Boise, Idaho

• More about your oliver guide: Courtney Leary
• Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, Solo, City, Mountains
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: Two to four days.

to & from

Boise Airport is 10 minutes from downtown and very easy to navigate.
Boise is a great stop on your to or from Sun Valley.

Where to Stay

The Hotel Renegade* is the newest and nicest place to stay at the moment. If you have stayed at the St. Julien in Boulder, it has a similar upscale mountain vibe with a bar, restaurant, gym, rooftop and comfortable beds.

Other hotels to consider:

• The Avery — A small charming boutique hotel with a full restaurant and bar. There is a gym down the street. Probably the second best option to The Renegade Hotel.
• The Grove— Full service hotel with a restaurant, bar and gym; feeling a bit tired.
• Home2 Suites-– Newly built hotel with a gym, but no restaurant, only a grab and go market.
• The Sparrow— Have not stayed here yet, recently opened, rustic-basic-clean-hip. Across the street from The Renegade Hotel.

*(If you are sharing a room with kids or friends, ask about the shower situation as ours had floor to ceiling windows into the room and would have been awkward for my teenage sons! My guess is there are multiple shower styles!)

Where to Eat and Drink

• Diablo and Sons— Fancy tacos and Mezcal
• Saltbrush– Upscale, ingredient driven dining. One of Boise’s best in our opinion.
• Matador–Traditional Mexican
• Alavita— Traditional Italian
• The Warehouse Food Hall-– A big food hall with options for everyone.
• Calle 75 Street Tacos— Super casual. Great tacos.
• Fork— Upscale American, great indoor and outdoor atmosphere
• Wild Root— Healthy lunch spot
• Chandlers— Fine dining. Steaks and seafood.
• Cottonwood Grill— American. Weird location in an office building but really good food.
• The Wydler— Fancy and good pizza in the Fowler apartment complex.
• Owyhee Tavern— Have only been here for drinks, but also has upscale steak and seafood menu.
• Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro–Best breakfast. Iconic.
• Stella’s Ice Cream-– Great.
• Guru donuts— awesome donuts, including gluten free offerings

Hyde Park in the historic district (slight north of downtown) Restaurants:

• Hyde Park Grill
• Goody’s Soda Fountain-– Ice cream is “money.”
• Parrilla Grill- — good Mexican food/bar

What to Do

• Run, walk or bike the Boise River Greenbelt– a 25mile long bike path along the Boise River.
• Surf, kayak or SUP at the Boise Whitewater Park
  • Surfing and Kayaking rotates every other day. Computerized wave.
  • Be sure and check out The Yardarm  (beer and wine bar), Corridor surf shop, Push and Pour coffee
• In the summer — float the boise river. Rent a tube and use the shuttle from Boise River Raft and Tube.
• Hike– on the North Side of Boise trails abound from family friendly to challenging.
  • Specific hikes – Table Rock Hike and trails in the Camels Back area.
• In Winter — Bogus Basin Ski Resort is 45 minutes outside town is amazing night skiing open till 10pm everyday. Only $125 for an annual pass.
• Visit the Discovery Center of Idaho– hands on, family friendly science museum.
• Watch The Spirit of Boise — a hot air balloon festival that takes place at the end of August each year.
• Visit Boise Art Museum
• Attend athletic events and concerts at Boise State

skip it

The Inn at Capital– Gets high ratings but a bit strange.

What to Pack

Boise has a casual mountain town aesthetic. No need to dress up here! Bring layers– the summers can get really hot and the winters can be cold!