Boise is the capital and largest city of Idaho. Boise offers numerous recreational opportunities, including extensive hiking and biking in the foothills to the immediate north of downtown. Boise is a regional hub for jazz, theater, and indie music, and is home to several museums.
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Although its economic growth has its roots in agriculture, the city is now home to many high-tech firms, including Micron Technology. Related to Idaho's agricultural history, notable food-related firms such as Albertson's, WinCo Foods and the J.R. Simplot Company are headquartered in this city. Although the origin of the name is disputed, "Boise" is thought to be derived from the French les bois, or "the woods." The name is a reference to the tree-lined Boise River, which passes through the heart of the city.
Idaho is not known for public transportation, so most places outside the city center require a vehicle. Valley Regional Transit. Routes are lacking compared to other cities of similar size. Make sure to check schedules since most buses do not run on Sundays and many stop running at 6:45PM. $1.50/ride or $2.50/day pass. (updated Apr 2024) Cars can be rented at the Boise Airport from major rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise. Traffic in Boise is relatively light and peaceful, especially compared to Seattle or Portland. But Boise is no stranger to heavy traffic in certain places.
Boise is the administrative and cultural hub of Idaho. Many of Boise's main attractions are in the downtown area. 1 Idaho State Capitol Building, 700 W Jefferson St (Downtown at the northeast end of Capitol Blvd). M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. If you are bold, you can ring the bell at the foot of the Capitol steps. The Capitol underwent extensive renovation and in early 2010 reopened amidst much fanfare after being completely closed (including to government officials) for the better part of two years. Guided tours are by reservation only, but there is an exhibit about Idaho and its government on the ground floor.
Because of Idaho's massive outdoor recreation industry, Boise is the starting point for many outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and kayaking. However, since Boise is also a large city, it also has urban attractions consistent with its status as the largest city in the state. 1 Boise Contemporary Theater, 854 W Fulton. Since 1997, Boise Contemporary Theater has been Boise's premiere professional contemporary theater. Located in downtown Boise, BCT creates, produces, and presents vibrant and dynamic professional theater that illuminates enduring themes while exploring contemporary issues and ideas.
Most of the fancier restaurants are in the downtown area. 1 Lucky 13 Pizza, 3662 South Eckert Rd, ☏ +1 208-344-3967. Pizza and beer in a patio setting snuggled into the Harris Ranch area of East Boise. A great place to go on a warm summer evening. Smoking is allowed on the patio. 2 Flying Pie Pizzaria (sic), 6508 Fairview Ave, ☏ +1 208-345-0000. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Possibly the best pizza in the Northwest. They have a great selection of beers which can be delivered (along with the pizzas themselves). A summer-only promotion is the habanero pizza which is definitely not for the timid - the heat equivalent of pounds of jalapenos.
Boise has a surprisingly well-rounded nightlife, all stereotypes to the contrary, but once again, the best places to drink are all downtown. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, throngs of young women in midriff-baring outfits (no matter the weather) and young men strutting their stuff cruise downtown bars. Boise bars may serve from 10AM-2AM daily, however some close earlier. All bars within Boise city limits are smoke-free, although smoking at bars is still permitted in nearby Garden City. 1 Bittercreek Alehouse (Red Feather Lounge), 246 N. 8th (8th & Idaho downtown Boise), ☏ +1 208-345-1813. 11AM-late. Very busy local independent downtown hangout, rustic northwest food & beer.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Boise typically sees ~34°C daytime highs and 1 rainy days.
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