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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Rocky Mountains, USA

Outdoor Adventures

Boise's location near mountains and a river makes it an excellent destination for outdoor adventures, for various skill levels.

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 has numerous hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Floating: A popular summer activity on the Boise River from Barber 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 popular spot for trout fishing.
  • A state fishing license is necessary.
  • Look for bird species, ducks, geese, and deer along the Greenbelt.
  • Deer, elk, and smaller mammals are present in the foothills.

Rock Climbing

  • Outdoor rock climbing is in the nearby Black Cliffs area.
  • Options are good for climbers of various skill levels.
  • Check local climbing guides for routes and safety information.
  • Bring proper climbing gear 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 food and culture.

Workshops & Performances

  • Basque Cultural Center: Has Basque language instruction, traditional dance lessons, and cooking demonstrations.
  • Boise Art Museum: Occasionally has art 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 classes (Euskera) in Boise, having various levels.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

During summer, this outdoor theater company presents 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 large-scale celebration of Basque heritage.

Basque Cultural Day

An annual, smaller celebration that gives a look 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 has a lively community atmosphere.

Relaxation & Wellness

Boise has several options for relaxation and wellness, whether you seek 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 an upscale setting.
  • Numerous natural hot springs are within a 1-2 hour drive of Boise.
  • These hot springs are generally undeveloped or minimally developed, having a rustic experience.

Yoga & Public Spaces

Yoga & Meditation

Many yoga studios in Boise have drop-in classes for visitors. Retreats may be found in the surrounding mountains.

Traditional Healing

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

Beach & Pool Clubs

Public pools operate seasonally. 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 calm 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 short 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 cater to 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

Organized pub crawls 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 has diverse 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 Public Market: Also Saturdays from April to December downtown. Has artisan crafts, food vendors, and produce.
  • These markets are good for local vendors and handmade items.
  • A Reusable shopping bag is handy for market visits and souvenirs.

Artisan & Boutique Shopping

Local Workshops

Numerous independent boutiques and galleries are downtown and in the North End. These sell local art, handcrafted jewelry, and unique handmade goods.

Luxury Shopping

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

Ethical Shopping

Look for "Idaho Made" or "Locally Sourced" labels to ensure your purchases directly support local businesses, artisans, and farmers.

Souvenirs

  • Local Idaho Potato Products 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 River Valley AVA.
  • Craft Beer: Local craft beers from Boise's breweries.

Shipping

  • Standard U.S. Customs rules apply for international shipping.
  • Check your home country's customs regulations for import duties.
  • Many shops can arrange shipping for larger items directly to your home.
  • Consider shipping for fragile or bulky purchases.

Customs Info

  • Be aware of restrictions on certain goods.
  • Keep receipts for purchases.
  • Declare all items if required by 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 often has art exhibits.
  • Check their schedule for community events.
  • It has a quiet, welcoming space for visitors to relax.

Shopping Environment

Boise's shopping scene has a mix of unique local boutiques and larger retail centers, having something for every 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 culinary 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 or unexpected discoveries.
  • For relaxation, consider a visit to a local spa or nearby hot springs.
  • Remember local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh produce.