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Boise is the capital of Idaho. The city straddles the Boise River, a tributary of the Snake River. To the east lie the soaring Sawtooth Mountains. The "City of Trees" offers invigorating recreational pursuits, peaceful parks, cultural attractions and more.
Why is Boise, Idaho, Such a Great Travel Destination?
Travelers enjoy easy access via Boise Airport and Interstate 94. There are endless opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Hike the Boise River Greenbelt. Visit the zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Ski at Bogus Basin.
Top 10 Things to do in Boise, Idaho
Here are some of the more popular attractions in and around Idaho's capital.
1. Zoo Boise
At Zoo Boise, there’s a wide array of animals including snow leopards, red pandas and giraffes. Partake in the Sloth Bear Encounter and the Conservation Cruise. Delight in the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit.
2. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
The 2600-acre Bogus Basin is northeast of downtown Boise. In the winter, skiers take on the bowls, glades and runs. Nordic skiers traverse 23 miles of trails. In the spring, summer and fall, you can hike the scenic trails. Attend a Music on the Mountain concert in the summer.
3. World Center of Birds of Prey
Learn about endangered species like the California Condor at the World Center of Birds of Prey. Understand more about the threats they face and what can be done to help them survive.
4. Boise River Greenbelt
The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt, or “Ribbon of Jewels," includes a series of popular parks. The 4.6-mile MK Nature Center offers a unique wildlife experience. Stream Walk includes underwater viewing windows. See the world the way the fish do!
5. Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden is the perfect place for a contemplative stroll. Among its many gardens are the English Garden, Meditation Garden and Rose Garden. The Idaho Native Plant Garden hosts dozens of local species.
6. Idaho State Capitol Building
Construction of the State Capitol began in 1905. Its dome reaches 208 feet into the sky. Take a self-guided tour or join one of the guided tours. They leave at 10 am and 1 pm, Monday thru Friday.
7. Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre is a historic venue hosting concerts, classic films and more. The facility opened with a showing of the film “Don Juan” in April, 1927. Today it is one of the city’s most cherished landmarks.
8. Aquarium of Boise
The Aquarium of Boise is home to more than 250 species of marine and animal life. Its tanks hold some 35,000 gallons of seawater. Check out the touch tanks loaded with rays, starfish, crabs and corals.
9. Hulls Gulch Reserve
The 292-acre Hulls Gulch Reserve is at the base of the foothills north of the city. Red foxes and horned owls like it here, and so will you. More than 150 miles of trails serve hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
10. Capital City Public Market
The Capital City Public Market is the place to go for fresh produce, baked goods and crafts. It began as a modest open market on Eighth Street. Today it hosts more than 150 vendors and independent micro-businesses. This vibrant marketplace is open Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm on a seasonal basis.
Best Hotels in Boise, Idaho
Visitors seeking lodging in Boise select from a variety of highly-rated boutique hotels and national chains. Here are some recommendations.
Inn at 500 Capitol
500 South Capitol Boulevard
The Inn at 500 Capitol offers great views from its terrace. It pampers guests with Temper-Pedic beds, Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters. Savor the views from the terrace. This boutique hotel is close to Pioneer Village and the Idaho Historical Museum.
Hotel 43
981 Grove Street
The 4-star Hotel 43 is near Ann Morrison Park and the Eighth Street Marketplace. Rooms include luxury bedding and 50-inch HDTVs. The Fitness center includes cardio equipment.
The Grove Hotel
245 South Capitol Boulevard
The Grove Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel in downtown Boise. It is near the Boise Art Museum and Zoo Boise. This amenity-rich hotel offers pillowtop beds, concierge services and a full-service spa. There's also an indoor pool, spa tub and sauna.
The Riverside Hotel
2900 West Chinden Boulevard
The Riverside Hotel is on the river walk. It features an attached winery, outdoor pool and spa tub. It is close to the Idaho State Capitol Building and Albertson Park. Guests enjoy pillowtop beds and a free buffet breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum
7699 West Spectrum Street
The Hilton Garden Inn is in the heart of the entertainment district. The hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool and spa tub. Guests are near the Aquarium of Boise and Boise Towne Square Mall.
Oxford Suites Boise
1426 South Entertainment Avenue
Oxford Suites is adjacent to the Boise Spectrum shopping center. It is close to the Boise Towne Square Mall and the Boise Aquarium. Guests enjoy access to an indoor pool, spa tub and sauna.
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown
495 South Capitol Boulevard
Downtown Boise’s Hampton Inn & Suites is near the Boise Art Museum and Idaho Central Arena. Amenities include an indoor pool, spa tub and fitness center.
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Spectrum
7499 West Overland Road
The Hampton Inn & Suites is in the Boise Spectrum Center. The Aquarium of Boise and Towne Square Mall are nearby. Guests enjoy modern rooms and a complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast.
Hyatt Place Boise Towne Square
925 North Milwaukee Street
Guests at Hyatt Place enjoy concierge services, an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. The hotel is near Town Square Mall. It The Aquarium of Boise is also nearby.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Boise Towne Square
7965 West Emerald St
The 124-room La Quinta Inn & Suites is near Towne Square Mall and the Aquarium of Boise. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, spa tub and fitness center.
Plan Your Boise Getaway Today
Guest Reservations is an independent travel network offering more than 100,000 hotels worldwide. Check out the recommended accommodations above, or browse all our hotels in Boise, Idaho.