aerial shot of Boise, Idaho during summer vacation

10 Things To Do In Boise, Idaho On Your Summer Vacation

Boise, Idaho, is a rugged yet accessible medium-sized city full of culture for your vacation. Boise is an overlooked tourist destination, especially in the summer. During that season, you’ll find endless outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and even wonderful weather.

In this Boise, Idaho travel guide from Idaho Title Loans, Inc., we will explain some things to do in Boise, Idaho. We will also guide those who experience financial difficulties during their travels on how they can pay for urgent expenses with an Idaho title loan.

Top 10 Boise, Idaho Attractions For Your Summer Vacation

Boise is a wonderful vacation spot for your summer travels. The capital of Idaho offers pleasant weather, plentiful outdoor activities, and fun events. While you may worry about the hot desert heat, you can also enjoy the cool nights when the temperature drops and take in the ambiance. You can enjoy plenty of fun Boise, Idaho activities during your summer trip.

The following are ten Boise, Idaho, attractions you can visit during your summer vacation:

1. The Boise River Greenbelt

First-time visitors can check out much of what Boise offers by biking or walking around the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt. It’s mere minutes from downtown but takes you through huge green spaces and parks, notable memorials, and even the storied campus of Boise State University.

A good place to stop along the trails is the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center, where you can check out some of Idaho’s notable wildlife. The Greenbelt is a great place to start when looking for things to do in Boise, Idaho.

2. The Boise Art Museum

The Boise Art Museum is a must-stop attraction in Idaho’s capital. It features a mix of revolving exhibitions and contemporary art showcases. The collection of modern realism, as well as outsider art by Idaho native James Charles Castle, is truly impressive.

Temporary exhibitions showcase work often unfortunately overlooked, such as recent Cuban artwork. You can also stroll through the museum's serene Sculpture Garden, a delightful outdoor extension of the museum’s artistic experience.

vacation spot for Boise, Idaho visitors

3. Capital City Public Market

Looking for a Boise, Idaho, activity that involves shopping for fresh produce and local crafts? The Capital City Public Market should be a priority for those visitors. Held every Saturday, the market features nearly 200 local vendors setting up shop downtown, offering locally grown produce and a wide range of arts and crafts.

The market offers seasonal discounts, and you can buy the produce depending on the time of year. When visiting Boise, ID, in the summer, you can purchase jam, hiking treats, coffee roasters, hot sauce, and much more.

4. Hulls Gulch Reserve

Runners, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders all feel at home at Hulls Gulch Reserve, a reserve with 150 miles of trails packed with Idaho wildlife. Outdoor activities are available for all experience levels throughout this 292-acre reserve just north of downtown.

This is a perfect Boise, ID, attraction for those looking to see some of the region’s native wildlife. You can catch a glimpse of great horned owls, kestrels, coyotes, mule deer, red foxes, or even a variety of snake and lizard species. You can also go to the ponds at the end of 9th Street to enjoy some birdwatching.

5. Boise Trolley Tours

Get an insider-led trip through the city through this popular guided tour held every summer from May through September. You can get a good look at the state capitol building, Warm Springs mansions, and Hyde Park.

This is an enjoyable summer vacation activity in Boise, ID, for those who want to get a panoramic view of the city in an open-air atmosphere. The tour guides will also give you insight into Boise’s history and give you a lesson on the city’s culture.

6. The Payette River

Summer is the perfect time for things to do in Boise, Idaho, that let you experience the great outdoors. Located between Boise and McCall, the Payette River offers half and full-day adventures, whether relaxing floating down the river or challenging rapids.

Idaho has more whitewater miles than any area in the Lower 48 states. McCall is also a popular spot for trout fishing. If you wish to stay near the river for multiple days, it has lodge, campground, and cabin accommodations for visitors.

7. Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise is just a five-minute walk from the Boise Art Museum, making it part of a full day when outlining your list of Boise, Idaho, attractions. In addition to unique attractions like the Conservation Cruise and Sloth Bear Encounter, Zoo Boise has a spectacular children’s zoo where you can feed sheep, llamas, and goats.

General admission tickets are only $12 for people aged 12 to 61, making it an affordable, budget-friendly activity for you and your family. They also have further discounted tickets on Thursdays.

8. Freak Alley

The northwest’s largest outdoor art gallery, Freak Alley sits between 8th and 9th streets. It is a fascinating collection of ever-growing and stunning graffiti, murals, and drawings that have accumulated over the past 20 years. It’s also where the local art community gathers each summer for a huge painting event.

You can visit Freak Alley for free to enjoy the diverse collection of artistic styles. This is a budget-friendly activity in Boise, Idaho, that you can easily walk to from downtown.

9. Basque Museum And Cultural Center

The culture of the Basque people is celebrated at this landmark that honors Basque immigrants who first settled in the United States in Boise. The museum is in what was once a Basque boardinghouse on West Grove Street.

You can journey through time to learn about the history of the Basque people, gaining insight into their language, culture, and customs. You can also learn about how the Basque people contributed to the development of the American West in the sheepherding industry.

10. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area

If you enjoy the outdoors, the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is the right summer vacation activity in Boise, ID, for you. Travelers can indulge in the area’s hiking and mountain biking trails. You can also take a chairlift ride to the top, enjoying the scenic views of Boise.

Those in your family who want a thrill ride can enjoy the mountain coaster, giving a jolt of excitement and a look at the views of the Boise Valley.

Take Care Of A Financial Emergency With An Idaho Title Loan

While following this Boise, Idaho travel guide, you may encounter a financial emergency. Unexpected travel costs can come up during your summer vacation in Boise, which you can handle with an Idaho title loan. This allows you to borrow from the value of your paid-off car by using your car title as collateral.

At Idaho Title Loans, Inc., we allow borrowers of all credit types to borrow up to $15,000. All you need to get approved for emergency funds is the three required items:

  • Your driver’s license or state-issued ID
  • A lien-free car title in your name
  • Your vehicle for an inspection

Don’t let unexpected costs derail your Boise vacation. Start the process for getting an Idaho car title loan online today. Our loan associates will guide you through the simple approval process and help you receive your emergency funds as soon as the same day or the next business day.

people with money from an Idaho title loan

Get Your Boise Title Loan Today With The Help Of Idaho Title Loans, Inc.

Ready to experience all the fun and exciting things to do in Boise, Idaho? Follow our Boise, Idaho travel guide to learn about some locations to enjoy the fresh air and learn about Boise’s history and culture.

If a financial emergency arises during your trip, Idaho Title Loans, Inc. can help with our title loans. Get a title loan today by filling out our online form and speaking to one of our loan associates over the phone.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

June Mckaig

June Mckaig writes articles on finance and budgeting, hoping to provide insight amidst the overwhelming crowds of information on the internet. She feels that with all this accessibility comes a lot of false data, and she would like to contribute astute, helpful input that she knows can help others. If you would like to learn more about June's research, read more here.