Boise Summertime Jaunt
Boise Summertime Jaunt
All the Jaunt-approved spots you need for a 3-Day summer trip to this up-and-coming Pacific Northwest city.
The elevator pitch: An up-and-coming city that feels like Portland did 10 years ago. Great restaurants, beautiful outdoor activities, and friendly people!
When to go: This Jaunt is geared towards the summer months (mid May-Sept), when Boise’s hot and dry. During the summer, it averages highs of 79-90°F (26-32°C) and lows of 50-60°F (10-15°C) at night. It can definitely get into triple digits, so bring hats and sunscreen. During the winter months, Boise’s temperature range averages around 40°F (4°C) on the high end and 25°F (-4°C) on the low end.
Where to stay: We recommend staying Downtown for the central location and walkability. For a luxe boutique option, we like the centrally located, sleek Hotel 43. For a more local B&B vibe (and a lower rate), try the Boise Guest House, a Queen Ann Victorian home converted into a B&B with 6 beautiful suites (we’re partial to the Travel Suite, of course). Airbnb options are decent, but we found we got more bang for our buck going the hotel route.
How to get around: Downtown is pretty walkable, and Ubers are definitely the easiest option for anything not Downtown. If you are in Boise on the way to Sun Valley, and you’ll need to rent a car anyways, might as well do it early - parking is easy throughout the city.
Day 1: Get Your Bearings and Rent Some Bikes
Flying M Coffee House
Coffee in Downtown
map | site | @flyingmcoffeeboise
Quirky and cute. Locally owned and roasted, with a unique gift shop and amazing pastries! The perfect place to start your day.
Downtown Boise
Explore the center of the city
map
Cultural yet relaxed. Walk around Boise’s greenery-filled downtown, including the capitol building and the lively 8th Street.
Fork
Brunch in Downtown
map | reserve | site | @fork_boise
Fresh and local. This Boise stalwart takes farm-to-table one step further, and sources almost all of their ingredients, including alcohol, furniture, and glassware from the area. Try their famous asparagus fries!
Green Belt Bikes
Bike along the river
map | site | @mcusports
Active and laid back. Rent bikes from one of many rental shops (we link to one above), and ride along the Green Belt - a greenery-lined trail alongside Boise’s river. The Green Belt will take you into Garden City, we recommend stopping there for a drink (or two) before heading back to Downtown.
Telaya Wine Co.
Day Drinking in Garden City
map | site | @telayawine
Fun and convivial. Wine tasting room with a large lawn overlooking the Green Belt. Great place to stop for a drink after a long bike ride!
Yardarm
Day Drinking in Garden City
map | site | @yardarmboise
Cool and casual. We love this surf-inspired bar that makes you swear you’re in San Diego. Save room for a little snack from their on-prem food truck! Don’t put too many beers back, though - you still have a bike ride back to the city.
Hyde House
Dinner in Hyde Park
map | reserve | site | @the_hyde_house
Authentic and cozy. This local spot in a converted, historic home features a beautiful patio and a farm-to-table menu that’s constantly changing.
Hyde Park Fine Wines
Drinks in Hyde Park
map | site | @hydeparkwine
Convivial and attentive. Stop by this local wine shop and wine bar for an after-dinner glass. Bonus points - grab a spot by the fire pit!
Day 2: Explore the Basque Block
The District Coffee House
Coffee in Downtown
map | site | @thedistrictboise
Modern and chic. This airy, hip cafe has great coffee and excellent breakfast options. Grab some breakfast here before walking over to the Basque Block area (about a 10-minute walk).
Basque Block
Walk around the Basque area
map | site
Cultural and authentic. Boise is home to the largest Basque population outside of the Basque region. The Basque Block is a street featuring Boise’s many Basque restaurants and its cultural center. Beware - many restaurants are closed on Sunday!
Txikiteo
Lunch in Downtown
map | site | @txikiteoboise
Sleek and unique. Although not actually on the Basque Block (instead, about a 15 minute walk away), this modern restaurant serves up classic pinxtos (Basque tapas) in a contemporary space.
Barbarian Downtown Beer Bar
Day Drinking in Downtown
map | site | @barbarianbrewingidaho
Artisanal and hipster. This funky brewery features a rotating selection of interestingly-named beers. Grab a table and a board game for a leisurely afternoon! Tip: you can order from Calle 75 Street Tacos and they’ll deliver to your table, but we recommend saving your appetite for dinner.
Barbacoa Grill
Dinner in Southeast Boise
map | reserve | site | @barbacoa_boise
Luxe and sceney. Make a reservation for dinner at this innovative, decadent steakhouse with scenic views. It’s typically rated the best restaurant in Boise, and we can see why!
Day 3: Float Down the River
Big City Coffee
Breakfast in Downtown
map | site | @bigcitycoffee
Nostalgic and eclectic. This low-key breakfast spot with Americana decor has an extensive menu, with something for everyone. Lines might be long, but we promise it’s worth it!
Freak Alley
Check out Boise’s street art
map | site | @freakalleygallery
Vibrant and contemporary. This mural-lined alley featuring galleries is supposedly the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest. Spend some time admiring the ever-changing street art.
St. Lawrence Gridiron
Lunch in Downtown
map | reserve | site
Homey and easygoing. Grab lunch at this upscale barbecue joint with great cocktails. Bonus points - it has a great view of the capitol.
River Float
Leisurely afternoon activity
map | site
Chill and relaxed. Take an Uber to the rental shop, where you can rent tubes and take a relaxing float down the river. You’ll end smack in the middle of downtown, and can return your tubes and just walk into the city! They say no alcohol, but we won’t tell if you sneak some into your tube (we did!)
Trillium
Dinner in Downtown
map | reserve | site | @trilliumboise
Classic and elevated. Another farm-to-table restaurant, this time focused more on American classics. Wild bison makes an appearance on the menu, and we love their cocktails!
The Stil
Ice Cream in Downtown
map | site | @ilovethestil
Artisanal and bustling. Alcohol-infused ice cream. Need we say more? (Ok, we will - they also have non-alcoholic ice cream).
What didn’t make the list?
Have an extra day, or want to tailor your trip? Check out our bonus recommendations below.
Swap Txikiteo for a more casual lunch on the Basque Block at The Basque Market
For a healthier lunch, forego St. Lawrence Gridiron in favor of Lemon Tree Co.
For another drink spot in Hyde Park, check out The Royal Cocktail Co.
If you love Boise, you’ll also love
Bozeman, Montana. Jaunt coming soon!
Portland, Oregon. Jaunt coming soon!
Nearby places to visit
Sun Valley, Idaho. About a 2.5 hour car ride away.