Elizabeth’s Spring & Summer Guidebook
Sightseeing
"Freak Alley" is a fun spot to stop by and see some funky artwork all over the walls! After walking around to enjoy the murals, there are several restaurants surrounding this alley, many of which have outdoor patios, to sit outside and enjoy a nice meal .
From their website: "the northwest's largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise"
102 locals recommend
Freak Alley Gallery
210 N 9th St"Freak Alley" is a fun spot to stop by and see some funky artwork all over the walls! After walking around to enjoy the murals, there are several restaurants surrounding this alley, many of which have outdoor patios, to sit outside and enjoy a nice meal .
From their website: "the northwest's largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery, located between 8th and 9th street and Bannock and Idaho in Downtown Boise"
The Table Rock trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Boise area. If you're not up for the full hike (about 3.7 mile loop) you can park closer toward the top and just hike a portion of it.
For more info, check out this website: https://totallyboise.com/Table-Rock
195 locals recommend
Table Rock
3199 E Table Rock RdThe Table Rock trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Boise area. If you're not up for the full hike (about 3.7 mile loop) you can park closer toward the top and just hike a portion of it.
For more info, check out this website: https://totallyboise.com/Table-Rock
We love Zoo Boise! We have 2 little people at home, and this zoo is the perfect size for them. It is easy to walk through and enjoy most/all of the animals and attractions in about half a day, eat lunch or snacks by the giraffes (you can bring your own food or purchase food there), and then head back home. Also, the giraffe slide is a big hit!
Additionally, if you're still feeling up for more, the zoo is located at Julia Davis park which has a playground and also backs up to the greenbelt trail. You can rent a scooter and take a ride along the trail (try the Spin, Lime, or Bird apps) or take a little walk and enjoy the scenery of the river.
159 locals recommend
Zoo Boise
355 Julia Davis DrWe love Zoo Boise! We have 2 little people at home, and this zoo is the perfect size for them. It is easy to walk through and enjoy most/all of the animals and attractions in about half a day, eat lunch or snacks by the giraffes (you can bring your own food or purchase food there), and then head back home. Also, the giraffe slide is a big hit!
Additionally, if you're still feeling up for more, the zoo is located at Julia Davis park which has a playground and also backs up to the greenbelt trail. You can rent a scooter and take a ride along the trail (try the Spin, Lime, or Bird apps) or take a little walk and enjoy the scenery of the river.
Food scene
A favorite local spot with a large patio right next to the Boise river trail. Live music DAILY throughout the summer, and delicious food & drinks to enjoy. And to add a little fun to your meal, you can hop on the trail just before or after for a little walk, bike ride, or scooter ride!
41 locals recommend
The Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill
2900 W Chinden BlvdA favorite local spot with a large patio right next to the Boise river trail. Live music DAILY throughout the summer, and delicious food & drinks to enjoy. And to add a little fun to your meal, you can hop on the trail just before or after for a little walk, bike ride, or scooter ride!
A visit to The Village outdoor mall in Meridian is a fun time, and if you're hungry for some yummy pizza, this is a great spot to find it! With lots of pizza options to choose from, and a great patio area to enjoy the sunshine and the large fountain nearby, this is a fun place to go in the warmer months of the year. And, as an added bonus, they bring a little pizza dough for your kiddos to play with while you're waiting for your food!
6 locals recommend
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
3573 E Longwing LnA visit to The Village outdoor mall in Meridian is a fun time, and if you're hungry for some yummy pizza, this is a great spot to find it! With lots of pizza options to choose from, and a great patio area to enjoy the sunshine and the large fountain nearby, this is a fun place to go in the warmer months of the year. And, as an added bonus, they bring a little pizza dough for your kiddos to play with while you're waiting for your food!
Locavore is one of our favorite local spots to grab a yummy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Our favorite unique dishes on the menu are the "Croque Madame Waffle," and the "Basque Bites." It is also located at the adorable Bown Crossing, which is a little street with a few restaurants and a large, fun candy shop called "Cravin's Candy Emporium" to visit with your kiddos after enjoying a meal!
9 locals recommend
Locavore
3110 S Bown WayLocavore is one of our favorite local spots to grab a yummy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Our favorite unique dishes on the menu are the "Croque Madame Waffle," and the "Basque Bites." It is also located at the adorable Bown Crossing, which is a little street with a few restaurants and a large, fun candy shop called "Cravin's Candy Emporium" to visit with your kiddos after enjoying a meal!
