The Best Things to Do in Boise, Idaho This Weekend

Boise, Idaho, blends small-town charm with big-city energy. It’s beautifully tucked in the Boise River Valley and offers stunning views of the Boise Mountains. Similar to Denver, a gently flowing river runs through the city, creating a green sanctuary that changes vibrant colors during the fall. It’s a great outdoor hub, so I’ve curated a list of the best things to do in Boise!

Since 2018, I’ve been gluten-free and dairy-free, and now I’m on a mission to make gluten-free living and travel more accessible. Thanks to Visit Boise, I was able to experience vegan restaurants, outdoor activities, and wellness wonders first-hand through our partnership. All opinions in this piece are my own.

I spent four days in this stunning city, learning the ins and outs to bring you the ultimate wellness-focused weekend itinerary. Whether you’re craving good food, scenic sights, adventure, or outdoor fun, this travel guide covers the top restaurants and best things to do in Boise this weekend for a refreshing fall getaway.

Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission on the purchase at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support friend!

This is a photo of me overlooking downtown Boise from Camel's Back Trail. It's one of the top activities to do in the city!

Short on time? Top resources for your trip ✈️

Travel insurance is how I protect both my well-being and my trip.
Samsonite has the best lightweight suitcases for effortless packing.
Booking.com and Hotels.com are where I find the best last minute hotel deals.
Hostelworld is my go-to place to find private rooms in hostels for workcations.
Viator and GetYourGuide are where I book my tours and unique experiences.
Amazing Grass Greens makes it easy to eat plants first–anywhere.
These compression packing cubes help me stay organized and pack more.

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**What to do in Boise: A quick 3-day weekend itinerary for fall**

Short on time? Below is quick itinerary of the best things to do in Boise for a long weekend vacation.

While I was planning my trip, I was frequently asked “what is Boise, Idaho most known for?” Potatoes, of course–but, this city offers much more! Known as the City of Trees, Boise celebrates the magic of the outdoors, wellness, hiking, cultural diversity, and a thriving culinary scene.

Whether you’re a first timer or frequent visitor, there’s unique experience for everyone to try.

Friday/Day 1: Arrival, cozy cafes and dinner
Saturday/Day 2: Downtown Boise, bikes, and brews
Sunday/Day 3: Brunch, hiking, museums, fall foliage, and late departure
Monday/Day 4: (Optional) Breakfast and early departure

💡 Need a hotel? I loved that this artsy hotel had it all—comfort, charm, and a central location!

Where to stay in Boise?

Staying in a hotel downtown is the easiest way to explore the top activities in Boise.

First time visiting Boise? Same here! I’d definitely recommend choosing a hotel downtown for convenience and ease.

What I love most about downtown Boise is there are an abundance of hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants. It’s extremely walk-able too! Within this cultural hub you can really feel the heart beat of all the best things to see and do in Boise.

Hotel 43

Hotel 43 is a boutique hotel that prides itself on urban chic rooms decorated with vibrant headboards designed by local artist. I stayed here during my fall visit and absolutely loved the artsy flair paired with the stunning views of the downtown.

It’s an excellent stay for a long weekend trip and it’s within walking distance of some of the best things to do in Boise.

For instance, I loved that I could walk to Freak Alley Gallery, the Basque Block, and the Farmers Market, then be back in my room within 10-15 minutes. I didn’t have to lug my backpack around all day (especially after souvenir shopping) which was nice and I could easily freshen up for dinner.

💡 You can book your stay at this charming downtown hotel here.

This is an example of the beautiful artwork found throughout Hotel 43.

This is view of the downtown Boise from the King Suite at Hotel 43.

Best things to do in Boise: 3-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, cozy cafes, and dinner

First off, welcome to Boise, Idaho! The Boise Airport is conveniently located about 15 minutes by car from the downtown area. Taking an Uber or Lyft is the fastest and easiest way to reach your hotel.

Dinner at High Note Cafe

High Note Cafe is a vegan restaurant in downtown Boise.

Enjoying a vegan sandwich, salad and tea is great way to warm up during the fall in Boise.

After you check-in to your hotel, grab a coat and head to dinner at High Note Cafe. This restaurant is 100% plant based and has several gluten-free options to choose from. On the menu you’ll find warm soups and salads to cozy up on a fall evening, loaded nachos, vegan strawberry cheesecake, and much more.

Shop at Flying M Coffee House

Next door is the Flying M Coffee House. If you love quirky gifts, decadent homemade desserts, fragrant teas and coffee, this is shop you can’t miss. Grab a chai tea latte and a wheat-free maple berry muffin, shop for souvenirs, or play a game in this charming coffee house.

