A Day Away: Day Trips Near Boise and Idaho City

If you thought there was nothing to do in Idaho, you were wrong. The Gem State is full of amazing adventures, just a few hours away from the capital city. From ghost towns and otherworldly landscapes to wineries and waterparks, here are some of the best daytrips around Boise and Idaho City, Idaho.

Bruneau Dunes State Park 

You don’t need to go to the Sahara to see impressive sand dunes. Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the largest single-structured sand dune in North America. Visitors can hike the massive dunes, try sandboarding, or spend the afternoon exploring the small lakes scattered throughout the park. In addition to the dune, the park is also known for its observatory, where travelers can enjoy some of the darkest skies in southern Idaho. It is a perfect destination for adventurers looking for scenery unlike anything else in the region. 

Craters of the Moon National Monument

If you are looking for an otherworldly adventure, Craters of the Moon National Monument lives up to its name. The landscape’s stark beauty has inspired explorers, scientists, and even astronauts training for lunar missions. A trip to Craters of the Moon offers a journey across ancient lava fields and volcanic formations that resemble another planet. Visitors can walk through lava tubes, hike rugged trails across hardened lava flows, and explore dramatic cinder cones. If you truly want an out-of-this-world experience, this is it. 

Thousand Springs and Hagerman Fossil Beds

If visiting another planet isn’t your thing, how about visiting a land before time? Hagerman Fossil Beds preserves one of the richest fossil sites in North America, where visitors can learn about prehistoric animals that once roamed the region. Afterwards, you can visit the nearby Thousand Springs area, which showcases waterfalls and springs pouring directly from canyon walls along the Snake River. Together, these destinations create a fascinating combination of natural beauty and ancient history. 

Boise National Forest

Stretching across millions of acres, Boise National Forest is one of the closest locations on our list. Visitors can spend the day hiking mountain trails, fishing alpine lakes, rafting rivers, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery. No matter the season, Boise National Forest offers opportunities for adventure and amazing views all year round.

Hot springs 

Idaho’s geothermal activity is responsible for the impressive volcanic landscapes across the state, but it’s also responsible for the most relaxing features as well– the natural hot springs. There are few experiences more relaxing than soaking in steamy, mineral-rich water. The mountains surrounding Idaho City are home to numerous geothermal pools, many tucked into scenic forest settings. Popular spots around Boise include Kirkham Hot Springs in Lowman and The Springs, right here in Idaho City!

Shoshone Falls (Twin Falls) 

Often called the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is one of Idaho’s most spectacular sights. The waterfall plunges more than 200 feet into the Snake River Canyon, creating dramatic views and misty spray during peak flow season. Spring and early summer are particularly beautiful times to visit, when snowmelt turns the powerful falls into a roaring wonder.

Shoshone Ice Caves

Beneath Idaho’s lava fields lies a hidden frozen world: the Shoshone Ice Caves. These underground caves remain frozen year-round, even during the heat of summer. Guided tours take visitors deep underground to explore the icy formations and learn about the volcanic geology that created this unusual attraction. The beautiful, eerie caves are a chilling adventure in more ways than one.

Old State Penitentiary

This one is technically in Boise, but it’s still worth a visit. The Old Idaho Penitentiary is a former prison that operated for more than 100 years. Visitors can tour historic cell blocks, solitary confinement areas, and prison grounds while learning about the infamous inmates and dramatic escape attempts that shaped the prison’s history. The site offers a fascinating look into Idaho’s past and remains one of Boise’s most unique attractions. 

Celebration Park 

Celebration Park combines natural beauty with cultural history along the Snake River. The park is home to one of the largest collections of ancient petroglyphs in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can walk scenic trails, view the rock art, and explore the surrounding desert landscape while learning about the Indigenous cultures that thrived in the area.

Silver City

High in the Owyhee Mountains rests one of Idaho’s best-preserved ghost towns, Silver City. Once a booming mining town during the silver rush, it now offers visitors a glimpse into Idaho’s frontier past. The historic buildings, dirt roads, small museums, and mountain scenery leave a lasting impression on visitors who explore the town.

Bogus Basin Recreation Area

Take a break from the city at Bogus Basin Recreation Area to experience year-round mountain fun. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, while summer brings scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, hiking, and an alpine coaster. With fun activities for all ages, Bogus Basin is a must-visit destination for Idaho locals and tourists alike.

Roaring Springs Water Park

Looking for ways to beat the summer heat? Roaring Springs Water Park offers thrilling slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones all summer long. During Idaho’s warmer months, it is one of the most popular attractions in the Boise area. Families can easily spend the entire day cooling off and enjoying the park’s many attractions. 

Sunnyslope Wine Trail 

Idaho may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about wine, but there are several wineries worth a visit! Wine lovers can spend the day exploring the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, Idaho’s premier wine region. Vineyards and tasting rooms stretch across the rolling countryside near the Snake River, offering opportunities to enjoy locally crafted wines and gorgeous mountain views.