Summer Fun - by This World Traveled

Guest blog post written by This World Traveled

Boise is one of the best summer destinations in the Pacific Northwest, combining outdoor adventure, local culture, and exceptional cuisine. We partnered with Visit Boise to explore and share the best things to do in Boise, Idaho. From floating down the Boise River to hiking Table Rock or sipping wine along the Greenbelt, there’s no shortage of summer fun.

Start your Boise adventure on an e-bike ride along the scenic Boise River Greenbelt. This car-free path stretches over 25 miles through the heart of the city. Rent from Sunrise Electric Bicycles which is conveniently located along the Greenbelt. Rentals start at $40 for 2 hours, but we recommend at least 4 hours so you can stop at places like the Boise Whitewater Park, the red bridge at Baybrook Ct, and the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.

One of our favorite stops on the Greenbelt was Telaya Wine Co., a local winery situated along the river in Garden City. With wine tastings priced at $20–24 for a flight or $10–15 by the glass, it’s a relaxing place to sip high-quality wines. No reservations are required, and you can even bring your own food or grab something from their on-site food truck. Telaya also offers a behind-the-scenes tasting tour called the “Telaya Experience,” which we highly recommend.

For some outdoor exercise, head to Table Rock for a moderate hike that starts behind the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The 3.7-mile loop gains about 960 feet of elevation and offers panoramic views of downtown and the Treasure Valley. Plan for 2–3 hours round-trip and bring plenty of water, especially during summer.

Another iconic Boise activity is floating the Boise River. Launch your float at Barber Park and drift six miles to Ann Morrison Park. The float takes about 2–3 hours and includes a few small rapids. Boise River Raft & Tube rents tubes for around $18 and rafts or kayaks for more. A $4 shuttle runs between the parks every 20–30 minutes. Make sure to pack sunscreen, water, and a waterproof bag for your essentials.

Explore the easily walkable downtown Boise.

Start along 8th Street, a pedestrian-only district with local restaurants and shops. The Wylder is a great stop for craft cocktails and sourdough pizza, while the Basque Block on Grove Street celebrates Boise’s Basque heritage with live music and communal paella from the Basque Market on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Other great areas include Capitol Boulevard, where you’ll find the Idaho State Capitol and local shops like Mixed Greens, and Hyde Park in the North End, with historic homes and cozy cafes like Hyde Perk and Certified Kitchen and Bakery.

If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to check out Bogus Basin. Just 35 minutes from downtown, this ski resort offers a variety of outdoor adventures and features Idaho’s only mountain coaster, the Glade Runner. You’ll also find a ropes course, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, tubing lanes, bungee trampolines, and over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails. Packages vary, and we chose the one that includes the coaster, ropes course, and scenic lift rides.

Getting to Boise is easy and stress-free. The Boise Airport (BOI) is just 10–15 minutes from downtown and offers nonstop flights to 26–28 U.S. cities, including Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco. The airport is small, efficient, and easy to navigate with short TSA lines and low-cost parking. Once you arrive, getting downtown is easy with a local bus, rental car, or rideshare.

We stayed at The Avery Hotel & Brasserie, Boise’s only historic hotel. This beautifully restored 120-year-old property offers 39 stylish and comfortable rooms, The on-site Avery Brasserie + Bar serves seasonal French cuisine and Tiner’s Alley Tavern next door is great for cocktails and pub food.

When it comes to dining, Boise has no shortage of incredible local spots. We loved:

● The Wylder: sourdough pizza and cocktails in a cool downtown setting.

● Green Acres Food Truck Park: rotating food trucks, full bar, and live music right along the river.

● Percy: sourdough focaccia, short ribs, and creative cocktails.

● District Coffee: for matcha, iced lattes and avocado toast.

● The Basque Market: paella on the patio and Basque specialties.

● The Stil: artisanal ice cream in fun, unique flavors.

● Hyde Perk Coffee: cozy cafe serving breakfast burritos in the Hyde Park neighborhood.

● Lost Grove Brewing: craft beers and Idaho-inspired pizzas like the “Idahomie.”

● Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro: Hearty breakfast dishes that are made to order.

● The Avery Brasserie + Bar: Upscale dining with a French inspired menu and craft cocktails.

The best time to visit Boise is from May to October, when the weather is warm and perfect for hiking, biking, floating the river, and patio dining. Summer is great for the long days, outdoor festivals, and local events. If you’re planning your first trip, we recommend staying 3–4 days to explore downtown, the Greenbelt, and Bogus Basin without feeling rushed.

BOOK YOUR STAY