Last Updated:
1/23/24
Boise, ID
Below is a list of the best places I would visit on a trip to this location. My picks fit my personality and interest. Everyone has a different interest so you may not like everything I listed which is fine. If you like a place, I recommend saving it to Google Maps for a future trip down the road. I made sure to include the address or GPS to make it easier to find. You can find out more about me in the "About Me" section to see if we share common interests.
Breakfast
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
108 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Sourdough French Toast: $10.00
Spicy Chicken and Bacon Benny: $13.95
Blueberry Pancakes: Short Stack 3 $13.00 Tall Stack 5 $17.95
Trav's Famous Breakfast Burrito: $16.95
Chicken Fried Steak: $18.95
Hours
Mon to Fri 7 am - 2 pm
Sat & Sun 7:30 am - 2 pm
Order Online: No
Guru Donuts
928 W Main St #100, Boise, ID 83702
Sample of the Donut Flavors
Strawberry Champagne: Dipped in Made-From-Scratch Strawberry Glaze, Topped with Champagne Buttercream, and Finish with Freeze Dried Strawberry Sprinkle
Alice in Wonderland: Glazed with Vanilla and Dipped in House Made Birthday Cake Crumb
Black Forest: Dipped in House Made Dark Chocolate, Filled with Made-From-Scratch Cherry Compote, and Finished with Pink Vanilla Striping
Paul Bunyan: Idaho Potato Donut Dipped in House Made Whiskey Maple Glaze, Sprinkled with Hickory Smoked Salt, and Finished with Maple Syrup Candied Pecans
Red Velvet: Red Velvet Cake Donut Dipped in Made-From-Scratch Cream Cheese
Hours
Monday Closed
Tues to Fri 7 am - 4 pm
Sat & Sun 8 am - 4 pm
Order Online: Yes
Activities
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is a historic site located in Boise, Idaho that was once home to the state's first prison, which operated from 1872 to 1973. The site now serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of prison life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the prison's cellblocks, gallows, and guard towers, as well as exhibits that showcase the history of the prison, including famous inmates, riots, and escapes. The site also offers a range of educational programs, tours, and events, making it a must-visit for history buffs, students of criminal justice, and anyone looking to learn more about the fascinating and often tragic history of the American prison system.
Cost
Adult (13+) - $8.00
Youth - $5.00
Senior (60+) - $6.00
2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
Winter Hours (1.28.23)
Daily Noon - 5 pm
Guided Tours are available most days for an additional $2 fee.
Peregrine Fund's World Center For Birds of Prey
The Peregrine Fund's World Center For Birds of Prey is a conservation center located in Boise, Idaho dedicated to protecting and preserving birds of prey around the world. The center houses a variety of raptors, including eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, and offers visitors a unique and educational experience exploring the world of these magnificent birds. Visitors can explore a range of exhibits and displays, including live bird demonstrations, educational programs, and interactive exhibits that help to bring the world of birds of prey to life. The center also conducts research and conservation efforts to protect endangered species and promote awareness of the importance of raptor conservation.
Live Bird Encounter Times
10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm
Cost
General - $12.00
Youth (4-16) - $7.00
Senior (62+) - $10.00
5668 W Flying Hawk Ln, Boise, ID 83709
Hours (1.16.24)
Monday Closed
Tues to Sun 10 am - 4 pm
The Best Time to Visit is September for Fall Flights Event
Idaho State Museum
The Idaho State Museum is a museum located in Boise, Idaho that showcases the rich and diverse history of the state of Idaho. The museum features exhibits and displays that cover a wide range of topics, including the Native American history of the region, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, mining and logging industries, and the role of Idaho in the growth of the United States. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, which help bring Idaho's history to life.
The Exhibits
Origins: Look at Idaho’s Five Federally Recognized Tribes
History Explorers Gallery: Hands-On Look at the History of Idahoans
Pioneer Village: Three Historic Cabins on View
Roots of Wisdom - Native Knowledge. Shared Science: How Traditional Knowledge and Modern Western Science Work Together Among Four Indigenous Communities (temporary exhibit)
Cost
Adults - $10.00
Youth (6-17) - $5.00
Senior (60+) - $8.00
610 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Hours (1.16.24)
Mon to Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday Noon - 5 pm
Warhawk Air Museum
The Warhawk Air Museum is an aviation museum located in Nampa, Idaho that is dedicated to preserving the history of military aviation in the United States. The museum's collection includes a range of historic aircraft, including bombers, fighters, trainers, and helicopters, as well as exhibits and displays that cover the history of military aviation from World War I to the present day. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, and even have the opportunity to take a flight in one of the museum's vintage aircraft.
