Boise

Boise is home to several must-visit attractions. One of the most popular is the Boise River Greenbelt, a scenic pathway that runs along the Boise River and offers access to numerous parks and attractions. Other top attractions include the Idaho State Capitol Building, the Old Idaho Penitentiary, and the Discovery Center of Idaho, a hands-on science museum for all ages.

Boise is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the nearby foothills on hiking and biking trails, or head to Boise River for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Bogus Basin Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort during the winter months, and during summer, it offers mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides.

Boise offers several family-friendly activities, including a visit to the Zoo Boise, which features over 300 animals from more than 100 species, as well as a children's zoo. The Boise Art Museum is also a great destination for families, with exhibits and classes for all ages. The Aquarium of Boise and the World Center for Birds of Prey are other great options for families.

Boise has a thriving food scene, with everything from farm-to-table restaurants to classic diners. Some of the best restaurants in Boise include Fork, which serves up contemporary cuisine using local ingredients, and Bittercreek Alehouse, a gastropub offering a variety of craft beers and pub fare. Other popular options include Goldy's Breakfast Bistro, Big City Coffee & Cafe, and Bar Gernika, a Basque-style restaurant.

Boise offers a variety of lodging options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the best hotels in Boise include The Grove Hotel, a luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown, and the Inn at 500 Capitol, a boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace. Budget-friendly options include the Boise Guest House, which offers apartment-style accommodations, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown.

The best time to visit Boise is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but it can be crowded and hot. During winter, Boise is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin Mountain Resort.

Boise has a lively nightlife scene, with everything from bars and nightclubs to live music venues and theaters. Some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife in Boise include The Balcony Club, a jazz club with live music and a rooftop terrace, and The Reef, a tiki bar with tropical drinks and live music. Other popular options include Liquid Lounge, Tom Grainey's Sporting Pub, and Neurolux Lounge.

Boise has several cultural attractions worth visiting, including the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, which explores the history and culture of the Basque people in Boise, and the Idaho Black History Museum, which features exhibits and events highlighting the contributions of Black Americans to Idaho's history. The Boise Art Museum is another great destination for art lovers, with exhibits and classes for all ages.

Boise is home to several unique shopping experiences, including the Capital City Public Market, a year-round farmers market featuring local produce, crafts, and entertainment. The Flying M Coffeehouse is also a unique shopping destination, with a gift shop featuring local art and handmade goods. Other popular shopping destinations include the Boise Towne Square Mall, the Hyde Park shopping district, and the Record Exchange, a music store with a vast selection of new and used vinyl and CDs.

Boise is located near several great day trip destinations, including the ski resort town of McCall, which offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views, and the college town of Moscow, home to the University of Idaho and several museums and cultural attractions. Other popular day trip destinations include the wine country of the Snake River Valley, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park.