8-Day Comprehensive Idaho Adventure: Nature, History, and Local Flavors

Day 1: Explore Boise

Boise, Idaho on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Goldy's Breakfast Bistro

Start your day with hearty, locally sourced breakfast options including their famous Dutch Baby pancake, open daily from 7am to 2pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Boise River Greenbelt Walk

Enjoy a refreshing morning stroll or bike ride along the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt, observing local wildlife and scenic park areas; open daily with free admission.
USD0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fork Restaurant

Savor contemporary American dishes made with Idaho-inspired ingredients in the heart of downtown Boise; open daily 11am-9pm.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Boise Art Museum

Explore diverse art exhibits featuring contemporary and regional artists; museum hours are 10am-5pm, closed Tuesdays.
USD12, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Julia Davis Park

Stroll through this scenic urban park with gardens, playgrounds, and the Idaho State Historical Museum, open 10am-5pm for a last cultural visit.
USD5, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bittercreek Alehouse

End your day dining on locally sourced meats and craft beers at this lively pub popular with residents; open until 10pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 2: McCall Outdoors

McCall, Idaho on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Drive to McCall

A scenic 2.5-hour drive north of Boise, heading towards the beautiful mountain town known for outdoor activities.
USD0, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Mama D’s Taste of Tuscany

Enjoy charming Italian-inspired breakfast and fresh baked goods in McCall’s cozy downtown location; open daily at 7am.
USD18, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Ponderosa State Park

Hike or rent a bike to explore trails along Payette Lake, enjoying stunning forest and lake views; park open sunrise to sunset with $7 vehicle fee.
USD7, 3h

4:00pm

Relax at Payette Lake Beach

Spend a peaceful afternoon at the lakeside beach taking in the mountain scenery and calm water.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Pancake House

Famous for their hearty American dinners and breakfast all day, especially their pancakes and hashbrowns; open until 9pm.
USD22, 1.5h
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Day 3: Sun Valley Exploration

Sun Valley, Idaho on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Sun Valley

Travel about 2 hours east to this famous resort town known for stunning mountain views and outdoor activities.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Java on Fourth

A cozy café offering excellent coffee and light breakfast options including sandwiches and pastries; open daily from 7am.
USD12, 1h

11:30am

Hike at Bald Mountain

Tackle moderate hiking trails or take the Sun Valley gondola for panoramic views; lifts and trails are open in summer season from 9am to 5pm.
USD25 for gondola, 3h

3:00pm

Visit Sun Valley Center for the Arts

Experience local art exhibits and theater performances; open weekdays 12pm-5pm.
USD10, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Konditorei

Enjoy upscale European-inspired cuisine in a garden setting that highlights local ingredients; open until 9pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Historic Ketchum & Relax

Ketchum, Idaho on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Kneadery

Try freshly baked breads and hearty breakfast plates in Ketchum’s charming café open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ernest Hemingway Memorial

Explore the grave site and museum commemorating the famous author who lived in Ketchum; open from 10am to 4pm.
USD5, 1h

11:00am

Explore downtown Ketchum

Shop at boutiques and galleries, soak up the mountain town vibe with a casual walk.
USD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sawtooth Brewery

Enjoy craft beer paired with wood-fired pizza and pub fare; open 11:30am-9pm daily.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Trail Creek Hot Springs

Soak in natural hot springs located about 30 minutes drive from Ketchum; best accessed in spring to early fall.
USD0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pioneer Saloon

Experience historic western ambiance with hearty meals and live music on select nights; open until 10pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 5: Yellowstone Vicinity

Island Park, Idaho on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Island Park

Travel southeast about 2 hours to Island Park, near Yellowstone’s west entrance, offering magnificent landscapes.
USD0, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Harriman's Cafe

A cozy spot with hearty American breakfasts perfect before exploring Yellowstone area, open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

11:30am

Visit Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance)

Explore geothermal features, wildlife, and iconic viewpoints in Yellowstone; park open 24/7, entrance fee $35 per vehicle.
USD35, 5h

4:30pm

Return to Island Park

Relax and overnight stay in the charming town with opportunities for fishing or outdoor leisure.
USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Moose Garage

Family-friendly diner featuring comfort food and Idaho specialties; open until 9pm.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 6: Craters of the Moon

Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Craters of the Moon

A 3.5-hour scenic drive southwest to Idaho's volcanic landscape park known for lava fields and caves.
USD0, 3.5h

10:30am

Explore Craters of the Moon National Monument

Hike trails and tour caves within this unique volcanic environment; visitor center open 9am-5pm, monument open all day; $25 vehicle fee.
USD25, 4h

3:00pm

Drive to Twin Falls

Travel south about 2 hours to Twin Falls, a gateway to spectacular Snake River Canyon sites.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Check into hotel and relax

Prepare for next day’s outdoor adventures in Twin Falls.
USD0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Elevation 486

Enjoy modern American cuisine with regional ingredients and views of the canyon, open until 9pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 7: Discover Twin Falls

Twin Falls, Idaho on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Canyon Crest Dining & Event Center

Breakfast with panoramic views over the Snake River Canyon, serving classic American fare starting at 7am.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Visit Shoshone Falls

Admire one of the highest waterfalls in North America, open all day with a small parking fee of $5.
USD5, 2h

11:00am

Explore Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

Take a scenic hike along the canyon rim with dramatic views; open daily, free access.
USD0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Jaker's Bar and Grill

Featured steaks and seafood in a casual atmosphere, open 11am-9pm.
USD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Herrett Center for Arts and Science

A local museum featuring art, natural history, and a planetarium; open noon to 5pm, closed Mondays.
USD10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to hotel for rest

Relax before dinner.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Twin Peaks

Casual dining spot known for burgers and comfort food with a lively atmosphere; open until 10pm.
USD20, 1.5h
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Day 8: Return to Boise

Boise, Idaho on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Classic Cup

A cozy café with great coffee and breakfast classics, perfect before travel; open from 7am.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive back to Boise

Approximately 2.5-hour drive northwest back to Boise for your departure or onward travel plans.
USD0, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Big City Coffee

Grab a quick, delicious lunch featuring sandwiches and salads in downtown Boise; open 7am to 3pm.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Old Idaho Penitentiary

Tour historic prison grounds dating back to the 1800s; open 10am-5pm with $8 entrance fee for adults.
USD8, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Hyde Park Neighborhood

Explore local shops and cafés for a final taste of Boise culture.
USD0, 1h

6:00pm

Farewell dinner at The Basque Market

Enjoy authentic Basque-inspired cuisine reflecting Boise’s heritage; open until 9pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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