How to Spend a Long Weekend in Boise: 3 to 4 Day Spring Itinerary
Y’all know how much I love my hometown of Boise, Idaho! Because there are so many fun things to do in Boise in all seasons, it’s become a popular weekend getaway destination. Boise is the perfect place to spend a long weekend! Whether you prefer city life or would rather enjoy the wilderness adjacent to Boise (or maybe a bit of both?), there really is something for everyone no matter your interests. Boise boasts multiple outdoor city markets, a vibrant dining scene, beautiful hiking trails, and more!
If you’re headed to the City of Trees in the spring, this post will help you make the most out of your long weekend in Boise! Below, I shared my suggested itinerary for three or four days in Boise, places to stay, and spring weather you can expect.
READ NEXT: How to Spend a Long Weekend in Boise: 3 to 4 Day Winter Itinerary
How to Spend A Long Weekend in Boise in Spring
-Day 1-
Eat breakfast at Goldy’s
This is one of the most popular breakfast destinations in downtown Boise! It’s an extremely cozy space located on Capitol Boulevard, so be sure to get there early if you want to avoid a wait. Weekends tend to be busier than week days (but week days are also busy!).
Take in the view from the Boise Depot
If you travel south on Capitol Boulevard, you’ll eventually see the Boise Depot. It’s one of the most iconic Boise landmarks; passenger trains used to serve Boise at the depot many years ago. It’s also one of the most popular places to take photos! (I’ve shot quite a few outfits there myself!) Spend time wandering around the Depot grounds, stop in for a tour if they’re available, and look north to see downtown, the Idaho state capitol building, and the foothills in the distance.
Hike Table Rock
You can’t come to Boise and not hike to the top of Table Rock (it’s the hill with the cross on the top of it to the east of downtown)! It’s the most popular hike to do in Boise and one I always recommend to people visiting for the first time. The most direct route starts near the Old Idaho Penitentiary in east Boise and takes about 45 minutes. The trail has a bit of a grade at times so I would consider it easy-moderate.
Grab dinner and drinks on 8th Street
After taking in the view of Boise and beyond (did you spot the Owyhee Mountains in the distance?), head back to 8th Street in downtown Boise! You can bar hop along that street (and on adjacent streets) and grab a bite to eat. You really can’t go wrong with any restaurant on 8th Street, but some of my favorites include Fork, Bittercreek Alehouse, Diablo and Sons, and The Funky Taco.
-Day 2-
Eat breakfast at Certified Kitchen and Bakery
You can easily spend a day exploring Boise’s popular North End neighborhood! Kick off your morning with a delicious breakfast at Certified Kitchen and Bakery on 13th Street. I highly recommend a breakfast sandwich on their English muffins made from a 52-year-old sourdough starter. They’re incredible! The breakfast burrito is also excellent.
Explore Hyde Park on 13th Street
Once you’re done with breakfast, wander around the cute mini downtown of 13th Street called Hyde Park! Explore the local shops, and once you’re ready for a sweet treat, be sure to pop into Goody’s for their yummy hot chocolate (or ice cream, if it’s warm out!).
Hike Camel’s Back Park
Camel’s Back Park is within walking distance of Hyde Park. Just head north on 13th Street! It’s a popular hangout spot for locals, and the hill makes for a fun (and challenging) hike with a beautiful view of the city at the top. (It’s a great spot to sled if it’s snowy!) There are trails to the side and behind the hill for hikers and mountain bikers.
Visit a local brewery (or two)
Boise has a plethora of local breweries all over the city. You can’t come and not visit one! I’m not a big drinker (especially beer), and I still find it fun to hang out, grab food from a food truck, and enjoy the company of others. (If I do get a drink, I go for the ciders!) Some of my favorites include Western Collective (technically located in Garden City adjacent to Boise; try their wine slushies!), 10 Barrel Brewing, Payette Brewing, and Mother Earth Brew Co.
-Day 3-
Eat breakfast (or brunch) at Bacon
Located in downtown Boise, Bacon is a super fun breakfast/brunch spot that features a full bar and probably my favorite part—a bacon flight (an assortment of a few different flavors of bacon). There’s even a patio if the weather is cooperating!
