A Perfect Day in Boise: Three Points of View

Bike ride to Push N’ Pour

Living on the Boise Bench has its perks – close to downtown, bikeable, and….great access to the newest Push N’ Pour on Latah St. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick drink. Enjoy your drink inside their cute shop or outside amongst the cozy fire pit. 

* Side note – if you’re looking for amazing burgers or ice cream, also stop by Wyld Child and The Stil located right by this Push N’ Pour location. 

Hike in the Boise Foothills

If you ask a Boise resident what an iconic feature of Boise is, you’ll probably hear the majority of them say ‘the Boise Foothills.’ These scenic hills offer a network of over 190 miles of well-maintained trails that cater to hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. One of my favorite things to do on a crisp, sunny weekend morning is to hike a few miles in my beloved Foothills. Hillside to Hollow Reserve is a great trail system just a few minutes from downtown. The panoramic views and vast variety of trail options make for the perfect escape from the city buzz. 

Lunch at Green’s Deli and the Cherie Buckner-Webb Park

After a few miles in the Foothills and my quick bike ride back into the heart of downtown, I was ready for something to curb my hunger. Green’s Deli is located on the perimeter of the newest park in downtown Boise, Cherie Buckner-Webb Park. This just so happens to also be the home to my favorite piece of public art in Boise, the iconic “Pink Tree,” who’s real name is “Gentle Breeze.” Grab yourself a sandwich and a cup of soup and enjoy the view. 

Bike the Boise Greenbelt

With my belly full, I’m off to my favorite way to get from one end of Boise to the other: the Boise Greenbelt. The greenbelt spans over 25 miles – all the way from Lucky Peak Dam through Garden City. With multiple access points, picnic areas, and various parks along the way, the Boise Greenbelt is a cherished resource for the community, offering a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and natural beauty. 

Enjoy Boise’s urban wine scene

Garden City lies just west of Boise along the river, where visitors will find a range of tasting rooms and wine and cider experiences to explore and enjoy. Right off the Greenbelt, 2 miles from downtown Boise, you’ll find Telaya Wine Co. With one of the best patios in the city right along the Boise River, Telaya is a popular stop along the Greenbelt. After enjoying a glass of their Cab Sauv, I continued on to one of my favorite urban wineries, Split Rail, located just 2 blocks from Telaya. They are such a unique and funky winery – focused on creating wine that is authentic and reflective of the soil that the grapes come from. 

For a look at all of Boise’s urban wineries, check out our Boise Urban Wine Trail. Sip and sample the unique flavors of Idaho wines at wineries or cideries you can drive, walk, or bike to in Boise and Garden City! Experience exclusive benefits that include discounts, special tastings and more on our Urban Wine Trail. This free pass allows you to check in at stops and track your progress along the trail by gathering points to redeem for prizes! 

Take-out from Tango’s Empanadas

After spending the afternoon enjoying some Idaho wines, it was time to head back up on the Boise Bench to grab takeout from a Boise gem: Tango’s Empanadas. A local mom and pop shop, you’ll have a hard time choosing which flavors to get of these Argentinian empanadas. My favorites: the chicken tinga and the chimicarne, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Don’t forget to grab a dessert empanada as well! 

Enjoy a performance at the Morrison Center

After a full day exploring the many activities that Boise has to offer, I’m ready to end my day with a performance at the Morrison Center. This state-of-the-art performing arts venue is renowned for hosting a wide array of events, including concerts, Broadway shows, ballet, and other live performances. I’ve seen everything from Hamilton to Ballet Idaho to a free community play at the Morrison Center and it never disappoints. 

It’s almost hard to imagine being able to fit a hike, a bike ride, wine tasting, and a ballet performance all in one day, but in Boise, it’s possible. Our close proximity to outdoor recreation and abundance of restaurants, breweries, wineries, and cultural activities allow for such a diverse day…all while being in a radius small enough that you could bike to each place! Every day in Boise has the potential to be the ‘perfect day’ because there is a little something for everyone in the City of Trees

Guru Donuts: A Sweet Start to the Day  
To start our day of adventure, a stop at Guru Donuts downtown was a must.  Guru makes artisanal donuts in all sorts of fun flavors, classics and unique creations alike – even vegan options.  There was sure to be something for every member of the family.   

Morning at Zoo Boise: Where Imagination Meets the Wild 
Our journey began at Zoo Boise, a place where the wonders of the animal kingdom come to life. The kids were entranced by the myriad of creatures, from majestic lions to playful meerkats. It was a perfect blend of education and entertainment, leaving us all with a newfound appreciation for the world’s diverse wildlife.   

Unleashing Creativity at the Discovery Center 
Next on our agenda was the Discovery Center of Idaho, a place where curiosity knows no bounds. The kids’ eyes lit up as they explored interactive exhibits that sparked their imagination and encouraged hands-on learning. From experimenting with gravity to uncovering the mysteries of outer space, the center provided a safe space for them to explore and learn. 

