8 Amazing Places to Visit in Boise for First-Time Explorers

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore 8 amazing places to visit in Boise, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s outdoor adventures, rich history, and unique attractions for first-time explorers.

Idaho’s capital city blends all the ingredients for an incredible getaway. With an impressive food scene, thrilling outdoor adventures, a lively downtown, and fascinating history, Boise is packed with appeal. The “City of Trees” welcomed 6.8 million leisure travellers in 2022 – a 12% increase from 2021. Places to visit in Boise span from urban attractions like craft breweries and art galleries to natural wonders like the Boise River Greenbelt and foothills. Ready to plan your trip to this gem of the Pacific Northwest? Here’s our curated list of the top places to visit in Boise, Idaho.

1. Stroll the Boise River Greenbelt

Stretching 25 miles along the Boise River, the Boise River Greenbelt is a lush ribbon of parks and tree-lined paths. Kick off your visit with a leisurely walk or bike ride on this beloved trail that links many of Boise’s best places to visit. You’ll pass through scenic Municipal Park and Julia Davis Park, with detours to the Zoo Boise, rose gardens, and museums. Expect to share the trail with joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists enjoying the fresh air.

Some key stops and access points along the Greenbelt:

• Boise River Park: Put-in spot for tubbing, kayaking, and surfing the man-made wave shapers. Rentals available.

• Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park: 28-acre park with sports courts, playgrounds, and a connection to the Greenbelt path.

• Kathryn Albertson Park: Wetlands area with gravel trails looping through wild grass, streams, and ponds. Great for birdwatching.

• Julia Davis Park: Riverside Park houses Zoo Boise, Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Museum, and a colourful rose garden.

• Ann Morrison Park: 153-acre park with sports fields, riverside paths, and a well-shaded picnic area.

2. Explore Downtown Boise

The heart of the action, Downtown Boise, features a mix of historic and modern buildings housing boutiques, galleries, pubs, and eateries. Start your explorations at the Idaho State Capitol Building, constructed in 1905 from locally sourced sandstone. Free guided tours take you through halls adorned with marble columns and intricate murals. Just across the street, grab lunch from a food truck at the open-air Capital City Public Market, held each Saturday.

As you stroll the pedestrian-friendly streets, pop into some of these downtown Boise favourites:

• Freak Alley Gallery: Outdoor mural gallery spanning alleyways featuring an ever-changing array of colourful street art. Free.

• Boise Art Museum: Home to a collection of 20th-century American realism and Western art, with rotating exhibits. Admission $6-12.

• Basque Block: Basque cultural district with a museum, market, restaurants, and unique experiences like cider houses and dances.

• Hyde Park: The historic neighbourhood is known for its eclectic mix of local shops, from old-fashioned candy stores to record shops.

Looking for downtown Boise hotels in the thick of things? Options range from luxury boutiques like Hotel 43 to reliable chains like the Hampton Inn. For a quirky stay, try the Modern Hotel, a renovated 1960s Travelodge transformed into a stylish 39-room property.

3. Soak Up Science at the Discovery Center

One of the most fun places to visit in Boise Idaho, especially for families, the Discovery Center makes science accessible and exciting. Over 200 hands-on exhibits span topics from space to dinosaurs to the human body. Watch balls hurtle through loop-the-loops in the Gravitron, examine insects under microscopes, and marvel at plasma balls in the electricity exhibit. Live science demonstrations, like chemical reactions and electricity experiments, add an extra wow factor.

Insider Tips:

• Go on $2 admission night, held the first Wednesday evening of each month.

• Pair your visit with a movie in the digital planetarium dome, featuring astronomy and natural history shows. Extra ticket required.

• Stop by the gift shop for science kits, books, games and toys to continue learning at home.

4. Hike or Bike the Ridge to Rivers Trail System

With over 190 miles of trails winding through the Boise Foothills, the Ridge to Rivers trail network is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. This expansive system connects several of Boise’s most scenic parks and reserves, like Camel’s Back Park and Hulls Gulch Reserve. Well-marked trailheads provide access to routes ranging from short nature walks to challenging climbs. As you trek along the dusty paths, take in sweeping views over the city and rolling hills.

Popular routes for different fitness levels:

Before heading out, review trail conditions and download maps on the Ridge to Rivers website. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as most trails have limited shade. Follow all posted rules and practice Leave No Trace ethics to help preserve these best places to visit in Boise.

