2-Day Boise, Idaho Itinerary

  • Day 1: Visit the Idaho State Capitol
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Boise Zoo

    Start your trip off by visiting the Idaho State Capitol building, which offers free tours throughout the day. Marvel at the beautiful architecture while learning about the state's history before heading to your next destination.

  • Day 1: Explore the Boise Zoo
    10 minutes (3.8 miles) from Idaho State Capitol

    The Boise Zoo features more than 600 animals from around the world within 11 animal habitats. Visit the adorable sloths or the powerful tigers and then learn about conservation work being done to protect endangered species.

  • Day 1: Dinner at The Basque Market
    15 minutes (4.5 miles) from Boise Zoo

    Head to The Basque Market for dinner, which offers traditional Basque cuisine with unique flavors. Try the chorizo and seafood paella or the lamb chops while enjoying a glass of wine or sangria.

  • Day 2: Morning Hike at Hulls Gulch Reserve
    20 minutes (6 miles) from The Basque Market

    Start your morning at Hulls Gulch Reserve, a beautiful hiking trail that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise before heading to your next destination.

  • Day 2: Art at Boise Art Museum
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Hulls Gulch Reserve

    After your hike, visit Boise Art Museum and see exhibitions of contemporary artists from around the world or the works of Idaho artists. Be impressed by changing exhibits and educational programs or take a guided tour.

  • Day 2: Lunch at Fork Restaurant
    5 minutes (1.6 miles) from Boise Art Museum

    End your trip at Fork Restaurant for lunch, a farm-to-table restaurant that uses locally-sourced ingredients to create their dishes. Try their famous Snake River Farms Wagyu Beef Burger or their House Smoked Trout BLT.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Idaho State Capitol (1-2 hours, free)
  • Boise Zoo (2-3 hours, $12 adults, $8 seniors/children, free for children under 3)
  • The Basque Market (1.5-2 hours, $$)
  • Hulls Gulch Reserve (2-3 hours, free)
  • Boise Art Museum (1-2 hours, $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students/children, free for children under 6)
  • Fork Restaurant (1-2 hours, $$)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $40-$60

Transportation

Boise has a variety of transportation options including rental cars, buses, and taxis. Walking or biking are great options in certain areas like downtown. For visitors who want to see the city on foot, renting a bike from one of the bike-share companies is a cost-effective and healthy option. Ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft are also available at reasonable rates.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Boise, consider visiting the World Center for Birds of Prey or enjoying a boat ride on Boise River. If you have less time, consider skipping Hulls Gulch Reserve for a morning stroll in Julia Davis Park with a visit to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial.

Airports

The Boise airport (BOI) is located just 3 miles south of downtown Boise. Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and bus services that reach various neighborhoods within the Treasure Valley.

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