Overview
As Idaho’s capital and largest city, Boise abounds in cultural opportunities, outdoor adventure, and scenic beauty. Boise is home to a population of 200,000 while the greater metropolitan area is home to nearly 600,000.
Outdoors
Boise is a great basecamp for all kinds of adventures! Starting in downtown, the 29-mile paved Greenbelt along both sides of the Boise river offers car-free biking, walking, and running. Minutes from downtown, there are almost 200 miles of single-track trails in the foothills that are perfect for a casual hike, exciting mountain bike ride, or a grueling trail run.
Winter sports
There are 18 ski resorts accessible from Idaho. They range from mom and pop local resorts to world famous places like Sun Valley (3 hours from Boise). Our local hill is Bogus Basin (1 hour away) that offers affordable skiing for the whole family. If self-propelled turns are your thing, Boise has a multitude of backcountry options.
Water Sports
The waters of Idaho offer a full range of activities. During the summer, floating the Boise River is a relaxing and popular way to beat the heat. A top white water destination in the nation, rapids are easy to find on Idaho’s serpentine rivers including the Payette and Salmon. In the winter, nothing is better than a soak in one of Idaho's mulitude of natural hot springs.
Boise City Life
Boise features a small-town vibe with the perks of a big city. We have a vibrant, walkable downtown with diverse, locally-owned shops and restaurants, live theater, dance, music, sports and more.
Basque district
Boise is home to a proud Basque population. They share their culture in the Basque District, which features a museum dedicated to Basque culture and several restaurants that serve delicious Basque cuisine. Be sure to try the paella during one of the regular Basque Block festivals!
Arts and Education
Museums
Boise has multiple engaging museums including the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Old Penitentiary. Families can also enjoy the Zoo Boise (with giraffes visible from the Boise River Greenbelt) and Discovery Center of Idaho, among plenty of other family friendly activites.
Concerts & Music
Many big musical acts swing through Boise on national tours, at one of several excellent venues. Boise also hosts many of the big Broadway shows. Local artists also shine in all genres, ranging from folk and rock to classical and opera.
Sports
Boise is home to hockey, baseball football, and soccer! Watch the Steelheads hit the ice right downtown, travel out to the fairgrounds to watch the Hawks take the field all summer, enjoy some indoor football with the Idaho Horsemen, or check out the brand new professional soccer stadium at Athletic Club Boise! We are also home to the Boise State University, where you can watch all of their varying sports teams. Of particular mention are the BSU Broncos and their famous blue turf, where you can watch them perennially compete as one of the nation’s top 25 college football programs. A short drive also gives you access to one of the top ten professional rodeos in the country, the Snake River Stampede.