Things to do in Idaho include everything from sand dunes to waterfalls, plus plenty of potato-themed stuff along the way.
Idaho is tucked between the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, a gem whose shine is sometimes missed in the shadows of nearby Seattle, Portland, and Yellowstone National Park.
This bucket list will use 4 days to take you through 2 of Idaho’s most iconic towns: Boise and Twin Falls, plus all of the natural beauty and quirky photo opps along the way. These are the top things to do in Idaho:
Where To Arrive
You will find the cheapest flights in Idaho’s largest city, Boise. The city of Twin Falls is a scenic 2-hour drive away, with plenty to do in between.
I personally love using Skyscanner’s website or app to find the cheapest days to book flights.
What is the best time of year to visit Idaho?
The best time of the year to visit Idaho depends on what you like to do. The great thing about having all four seasons is that each one has something different to offer:
- The spring and fall each dress the gem state in their own colors, from coffee-colored foliage to pastel wildflowers. These seasons also offer some of the mildest weather, perfect for exploring indoors or outdoors.
- Winters in Idaho are usually snowy and cold, while summers stay in the 90-100-degree temperature range. Hello, skiing!
- Summers in Idaho stay in the 90-100-degree temperature range. Summer is the best time to hike, swim, and enjoy lakes and waterfalls. Tip: If you’re visiting Idaho in the summer, prepare to sweat and pack a good sunscreen that won’t clog your pores!
There really is no bad time of the year to visit Idaho but plan your visit in a season with the best weather for the things you want to do.
Things To Do in Boise, Idaho
Of all the things to do in Idaho, Boise should be on everyone’s list, no matter what kind of traveler you are.
Even as Idaho’s state capital and most populous city, Boise is sometimes called a large town rather than a big city, with mountain town charm even in the busier downtown area.
The City of Trees has a ton of outdoor activities, beautiful green spaces to explore, and plenty of bars and nightlife (Remember, Boise is a college town).
Where To Stay in Boise, Idaho
- The Grove Hotel has great views of the town, plus a sauna and a terrace to help you relax from all the hiking.
- The Lotus Hotel is a clean, comfy, budget option for staying close to town.
Things To Do in Boise, Idaho
Freak Alley Gallery
Freak Alley Gallery (F.A.G.) is the largest open-air gallery in the northwest, with an extraordinary range of colorful murals and vibrant graffiti spanning 2 blocks of downtown Boise.
This is my favorite stop in Boise! Bring extra outfits for photos.
Some of my go-to travel outfits include this mini dress or this backless flowy dress. They’re simple, comfortable, and look incredible in photos.
Another cool thing about this wall is that the art actually changes as years go by, meaning you can see something new even on a return visit to Freak Alley.
Usually, the art in Freak Alley lasts 1-2 years with a few notable exceptions, such as the famed Jimi Hendrix piece. Read: How To Take Travel Photos with Your Phone
Notes:
- The gallery is free and open 24/7.
- The entrance to Freak Alley itself is on the west side of North 8th Street.
Old Idaho State Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened its doors from 1872 to 1973, and during that time, it housed some of the West’s most famous criminals.
Today, you can experience:
- Gallows
- Cell blows
- (A visit to) solitary confinement
- 30 unique historic buildings and exhibits
There are 129 recorded deaths at the Idaho State Penitentiary from its 101 years of operation, including 10 executions, which of course, makes for great ghost stories.
Nature in Boise
- The Boise River Greenbelt is an incredible 25-mile green space running along the banks of the Boise River. Also, check out the free scavenger hunt explaining the history of the city.
- Lucky Peak State Park has crisp water and sandy beaches, perfect for summer swimming. The park is a 10-minute drive from downtown Boise or a 30-minute bike ride from Boise River Greenbelt.
- The Idaho Botanical Garden is a glorious 50 acres of land that was once the farm of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. The botanical garden was created in 1984, about 10 years after the prison closed.
Museums in Boise
- Idaho Black History Museum is the oldest African-American history museum in the US and is located in Julia Davis Park, which has a beautiful rose garden.
- Basque Museum and Cultural Center features Basque history in a beautiful landmark house built in 1910. Idaho is rich in the history of the people and home to one of the largest populations of Basques in the US.
More Things to Do in Boise
- The Capital City Public Market is open every Saturday, home to up to 150 vendors in peak season, and is always a fun place to visit.
- The Idaho State Capital Building is a sandstone beauty building with a small gift shop and historical information.
- The Basque Block is a short block of buildings dedicated to preserving the culture of the Basque people. The block is home to the Jaialdi festival, held only once every 5 years, which celebrates the Basque culture.
