Seize the summer: Discover the allure of Boise, Idaho
- Sun Country
- Apr 15, 2024
- 1 min read
With mountain views, a river flowing through the city, sidewalk cafes, a vibrant art scene and foothill trails at the edge of town, there’s no shortage of summer activities to enjoy in Boise. In fact, it makes the perfect place to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with family and friends. Check out our guide of activities to try:
Outdoor adventures
Fishing:
Boise offers opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Some of the best urban fishing awaits in Boise’s ponds, reservoirs and rivers. You’ll encounter Idaho’s native trout in most bodies of water, along with other species as well.
Golf:
For a day on the links Boise has 15 different courses to choose from, each with diverse landscaping. Warm Springs is only a few miles from downtown and popular for families, or head to Banbury which is consistently rated in Idaho’s top ten courses by Golf Digest magazine.
Hiking and biking:
If gardens or parks are more your style, check out the Boise River Greenbelt. Offering a 25-mile, tree-lined paved pedestrian and bicycling trail following the Boise River through downtown. There are also several biking and hiking trails throughout Boise, including the popular and scenic Table Rock Trail.
Water sports:
For those seeking exhilarating adventures, the Boise Whitewater Park, has one of the world’s first adjustable waves, perfect for river surfers. Boise is also home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. Cascade Raft & Kayak, just 45 minutes from the city, offers rafting excursions for everyone from beginner to expert with half-day and full-day outings available.
Family Fun
Parks and attractions:
The whole family will enjoy Roaring Springs Waterpark and Wahooz Family Fun Zone. Roaring Springs' is one of the largest waterparks in the US and Wahooz Family Fun Zone is right next door, with 15 indoor & outdoor attractions, including go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, an indoor adventure park, bowling, arcade & more.
Mountain adventures:
Bogus Basin is also known for its family-friendly activities offered year-round. In the summer, visitors enjoy the mountain coaster, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, bungee trampoline, climbing wall, hiking, horseback riding and more.
Educational opportunities:
If you’re looking for a way to help the kids keep their brains sharp over the summer, don’t miss the Discovery Center of Idaho, an interactive science museum that has more than 40 hands-on exhibits and displays.
Eat and drink
Al fresco dining:
Boise has a high desert climate, summers are warm with plenty of sunshine, while evenings cool down to comfortable 60s. This leads to ideal outdoor dining conditions – especially on the pedestrian–only 8th Street Promenade which is lined with restaurants, breweries, shops and more.
The Basque Block is also a prime patio dining neighborhood. Featuring Bardenay, restaurant and distillery with a top-notch menu and a spacious patio. Next door to Bardenay is The Basque Market, which is known for its Spanish-style pintxos and weekly “paella on the patio” lunch.
Wine tasting and breweries:
Wine lovers should check out Telaya Wine Co. which has a taproom and patio located right on the Boise Greenbelt in Garden City. If beer is what you're searching for, Boise Brewing, Idaho’s only community-owned brewery, has five year-round brews and a slew of seasonals, IPA experientials, and they’ve even ventured into craft cider.
Culinary masters:
Two Boise-area chefs were recently named James Beard Award® 2024 semifinalists: Dan Ansotegui of Ansots in Boise’s famed Basque Block and Salvador Alamilla of Amano in nearby Caldwell, Idaho. This is on the heels of Kris Komori, co-owner and chef at KIN, taking home the top honor for Best Chef: Mountain Region in 2023.
Boise has so much to offer, making it the perfect spot for a vacation this summer. With outdoor landscapes for every activity and local cuisine at every turn, Boise stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the American West.
Ready to explore Boise? Get To Going.