A Summer Guide to Boise
My hometown of Boise, Idaho, has a lot more going for it than most people think. Do you even consider Idaho when you think of taking a vacation? If not, you should be! There is so much more to this state than potato fields (which truly aren't as common as you may think!).
In addition to the absolutely breathtaking mountains in the middle of Idaho, Boise is an excellent option for a getaway, especially in the summer. It's an incredibly vibrant city with a small-town feel. When I was home during grad school, I made and completed a mini bucket list of my favorite things to do in the summer, and I decided to write a little guide of sorts to perhaps encourage someone like you to visit the capital of Idaho! I updated this post in May 2024.
Let’s dive into my official summer guide to Boise, including the best summer activities, where to eat, where to stay, and other fun facts you should know about Boise. I shared a few more resources at the end of the post if you decide you want to visit Boise in the summer months! ☀️
READ NEXT: How to Spend a Long Weekend in Boise: 3 to 4 Day Summer Itinerary
A Summer Guide to Boise
Best Things to Do in Boise in Summer
Hike in the Boise Foothills
Boise is bordered to the northeast by foothills filled with trails to explore. My favorite hikes are the hike up to Table Rock (specifically the Tram Trail/Rock Garden side) and the hike around Camels Back Park in north Boise. All the foothills trails are fairly easy but still good workouts with amazing views of the city. The best time of day to go is either in the morning when it's cool or in the evening if you want to watch the sunset.
If hiking isn't your thing, the top of Table Rock is accessible by car. If you're feeling really adventurous, drive the 45 minutes up to Bogus Basin and hike or mountain bike on the dry ski runs and finish the day with some grub from the lodge. There are also a few other summer activities you can partake in at Bogus as well as hikes you can do starting from Bogus Basin Road.
Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary and Idaho Botanical Garden
The Old Idaho Penitentiary and Idaho Botanical Garden are both near the Table Rock trailhead off of Warm Springs. The Old Pen is perfect if you like being intrigued by Idaho history or spooked by things that go bump in the night, and the botanical garden is full of beautiful native flora and fauna. The garden hosts many outdoor concerts in Outlaw Field during the summer months, too—it might be my favorite concert venue!
Explore the Public Parks in/around Downtown
Want to relax in the shade, enjoy a picnic, or throw around a disc? There are a ton of parks near downtown that are worth checking out.
Julia Davis Park is off of Myrtle in between Capitol and Broadway across the river from Boise State University. Zoo Boise, the Discovery Center of Idaho, the Idaho State Museum, and the Boise Art Museum are all located in the vicinity of the park. There's also a beautiful rose garden and a small pond with paddle boats near the Discovery Center.
If you follow the greenbelt (which is a path that follows the Boise River from near Lucky Peak Reservoir to Eagle and is definitely worth strolling) north from Julia Davis, Ann Morrison Park is a short walk away and features more open space. The Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is on the way to Ann Morrison and definitely worth a stop. If you keep following the greenbelt through Ann Morrison and past Americana Blvd, you'll make it to Kathryn Albertson Park.
A short drive southeast of downtown (along the greenbelt going south) is Municipal Park and the MK Nature Center. It’s worth a bike ride and a great spot to bring the kids!
North of downtown is Camels Back Park, and on the way there you'll likely drive through Hyde Park which runs along 13th Street between Alturas and Brumback. It's two blocks of adorable and fun restaurants and shops. Definitely plan to make a stop at Goody's Soda Fountain for some delicious homemade ice cream or other treats.
Float the Boise River
The Boise River runs right though the city and offers a beautiful and somewhat relaxing ride on blistering hot summer days. Rent tubes, rafts, or inflatable kayaks/canoes at Boise River Raft & Tube at Barber Park in southeast Boise and ride down to the takeout at Ann Morrison Park downtown. There are a couple of diversion dams and minor rapids/quick currents you'll have to navigate but nothing is too difficult. It takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
Definitely do NOT do this activity if the river is not open to floaters because that means the water level is too high safely float; however, it's usually open by July. (If the river isn’t open to floaters, you won’t be able to rent any equipment, and you’ll be on the hook for the bill if emergency personnel need to rescue you.)
Paddleboard at Quinn's Pond
Located along the Boise River and just off of the greenbelt in between Garden City and Boise is Quinn's Pond at Esther Simplot Park. It is a popular spot for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and Idaho River Sports offers SUP lessons and rentals. There’s also a manmade wave built into the river (called the Whitewater Park) where you can watch people river surf or even try it out for yourself!
Visit the Farmers Markets
There are two farmers markets that happen on Saturday mornings in downtown Boise. If you’re looking for local food vendors (including nuts, donuts, waffles, African sambusas, a variety of lemonades, and more) and products by other local artisans, stop by the Capital City Public Market (on the Grove Plaza) to pick up some goodies, and while you're down there, if you don't eat at the market itself, grab a bite to eat at one of the fun restaurants along 8th Street.