Featured Aircraft
P-40E Kittyhawk
P-40N Warhawk
P-51C Mustang
MIG-17
F-86F Sabre Jet
Cost
General - $15.00
Youth (5-12) - $5.00
Senior - $12.00
201 Municipal Dr, Nampa, ID 83687
Hours (1.16.24)
Monday Closed
Tues to Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 11 am - 4 pm
Food
Big Jud's
1289 S Protest Rd, Boise, ID 83706
Hours
Mon to Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sunday Closed
Order Online: No
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Large Order of Fresh Cut Idaho Fries: $6.99
Super Bacon Burger: Cheeseburger with Ham & Bacon $9.09 single $11.99 double
Hawaiian Burger: Teriyaki Sauce, Ham, Pineapple, Tomato, Lettuce, and Cheddar Cheese $9.09 single $11.99 double
Hickory Burger: BBQ Sauce, Bacon, Onion Rings, Tomato, Lettuce, and Cheddar Cheese $9.49 single $11.99 double
Chicken Malibu: Ham, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo $9.09 single, $11.99 double
Cookies N' Cream Milkshake: $4.99
Man V. Food Burger - Two 1 Pound Patties, 10 Strips of Bacon, Two Layers of Mushrooms & Blue Cheese Crumbles Each, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo Served with Large Cut Fries and a Drink - $39.99
BBQ4LIFE
930 S Vista Ave, Boise, ID 83705
Sample Menu of What I Would Order
Champion Fries (starter): Crispy Fries Topped with Signature Mac & Cheese, BBQ Sauce, and Pulled Pork $10.00
Pastrami Sandwich: House Cured and Smoked Pastrami, Sliced Thin and Served Hot with Dijon Mustard, Grilled Onions, and Swiss Cheese on a Toasted Roll $14.50
Bigfoot Roll: House Smoked Pork with Mac & Cheese and BBQ Sauce on a Toasted Roll $13.50
Pulled Pork Cheeseburger: 100% House Ground, Smoked Beef and Pulled Pork Served on Toasted Roll with American Cheeese, Grilled Onions, and BBQ Sauce $15.50
Broodwich: A Bigfoot Sandwich on French Toast Texas Bread Topped with Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar $15.00
Hours
Daily 11 am - 9 pm
Order Online: Yes
They Also Serve a Wide Selection of Vegan Sandwiches Too
The STIL
786 W Broad St, Boise, ID 83702
Sample of the Ice Cream Flavors
After-School Special: Peanut Butter & No Bake Cookies
STIL The One: Raspberry Red Velvet
The Greenbelt: Blackberry & Smoked Sea Salt
Bake Sale: Brownies, Cookie Dough, & Chocolate Drizzle
Fresh Powder: Vanilla Cream Cheese
Phat Mints: Dark Chocolate & Fresh Mints
Hours
Sun to Thurs Noon - 10 pm
Fri & Sat Noon - 11 pm
Order Online: Yes
Feb. Highlight: National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day ~ Feb 3rd ~ For $7, you'll get a single scoop of ice cream, a slice of banana bread, coffee, orange juice, or a mimosa!
Places to Stay
FYI: The hotel prices are estimated and will most likely fluctuate since I looked them up on their website. I will keep them updated the best I can every three months. I look for the cheapest available room, usually a queen bed. I typically look at book rates two months in advance and in the middle of the month to get average rates. Reminder: It is an ESTIMATE
Inn at 500 Capitol
Located within Walking Distance of the Idaho State Museum, Boise Art Museum, and Idaho State Capitol
From their Website: "The best of Boise comes to life inside Inn at 500 Capitol, a luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of Idaho’s capital city."
Food/Drinks Options: Richard's Restaurant (onsite contemporary Italian cuisine ), Wylder (nearby pizza), and The STIL (nearby dessert)
Who is this for: Museum Lovers, Animal Watchers, Downtown Walkers, & Foodies
500 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
King in April 23' - $231.00
King in April 24' - $231.00
Modern Hotel
Located within Walking Distance of the Ann Morrison Park, Breweries, and Boise River Greenbelt
From their Website: "The Modern Hotel and Bar is a re-animated Travelodge located in downtown Boise’s Linen District. Independent, now and always!"
Food/Drinks Options: Big City Coffee (nearby breakfast ), Sid's Garage (nearby burger), and Woodland Empire Brewery (nearby nightcap)
Who is this for: Bikers, Motel Vibe, Like Unique Stays, & Beer Drinkers
1314 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702
Estimated Cost for Weekend Night (without tax/fee)
Queen in April 23' - $206.00
Queen in April 24' - $192.00
21 and up fun
10 Barrel Brewing
826 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702
SAMPLE OF BEER MENU
Boy Band Pilsner: German Pilsner | 5.2% ABV | IBU 28
Riviera: Gose | 5.3% ABV | IBU 5
Boise Apocalypse: West Coast IPA | 6.8% ABV | IBU 70
Melon Grab: Double IPA | 9.7% ABV | IBU 60
Castle of Memories: Barrel Aged Lager with Peaches | 8.5% ABV | IBU 30
Breakfast of Champions: Milk Stout | 5.1% AB | IBU 30
Hours
Sun to Thurs 11 am - 10 pm
Fri & Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Food Menu: Yes
Meriwether Cider House
224 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702
SAMPLE OF CIDER MENU
Black Currant Crus: Hard Cider | 6.9% ABV
Ginger Root: Hard Cider | 6.9% ABV
American Apple Pie: Hard Cider | 6.9% ABV
Cherry Thyme Bomb: Hard Cider | 6.9% ABV
Pineapple Habanero: Hard Cider | 6.9% ABV
Cranberry Crosscut: Hard Cider | 6.9% ABV
Hours
Monday Closed
Tues to Thurs 4 pm - 10 pm
Friday 3 pm - 10 pm
Saturday Noon - 10 pm
Sunday Noon - 6 pm
Food Menu: Maybe
Again these are just few of my picks that fit my personality and interest. If you feel that I left one-off that may interest me or other people, message me on Facebook about the location. I value a person's opinion and never just discard the information. Always looking forward to learning about new places to add to my Google Map. ~ Shawn
The Summary in Activities Uses OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (3.5) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com