Why Visit Boise, Idaho?
“Pronounced boy-see”, Boise is the capital and most populous city in the state of Idaho. Rumor has it, that the city was named after a French-speaking guide who exclaimed “Les bois! Les bois!” (“The woods! The woods!”) upon the sight of the surrounding woods along the river. Boise is surrounded by mountains towards the northeast, known to locals as the Boise foothills.
The Best Time to Visit Boise, Idaho
Boise experiences four seasons, with dry summers averaging at 90°F, and cold winters averaging at 30°F. Spring and fall are shorter seasons compared to summer and winter. The best time to visit Boise is between March and May, and September and November, where outdoor activities are aplenty. Shred the slopes at Bogus Basin, a ski area 19 miles north of Boise, during the winter months of December to February.
Getting Around Boise, Idaho
Leaving Boise Airport (BOI)
The city of Boise, Idaho is served by Boise Airport (BOI), Idaho’s busiest airport, just 3 miles south of the city center. Most transport services leaving Boise Airport (BOI) are located on the lower level roadway, outside the baggage claim area. The curbs are color-coded according to each transport service.
The taxi pick-up point is located along the black curb. Taking a taxi from Boise Airport (BOI) to downtown Boise costs between US$12–US$15.
The cheapest way to get from Boise Airport (BOI) to downtown Boise is via ValleyRide buses, located along the purple curb. It takes around 14 minutes on the Line 3 bus to get downtown from the airport, and costs US$1.50 per ride.
Hotels near Boise Airport (BOI) include: 2-star Holiday Inn Express & Suites Boise Airport, 2-star Rodeway Inn Airport Boise, and 3-star Comfort Suites Boise Airport
Getting Around Downtown Boise
ValleyRide is the city’s main mode of public transport. Single rides cost US$1.50. Alternatively, purchase day passes for US$2.50 per day. Bike sharing service Boise Green Bike provides a healthier, greener alternative form of transportation around downtown Boise. Dock-free e-scooter services such as Lime, Bird and Spin are widely available downtown too.
Things to Do in Boise, Idaho
Hiking and biking are popular outdoor activities in Boise. Hike/bike trails in the foothills are accessible by 8th Street in downtown Boise. Spoil yourself after your strenuous activity by coming back to 8th Street, where you’ll be greeted with a pedestrian zone of sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
Visit the Basque Block, located downtown between Capitol Boulevard and 6th Street on Grove, to learn about Boise’s Basque heritage through food and knowledge. The Basque Block is comprised of two carefully-revitalized boarding houses, the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberruaga House and the Anduiza, the Basque Center, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and the Basque Market.
Idaho State Capitol plays home to the government of the state of Idaho. While you’re there, visit Boise Art Museum on Capitol in front of Julia Davis Park, and Zoo Boise located in the park.
Popular hotels in downtown Boise include: 4-star Inn at 500 Capitol, 4-star The Grove Hotel, 4-star Hotel 43 Boise, 3-star Residence Inn by Marriott Boise Downtown City Center, 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Downtown, 3-star Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown, and 3-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Boise Downtown.
Access the Boise River along the Greenbelt, just 1.9 miles away from downtown Boise, for a myriad of outdoor activities including fishing, biking, and rafting down the 25-mile stretch. Hotels near the Boise River Greenbelt include: 3-star Red Lion Hotel Boise Downtowner, 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown, ID, and 3-star Modern Hotel.
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