Between Boise and Twin Falls
Southern Idaho is known as the Magic Valley, and it’s easy to see waterfalls, dramatic gorges, desert sand dunes, and other wonders dot the route between Boise and Twin Falls.
If you’re planning a road trip through Idaho, make sure to set aside some time for the Magic Valley. Use your hiking pack list to make sure you don’t skimp on the essentials, especially in the brutal winter months.
Things To Do between Boise and Twin Falls
Thousand Springs State Park
Thousand Springs State Park is part of the ‘magic’ in Magic Valley!
The park is divided into 7 ‘units’, each with a different experience, and all within short driving distance of each other.
This road trip to Idaho itinerary allows for plenty of wiggle room if you want to experience an entire day at Thousand Springs.
The 7 units of Thousand Springs
Box Canyon: Hidden among the farms and crop fields, Box Canyon is known for its clear blue water, which comes from an underground spring in a unique shade of turquoise. You can view the canyon from above for striking views, perfect if you aren’t spending much time here.
If you do want to take the time, hike to the bottom of the canyon for a swim.
Malad Gorge: The Malad River cascades down into the Devil’s Washbowl, then winds through a 250-foot gorge on its way to the Snake River.
Views of the gorge are best from the bridge that crosses the canyon.
Ritter Island and Minnie Miller Waterfall: One of the main attractions of Ritter Island is the impressive Minnie Miller waterfall.
Minnie Miller, with its lush green ferns and jagged rocks, demonstrates some of that geographic diversity we spoke of earlier.
Kelton Trail: The Kelton Road gives you views of the same bridge that carried wagons traveling on the famed Oregon Trail.
Niagara Springs: is a rigid and powerful waterfall whose waters are the result of melting glaciers (boo global warming).
Crystal Springs Lake: In the canyon of Niagara Springs lies a beautifully reflective lake full of wildlife- there’s also a ton of bugs, so make sure to stay strapped.
Billingsley Creek: Before it became a state park, Billingsley Creek was called the Emerald Valley Ranch and was used for agriculture.
Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park
Did you know the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America is in Idaho?
At Bruneau, you can explore the sand dunes or rent a sandboard from the Visitor Center.
Equally as cool, The Observatory offers stargazing through a collection of telescopes. Tours and solar viewing begin an hour before sunset and are free!
Things To Do in Twin Falls Idaho
The City of Waterfalls is an outdoor lover’s dream!
Twin Falls is perched on the edge of the Snake River Valley’s gorge. Things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho, include hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and BASE jumping.
Where To Stay in Twin Falls
The Hampton Inn is only half a mile from Snake River Canyon Rim, one block from it, and has an indoor pool and hot tub. Plus, everything you could want to eat or drink is at your front door.
Shoshone Falls
Called ‘the Niagara of the West,’ the mighty Snake River drops over a series of islands before plunging 212 feet over a steep cliff.
Visitors have been known to visit Shoshone Falls since the mid-19th Century when travelers along the Oregon Trail would detour from the trail to see the falls.
Take a half-day guided tour to see all the falls without worrying about limited parking, plus learn the history of the city.
Note:
The Falls are at their fullest between March and May.
Snake River Canyon & Perrine Memorial Bridge
The Snake River, despite its name, is not full of snakes.
The name comes from European explorers who misinterpreted the sign made by the Shoshone people, who identified themselves in sign language by moving their hands in a swimming motion to signify that they lived near the river.
This probably looked more like a ‘snake’ to the explorers and cemented itself into legend.
The Snake River Canyon: The Canyon was formed over thousands of years as the Snake River cut through ancient lava flows, forming this stunning 50-mile natural wonder.
The I.B. Perrine Bridge: The Perrine Bridge rises 486 feet above the canyon. You can drive over the bridge or walk across the pedestrian portion (I don’t like heights, so this was a thrill for me!). South of the Perrine Bridge, you’ll find canyon overlooks, which are great for selfies and landscape photos.
Get down in the canyon via a scenic drive behind the visitor center. There are golf courses and hiking trails, but more importantly, there are gophers!
Notes:
- Take some time to walk on the edge (Staying on the trail, of course). The 7-mile-long Canyon Rim Trail has incredible views of the Snake River, the canyon, and the Perrine Bridge.
- In 1974, notorious daredevil Evel Knievel attempted a jump across the Snake River Canyon in a specially designed skycycle. From The Twin Falls Visitor Center, you can walk 1.8 miles along the Canyon Rim Trail to the Evel Knievel launch site, which is still visible on the Snake River Canyon rim.
