Boise, Idaho, blends small-town charm with big-city energy. It’s beautifully tucked in the Boise River Valley and offers stunning views of the Boise Mountains. Similar to Denver, a gently flowing river runs through the city, creating a green sanctuary that changes vibrant colors during the fall. It’s a great outdoor hub, so I’ve curated a list of the best things to do in Boise!
While I was planning my trip, I was frequently asked “what is Boise, Idaho most known for?” Potatoes, of course–but, this city offers much more! Known as the City of Trees, Boise celebrates the magic of the outdoors, wellness, hiking, cultural diversity, and a thriving culinary scene.
Thanks to Visit Boise, I was able to experience vegan restaurants, outdoor activities, and wellness wonders first-hand through our partnership. All opinions in this piece are my own.
Whether you’re craving good food, scenic sights, adventure, or outdoor fun, this travel guide covers the top restaurants and best things to do in Boise this weekend for a refreshing fall getaway.
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission on the purchase at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support friend!
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What to do in Boise: A quick 3-day weekend itinerary for fall
Short on time? Below is quick itinerary of the best things to do in Boise for a long weekend vacation. Whether you’re a first timer or frequent visitor, there’s unique experience for everyone to try.
- Friday/Day 1: Arrival, cozy cafes and dinner
- Saturday/Day 2: Downtown Boise, bikes, and brews
- Sunday/Day 3: Brunch, hiking, museums, fall foliage, and late departure
- Monday/Day 4: (Optional) Breakfast and early departure
Where to stay in Boise?
First time visiting Boise? Same here! I’d definitely recommend choosing a hotel downtown for convenience and ease.
What I love most about downtown Boise is there are an abundance of hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants. It’s extremely walk-able too! Within this cultural hub you can really feel the heart beat of all the best things to see and do in Boise.
Hotel 43
Hotel 43 is a boutique hotel that prides itself on urban chic rooms decorated with vibrant headboards designed by local artist. I stayed here during my fall visit and absolutely loved the artsy flair paired with the stunning views of the downtown.
It’s an excellent stay for a long weekend trip and it’s within walking distance of some of the best things to do in Boise.
Best things to do in Boise: 3-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, cozy cafes, and dinner
First off, welcome to Boise, Idaho! The Boise Airport is conveniently located about 15 minutes by car from the downtown area. Taking an Uber or Lyft is the fastest and easiest way to reach your hotel.
Dinner at High Note Cafe
After you check-in to your hotel, grab a coat and head to dinner at High Note Cafe. This restaurant is 100% plant based and has several gluten-free options to choose from. On the menu you’ll find warm soups and salads to cozy up on a fall evening, loaded nachos, vegan strawberry cheesecake, and much more.
Shop at Flying M Coffee House
Next door is the Flying M Coffee House. If you love quirky gifts, decadent homemade desserts, fragrant teas and coffee, this is shop you can’t miss. Grab a chai tea latte and a wheat-free maple berry muffin, shop for souvenirs, or play a game in this charming coffee house.
Day 2: Downtown Boise, bikes, and brews
Every Saturday, Boise buzzes with energy—locals laughing, outdoor fun everywhere, and a food scene that’s hard to resist.
Breakfast at Guru Donuts
Start your morning off with trip to Guru Donuts for their infamous, made-from-scratch, Idaho potato flour donuts. With gluten-free and vegan options, everyone is able to join in on the Saturday morning donut fun. If you’re looking to taste fall with a sweet treat, I highly recommend trying the fall spice donut that’s generously coated in a cinnamon-y, gingery sweet glaze.
Visit the Capital City Market
Your weekend really begins with a trip to the Capital City Market at Grove Plaza. Established in 1994, this farmer’s market runs every Saturday from 10:00-2:00pm until December 20th.
Discover stunning flower bouquets from Pots on the Blvd, or shop for crafts designed by local artisans ranging from ceramic bowls to handmade jewelry.
Explore Downtown Boise, Freak Alley Gallery & The Basque Block
After wandering the farmer’s market, it’s time to explore downtown Boise. The downtown area is compact and extremely walkable.
Wander through locally owned shops, take in the colorful murals at Freak Alley Gallery, and explore the Basque Block—home to the largest Basque community outside of Spain. Here you’ll find various restaurants that feature Basque cuisine, a stunning mural, a market, and the The Basque Museum & Cultural Center.