Stroll on the Boise River Greenbelt
Walk or bike off your breakfast on the Boise River Greenbelt, a paved path that runs along the Boise River from southeast Boise all the way to Eagle. It’s especially nice to walk or bike along it downtown between the big parks (Julia Davis, Ann Morrison, and Kathryn Albertson), and the greenbelt can also take you to Boise State University (read more about that below)!
Visit downtown museums
Since you’ll already be on the Greenbelt, now’s the perfect time to visit some of the museums Boise has to offer! (This is a great idea if the weather isn’t cooperating.) The Idaho State Museum, Idaho Black History Museum, and Boise Art Museum are located next to each other. Head across Capitol Boulevard (or under the bridge) to visit the Anne Frank Memorial and/or walk the other direction to find the Discovery Center (located on Myrtle; this is a GREAT spot for kiddos).
Wander Freak Alley Gallery + shop local
Before grabbing dinner (may I recommend The Wylder, Bardenay, or Western Proper?!), head back downtown to explore the public art at the Freak Alley Gallery! This is a popular place for high schoolers to take their senior photos (and for people like me to take outfit photos, haha). There’s always new sections of art to be found! If it’s not too late, walk to Bannock to shop The Chocolate Bar and City Peanut. You’re also close to Mixed Greens and Re-POP Gifts.
-Day 4-
Have an extra day to explore Boise? Here are some bonus activities to consider!
Ski or snowboard at Bogus Basin (* closing date usually mid to late April)
Nothing better than late season skiing or snowboarding at the closest ski resort to Boise, Bogus Basin, when the locals are busy working or shuttling their kids to spring sports games! 😉 If you don’t ski or snowboard, you can rent snowshoes, and there’s a tubing hill! Check to make sure it’s not already closed for the season.
Browse a local farmers market
Boise is home to a couple of outdoor farmers markets that kick off their seasons in the spring (usually April)! If you’re looking to browse mostly locally-sourced produce and other food, head to the Boise Farmers Market on Americana Boulevard (it’s across the street from the Green Acres Food Truck Park). If you’re looking to browse mainly local, handmade goods, head to the Capital City Public Market, located on the Grove Plaza downtown. Both are open Saturday mornings until about 1 pm.
Explore the Basque Block
Did you know Boise is home to the second largest population of Basque people outside Basque Country in Spain? If you have time, it’s worth checking out the Basque Block downtown. Visit the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and enjoy a Basque meal at Bar Gernika.
Walk through Boise State University
When you think of Boise, is the first think you think of the blue turf at Albertsons Stadium? Haha! Boise State University is centrally located right across the river from downtown and Julia Davis Park accessible via the greenbelt. It’s a quiet place for a stroll (or a bustling place, depending on when you visit in the spring). The trees on campus are absolutely beautiful when they’re in bloom! If you want to see the blue turf in person, you can through the Hall of Fame!
Best Places To Eat In Boise
Besides the places I highlighted in my suggested itinerary, there are SO many other great places to eat in Boise! Check out these blog posts to find a full selection of places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Best Places to Stay in Boise, Idaho
If you’re planning a long weekend to Boise, you might also be wondering about the best places to stay. Personally, I’m big a fan of hotels when I travel, and there are a plethora of hotels in Boise to choose from. If you prefer staying in fun boutique hotels, these options in and around downtown are worth checking to see if they have availability during your trip:
There are also a variety of chain hotel options to choose from in downtown Boise:
Spring Weather in Boise, Idaho
Boise is fortunate to get all four seasons, and spring is full of weather variety! Snow is not unheard of (it snowed in Boise in May 2022!), but it doesn’t stick around for long if it does snow. Thunderstorms happen most frequently in the spring compared to other seasons, but they still don’t happen all that often; we’re lucky if we get one a week! Wind is also a common occurrence with strong low pressure systems and cold fronts. Spring weather can either be beautiful or not great, haha.
High temperatures in the spring tend to range between 40°F and 70°F but can swing beyond either end of the spectrum depending on whatever the large scale weather pattern is. Be sure to check the local NWS weather forecast before your trip, and don’t hike or mountain bike if the trails are muddy!