
Boise Travel Guide: The City of Trees & Outdoor Adventure
A scenic city surrounded by mountains, offering outdoor adventure, a thriving food scene, and rich cultural attractions.

🛬 How to Get to Boise
✈️ By Flight:
Boise Airport (BOI) – The main airport, just 10 minutes from downtown.
Transport Options from BOI:
Shuttle & Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and taxis available.
Car Rentals: Recommended for exploring the nearby mountains and parks.
🚗 By Car:
From Salt Lake City: 5-hour drive via I-84 W.
From Portland: 6.5-hour drive via I-84 E.
From Spokane: 7-hour drive via US-95 S.
🚆 By Train & Bus:
Greyhound & Salt Lake Express: Budget-friendly bus options with regional routes.
🚍 How to Get Around Boise
ValleyRide Bus System: Public buses covering downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Rental Cars & Rideshares: Uber, Lyft, and taxis available.
Biking & Walking: The Boise River Greenbelt and downtown are bike- and pedestrian-friendly.
🏨 Where to Stay in Boise
Luxury (5-Star Hotels):
The Grove Hotel – A high-end hotel with beautiful views of downtown Boise.
Mid-Range (4-Star Hotels):
Inn at 500 Capitol – A stylish boutique hotel near the State Capitol.
Hotel 43 – A modern stay with an artistic atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly (3-Star & Local Stays):
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown – A comfortable and centrally located option.
Local Inns & Airbnb Rentals: Unique stays in the North End and Basque Block neighborhoods.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Boise
Casual & Local Favorites:
Westside Drive-In – A classic 1950s-style diner serving famous Idaho ice cream potatoes.
Big City Coffee & Café – A cozy café known for giant cinnamon rolls.
Fine Dining & Special Experiences:
Chandlers Steakhouse – A top-tier steakhouse with live jazz.
Richard’s – A refined Italian restaurant with farm-to-table ingredients.
Diverse Dining Options:
The Basque Market – Authentic Basque cuisine in Boise’s unique Basque Block district.
Bar Gernika – A casual eatery serving traditional Basque lamb and croquettes.
🎭 Things to Do in Boise
🌲 Outdoor & Adventure Attractions:
Boise River Greenbelt: A scenic 25-mile pathway perfect for biking and jogging.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area: A year-round destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Camel’s Back Park: A great spot for panoramic city views and hiking trails.
🏛️ Historic Landmarks & Museums:
Idaho State Capitol: A stunning neoclassical building offering free tours.
Old Idaho Penitentiary: A historic prison turned museum with guided ghost tours.
🎶 Arts, Entertainment & Shopping:
Boise Art Museum: A contemporary museum featuring regional and national artists.
The Basque Block: A cultural district showcasing Boise’s strong Basque heritage.
🏀 Sports & Events:
Albertsons Stadium: Home of the Boise State Broncos and their iconic blue turf field.
ExtraMile Arena: A venue for concerts, basketball games, and major events.
🦁 Zoos & Aquariums:
Zoo Boise: A fun family attraction featuring red pandas, giraffes, and interactive exhibits.