Idaho's capital city sits along the Boise River, with over 25 miles of riverside trails. Local Basque culture, craft breweries and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival add character to city life.
Boise, Idaho's capital city, sits along the Boise River with the foothills rising to the north. You can hike Table Rock Trail in the morning, float down the river in an inner tube past Julia Davis Park in the afternoon, and watch a performance at the Egyptian Theatre in the evening. Stop by the Basque Market for traditional pintxos, explore the contemporary exhibits at the Boise Art Museum, or bring your kids to hands-on experiments at the Discovery Center of Idaho.
Exploring the Foothills
Start your hike from the Old Idaho Penitentiary trailhead to access more than 180 miles of public trails. The paths range from easy walks like the 3-mile Military Reserve loop to challenging climbs up Table Rock. During summer months, daylight extends past 9 PM, giving you plenty of time for after-work adventures. You can walk directly from downtown to several trailheads in less than 15 minutes.
Winter Sports at Bogus Basin
At Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, 15 miles from downtown, you can ski and snowboard on 82 runs from December through March. The mountain has 2,600 acres of terrain, with 22 kilometers of Nordic trails for cross-country skiing. Night skiing runs until 10 PM on lit trails, with 165 acres accessible after dark.
Downtown Arts and Culture
Walk through the rotating contemporary exhibitions at the Boise Art Museum, or learn about regional history at the Idaho State Museum's interactive displays. The 1927 Egyptian Theatre maintains its original pharaoh statues and hieroglyphic decorations, screening independent films and hosting live music performances throughout the year.
Basque Culture in the City
Walk down Grove Street to find the Basque Block, home to one of the largest Basque communities in North America. At the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, you can learn about immigration patterns from the Pyrenees region through photographs and artifacts. Try traditional dishes like croquetas and solomo at the restaurants, and time your visit for the San Inazio Festival in July to see traditional sports and dance performances.
River Activities
Cycle or walk along the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt, which connects multiple parks including Ann Morrison and Julia Davis. In summer, rent equipment at Barber Park for a 2-hour float down calm sections of the river. The paved path runs alongside the water with multiple access points to downtown and residential areas, making it easy to stop for coffee or lunch.
Getting Around
Valley Regional Transit operates bus routes throughout Ada and Canyon counties, with the main hub located underground on Main Street. Most locals drive, and you'll find parking garages throughout downtown. The Boise Airport, 10 minutes south of downtown, has direct flights to major western U.S. cities including Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.
