Things to do in Boise
Late spring and early fall bring warm dry days, blooming foothills, and comfortable river and trail weather; summers are hot but ideal for floating the Boise River, while winters are crisp with skiing up at Bogus Basin.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Boise
Old Idaho PenitentiaryDo not miss
A preserved 1870s sandstone prison where you can walk the cell blocks, solitary confinement, and gallows of one of the West's oldest penitentiaries.
Historic Site · 2 hr4.8
World Center for Birds of PreyDo not miss
A renowned raptor conservation campus with live falcons, eagles, and the endangered California condor, plus flight demonstrations.
Activity · 2 hr4.8
Idaho State CapitolDo not miss
Idaho's grand sandstone capitol is the only statehouse in the country heated by geothermal water, with a marble rotunda open to self-guided tours.
Landmark · 1.1 hr4.7
Julia Davis ParkDo not miss
Boise's oldest park and cultural hub, gathering the art museum, history museum, zoo, and rose garden along the river.
Park · 2 hr4.7
Idaho Botanical GardenDo not miss
Themed gardens on the grounds of the old penitentiary, from a meditation garden to a rose garden, alive with concerts and winter lights.
Park · 1.9 hr4.6
Table RockDo not miss
A flat-topped sandstone bluff crowned by a lit cross, delivering the definitive panoramic view over Boise and the valley.
Viewpoint · 1.8 hr4.6
Boise Art MuseumDo not miss
The region's premier art museum in Julia Davis Park, with rotating exhibitions, American ceramics, and Pacific Northwest works.
Museum · 1.9 hr4.3
Zoo BoiseDo not miss
A compact, conservation-focused zoo in Julia Davis Park with big cats, primates, and a Gifts of the Nile African exhibit.
Activity · 2 hr4.2
Boise River GreenbeltDo not miss
A 25-mile tree-lined path tracing the Boise River through the heart of the city, perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Scenic Route · 2 hr
The Basque BlockDo not miss
The cultural heart of one of the largest Basque communities outside Spain, packed with restaurants, a fronton court, and the Basque museum.
Neighborhood · 1.8 hr
Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
The only memorial to Anne Frank in the United States, a reflective greenbelt garden of quotations and a bronze statue.
Landmark · 45 min4.8
Camel's Back Park
A North End neighborhood park with a steep sandy hill to climb for skyline views and direct access to foothills trails.
Park · 1.4 hr4.8
Edwards Greenhouse
A century-old family greenhouse near the river with a cafe, lush plant houses, and a peaceful spot for a coffee among flowers.
Hidden Gem · 53 min4.8
Egyptian Theatre
A lovingly restored 1927 Egyptian Revival movie palace downtown, hosting films, concerts, and shows under hieroglyph murals.
Cultural Experience · 2.3 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Downtown Boise is compact and walkable, so base yourself near the Capitol or the Basque Block and explore the core on foot.
- The Ridge to Rivers trail system starts right at the edge of downtown, so pack shoes for a quick foothills hike between sights.
- Floating the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park is the classic summer afternoon; rent a raft and ride the shuttle back.
- A rental car helps for the foothills, Bogus Basin, and day trips like Bruneau Dunes or Idaho City, but the city center does not require one.
- Try the Basque food on and around the Basque Block, a heritage you will not find concentrated anywhere else in the United States.