Boise, Idaho, is an underappreciated U.S. tourist destination, with everything from forests and rivers to mountains and skyscraper-dotted skylines. The top things to do in Boise, ID include thrilling outdoor activities, renowned museums, and zoos and aquariums.
Tired of siting through endless options for things to do in Boise? With this comprehensive guide of the top places to see in Boise, ID, you can plan the perfect trip to Idaho’s capital city.
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- Zoo Boise
Looking for a starting point for a Boise itinerary? A day trip to Zoo Boise is ideal for visitors of all ages. This entertaining zoological park is sure to please everyone in your travel party, especially if you have any animal enthusiasts among them. Aside from eight zoo regions with over 100 distinct species, the Zoo Boise also has many self-proclaimed “special attractions.” You’ll even have the opportunity to interact with a sloth bear at Zoo Boise.
- Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden, a must-see destination in Boise, is ideal for taking time to smell the roses. In a literal sense! This 15-acre park in the Boise foothills marks the pinnacle of Idaho gardening. The Idaho Botanical Garden is a haven for local flora as well as some alien species. Of course, the garden is also a lovely setting for an afternoon stroll. When taking a self-guided tour of the Idaho Botanical Garden, keep a look out for their most popular groups of blossoms.
- Aquarium of Boise
Make time to visit the Aquarium of Boise, where you can meet over 250 amazing species. Starry pufferfish, axolotls, caiman, and many kinds of giant rays are among the aquarium’s most popular residents. View shark eggs and embryos at various stages of development in the shark nursery. You might even get to see a hatchling break free from its egg if you’re lucky! You may also get up close and personal with a variety of reptiles and amphibians, as well as feed some tropical birds in the onsite bird aviary.
- Julia Davis Park
Need to take a break in nature? Julia Davis Park is one of the best places to visit in Boise for a relaxing day. There are plenty of interesting entertainment and leisure amenities on 43 acres of public lawns and pathways, including horseshoe pits, bocci ball courts, playgrounds, fishing ponds, and even a beautiful rose garden. A visit to Julia Davis Park is a necessity if you enjoy birdwatching. The park borders the Idaho Birding Trail. It’s regarded as one of the best spots in the state for viewing avifauna in their native habitat.
- Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site is a must-see on any vacation to Boise. After serving as a territorial prison for almost a century, it is currently one of four penitentiaries in the United States to open its doors to the public. You’ll travel back in time and see inside the rows of cells in the Old Idaho Penitentiary State. While you are to explore the prison on your own, a guided tour is for the most authentic Old Idaho Penitentiary Site experience.
- Idaho State Museum
A visit to the Idaho State Museum is a must-do during your time in Boise. Explore the halls filled with local artefacts, interactive displays, and narrative experiences to learn about Idaho’s past and how it evolved into the state it is today. The Idaho State Museum has four permanent exhibitions that teach about the people, landscapes, and politics of Idaho. Explore the museum’s two rotating exhibitions, which feature travelling national history collections.
