Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho, is a capital city in the Pacific Northwest with a truly walkable downtown, more than 100 restaurants and bars, miles of trails, several parks and green spaces, and a mountain-fed river. Spend the morning biking the 29-mile Greenbelt, hiking in the foothills, paddling and floating the Boise River, or surfing waves at Whitewater Park. Switch gears to explore Basque culture on the Basque Block, view murals in Freak Alley, and enjoy an impressive, award-winning dinner scene. Idaho’s capital feels relaxed, creative, and outdoorsy without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where you can float the river, browse shops and galleries, sip local wine, and still catch a rooftop cocktail before sunset. For travelers seeking city energy without losing sight of nature, Boise makes a very strong case.