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Things to Do in Boise

Things to Do in Boise

Idaho USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Boise's location near mountains and a river makes it an excellent destination for open-air adventures, for a range of skills.

Hiking & Trekking

Foothills Trails

An extensive trail network accessible from Camel's Back Park, Military Reserve, and Table Rock. Trails are easy to strenuous.

Boise River Greenbelt

A paved, flat trail stretching 25 miles, good for easy walks, runs, and casual cycling.

Bogus Basin

In summer, Bogus Basin features a lot of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Floating: A popular summer activity on the Boise River from Barber The a park to Ann Morrison Park.
  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Calm water paddling on the Boise River. Rental shops are available.
  • Skiing/Snowboarding: Bogus Basin has alpine and Nordic skiing, tubing, and lessons in winter.
  • Mountain Biking: Extensive trail networks in the foothills (Ridge to Rivers) and at Bogus Basin.

Hiking Gear

Fishing & Wildlife

  • The Boise River is a well-liked place for trout fishing.
  • A state fishing license is necessary.
  • Look for bird species, ducks, geese, and deer along the Greenbelt.
  • Deer, elk, and less large mammals are present in the foothills.

Rock Climbing

  • Outdoor rock climbing is in the neighboring Black Cliffs area.
  • Options are good for climbers of various skill levels.
  • Check local climbing guides for paths and safety information.
  • Bring proper climbing supplies and observe safety protocols.

Important Note on Wildlife

Wildlife viewing is generally casual, without formal safaris. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed animals.

Cultural Immersion

Beyond traditional dining, Boise has engaging culinary experiences, letting visitors connect deeply with local cuisine and culture.

Workshops & Performances

  • Basque Cultural Center: Has Basque language instruction, traditional dance lessons, and culinary demonstrations.
  • Boise Art Museum: Occasionally has artistic workshops for various ages and skill levels.
  • Basque Dancing: Look for performances by local Basque dance groups, like the Oinkari Basque Dancers.
  • Treefort Music Fest: A multi-genre music festival with various musical performances across venues.

Community & Learning

Community-Based Tourism

Support local Basque businesses on the Basque Block, including dining and shopping. Visiting local markets also supports local vendors.

Language Learning

The Basque Cultural Center is the main resource for Basque language lessons (Euskera) in Boise, having various levels.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

During summer, this outdoor theater company has classical and contemporary plays in a beautiful amphitheater along the Boise River.

Jaialdi Festival

A major international Basque festival held every five years (next likely in 2025). It is a big-scale celebration of Basque heritage.

Basque Cultural Day

An annual, smaller celebration that gives an insight into Basque traditions outside of the quinquennial Jaialdi.

Hyde Park Street Fair

An annual September event in the North End, having live music, food vendors, and artisan crafts. It possesses a lively community atmosphere.

Relaxation & Wellness

Boise has several options for relaxation and wellness, whether you're searching for spa treatments or natural hot springs.

Spas & Hot Springs

  • Various day spas in Boise have a range of services: massages, facials, body treatments.
  • The Spa at The Grove Hotel has a full menu of treatments in a high-end setting.
  • Numerous natural hot springs are within a 1-2 hour drive of Boise.
  • These hot springs are generally undeveloped or minimally developed, with a rural experience.

Yoga & Public Spaces

Yoga & Meditation

Many yoga efficiency apartments in Boise have drop-in classes for visitors. Retreats can be found in the surrounding mountains.

Traditional Healing

Traditional healing practices are not a prominent appear in Boise for general tourism.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Public pools work on a seasonal basis. The Boise River itself has natural "beaches" for floating and enjoying the water.

Recreational Waters

Boise River Floating

A popular summer activity. Rent tubes or rafts from local outfitters and float from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Opportunities for peace water paddling on the Boise River. Rental shops have kayaks and paddleboards near river access points.

Natural Hot Springs

Numerous natural hot springs are within a 1-2 hour drive, giving opportunities for relaxation and natural therapy. Prepare for a brief hike to reach some pools.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Boise's nightlife has various entertainment options, from live music and theater to lively bars and dance clubs.