Bike the Greenbelt
One of the best things to do in Boise is to bike or walk the iconic Greenbelt. During the fall, the trees that line this 25-mile paved path turn vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Hop on your bike and ride along the Boise River to find some of the best fall foliage in Boise!
Are you staying at Hotel 43? If so, complimentary bike rentals are available to all guest. If you’re not staying at this hotel, consider asking your front desk to see if they have free bike rentals.
Grab kombucha at Boise Booch Brewery
Boise Booch Brewery is a kombucha brewery and taproom ten minutes away from downtown Boise. It features a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic booch, beer, and wine. Try your hand at boozy booch like Blackberry Julep or sip on a fall inspired non-alcoholic kombucha like Spiced Apple.
The laid-back ambiance of the brewery makes it an ideal spot to catch-up with a friend or make a new one. Feel free to bring your dinner, your furry friend, or family. All are welcome in at this booch brewery!
Day 3: Brunch, hiking, museums, and fall foliage
Sundays in Boise are meant for slowing down and connecting over brunch, spending time in nature, exploring the top museums and looking for fall foliage. Mix and match your favorite cultural and outdoor activities below.
Brunch at Wild Roots Cafe
Brunch is the star of the show at Wild Roots Cafe, a local eatery that blends Southern brunch and seasonal ingredients with a modern twist. This restaurant is a safe haven for anyone needing vegetarian, vegan and wheat-free options. From the obligatory avocado toast and scramble to huevos rancheros and french toast, Wild Roots Cafe is a foodie paradise.
Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary
Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one the top museums to visit in Boise for adults and children. It’s one of just four historic territorial prisons you can still visit today.
Step beyond the stone walls to discover fascinating stories of what life was really like inside during the prison’s 101-year history. Take a free self guided tour to learn about the scandals, prison riots, and daring escapes that shaped Boise’s evolution– from the Wild West to a vibrant capital city it is today.
During summer (from Memorial Day through Labor Day), the museum is open 10:00am-5:00pm. During winter, the museum is open 12:00-5:00pm. Tickets are $8 per adult.
Explore Idaho Botanical Gardens
One of the best things to do in Boise during the fall is to visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll find vibrant fall colors in the gardens and scenic views overlooking the surrounding area. Explore the Idaho Native Plant Garden to see some of these vibrant colors up close or roam around the Firewise Garden to understand the importance of fire-resistant plants.
Don’t miss the Scarecrow Stroll this weekend—a beloved garden tradition where local residents craft unique scarecrows displayed throughout the grounds. Stroll the paths, enjoy the creativity, and cast your vote for your favorite.
The gardens are open daily from 9:00-5:00pm and are closed on Tuesdays. Tickets are $14 for adults.
Hike Camel’s Back Trail
Another one of the best things to do in Boise is to hike Camel’s Back Trail. Set in Camel’s Back Park, this popular trail leads to a breathtaking view of the Boise skyline and surrounding foothills. This 1.7-mile loop takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
During the hike, expect some steep inclines, stairs, and sandy paths as you climb 324 feet in elevation. Keep in mind that the top can be windy, so be sure to pack a lightweight windbreaker and wear trail-ready shoes like Hoka Trailrunners for the climb.
Depart home in the late evening or early Monday morning
If you have time, I recommend departing anytime after 7:30pm or early Monday morning so you can fully enjoy Sunday in Boise. The airport is extremely small and if you’re TSA approved you’ll clear security in about 15-20 minutes.
What to eat in Boise: Vegan-friendly restaurants
Below is a list of the what to eat in Boise. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or love meat, your bound to find something delightful at each of these highly-rated restaurants.
Lemon Tree Co.
Lemon Tree Co is vegan-friendly lunch spot that serves up healthy homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. It’s made with love, allergy-friendly, and offers a 1/2 sandwich combo that’s wildly popular around town. After exploring the downtown, this is an excellent eatery to refuel and warm up before more adventuring.
Fork
One of the best places to eat in Boise is Fork. Located in the bustling downtown area, Fork is farm-to-table eatery committed to sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local Boise and Northwest producers, farmers, and brewers. From addictive asparagus fries and towering salads to mouthwatering burgers, enjoy a local meal in this renovated historical landmark.