Tupelo Honey is an upscale, southern inspired restaurant with a cool vibe and delicious comfort food. From chicken & waffles to shrimp & grits to blackened mahi mahi, the menu is full of yummy splurges. This restaurant is also on the popular 8th street restaurant row, which has a fun, festive type of atmosphere. Enjoy!
13 locals recommend
Tupelo Honey
150 N 8th StTupelo Honey is an upscale, southern inspired restaurant with a cool vibe and delicious comfort food. From chicken & waffles to shrimp & grits to blackened mahi mahi, the menu is full of yummy splurges. This restaurant is also on the popular 8th street restaurant row, which has a fun, festive type of atmosphere. Enjoy!
A unique spot to grab a bite for breakfast or brunch! As you might imagine, this restaurant in downtown Boise is known for their delicious bacon varieties (which you can order in a "bacon sampler"), but they are also known for their bloody mary (which yes, does include a slice of bacon in it!)
Open 8am-2pm and gets crowded quickly, so plan ahead or even call ahead to find out the wait time!
40 locals recommend
BACON
121 N 9th StA unique spot to grab a bite for breakfast or brunch! As you might imagine, this restaurant in downtown Boise is known for their delicious bacon varieties (which you can order in a "bacon sampler"), but they are also known for their bloody mary (which yes, does include a slice of bacon in it!)
Open 8am-2pm and gets crowded quickly, so plan ahead or even call ahead to find out the wait time!
This local pizza chain is a great place to grab some pizza from a new spot that takes pizza up a notch. And a bonus is that it's right around the corner on Broadway Ave!
We recommend the "Idaho Supreme" pizza, and the "Cascade Chicken and Garlic." YUM!
**They also have gluten free crust as an option**
45 locals recommend
Idaho Pizza Company
78 E Eagle River StThis local pizza chain is a great place to grab some pizza from a new spot that takes pizza up a notch. And a bonus is that it's right around the corner on Broadway Ave!
We recommend the "Idaho Supreme" pizza, and the "Cascade Chicken and Garlic." YUM!
**They also have gluten free crust as an option**
A trendy but casual restaurant with quality American food at reasonable prices. This is located on 8th street in downtown Boise, which has the street blocked to traffic to allow for more mingling and a festive atmosphere. Our favorite item on the menu is the "Grown-up grilled ham & cheese" sandwich. Order it with the delicious tomato soup and it is THE BEST combo of flavors. Enjoy!
146 locals recommend
Fork
199 N 8th StA trendy but casual restaurant with quality American food at reasonable prices. This is located on 8th street in downtown Boise, which has the street blocked to traffic to allow for more mingling and a festive atmosphere. Our favorite item on the menu is the "Grown-up grilled ham & cheese" sandwich. Order it with the delicious tomato soup and it is THE BEST combo of flavors. Enjoy!
If you're looking for a fun & funky spot downtown to sit out on the patio and enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer with friends, this is the spot! Call ahead to check and see if there is live music, which makes for an even more fun atmosphere. Located on 8th street downtown, which is closed to traffic and provides a more festive feel.
16 locals recommend
The Mode Lounge
800 W Idaho StIf you're looking for a fun & funky spot downtown to sit out on the patio and enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer with friends, this is the spot! Call ahead to check and see if there is live music, which makes for an even more fun atmosphere. Located on 8th street downtown, which is closed to traffic and provides a more festive feel.
A hip style pizzeria with high quality drinks and pizzas! Great spot for a larger group or families, with a yummy selection of specialty pizzas, but also some sandwiches, salad, and pasta options. There is a location in downtown Boise, and also another one on Bown crossing. Both are only about 10 minutes away! Enjoy!
42 locals recommend
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria
800 W Main StA hip style pizzeria with high quality drinks and pizzas! Great spot for a larger group or families, with a yummy selection of specialty pizzas, but also some sandwiches, salad, and pasta options. There is a location in downtown Boise, and also another one on Bown crossing. Both are only about 10 minutes away! Enjoy!
Delicious, trendy, upscale restaurant! If you want to find a hot spot for a special dinner or fun place to have drinks and an appetizer, this is our favorite nearby spot! Be prepared to spend a little extra as the prices are higher, but if you're wanting a high quality, special meal you won't be disappointed!
We recommend ordering one of their steaks, which are served on a hot rock with a delicious signature sauce. We also really enjoyed having the chile relleno as a side dish! If you order a drink, the cocktails are served in glasses made of ice that are a unique treat. Enjoy!