Day 2: Downtown Boise, bikes, and brews

Every Saturday, Boise buzzes with energy—locals laughing, outdoor fun everywhere, and a food scene that’s hard to resist.

Whenever I travel I always book a walking tour on my first day. It’s my absolute favorite way to experience the local charm, learn about the rich history, and check out the food scene. Below you’ll find a DIY travel guide for Day 2, but if you’re want something more curated – book a guided tour with a local.

💡 This best-selling tour lets you explore Boise’s culture and history with chef-inspired route. Get ready for delicious food tastings and discounts. I’ve heard great things about this tour – good portions, gentle pace, and fun atmosphere!

Breakfast at Guru Donuts

One of the best places to grab gluten-free donuts in Boise is Guru Donuts.

Enjoying these potato donuts are some of the top things eat in Boise.

Start your morning off with trip to Guru Donuts for their infamous, made-from-scratch, Idaho potato flour donuts. With gluten-free and vegan options, everyone is able to join in on the Saturday morning donut fun. Keep in mind for these specialty donuts (aka gluten-free and vegan) you do have to order them in advance.

I ordered two donuts 48-hours in-advance and opened my morning box to a pleasant surprise – an extra donut! This surprise made my day and shows just how kind and warm the staff are at this bakery.

If you’re looking to taste fall with a sweet treat, I highly recommend trying the fall spice donut that’s generously coated in a cinnamon-y, gingery sweet glaze. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spice.

Visit the Capital City Market

This landscape view of the farmer's market in Boise that happens every Saturday. It's a great activity to do this weekend!

Your weekend really begins with a trip to the Capital City Market at Grove Plaza. Established in 1994, this farmer’s market runs every Saturday from 10:00-2:00pm until December 20th.

Discover stunning flower bouquets from Pots on the Blvd, or shop for crafts designed by local artisans ranging from ceramic bowls to handmade jewelry.

Explore Downtown Boise, Freak Alley Gallery & The Basque Block

This is a red brick building surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.

This is a colorful mural found in the Freak Art Gallery in Boise.

After wandering the farmer’s market, it’s time to explore downtown Boise. The downtown area is compact and extremely walkable.

Wander through locally owned shops, take in the colorful murals at Freak Alley Gallery, and explore the Basque Block—home to the largest Basque community outside of Spain. Here you’ll find various restaurants that feature Basque cuisine, a stunning mural, a market, and the The Basque Museum & Cultural Center.

Bike the Greenbelt

Biking the Greenbelt is one of the best and most adventurous things to do in Boise.

This is a photo of me biking along the Greenbelt while admiring the fall colors.

One of the best things to do in Boise is to bike or walk the iconic Greenbelt. During the fall, the trees that line this 25-mile paved path turn vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Hop on your bike and ride along the Boise River to find some of the best fall foliage in Boise!

💡Are you staying at Hotel 43? Great news – complimentary city bike rentals are available to all guest!

I absolutely loved biking along Greenbelt on my bright red city bike! I felt so free and alive admiring the gently flowing Boise River and chasing the fall colors. If you’re not staying at this hotel, consider asking your front desk to see if they have free bike rentals or rent a bike from a local bike shop.

Sip and stroll the Greenbelt on a wine tour

Are you a wine lover? Another popular outdoor activity in Boise is to go wine tasting! Bike, walk, and sip your way through the different urban wineries along the Greenbelt that embody this garden charm.

While I’m not a wine enthusiast, I’ve heard amazing things about the Boise River Wine Walk Tour led by a wine-loving local! Visit Boise told me it’s one of the top outdoorsy things to do in the city for adults – and this tour is indulgent, bold, and relaxing. It does not disappoint.

💡 You can book your sip + stroll tour here!

Grab kombucha at Boise Booch Brewery

A glass of kombucha being held high up in the brewery.

A photo of me drinking a glass of kombucha in one of the only kombucha breweries in Boise.

Boise Booch Brewery is a kombucha brewery and taproom ten minutes away from downtown Boise. It features a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic booch, beer, and wine. Try your hand at boozy booch like Blackberry Julep or sip on a fall inspired non-alcoholic kombucha like Spiced Apple.

The laid-back ambiance of the brewery makes it an ideal spot to catch-up with a friend or make a new one. For instance, I had a lovely conservation with the bartender and two locals. We spent the hour laughing, chatting about movies, and the best places to explore in Boise.

Feel free to bring your dinner, your furry friend, or family. All are welcome in at this booch brewery!