Nature in Twin Falls, Idaho
Dierkes Lake is clear and great for swimming, less than a mile from Shoshone Falls.
Despite being named Twin Falls, there are way more than 2 waterfalls in this city! Check out the city’s namesake, Twin Falls, plus Auger Falls and Pillar Falls.
Museums in Twin Falls, Idaho
- The Faulkner Planetarium is Idaho’s largest astrological center and features some seriously cool sky shows and galleries.
- The Twin Falls Historical Society has a history museum along with a few nicely kept historic buildings.
Looking to add some literary stops to your time in Idaho?
Ernest Hemingway’s grave is about an hour and 40 minutes from Twin Falls in Ketchum, Idaho. While there, visit the house he shared with his wife, which is now maintained as a museum.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful place to visit in Idaho?
Idaho has several stunning destinations known for their natural beauty. These are my picks for the top 3 most beautiful places to visit in Idaho:
- Shoshone Falls. The “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls on the Snake River, is taller than Niagara Falls and quite captivating.
- Craters of the Moon National Monument. Otherworldly volcanic features, including craters, cinder cones, and lava flows, make Craters of the Moon National Monument unlike anywhere else.
- Hell’s Canyon. Hell’s Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. The Hells Canyon Overlook is the most famous scenic spot, but there are so many amazing views along the Snake River. The Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in Idaho and all of the PNW.
What’s the most beautiful city in Idaho?
My pick for the most beautiful city in Idaho is Boise. Idaho’s state capital is known for its cool street art, good food and coffee, and beautiful mountain views from every street corner.
The city has a cute, boutique-filled downtown area with historic architecture, shops, restaurants, and iconic attractions. Boise is also surrounded by natural beauty landscapes, including the Boise Foothills, which has hiking and biking trails with panoramic city views.
Boise is beautiful, but other cities in Idaho, such as Twin Falls, have unique charm and attractions also. My advice? Don’t limit yourself to just one town in Idaho!
What are the best free things to do in Idaho?
Idaho has a ton of free but cool activities. Here are some of the best free things to do in Idaho:
- Downtown Boise. Wander through downtown Boise and explore its vibrant atmosphere. The Capitol Building and Freak Alley Gallery are awesome places to take pictures.
- Boise River Greenbelt. Enjoy a stroll, jog, or bike ride along the scenic Boise River Greenbelt, which has some of the best views of the river and foothills.
- Shoshone Falls Park. Visit Shoshone Falls Park. There is a small parking fee, but the view of the “Niagara of the West” is worth it!
- Craters of the Moon National Monument. Explore the landscapes of Craters of the Moon National Monument for free. Note: there may be a fee for specific activities, but the monument is free.
- Old Idaho Penitentiary. Discover the history of the Old Idaho Penitentiary in Boise. While the guided tour has an admission fee, you can explore the exterior for free.
- Hike or Drive the Boise Foothills. Appreciate the trails and scenic viewpoints with stunning panoramas of the city.
Always check individual websites for updated information on fees before your visit.
What are the most romantic things to do in Idaho?
This state is lovely. These are some of the most romantic things to do in Idaho:
- Sunset at Coeur d’Alene Lake. Have a romantic picnic sunset over Coeur d’Alene Lake. The Tubbs Hill Nature Trails has great vantage points.
- Hot air balloon ride. Take a hot air balloon ride over Idaho. Aim for sunrise or sunset for the dreamiest vibes.
- Sawtooth Mountains getaway. Escape with your lover to the Sawtooth Mountains. Stay in a cozy cabin or lodge to soak in the peace.
- Go wine tasting in the Southwest Idaho. Visit the finest wineries in the Snake River Valley. Spend a day wine tasting in dramatically gorgeous vineyards with a guided tour.
- Get hot at a Hot Spring. Idaho has many incredible hot springs. Spending a relaxing day together in natural hot pools can be an intensely intimate experience.
- Idaho Botanical Garden. Take a stroll through the bursting blooms of the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise.
- Take a Yellowstone wildlife sightseeing tour. Take a private wildlife tour to optimize your chances of seeing animals like wolves, elk, bears, and sheep without driving or planning a thing.
Those are 7 of the most romantic things to do across Idaho, but honestly, there are so many more. The Gem State is truly a Gem!
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I hope my itinerary will help you make amazing new memories in Idaho.
What was your favorite part of your trip? Did you add to the itinerary?
Comment below or tag me on social media and tell me how your trip went!