160 locals recommend
Barbacoa Grill
276 Bobwhite CtDelicious, trendy, upscale restaurant! If you want to find a hot spot for a special dinner or fun place to have drinks and an appetizer, this is our favorite nearby spot! Be prepared to spend a little extra as the prices are higher, but if you're wanting a high quality, special meal you won't be disappointed!
We recommend ordering one of their steaks, which are served on a hot rock with a delicious signature sauce. We also really enjoyed having the chile relleno as a side dish! If you order a drink, the cocktails are served in glasses made of ice that are a unique treat. Enjoy!
Such a fun spot for a really delicious cup of coffee! This place has a friendly, trendy, colorful vibe that invites you to sit and stay. Not only do they have yummy coffee and a great atmosphere, but there is also an area full of merchandise that will make you smile. Go check it out!
66 locals recommend
Flying M Coffee House
500 W Idaho StSuch a fun spot for a really delicious cup of coffee! This place has a friendly, trendy, colorful vibe that invites you to sit and stay. Not only do they have yummy coffee and a great atmosphere, but there is also an area full of merchandise that will make you smile. Go check it out!
If you're looking for a quick and casual, but still quality food option, try this local burger place! There are a few locations in Boise, but our favorite is at the Bown Crossing shopping area. Our favorite thing on the menu is the sweet potato tater tots! Yum.
98 locals recommend
Boise Fry Company
204 N Capitol BlvdIf you're looking for a quick and casual, but still quality food option, try this local burger place! There are a few locations in Boise, but our favorite is at the Bown Crossing shopping area. Our favorite thing on the menu is the sweet potato tater tots! Yum.
Up for something a little different? This place serves DELICIOUS Puerto Rican food with a sleek, modern atmosphere! The prices are moderate - entrees ranging from about $14-$18, and the quality of the food is well worth that price!
We recommend ordering the Churrasco (grilled flank steak), and our favorite side was the Mofongo style plantains.
And, as an added bonus, this spot is nestled in a neighborhood that borders the riverside greenbelt trail! Go for a walk, bike ride, or scooter ride on the trail after enjoying your meal!
8 locals recommend
Wepa Cafe
175 East 35th StreetUp for something a little different? This place serves DELICIOUS Puerto Rican food with a sleek, modern atmosphere! The prices are moderate - entrees ranging from about $14-$18, and the quality of the food is well worth that price!
We recommend ordering the Churrasco (grilled flank steak), and our favorite side was the Mofongo style plantains.
And, as an added bonus, this spot is nestled in a neighborhood that borders the riverside greenbelt trail! Go for a walk, bike ride, or scooter ride on the trail after enjoying your meal!
Wanting a unique ice cream experience? After some fun in the sun head to The STIL (Sweetest Things In Life) in downtown Boise! Not only is the ice cream delicious, but they also have several unique flavors to choose from that they conceive and craft themselves, some of which are spiked with alcohol. For example, one flavor currently on the menu (as of spring, 2022) is "Sawtooth Roadtrip" - Huckleberry Cream Ale. They also have a fun little patio to sit outside and enjoy your dessert. Yum!
32 locals recommend
The STIL
786 W Broad StWanting a unique ice cream experience? After some fun in the sun head to The STIL (Sweetest Things In Life) in downtown Boise! Not only is the ice cream delicious, but they also have several unique flavors to choose from that they conceive and craft themselves, some of which are spiked with alcohol. For example, one flavor currently on the menu (as of spring, 2022) is "Sawtooth Roadtrip" - Huckleberry Cream Ale. They also have a fun little patio to sit outside and enjoy your dessert. Yum!
Wanting to explore the local brewery scene here in Boise? This is a great place to start! Right next to the river trail and the Boise River, the Payette Brewing Company has a perfect location, as well as an energetic, fun atmosphere! They have an outdoor space that is really enjoyable during the sunny & warm months of spring & summer, and often host food trucks outside if you're needing a little something to munch on as well.
Not into beer? They also have a few cocktails on the menu that you can try!
Highly recommend!
70 locals recommend
Payette Brewing Company
733 S Pioneer StWanting to explore the local brewery scene here in Boise? This is a great place to start! Right next to the river trail and the Boise River, the Payette Brewing Company has a perfect location, as well as an energetic, fun atmosphere! They have an outdoor space that is really enjoyable during the sunny & warm months of spring & summer, and often host food trucks outside if you're needing a little something to munch on as well.
Not into beer? They also have a few cocktails on the menu that you can try!
Highly recommend!
