A Playful Getaway to Boise, Idaho

Where art, food and fun find equal measures

written by Ryn Pfeuffer | photography by Visit Idaho

Boise, Idaho, isn’t just another buttoned-up capital city—it’s where effortlessly cool urban vibes meet the beauty of the great outdoors. (It’s “Boy-see,” by the way.) Foodie, art buff or adventurer? Boise is your playground.

Start your journey by checking into The SPARROW, a boutique hotel in downtown Boise. Spacious rooms with kitschy decor inspired by local outdoor adventures set the tone for a relaxing stay. Plus, with a charming courtyard featuring a cozy fireplace and an inviting coffee and wine bar, it’s easy to feel right at home. And if you’re traveling with your furry friend, you’ll love the dog-friendly vibe and complimentary bike rentals—plus, the Crisp food truck and Form & Function Coffee are just outside the front door.

Once settled, dive into Boise’s rich arts and culture scene. The Boise Art Museum is a must-visit, especially on the first Thursday of every month when admission is “pay what you can.” On Family Art Saturdays, you can even create alongside local artists. During your visit between March and July 2025, don’t miss the Here We Have Idaho: Material Matters exhibit featuring stunning large-scale paintings by S. A. (Sharon) Jones and innovative sculptures by Astri Snodgrass.

Just a short walk away, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights houses the Idaho Anne Frank Memorial—a thoughtful educational park designed to spark conversation about human rights, with guided tours available for groups.

Take a fifteen-minute stroll to Freak Alley Gallery, the northwest’s largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery. This cool alley between 8th and 9th Street and Bannock and Idaho is a dynamic canvas where new art appears every year, all free for you to enjoy. While exploring, swing by The Reef for gigantic tiki punch bowl drinks and pupu platters on a rooftop deck, perfect for those late-night bites.

Colorful graffiti mural on urban brick building in downtown area of New York City, vibrant street art scene highlighting creativity and urban culture, featured in 1889 Magazine for artistic expression. — Freak Alley Gallery, an open-air mural gallery.

No Boise adventure is complete without indulging in some local flavors. Head over to Westside Drive In to sample Idaho’s signature finger steaks—bite-sized, battered and deep-fried beef delights. And don’t skip Westside’s Famous Ice Cream Potato; it may look like a loaded baked potato, but it’s actually a banana split reimagined with vanilla ice cream, co-coa powder, Oreo cookie crumbles, whipped cream and peanuts.

To taste local market life, visit the Boise Farmers Market on Saturdays (April to October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Here, you can grab everything from a caramelized sugar croissant at Acme Bakeshop to a fried zucchini blossom quesadilla from Roots of Mexico or even “The Lomojito” (mint) lemonade from Leialoha’s Lemonade. For brunch, Fork Restaurant offers a lively brick-and-wood atmosphere in the Boise City National Bank building. The housemade cinnamon roll drizzled with warm salted caramel is pillowy, gooey and good, and the Bloody Marys are legendary.

Fresh gourmet salad with colorful ingredients, served on a stylish plate for an upscale dining experience. Perfect for food lovers exploring elegant culinary presentations. — Fork Restaurant offers a sumptuous brunch with ambience.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Old Idaho Penitentiary site. Built in 1870, this former prison offers guided tours (for just a couple of bucks) that bring Boise’s Wild West past to life. Nearby, Table Rock—a 3.7-mile loop trail perched on a 1,100-foot rock formation—rewards you with breathtaking city views after a steep yet satisfying climb. If you prefer a more leisurely outing, rent an e-bike or scooter and cruise along the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile scenic pathway that winds alongside the river and through several parks.

After your adventures, cool down at Barbarian Brewing for locally crafted beers (no minors, though), and sample some delicious street tacos from Calle 75. For a sweet treat, The STIL in downtown Boise serves up booze-infused ice cream made with Idaho dairy—perfect for warm days. (There are plenty of vegan options, too.) If you have time, stop by The Record Exchange. It isn’t just a music store—it’s also a coffee shop and fun novelty shop. Locals know it as The Edge, thanks to its early ’80s claim as downtown’s first espresso bar. (For coffee purists, Slow by Slow in the Theater District serves meticulously made pour-over coffee.)

Just outside Boise, the World Center for Birds of Prey offers up-close encounters with live raptors—California condors included—plus engaging conservation programs. For a farewell dose of retro fun, check out the Idaho Pinball Museum with its vintage machines and Thursday night tournaments.