Day 3: Brunch, hiking, museums, and fall foliage

Sundays in Boise are meant for slowing down and connecting over brunch, spending time in nature, exploring the top museums and looking for fall foliage. Mix and match your favorite cultural and outdoor activities below.

Brunch at Wild Roots Cafe

Brunch is the star of the show at Wild Roots Cafe, a local eatery that blends Southern brunch and seasonal ingredients with a modern twist. This restaurant is a safe haven for anyone needing vegetarian, vegan and wheat-free options. From the obligatory avocado toast and scramble to huevos rancheros and french toast, Wild Roots Cafe is a foodie paradise.

Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary

The Old Idaho Penitentiary is the top museums to visit in Boise. This photo shows me smiling in the courtyard.

Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one the top museums to visit in Boise for adults and children. It’s one of just four historic territorial prisons you can still visit today.

Step beyond the stone walls to discover fascinating stories of what life was really like inside during the prison’s 101-year history. Take a free self guided tour to learn about the scandals, prison riots, and daring escapes that shaped Boise’s evolution– from the Wild West to a vibrant capital city it is today.

During summer (from Memorial Day through Labor Day), the museum is open 10:00am-5:00pm. During winter, the museum is open 12:00-5:00pm. Tickets are $8 per adult.

Explore Idaho Botanical Gardens

Visiting the Idaho Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Boise during the fall. You can see stunning fall colors here!

One of the many scarecrows you'll find during the Scarecrow Stroll in the Idaho Botanical Gardens during fall.

One of the best things to do in Boise during the fall is to visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll find vibrant fall colors in the gardens and scenic views overlooking the surrounding area. Explore the Idaho Native Plant Garden to see some of these vibrant colors up close or roam around the Firewise Garden to understand the importance of fire-resistant plants.

Don’t miss the Scarecrow Stroll this weekend—a beloved garden tradition where local residents craft unique scarecrows displayed throughout the grounds. Stroll the paths, enjoy the creativity, and cast your vote for your favorite.

The gardens are open daily from 9:00-5:00pm and are closed on Tuesdays. Tickets are $14 for adults.

Hike Camel’s Back Trail

One of the best things to do in Boise is to Camel's Back Trail. This is an up-close photo of me hiking the trail.

One of the best things to do in Boise is to Camel's Back Trail. This is a photo of me hiking the trail from far away.

Another one of the best things to do in Boise is to hike Camel’s Back Trail. Set in Camel’s Back Park, this popular trail leads to a breathtaking view of the Boise skyline and surrounding foothills. This 1.7-mile loop takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

During the hike, expect some steep inclines, stairs, and sandy paths as you climb 324 feet in elevation. Keep in mind that the top can be windy!

💡 Travel in style – My go-to outdoor essential? A lightweight puffer jacket for tall girls to stay warm and dry, versatile shoes like Altras that transition effortlessly from trail-ready to city-chic, and a stylish mini-backpack that adds a fun pop of color to any look.

Depart home in the late evening or early Monday morning

If you have time, I recommend departing anytime after 7:30pm or early Monday morning so you can fully enjoy Sunday in Boise. The airport is extremely small and if you’re TSA approved you’ll clear security in about 15-20 minutes.

What to eat in Boise: Vegan-friendly restaurants

Below is a list of the what to eat in Boise. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or love meat, your bound to find something delightful at each of these highly-rated restaurants.

Lemon Tree Co.

A photo of me smiling while enjoying a cup of vegan tomato soup, bread, and salad.

Visiting Lemon Tree is a great option if you're looking for vegan food options with views of fall foliage.

Lemon Tree Co is vegan-friendly lunch spot that serves up healthy homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches. It’s made with love, allergy-friendly, and offers a 1/2 sandwich combo that’s wildly popular around town. After exploring the downtown, this is an excellent eatery to refuel and warm up before more adventuring.

Fork

One of the best places to eat in Boise is Fork. Located in the bustling downtown area, Fork is farm-to-table eatery committed to sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local Boise and Northwest producers, farmers, and brewers. From addictive asparagus fries and towering salads to mouthwatering burgers, enjoy a local meal in this renovated historical landmark.

Sunshine Spice Cafe

A photo of me enjoying a cup of saffron tea at an Afghan bakery in Boise.

A photo of the different types of sweet treats and drinks offered at an Afghan bakery in Boise.

Do you have a sweet tooth? If you’re nodding yes, then you’ll want to visit Sunshine Spice Cafe, an Afghan bakery, for an amazing assortment of sweet treats. Sip on a saffron latte, then choose between the rich saffron pudding, vegan and gluten-free cookies, baklava, or a Turkish bagel.