Thai Basil is a delicious spot very close by that has all the usual, yummy Thai dishes that you love! Chicken phad thai, curries, and more. One of our favorite dishes is the pineapple fried rice. Yum!
8 locals recommend
Thai Basil
590 E Boise AveThai Basil is a delicious spot very close by that has all the usual, yummy Thai dishes that you love! Chicken phad thai, curries, and more. One of our favorite dishes is the pineapple fried rice. Yum!
Form & Function
511 W Broad StModern coffee spot with high quality coffee creations.
Delicious coffee, yummy pastries, and a fun patio on the popular 8th street row of restaurants downtown! One of our favorites.
10 locals recommend
Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters - Downtown Cafe
219 N 8th StDelicious coffee, yummy pastries, and a fun patio on the popular 8th street row of restaurants downtown! One of our favorites.
Activities
Bogus Basin, the local ski hill, is also a fun spot to visit during the summer months! They have a large mountain coaster, mountain biking, multi-use trails, bungee trampoline, summer scenic chairlift rides, summer tubing, and a climbing wall!
Find out more @ their website: https://bogusbasin.org/mountain-coaster/
81 locals recommend
Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin, the local ski hill, is also a fun spot to visit during the summer months! They have a large mountain coaster, mountain biking, multi-use trails, bungee trampoline, summer scenic chairlift rides, summer tubing, and a climbing wall!
Find out more @ their website: https://bogusbasin.org/mountain-coaster/
One of the most picturesque parks in Boise! This park is a must see with beautiful views, pathways for walking or biking, a sandy beach spot to swim at Quinn's Pond, and a chance to see people surfing the river! If you want to see the surfers, cross the large metal bridge, turn left, and walk a short way down the path until you come to the spot in the river where there is a man-made "wave" to surf on.
This is also a great spot to park and then start a walk, bike ride, or scooter ride (check out the app "SPIN" for scooter rentals!) on the river front trail!
If you want to claim a spot to sit on the little sandy beach area at Quinn's Pond, we recommend arriving a little earlier in the morning (around 9-10am) and bring a beach umbrella or canopy to have some shade.
If you want to find out more about the chance to surf the river, check out this website:
https://www.surfboise.com/
91 locals recommend
Esther Simplot Park
3206 W Pleasanton AveOne of the most picturesque parks in Boise! This park is a must see with beautiful views, pathways for walking or biking, a sandy beach spot to swim at Quinn's Pond, and a chance to see people surfing the river! If you want to see the surfers, cross the large metal bridge, turn left, and walk a short way down the path until you come to the spot in the river where there is a man-made "wave" to surf on.
This is also a great spot to park and then start a walk, bike ride, or scooter ride (check out the app "SPIN" for scooter rentals!) on the river front trail!
If you want to claim a spot to sit on the little sandy beach area at Quinn's Pond, we recommend arriving a little earlier in the morning (around 9-10am) and bring a beach umbrella or canopy to have some shade.
If you want to find out more about the chance to surf the river, check out this website:
https://www.surfboise.com/
The Village is one of our favorite spots to take people when we have family or friends visiting. It is a beautiful outdoor mall, with a courtyard type of area where they have a large fountain that has a "Bellagio fountains" style show set to music every hour on the hour starting at 11am. There is also a playground right next to the fountain for the kiddos to play on, and several restaurants, shops, frozen yogurt, and a movie theater! Plus, the coffee at "Royal Coffee Co" is delicious.
If you're up for making a whole day of it, you can also walk right across the street to Julius Kleiner Park, one of the largest parks in the whole area!
245 locals recommend
The Village at Meridian
3597 E Monarch Sky LnThe Village is one of our favorite spots to take people when we have family or friends visiting. It is a beautiful outdoor mall, with a courtyard type of area where they have a large fountain that has a "Bellagio fountains" style show set to music every hour on the hour starting at 11am. There is also a playground right next to the fountain for the kiddos to play on, and several restaurants, shops, frozen yogurt, and a movie theater! Plus, the coffee at "Royal Coffee Co" is delicious.
If you're up for making a whole day of it, you can also walk right across the street to Julius Kleiner Park, one of the largest parks in the whole area!
Eagle Island is a little bit of a drive - around 30+min, but it is a beautiful spot to sit and stay awhile. They have a large area by the water where you can either play in the sand, swim in the cool water, or play lawn games on the grass and let the kiddos play on the playground! They also have a ZIP LINE located here, if you're up for a little adventure! There's also a few walking paths if you want to wander around for a bit.