Sunshine Spice Cafe
Do you have a sweet tooth? If you’re nodding yes, then you’ll want to visit Sunshine Spice Cafe, an Afghan bakery, for an amazing assortment of sweet treats. Sip on a saffron latte, then choose between the rich saffron pudding, vegan and gluten-free cookies, baklava, or a Turkish bagel.
Cozy up with a good book in the window sill decorated with bright yellow and turquoise pillows or learn about the cafes roots from the wall photo collage documenting the Afghanistan sisters/refugees journey.
Percy
Another one of the best places to eat at in Boise is Percy. This restaurant features a chic upscale ambiance fit for a romantic night out, girls night, or an intimate family dinner. On the menu, you’ll find classic American options ranging from seared salmon to the forbidden rice bowl–a vegan and gluten-free dish with black rice and veggies, coated in a sweet chili sauce.
This dish is packed with immense flavor and is one of my favorite dishes on the menu!
ā Cafe
During the fall, nothing screams good morning like spending some time in a cozy, quaint cafe. ā Cafe serves up some delightful coffees, decadent hot chocolates made with ceremonial grade Ecuadorian cacao, and of course, the famous pumpkin spice latte.
On the menu, you’ll find various types of egg scrambles, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, salads, and seasonal items like the Harvest bowl. ā Cafe has both vegan and gluten-free options available.
When’s the best time to visit?
Boise is a great destination to visit year around. With that in mind, the best time to visit will depend on what type of experience you want.
Fall is my personal favorite! You’ll find lesser crowds, exciting Boise State football games, stunning fall foliage, autumn activities, and sunny, yet cool weather.
Spring in Boise tends to be a bit unpredictable with bouts of rain, sunshine, mild weather, and beautiful wildflowers. On the other hand, summer features dry, hot, sunny days. This season is great for floating down the Boise River, hiking, and going to an outdoor festival.
Love to ski or snowboard? If you’re nodding yes, winter is an excellent time to visit Boise and check out the snowy slopes. During this season, Bogus Basin opens its doors for the best skiing and snowboarding experiences near Boise.
How to get to Boise?
Boise is located in southwestern Idaho, nestled at the base of the Boise Mountains. It’s also close to the Oregon border! If you’re traveling from California (like I was) or any other West Coast state, you’ll find several short, direct flights—perfect for a cozy fall weekend getaway in Boise.
For instance, a flight from Burbank or Los Angeles is less than two hours. A flight from Seattle or Portland is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while a flight from San Francisco is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Things to do in Boise: FAQs
Is Boise a walkable city?
Boise is an extremely walkable city and you don’t need to rent a car. I stayed downtown at Hotel 43 and found all the major attractions were within a 10-15 minute walking distance from the hotel. From the Capital Building and Freak Alley Gallery to restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique store, it’s easy to explore Boise by foot.
Is Boise, Idaho expensive?
Coming from California, I found planning a long weekend trip to Boise was very reasonable. For instance, you can expect to spend around $8-20 for breakfast, $15-30 for lunch, and $20-40 for dinner depending where you’re dining. In the end, what you spend really depends on your activities, dining choices, and how many drinks or experiences you go for.
How do I spend a day in Boise?
If you only have 1 day to explore the city, I’d recommend picking 3-5 activities from the itinerary above to design a 24-hr Boise itinerary. You can include unique attractions like visiting the Freak Alley Gallery, walking around the Basque Block, biking along the Boise River Greenbelt, and watching the sunset at Camel’s Back Park while overlooking Boise.
What’s the nicest part of Boise, Idaho?
Downtown Boise is hands-down the best part of the city! The urban charm invites you to explore the city through your taste buds, while also providing easy access to outdoor adventure. Start your morning with brunch at a cozy farm-to-table restaurant, then stroll through Boise’s idyllic downtown before biking along a gently flowing river, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.
Final thoughts: The best things to do in Boise
In summary, use this 3-day Boise itinerary to plan your perfect fall weekend trip. From the best things to do, eat, and see, this travel guide has everything you need for a weekend of wellness, adventure, and outdoor exploration.
If you don’t have time to do it all–don’t worry. In the end, no matter what you do you’re bound to have an amazing time in the City of Trees this weekend!
Happy adventuring!
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