Cozy up with a good book in the window sill decorated with bright yellow and turquoise pillows or learn about the cafes roots from the wall photo collage documenting the Afghanistan sisters/refugees journey.

Percy

Another one of the best places to eat at in Boise is Percy. This restaurant features a chic upscale ambiance fit for a romantic night out, girls night, or an intimate family dinner. On the menu, you’ll find classic American options ranging from seared salmon to the forbidden rice bowl–a vegan and gluten-free dish with black rice and veggies, coated in a sweet chili sauce.

This dish is packed with immense flavor and is one of my favorite dishes on the menu!

ā Cafe

The decadent hot chocolate and a breakfast salad from one of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Boise.

A photo of me smiling and drinking tea in a cozy coffee shop in Boise.

During the fall, nothing screams good morning like spending some time in a cozy, quaint cafe. ā Cafe serves up some delightful coffees, decadent hot chocolates made with ceremonial grade Ecuadorian cacao, and of course, the famous pumpkin spice latte.

On the menu, you’ll find various types of egg scrambles, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, salads, and seasonal items like the Harvest bowl. ā Cafe has both vegan and gluten-free options available.

When’s the best time to visit?

This is a view of the stunning fall foliage found throughout the neighborhoods in Boise.

Boise is a great destination to visit year around. With that in mind, the best time to visit will depend on what type of experience you want.

Fall is my personal favorite! You’ll find lesser crowds, exciting Boise State football games, stunning fall foliage, autumn activities, and sunny, yet cool weather.

Spring in Boise tends to be a bit unpredictable with bouts of rain, sunshine, mild weather, and beautiful wildflowers. On the other hand, summer features dry, hot, sunny days. This season is great for floating down the Boise River, hiking, and going to an outdoor festival.

Love to ski or snowboard? If you’re nodding yes, winter is an excellent time to visit Boise and check out the snowy slopes. During this season, Bogus Basin opens its doors for the best skiing and snowboarding experiences near Boise.

How to get to Boise?

Boise is located in southwestern Idaho, nestled at the base of the Boise Mountains. It’s also close to the Oregon border! If you’re traveling from California (like I was) or any other West Coast state, you’ll find several short, direct flights—perfect for a cozy fall weekend getaway in Boise.

For instance, a flight from Burbank or Los Angeles is less than two hours. A flight from Seattle or Portland is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while a flight from San Francisco is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Things to do in Boise: FAQs

Some of the fall foliage you'll find throughout Boise.

A photo of a downtown Boise and the vibrant fall foliage.

Is Boise a walkable city?

Boise is an extremely walkable city and you don’t need to rent a car. I stayed downtown at Hotel 43 and found all the major attractions were within a 10-15 minute walking distance from the hotel. From the Capital Building and Freak Alley Gallery to restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique store, it’s easy to explore Boise by foot.

Is Boise, Idaho expensive?

Coming from California, I found planning a long weekend trip to Boise was very reasonable. For instance, you can expect to spend around $8-20 for breakfast, $15-30 for lunch, and $20-40 for dinner depending where you’re dining. In the end, what you spend really depends on your activities, dining choices, and how many drinks or experiences you go for.

How do I spend a day in Boise?

If you only have 1 day to explore the city, I’d recommend picking 3-5 activities from the itinerary above to design a 24-hr Boise itinerary. You can include unique attractions like visiting the Freak Alley Gallery, walking around the Basque Block, biking along the Boise River Greenbelt, and watching the sunset at Camel’s Back Park while overlooking Boise.

What’s the nicest part of Boise, Idaho?

Downtown Boise is hands-down the best part of the city! The urban charm invites you to explore the city through your taste buds, while also providing easy access to outdoor adventure. Start your morning with brunch at a cozy farm-to-table restaurant, then stroll through Boise’s idyllic downtown before biking along a gently flowing river, surrounded by colorful fall foliage.

One of the best things to do in Boise is to Camel's Back Trail. This is a photo of me hiking the trail.

Enjoying a farm-to-table brunch in Boise on a Sunday morning

Final thoughts: The best things to do in Boise

In summary, use this 3-day Boise itinerary to plan your perfect fall weekend trip. From the best things to do, eat, and see, this travel guide has everything you need for a weekend of wellness, adventure, and outdoor exploration.

If you don’t have time to do it all–don’t worry. In the end, no matter what you do you’re bound to have an amazing time in the City of Trees this weekend!

Happy adventuring!