For more info about the zipline, visit this website: http://zipboise.com/
68 locals recommend
Eagle Island State Park
165 Eagle Island PkwyEagle Island is a little bit of a drive - around 30+min, but it is a beautiful spot to sit and stay awhile. They have a large area by the water where you can either play in the sand, swim in the cool water, or play lawn games on the grass and let the kiddos play on the playground! They also have a ZIP LINE located here, if you're up for a little adventure! There's also a few walking paths if you want to wander around for a bit.
For more info about the zipline, visit this website: http://zipboise.com/
Up for a little adventure? Try out the ziplines at Eagle Island State Park! You can try anything from 2 zips on their "Intro Zip Line Tour" up to 6 zips, and if you're feeling really adventurous, you can do a tour at night!
For more info, check out the website: http://zipboise.com/
Zip Boise
165 Eagle Island PkwyUp for a little adventure? Try out the ziplines at Eagle Island State Park! You can try anything from 2 zips on their "Intro Zip Line Tour" up to 6 zips, and if you're feeling really adventurous, you can do a tour at night!
For more info, check out the website: http://zipboise.com/
Up for some exciting fun in the water? Head to the Roaring Springs water park in Meridian! Just about a 20-30 minute drive away, this water park has all kinds of water fun and other family fun activities too! Along with the water park, there is also mini-golf, arcade games, bowling, a climbing zone, and even go-karts! Grab the kids and go have some fun!
89 locals recommend
Roaring Springs Water Park
400 W Overland RdUp for some exciting fun in the water? Head to the Roaring Springs water park in Meridian! Just about a 20-30 minute drive away, this water park has all kinds of water fun and other family fun activities too! Along with the water park, there is also mini-golf, arcade games, bowling, a climbing zone, and even go-karts! Grab the kids and go have some fun!
One of the most popular parks in all of Boise! Camel's Back Park is a must-do spot. This park has a large playground, beautiful scenery of trees and fields of grass, plus the added fun of the walking trails! Explore and enjoy the outdoors, and then take a quick walk down the road to the Hyde Park neighborhood for some food or a yummy treat!
232 locals recommend
Camel's Back Park
27 Heron StOne of the most popular parks in all of Boise! Camel's Back Park is a must-do spot. This park has a large playground, beautiful scenery of trees and fields of grass, plus the added fun of the walking trails! Explore and enjoy the outdoors, and then take a quick walk down the road to the Hyde Park neighborhood for some food or a yummy treat!
Large park with everything you could want - large play structure, splash pad for hot days, snack shack with snow cones and other yummy treats, bocce ball courts, volleyball nets, and a walking path that loops around the entire park. And if that wasn't enough, the cute outdoor mall "The Village" is right next door! Great spots to take kids and spend the day without spending a ton of money.
21 locals recommend
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
1900 N Records AveLarge park with everything you could want - large play structure, splash pad for hot days, snack shack with snow cones and other yummy treats, bocce ball courts, volleyball nets, and a walking path that loops around the entire park. And if that wasn't enough, the cute outdoor mall "The Village" is right next door! Great spots to take kids and spend the day without spending a ton of money.
Neighborhoods
If you want to explore a local quaint neighborhood, visit the Hyde park/13th street neighborhood in North Boise. An adorable spot to find locally owned restaurants, shops, and you can also walk up to Camel Back Park - one of the favorite parks here in Boise.
7 locals recommend
North 13th Street
North 13th StreetIf you want to explore a local quaint neighborhood, visit the Hyde park/13th street neighborhood in North Boise. An adorable spot to find locally owned restaurants, shops, and you can also walk up to Camel Back Park - one of the favorite parks here in Boise.
City advice
Don't miss
Float the Boise River!
A very popular & inexpensive activity in the summer months is floating down the Boise River! Grab a small cooler, fill it with drinks and snacks, and then rent a raft or grab some tubes and float down the river.
A popular spot to start your float is at Barber park! Check out their website to look into the details.
https://www.barber-park.com/take-out
Don't miss
Local Farmer's Markets!
We have a handful of Farmer's Markets in the area that are all quaint, fun, and enjoyable especially for families. Below is a list of the markets you could explore if you're here on a weekend!
Boise Farmer's Market: https://theboisefarmersmarket.com/bfmwalkthru
1500 Shoreline Dr, Boise
Eagle Farmer's Market:
http://www.cityofeagle.org/170/Eagle-Saturday-Market
185 E State St, Eagle (Heritage Park)
Meridian Main Street Market
https://meridianmainstreetmarket.com/
33 E Broadway Ave, Meridian