Location: Boise
Top Things to do in Boise
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The 10 Best Things to do in Boise, Idaho (ID)
Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.
Restaurants in Boise
1. Boise River Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,436 reviews
Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking, hiking and jogging.
Reviewed By marmot3 - Boise, United States
The beautiful Boise River flows through the heart of the city. Flanking the river on one side or the other or sometimes both, is the gently winding Boise River Greenbelt, a paved path that runs for 25 miles, from Lucky Peak Dam upriver to the town of Eagle downriver. Along the way, there are many entrances and exits, so you can make your Greenbelt experience as long or short as you wish. Previously, it was totally non-motorized, though recently e-bikes became admissible--with a speed limit. When my family gathered for a reunion in Boise in June, we loved our "bike hike" on the Greenbelt. Some people had brought their own bikes; others rented from bike shops downtown. One family rented a bike trailer/carrier for their little kids. Off we all went, our ride taking us through four leafy city parks, past the zoo, the Anne Frank Memorial, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Quinn's Pond and the Whitewater Park and beyond. On the return we stopped off for play time in one of Ann Morrison Park's playgrounds. Many cities are built on rivers, and many cities capitalize on these fortunate features. But I know of no other city that has been as successful as Boise in incorporating their river into the life of the city while preserving its natural beauty. Boise River Greenbelt is an extraordinary gift for the people of Boise and the Treasure Valley, as well as visitors. Just a word of caution: The Greenbelt is extremely popular for recreation, exercise, bike commuting, fun runs, photo shoots, etc. It's busy! The posted "rules" for use state that pedestrians always have the right of way, but many people are oblivious or careless. The yellow stripe down the middle of the path is there for a reason. Treat the path as a highway and stay on the right unless passing. Watch for children or the ubiquitous geese and squirrels straying into your path. Be reasonably careful, share the path, and enjoy this Boise treasure!
2. World Center For Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and interactive exhibits complement hands-on experiences for all ages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Treasure Valley from the interpretive trail and gazebo, or browse the gift shop. Admissions and purchases support conservation programs worldwide. Reservations are required for admission, please book your visit with us today on our website!
Reviewed By Irishwriter1916 - Boise, United States
We brought the grandkids to the World Center for Birds of Prey last month and had a grand time. We checked their website ahead of time to see when things were happening and had the choice of four different live bird shows and two walking tours to their archives to hear about the history of falconry. We chose the morning and were able to do a pair of bird shows (the grans loved both Bob and Winston) and the walking tour highlighting their archives and Arab falconry wing. Then we wandered right next to inside and outside bird exhibitions ... and the kiddos were so excited to see a bald eagle, an arctic Gyrfalcon, a gorgeous red-tailed hawk, Lucy the turkey vulture and two giant California Condors in the outdoor areas. The inside habitats featured an Applomado falcon, a very talkative Harris' Hawk, a peregrine falcon, a great horned owl and the find of the day, a huge and impressive harpy eagle! The staff was obviously very dedicated and informed and we look forward to coming back in the fall for their outdoor flight program. Highly recommended by the entire party .. grandparents, parents and bird-crazy grandchildren!
3. Old Idaho Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours.
Reviewed By moreworld2c - Poulsbo, United States
Several friends had recommended the visit and the guided tour, and we weren't disappointed! Our guide Said was excellent—obviously passionate about local history and had done a lot of personal study to be able to share interesting stories about the prison and its inmates. The visit includes several different styles of cellblocks for the general population, a couple of solitary confinement sites, and death row with its permanent gallows. This visit made me think a lot about crime and punishment, justice and injustice. Very reasonable price. Many well-labeled exhibits and displays.
4. Kathryn Albertson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By ronsU7274GQ - Sheridan, United States
Great walk and very relaxing park. A ton to see. Everything seemed very clean and it seemed that everyone that we saw were having a very enjoyable time. It was almost as if the parks joined but we didn't mind, either that or we just enjoyed it so much we walked into other places and parks. Enjoy the great outdoors.
5. Idaho State Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 734 reviews
Reviewed By writerdj - Lemont, United States
This is a fascinating building, best seen in the company of a tour guide so you don't miss anything. From the life size statue of Lincoln and the replica of the Liberty Bell out front, to the workings of the geothermal heating system, there's a lot to take in. More statues and photos and displays inside touch on Idaho's super-interesting history. If you're lucky there will be a fair or concert on the grounds!
6. Idaho Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Cultivate. Educate. Celebrate. Enhance your community and enrich your life. The Idaho Botanical Garden is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the Boise Foothills, located in the heart of Old Penitentiary Historic District. The Garden promotes gardening in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants that are adapted to the intermountain region.
Reviewed By Nina3287 - Sonoma, United States
Beautiful and inexpensive. Explore the gardens with two small kids, they had a good time. Different themed gardens, an array of different types of plants and trees. The layout was also done in a way to keep it interesting. They also had fun festive activities for the kids: small corn maze, scarecrows etc.
7. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By DeeG626 - Driggs, United States
We went with our three grandchildren and their dad to Bogus. We had a full 5 hours of fun. We all loved the mountain coaster and all the other fun things like the bungee trampoline jump, climbing wall and tube slide. The food was excellent too and reasonable for a resort. I recommend if for a day of fun
8. Boise Train Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By AmyL2929 - Boise, United States
My husband and I were looking for a way to start learning a little bit more about our new town. This was a great way to enjoy a beautiful Fall day with each other and see a beautiful building, learn some history, and relax. Although the grounds are not blooming with flowers, the gardens are still interesting with the water features and Koi fish in the pond. Building history and architecture is interesting and amazing to see how building has been preserved. Loved the old train outside and the view from the bell tower is amazing. The bells themselves are great to get a peak at. This was a hopping spot today with visitors of all ages. Had a great time and especially enjoyed the tour guide and staff that were there to answer questions for us!
9. Camel's Back Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By ronsU7274GQ - Sheridan, United States
This is a fun clean park in a great neighborhood with loads of great stuff to do. From sand volleyball ???? nets, the excersize equipment, the climbing hills- three routes, picnic area, shaded areas with plush grass and bike trails plus bathrooms ???? ????. All in all another great park in the Boise downtown district. Enjoy ????
10. Freak Alley Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Freak Alley Gallery is the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest. It's free and open to the public 24/7. We also have an Indoor Gallery that promotes our local Art and Artists; all proceeds from sales support the project and keep the lights on. Be sure to visit our website for detailed information on the indoor and outdoor events. You can even watch the progression of this Boise landmark.
Reviewed By chasewfahn - San Francisco, United States
Amazing art within this alley, it's a great way to walk off after you had a meal in one of the many restaurants in downtown Boise. I enjoyed the one that had a Twinkie and cockroach holding hands behind a nuclear bomb going off.
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