Lunch at The Wylder: A Feast Fit for Adventurers 
By midday, our lowering energy level led us to The Wylder, the perfect blend of an upscale environment that will inspire adults and please pizza-loving kids. We re-energized with their honey badger pizza, the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that left us all craving more. The cozy atmosphere and attentive staff made it a perfect pit stop to refuel for the rest of our adventure-filled day. 

Crafting Memories at Lit and Co: Candle-Making Extravaganza 
Our creative juices were set on fire at Lit and Co, where we had the opportunity to craft our very own candles. The kids were excited to choose their favorite scents and colors, turning their visions into tangible works of art (which makes a perfect souvenir to take home, too).  Here’s an insider tip if you do plan on pouring a candle- you will need to wait to pick it up until the next day, so plan this activity for earlier in your trip so you can make it back to take your candle home with you! 

Dinner Delights at The Warehouse: A Culinary Journey for All Ages 
As the day came to a close, we headed to The Warehouse, a food hall that exceeded all expectations. Their diverse food and drink establishments cater to both young palates and more refined tastes, ensuring everyone left with full hearts and satisfied appetites. The rustic ambiance added a charming touch to our dining experience, making it the perfect finale to our Boise adventure. 

Boise, Idaho, proved to be a haven for families seeking a day filled with diverse experiences and fond memories. From the wild wonders of Zoo Boise to the hands-on learning at the Discovery Center, every moment was a testament to the city’s wide range of family-friendly fun. With culinary delights at The Wylder and The Warehouse, as well as creative endeavors at Lit and Co, Boise has something for everyone. 

Hyde Perk: A great place to start your day

My day first started at Hyde Perk, my favorite coffee place in the Boise area. Hyde Perk radiates charm and coziness while also offering an enticing array of specialty coffees which can be complemented by delectable pastries. Hyde Perk is also an ideal destination to get some homework done or it can also be a great social spot to gather with friends. One thing that sets Hyde Perk apart is not only the vibe and the charm this place radiates but also because everyone who works there goes the extra mile to make your experience better. 

Camel’s Back Park: The perfect view for the perfect place 

After getting coffee at Hyde Perk we made our way over to Camel’s Back Park. What I truly love about this place is that you can either stroll around the park and take in the beautiful nature or you can also pick between a few trails to hike up to the top of the hill to get an amazing view of the Treasure Valley. 

Salvage Sisters & Son: Vintage heaven 

As the day went on we stopped to buy a few vintage shops, like 3 peat vintage and rollin records but one of my all time favorite vintage stores is Salvage Sisters and Son. This shop has the cutest vibe and aesthetic and is just the best place to get cute knick knacks to decorate your home with, give to friends or family. This place has everything you’re looking for like clothes, furniture, and the cutest souvenirs. 

Yoi Tomo Sushi: All you can eat extravaganza. 

After our shopping spree we headed on over to Yoi Tomo Sushi. Idaho isn’t known for its sushi but after going to Yoi Tomo it soon will be. Yoi Tomo offers a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from fun appetizers to around forty plus rolls to choose from. But the best thing about this place is the All You Can Eat option which is exactly what it sounds like you can order however much you want for $31.99. Not only is their food absolutely delicious but they also have a range of cocktails, japanese beers, and ciders! 

Boise State Football Game 

After our time at Yoi Tomo it’s time to head on over to Albertsons Stadium to enjoy a Boise State Football game. The atmosphere is amazing right as you walk into the stadium and gets you into the football spirit. Our first stop was to grab a drink at the concession stand and then we headed to our seats. We spent most of the game cheering and enjoying being immersed in the school spirit, it made the game very memorable. 

Hops & Bottles: A perfect place to wind down or wind up 

To get the night started we first stopped at Hops & Bottles, the cutest brewery located on Grove Street. Hops & Bottles is a quaint little brewery on Grove street that offers a wide variety of different beers, ciders, and seltzers. It has a patio where you can sit under some cute patio lights or if the weather is colder it has an indoor section as well. It can offer a great place to chill and hangout with friends and play some games, or it can offer a place to stop before you hit downtown. 

Downtown Nightlife: A Night To Remember 

After Hops & Bottles we make our way downtown to hit the bars. The amazing thing about downtown is that all of the bars are so close together that you can walk from place to place. Our first stop is Humpin Hannah’s which definitely sets the scene for the night as the bar has a live band that plays for most of the night. We then go to Graineys and walk downstairs to the basement to enjoy a few drinks and then our final stop is Roddy’s. Roddy’s is an amazing final destination that offers a modern country rock feel with the main attraction being the Bull that you can ride for $2. 

Being a student here in Boise I am able to explore this wonderful city and discover so many of the trendy yet affordable places that it has to offer. I fell in love with Boise during my first trip here due to the wide variety of outdoor activities, restaurants, and because of the people. The more time I spend here and the more I explore it is hard to not to fall even more in love with this place.