If you are driving and/or want to shop a wide selection of local produce and goods (along with a few artisans and food vendors, including my favorite food truck, Just Bee Açai), check out the Boise Farmers Market on Americana Blvd. Go earlier rather than later to get the best selection and to avoid the late morning rush of people.
Listen to Live Music at Alive After 5
On Wednesday evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm starting June 19, 2024, the Grove Plaza in downtown Boise transforms for the FREE, all-ages summer concert series called Alive After 5. While the event is free to attend, plan to buy a drink or two and chill with your friends or family! Wear a swimsuit (or clothes you don’t mind getting wet) if you or the kiddos want to splash around in the fountain to beat the heat.
Looking for more summer activities in Boise?
Where to Eat in Boise
There are so many great places to eat in Boise that I can't possibly list all of them, so below are some of my very favorites as well as a few I'd like to try! Check out my roundups for more details about my favorite spots.
COFFEE:
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH:
LUNCH:
DINNER:
AMERICAN FARE:
Fork (8th and Idaho)
Bittercreek Alehouse (8th between Idaho and Bannock)
Boise Fry Company (two locations: Capitol between Idaho and Bannock OR at Bown Crossing in southeast Boise)
Bardenay (Grove between 6th and Capitol)
Westside Drive In (two locations: 21st and State OR Parkcenter and Southshore)
BBQ:
BBQ4LIFE (Vista Ave near Day Drive; California-style BBQ)
PUB FARE:
Prost (8th between Idaho and Bannock)
10 Barrel Brewing (9th and Bannock)
Payette Brewing Co. (on River south of 13th)
Sockeye Alehouse (36th and Hill)
MEXICAN FARE:
The Matador (8th and Bannock)
La Tapatia (Parkcenter and Rossi)
Fiesta Guadalajara (off of Findley near Fred Meyer; local chain)
ASIAN FARE:
Mai Thai (8th and Idaho)
Yen Ching (9th and Bannock; get the mojitos too)
Mongolian BBQ (Broadway and Boise; the *best* location)
SUSHI:
Dharma Sushi and Thai (5th and Idaho)
Sakana (Vista and Wymer)
Tavern at Bown Crossing (southeast Boise)
ITALIAN FARE:
ALAVITA (8th and Idaho)
Luciano’s (Orchard and Alpine)
Papa Joe's (Capitol and Ann Morrison Park Drive)
PIZZA:
Pie Hole (two locations: 8th between Idaho and Bannock or Broadway between University and Belmont)
Guido's Original New York Style Pizza (5th between Idaho and Bannock)
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria (two locations: 8th and Main OR Bown Crossing)
Chicago Connection (4th and Bannock)
Idaho Pizza Company (multiple locations)
Flying Pie Pizzaria (multiple locations)
The Wylder (5th and Broad)
ICE CREAM/SWEET TREATS:
The STIL (multiple locations including BoDo at 8th and Broad)
Goody’s Soda Fountain (Hyde Park)
Stella’s Ice Cream (8th and Main)
Guru Donuts (10th and Main)
DRINKS:
Bittercreek Alehouse
Red Feather Lounge (next to Bittercreek)
Meriwether Cider House (9th and Bannock)
Water Bear Bar (9th and Jefferson)
Bar Gernika (Capitol and Grove)
Barbacoa Grill (Parkcenter by the Parkcenter Pond)
Bardenay
Tavern at Bown Crossing
Where to Stay in Boise, Idaho
If you’re planning to visit Boise in the summer, you might also be wondering about the best places to stay. Personally, I’m big a fan of hotels when I travel, and there are now a plethora of hotels in Boise to choose from. I rounded up a bunch of options around downtown Boise, but there are also lots of hotels just outside of downtown if you have a car to get around. Use the map below to find a spot to call home!
If you prefer staying in fun boutique hotels, these options in and around downtown are worth checking to see if they have availability during your trip:
There are also a variety of chain hotel options to choose from in downtown Boise:
Important Things to Know About Boise
WEATHER: Boise in the summer is hot and very dry. It's not uncommon for the temperatures to soar to nearly 100°F during the day. If any storms develop they're usually gone after a short period of time, and you shouldn't have to worry about any severe weather. The weather is fairly boring by meteorologist standards. Read more about summer weather to expect in Boise.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: Unfortunately, Boise does not have the greatest public transportation system (we have city buses via ValleyRide Transit), and unless you stay downtown and don't plan to venture far beyond, it's not easily walkable, either. Plan to drive or rent a car if you fly in.
PARKING: You will have to pay for parking if you park downtown, like you would in most cities. Luckily, since Boise is not a big city, parking is affordable; if you park in a garage, the first hour is free ($3 per hour after the first hour), and if you park on the street at a meter, you get 20 minutes free. The parking meters are less expensive the farther out from downtown you go and are free after 8 pm.
FUN FACT: For some reason unbeknownst to most Boise residents, many major streets change names at some point along them. Don't be surprised if you're on Rose Hill, for instance, and it suddenly turns into Franklin. 🤣
This post was updated in May 2024.