans, https://www.facebook.com/Wildflower-Boutique-Idaho-2094085304194474/
Wildflower boutique
7609 West Overland Road
Handmade items made by local artisans, https://www.facebook.com/Wildflower-Boutique-Idaho-2094085304194474/
Idaho Made is your premier, local destination for everything handmade. https://www.idahomadegoods.com/
12 locals recommend
Idaho Made
108 N 6th St
12 locals recommend
Idaho Made is your premier, local destination for everything handmade. https://www.idahomadegoods.com/
https://theboisefarmersmarket.com/
64 locals recommend
Boise Farmers Market
1118 Shoreline Dr
64 locals recommend
https://theboisefarmersmarket.com/

Outdoor Activities

The most popular hike in the Boise area. On any given weekend, hundreds of groups will hike up from the old penitentiary to the top of Table Rock. It’s popular because it’s close to town, leads to an iconic destination, and offers cool views of downtown. It’s not really a secluded nature trail–there are much better hikes for that. But it’s a good workout and a rewarding accomplishment. Not a great trail for cyclists; better for hikers. https://boisetrails.com/trail/table-rock-trail/
195 locals recommend
Table Rock
3199 E Table Rock Rd
195 locals recommend
The most popular hike in the Boise area. On any given weekend, hundreds of groups will hike up from the old penitentiary to the top of Table Rock. It’s popular because it’s close to town, leads to an iconic destination, and offers cool views of downtown. It’s not really a secluded nature trail–there are much better hikes for that. But it’s a good workout and a rewarding accomplishment. Not a great trail for cyclists; better for hikers. https://boisetrails.com/trail/table-rock-trail/
https://northend.org/camels-back-park/
232 locals recommend
Camel's Back Park
27 Heron St
232 locals recommend
https://northend.org/camels-back-park/
A great neighborhood park, right around the corner from our Airbnb.
Phillippi Park
2299 S Phillippi St
A great neighborhood park, right around the corner from our Airbnb.
A great place for summer hiking, winter skiing, sledding, snowshoeing. Be sure to check out the mountain coaster too! https://bogusbasin.org/
174 locals recommend
Bogus Basin Recreation Area
2600 N Bogus Basin Rd
174 locals recommend
A great place for summer hiking, winter skiing, sledding, snowshoeing. Be sure to check out the mountain coaster too! https://bogusbasin.org/
https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021-Floater-Info-Guide.pdf
31 locals recommend
Boise River Raft & Tube Rentals
4049 S Eckert Rd
31 locals recommend
https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021-Floater-Info-Guide.pdf
Just one of many Disc Golf Courses around the city.
11 locals recommend
Ann Morrison Park Disc Golf Course
Ann Morrison Park Drive
11 locals recommend
Just one of many Disc Golf Courses around the city.
A great park with a variety of activities year-round, from swimming in the summer to sledding in the winter. https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/eagle-island/
68 locals recommend
Eagle Island State Park
165 Eagle Island Pkwy
68 locals recommend
A great park with a variety of activities year-round, from swimming in the summer to sledding in the winter. https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/eagle-island/
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/lucky-peak/
62 locals recommend
Lucky Peak State Park
74 Arrow Rock Road
62 locals recommend
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/lucky-peak/
https://zooboise.org/
159 locals recommend
Zoo Boise
355 Julia Davis Dr
159 locals recommend
https://zooboise.org/
https://www.roaringsprings.com/
89 locals recommend
Roaring Springs Water Park
400 W Overland Rd
89 locals recommend
https://www.roaringsprings.com/
The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks. The "Ribbon of Jewels" is a series of parks located along the pathway. https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/boise-greenbelt/
11 locals recommend
Boise Greenbelt Trail
Boise Greenbelt Trail
11 locals recommend
The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks. The "Ribbon of Jewels" is a series of parks located along the pathway. https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/boise-greenbelt/

Museums

Children's Museum of Idaho is dedicated to bringing children, families, and the community together to engage in learning through creative play. https://www.cmidaho.org/
10 locals recommend
Children's Museum Of Idaho
790 S Progress Ave
10 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Idaho is dedicated to bringing children, families, and the community together to engage in learning through creative play. https://www.cmidaho.org/
http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/
155 locals recommend
Boise Art Museum
670 Julia Davis Dr
155 locals recommend
http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/
The Discovery Center has something new and exciting for our visitors to experience year-round. From world-class exhibitions, virtual and in-person programs with community experts, to hands-on exhibitions built right in our Micron Innovation Lab. http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/
73 locals recommend
Discovery Center of Idaho
131 W Myrtle St
73 locals recommend
The Discovery Center has something new and exciting for our visitors to experience year-round. From world-class exhibitions, virtual and in-person programs with community experts, to hands-on exhibitions built right in our Micron Innovation Lab. http://www.boiseartmuseum.org/
Our mission is to educate and inspire the conservation and enhancement of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through hands-on interaction. https://www.aquariumboise.net/
36 locals recommend
Aquarium of Boise
64 N Cole Rd
36 locals recommend
Our mission is to educate and inspire the conservation and enhancement of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through hands-on interaction. https://www.aquariumboise.net/

Indoor Activities

https://fastlaneboise.com/
8 locals recommend
Fast Lane Indoor Kart Racing
10243 Franklin Rd
8 locals recommend
https://fastlaneboise.com/
Axe Throwing https://section37axeroom.com/
Section 37 Axe Room
10535 W Overland Rd
Axe Throwing https://section37axeroom.com/
There are quite a number of Escape rooms in the Treasure Valley. This one is our family's favorite! https://labyrinthescapegames.com/
9 locals recommend
Labyrinth Escape Games
1213 1/2 1st St S
9 locals recommend
There are quite a number of Escape rooms in the Treasure Valley. This one is our family's favorite! https://labyrinthescapegames.com/
Indoor trampoline park https://www.jumptimemeridian.com/
10 locals recommend
Jump Time
2805 East Franklin Road
10 locals recommend
Indoor trampoline park https://www.jumptimemeridian.com/
https://www.wahoozfunzone.com/
98 locals recommend
Wahooz Family Fun Zone
1385 S Blue Marlin Ln
98 locals recommend
https://www.wahoozfunzone.com/