5. Sample Boise’s Booming Beer Scene

In a city famous for its potatoes, the craft brewing industry has taken root in a big way. Boise is now home to over 20 breweries, many conveniently clustered downtown for easy beer crawls. Whether you prefer crisp lagers or funky sours, you’ll find plenty of pints to please your palate. Sip an award-winning IPA on 10 Barrel Brewing’s rooftop patio, or sample experimental small-batch brews at Woodland Empire Alecraft. Don’t miss Bittercreek Alehouse, an eco-conscious pub serving exclusively Idaho-made beers and ciders alongside locally sourced eats.

To dive deeper into Boise’s beer culture, consider:

• Joining a guided brewery tour with Indulge Boise. You’ll visit 3 breweries, meet the makers, and get VIP behind-the-scenes access.

• Attending the annual Boise Brewing Festival in June, featuring 50+ local and regional breweries, live music, and food trucks.

• Visiting during Boise Ale Trail month in April when you can get a commemorative glass and discount pairings at participating locations.

6. Immerse in Arts & Culture at the Boise Art Museum

Situated in Julia Davis Park, the Boise Art Museum is the city’s cultural crown jewel. BAM showcases an impressive collection of 20th-century American art, with an emphasis on artists from the Pacific Northwest and Western United States. Wander the airy galleries to view paintings, sculptures, prints, and ceramics by luminaries like Albert Bierstadt and Ansel Adams. The museum also hosts major travelling exhibitions, spotlighting greats from Picasso to Norman Rockwell.

After perusing the galleries, stop by the museum’s Glass Court Café for a casual bite overlooking a sculpture garden. The museum store is also worth a visit for artisan jewellery, decor, books, and prints. Want to really get your creative juices flowing? Sign up for a hands-on art workshop, ranging from printmaking to glass fusing.

7. Relax in the Idaho Botanical Garden

An oasis of themed gardens and winding paths, the Idaho Botanical Garden is one of the most tranquil places to visit in Boise. Spanning 50 acres, this living museum showcases both native and exotic plant species. Wander through 14 distinct gardens, from the fragrant Meditation Garden to the whimsical Children’s Adventure Garden. In the summer, the English Rose Garden bursts with over 900 rose bushes, and the Vegetable Garden overflows with seasonal produce.

Special events bring the gardens to life throughout the year:

• Winter Garden aGlow: In Dec-Jan, the gardens shimmer with over 400,000 twinkling lights and glowing displays. Advance tickets required.

• Great Garden Escape: On Thursday nights in summer, enjoy live music amid the blooms, with food and beverage vendors on-site.

• Fall Harvest Festival: In October, celebrate the bounty of the season with hay rides, cider pressing, pumpkins, and scarecrow displays.

When you’ve had your fill of flora, spread out a blanket on the Grand Promenade Lawn to bask in the Boise sunshine. Or energize with a snack and cold beverage from the shaded Garden Store patio.

8. Get Outside in Julia Davis Park

An emerald sprawl along the Boise River, 89-acre Julia Davis Park packs in green space and a plethora of attractions. Paddle boat rentals let you drift along the lagoon, while the Rose Garden, with 3000 rose bushes, is prime picnic territory. Multiple museums call the park home, including the Boise Art Museum, Zoo Boise, Idaho Black History Museum, and Idaho State Museum. The latter explores the region’s fascinating heritage, from mining history to Basque culture.

In the summer, Julia Davis becomes a hub of activity and events:

• Alive After Five: Free Wednesday night concerts spanning genres from indie rock to blues, with food and drink vendors.

• Art in the Park: Huge 3-day arts & crafts festival in September, with 250+ artists, live entertainment, and a food court.

• Idaho Shakespeare Festival: Catch performances of Bard’s works at the 770-seat outdoor amphitheatre, May-Sept.

As one of the most diverse and happening places to visit in Boise Idaho, Julia Davis has an attraction for every age and interest. You could spend a full day just park-hopping from sight to sight.

Stay Connected on Your Boise Adventure with Airtel

From posting photos of your Greenbelt bike ride to mapping out the best breweries, you’ll want to stay connected during your Boise explorations. Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming plans keep you seamlessly online, even as you jet between urban attractions and scenic trails. With flexible data packs, you can share every moment of your Idaho adventures without worry.