There is so much to love about Idaho, including the fact that there are plenty of exciting day trips, all within two to three hours of its capital city of Boise. Boise is the largest city in the state, but with a population of roughly 225,000, it is still very easy to navigate. Plus, Boise is home to the Boise Airport, the biggest airport in Idaho. It is classified as an international airport despite not currently offering direct international flights, but you can still fly domestically from several major cities, such as Denver and Chicago. Ultimately, whether you’re interested in exploring every nook and cranny of the vibrant city of Boise or renting a car and visiting one of the many parks, forests, and historical sites nearby, you will surely enjoy your Idahoan travel adventure.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (3 hours)
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is approximately three hours by car from Boise, but it is well worth the drive. Simply put, you’ve probably never seen anything like Hells Canyon, which is located inside Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in northern Idaho. One of the main attractions within Hells Canyon is the canyon, after which the recreation area is named. The gorge is roughly 7,993 feet deep (the deepest river gorge in America), with Snake River running through it. Once you’ve arrived in Hells Canyon, there are lots of hiking and walking trails through the park. Many take advantage of having access to the 1,000-mile-long Snake River by going whitewater rafting, fishing, or jet boating.
Zoo Boise (Within the city)
Zoo Boise is a fun day trip for people of all ages. Located within the city of Boise, this zoo is dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. At Zoo Boise, you will be able to find exhibits featuring everything from the Chinese Red Panda, African Lion, and Giraffe to the Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, and Spotted-Necked Otter. There is also an African-themed boat ride, a kids’ farm, and a butterfly area. Of course, there are multiple food and drink options on-site, including the Expedition Gril and Gorongosa Coffee Cart, allowing visitors to spend the whole day here. Lastly, Zoo Boise hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, such as Breakfast with Santa, and offers $3 entry on Thursdays between November and February.
Bruneau Dunes State Park (1 hour)
If you’re a nature lover, then Bruneau Dunes State Park is another fantastic destination for a day trip in Idaho. Just one hour from Boise in Owyhee County in southwestern Idaho, this state park has been geologically preserved since it was created about 15,000 years ago (some scientists believe that the dunes were formed as a result of the Bonneville Flood).
You can fish for bluegill in the lakes at the foot of the dune; unlock the mystery of the desert with a breathtaking hike or horseback ride; plan a group picnic or visit the Bruneau Dunes Observatory and gaze at the night sky through the Observatory’s collection of telescopes. The dunes are stunning to see in person. However, there is more to do here than simply marveling at this historic, natural site. Bluegill are also found in the many lakes that are nestled at the foot of the dune or book a horseback riding tour. If you plan to visit at night, be sure to explore the Bruneau Dunes Observatory to stargaze using the Observatory’s telescopes.
Boise National Forest (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Despite being called the Boise National Forest, it is still 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Boise. That said, many visitors consider it worth the trip given the forest’s vast size and beauty – it covers over two million acres of land in Idaho! Elevations within the park range from 2,600 feet to a whopping 9,800 feet (for those wondering, Steel Mountain is the tallest mountain peak in the park). Given this range in elevation, you will find hikes suited to different levels here. Some of the easy and moderate hikes include the Skein Lake and Raft Lake Trail, the Adelmann Mine Hike, and the Bogus Basin Loop Trail, but there are also harder hikes like the 22-kilometer Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike or the 19-kilometer Sweet Connie Trail.
Kirkham Hot Springs (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Kirkham Hot Springs is worth the 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Boise. It can be found next to the South Fork Payette River near the town of Lowman, Idaho. Sitting at 4,000 feet, many visitors choose to not only take a soak in the hot springs but also to do some hiking, such as on the picturesque Kirkham Ridge Trail. In the summer, Kirkham Hot Springs is surrounded by colorful wildflowers and Ponderosa pines. Just make sure to be careful when walking to the hot springs or near the small waterfalls, as the rock surfaces can become slippery when wet. Lastly, if you want more of an adventure after soaking in the hot spring pools, go whitewater rafting, kayaking, or fishing on the South Fork Payette River. Kirkham Hot Springs is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
McCall (2 hours and 10 minutes)
McCall is a seasonal resort town that resides in Valley County Idaho, roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes by car from Boise. The town sits on the southern edge of Payette Lake, right next to Payette National Forest. This small town has a population of roughly 3,000 people, though this can swell during the summer and winter months due to tourism. Although it was originally a logging town, McCall has long been known as the go-to destination for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming on the lake are all popular summertime activities, while snowmobiling, alpine skiing, and backcountry skiing are common winter activities. It is worth noting that McCall boasts the highest average snowfall in the entire state.