Live Music & Theater

  • Knitting Factory: A popular venue hosting national touring acts.
  • Idaho Botanical Garden (Summer Concert Series): Has outdoor concerts in a beautiful garden setting.
  • Morrison Center: Has Broadway shows, ballets, symphony orchestra, and major concerts.
  • Idaho Shakespeare Festival: Has outdoor classical and contemporary theater performances.

Nightlife Spots

Nightclubs & Dancing

Several nightclubs downtown serve different music tastes, from dance music to Latin beats.

Bar Districts

Nightlife is concentrated downtown, especially along Main and Idaho Streets. The Basque Block has popular Basque bars.

Late-Night Options

Many bars and pubs stay open until 1 AM or 2 AM. Some restaurants have late-night menus.

Treefort Music Hall

An intimate venue for local and regional bands, part of the Treefort Music Fest ecosystem.

Revolution Concert House

A larger venue for major acts and bigger concerts, attracting both national and international artists.

Pub Crawls

Guided pub tours are sometimes available seasonally or for special events. Inquire locally for details.

Age Restrictions

Legal drinking age in Idaho is 21. Bars and clubs strictly enforce this with ID checks.

Shopping & Markets

Boise features varied shopping experiences, from traditional markets to artisan workshops and boutiques.

Traditional Markets

  • Boise Farmers Market: Held Saturdays from April to October downtown. Fresh produce, artisan foods, and crafts.
  • Capital City City Market: Also Saturdays from April through December downtown. Has artisan crafts, food vendors, and produce.
  • These markets are good for local sellers and handcrafted goods.
  • A Reusable shopping bag is handy for market visits and souvenirs.

Artisan & Boutique Shopping

Local Workshops

Numerous independent boutiques and galleries are the city center and in the North End. These offer local art, handcrafted jewelry, and distinctive handmade goods.

Luxury Shopping

Downtown Boise has upscale boutiques. For chain premium brands, The Village at Meridian has a larger shopping center experience.

Ethical Shopping

Look for "Idaho Made" or "Locally Sourced" labels to make sure your purchases provide direct support to local businesses, artisans, and farmers.

Souvenirs

  • Local Idaho Potato Goods are an unique gift.
  • Basque Gifts: Items related to Basque culture, like chorizo or crafts, on the Basque Block.
  • Hells Canyon Winery Products: Wines from the Snake The Valley of the river AVA.
  • Craft Beer: Local craft beers from Boise's breweries.

Shipping

  • Standard U.S. Customs rules apply for international shipping.
  • Confirm your native country''s import rules for import duties.
  • Many shops can set up shipping for larger items directly to your home.
  • Consider shipping for fragile or bulky purchases.

Customs Info

  • Be aware of rules about certain goods.
  • Keep receipts for purchases.
  • State all items if needed via your country.
  • Consult customs websites for detailed regulations before traveling.

Additional Shopping Tips

Freak Alley Gallery
  • Mainly street art, but sometimes has artists selling prints or small works.
  • Good for photography and discovering local talent.
  • The art changes frequently, offering new discoveries.
Boise Public Library - Main Branch
  • Beyond books, the main branch frequently has art exhibits.
  • Check their schedule for community events.
  • It features a quiet, welcoming space for visitors to relax.

Shopping Environment

Boise's shopping scene has a mix of unique area boutiques and larger retail centers, having something for all shopper.

Activity Planning Summary

Daily Planning

  • Morning: Active outdoor activities like hiking or cycling.
  • Afternoon: Explore museums, cultural centers, or do some shopping.
  • Evening: Enjoy a food-related experience, live music, or theater.
  • Check event schedules for festivals or performances during your visit.

Flexibility & Booking

  • Book popular tours or experiences in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Be flexible with your schedule to account for weather conditions conditions or surprising finds.
  • For relaxation, consider going to a local spa or nearby hot springs.
  • Remember local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Things to Do in Boise. Activities, Experiences, Adventures