Craters of the Moon National Monument (2 hours 45 minutes)
Craters of the Moon National Monument is another must if you’re looking to do a day trip from Boise. Situated roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes by car from the Idaho capital, Craters of the Moon will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. Believe it or not, NASA astronauts once actually trained on this lava field due to its likeness to the moon’s surface.
What is Craters of the Moon National Monument, you may be wondering? It is actually a basalt flood area featuring unique, out-of-this-world lava formations that were created between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago when nearby volcanoes erupted. Keep in mind that Craters of the Moon National Monument still sees geological activity. That said, it’s been over 2,000 years since its last eruption. If you plan to hike here, make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Sun Valley (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Another Idahoan resort town that is certainly worth the day trip is none other than Sun Valley. A two and a half hour drive from Boise, Sun Valley has tons to offer year-round, however, the most popular time to visit is undoubtedly the winter. It has a number of ski resorts at Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain (the latter of which offers gentler slopes than the former), so if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, Sun Valley is the place to be in Idaho. There are also many places to go ice skating, enjoy a winter sleigh ride, or go cross-country skiing while in Sun Valley. If you choose to visit in the summer, you will get to enjoy the many hiking and horseback riding trails in the mountains, like Fox Creek and Trail Creek, which take you up Proctor Mountain for stunning valley views.
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site (Within the city)
Believe it or not, the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, conveniently located in the city of Boise, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state capital. The penitentiary is a historic site given that it was erected in the 19th century. It served as a functional prison between 1872 and 1973. During its 101-year run, the Idaho State Penitentiary experienced a number of scandals and even a few escaped prisoners.
The Old Idaho State Penitentiary is open daily from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm. Guided tours cost just $2 per person and are available most days. However, self-guided tours are always available free of charge.
Shoshone Falls (2 hours)
Shoshone Falls is one of the most beautiful natural sites in all of Idaho, and thankfully, it’s only a 2-hour drive from Boise. Shoshone Falls is located in Twin Falls, Idaho, and what makes it so special is its height. It is actually taller than Niagara Falls (212 feet tall to Niagara Falls’ 167 feet tall). Given this, it’s no surprise that Idaho’s Shoshone Falls has been nicknamed the “Niagara of the West.” To view the falls in all their glory, be sure to visit Shoshone Falls Park, which offers the most spectacular view of them. There is a parking lot right off of I-84, which makes it a very accessible spot to visit, whether you simply want to stare at them and snap photos for a few minutes or you want to plan a picnic or longer walk.
Thousand Springs State Park (1 hour and 30 minutes)
For a scenic adventure not too far from Boise, visit Thousand Springs State Park in Idaho. Located in southern Idaho, one and a half hours from the state capital, this state park features gorgeous, awe-inspiring landscapes, including waterfalls, lakes, and rugged hills and valleys.
The park is split up into six units, each of which offers its own unique experience. A few of the most popular activities in Thousand Springs State Park include hiking in Box Canyon Nature Preserve, fishing at Niagara Springs, horseback riding in the arena at Billingsley Creek, and marveling at historic structures on Ritter Island. Thousand Springs State Park also features a brand new visitor center that opened in 2022.
Idaho Botanical Garden (Within the city)
After you’ve finished exploring the nearby Old Idaho State Penitentiary, be sure to stop in at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise. This nonprofit organization is committed to connecting people with nature. Therefore, the Garden is not only a beautiful place to visit but it is a central part of the Boise community, with members advocating for environmental stewardship.
The garden spans 32 acres and consists of hundreds of different species of plants. Key areas of this attraction include the English Garden, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Meditation Garden. Throughout the year, the Idaho Botanical Garden hosts classes, workshops, children’s camps, and events. The garden also serves as a concert venue, hosting the Outlaw Field Concert Series throughout the summer.
Plan Your Perfect Idaho Day Trip
Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking depths of Hells Canyon, the unique lunar landscapes of Craters of the Moon, or the serene beauty of Shoshone Falls, Idaho’s day trips promise an unforgettable adventure. From family-friendly attractions like Zoo Boise to the historic intrigue of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, there’s something for everyone. All within a short drive from Boise, these destinations offer the perfect escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and thrill-seekers alike. Pack your day bag and hit the road—Idaho’s wonders are waiting just a few hours away!
