Stretching from Shoshone to Stanley, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is, in my biased opinion, one of the most beautiful routes through Idaho. From lava-filled high desert to the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, this scenic byway has sweeping views, creature comforts and access to some truly spectacular outdoor recreation.
72 Hours in the Silver Valley By Rick Shaffer A visit to northern Idaho just isn't complete without spending time in Wallace--the self-proclaimed "Center of the Universe". Here is a jam-packed itinerary to give you a taste of all the Silver Valley has to offer.
Although Boise probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of culinary diversity, the rapidly growing metro area has amassed an impressive list of restaurants serving a variety of foods from all over the globe. While some of these restaurateurs are refugees who have been displaced from their native lands, others have moved to the Treasure Valley in search of new surroundings or accessibility to the great outdoors. No matter how they arrived in Boise, they all possess one thing in common: the desire to share the flavors of their family ancestry or their homeland with the community.
Boise benefits from its temperate, high-desert climate and location at the western edge of the Mountain time zone, giving it over 200 days of sunshine a year and long, pleasant second-summer days well into fall. Here are eight places with outdoor spaces for you to explore while getting some sunshine and exercise in the City of Trees.
This story originally appeared in the 2021 Official Idaho Travel Guide. Main image: Angela Abaya (Left), Program Director at LED, and dancer Nell Josephine.
Visiting Boise and don’t have a car? No problem. One of the City of Trees’ most beloved aspects is its accessibility. So many of its popular spots and points of interest can be reached and explored on two legs or two (or more) wheels.
Traveling Newlyweds worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Alright, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Schweitzer Mountain. Anyone? Technically we can’t see you right now, but we’re guessing not a lot of you have.
Soak Up Summer Adventure in McCall By Visit Idaho If you're looking for a quick weekend getaway this summer, McCall is the perfect destination for some fun in the sun. From exhilarating mountain biking adventures to leisurely lake days, with all that McCall has to offer, you just might end up extending your trip by a day or two.
Melynda Harrison worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Many people are drawn to Island Park in eastern Idaho because of its proximity to Yellowstone National Park. While Yellowstone is fascinating, the Idaho area around the park is beautiful and rich with recreational opportunities.
Tara Morgan worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. When the heat soars and you need a quick jolt to drop your body temp, channel your inner Parrothead and reach for a frozen concoction to help you hang on.
Traveling Newlyweds worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. When we first told our family and friends that we were planning to road trip from Costa Mesa, CA to Twin Falls and Boise, ID, (with our busy, never-stops-moving one-year-old) they thought we were crazy.
Mark Melynk worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Picture this, the sun is just cresting the horizon and for the first time that morning, you’re able to see the glacial blue-green color of the river. Breathtaking!
Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, and this vibrant city is rich with Idaho history, hiking and biking trails and is close to activities and attractions for a quick day trip. The eclectic mix of small-town friendliness and college-town energy found in Moscow offers plenty to do.
Pocatello is home to Idaho State University and is also a city with rich Native American history, trails for outdoor recreation and day-trip possibilities to nearby attractions and towns. Whether you already have tickets to a Bengals game or if you’re just starting to plan, here are some things to do while you’re in town.
Boise, Idaho’s capital and the home of Boise State University, is filled with a diverse array of arts, culture and outdoor recreation centered around the university and downtown area. Boise’s close proximity to outdoor recreation, exciting culinary scene and vibrant downtown make it a great destination for an extended stay.
Y Travel worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Trip Details: Salmon River Scenic Byway • LOCATION: From the Montana state line south on U.S. 93 to Challis and then west to Stanley on Idaho 75.• STOPS: Boise -> Stanley -> Salmon -> Sun Valley -> Boise• DISTANCE: 161.7 miles.• TIME RECOMMENDED: At least one week• BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to November Steaming natural hot springs beside the rushing river, craggy mountain peaks, sparkling glacial lakes, and endless starry skies are just part of the reason to make this road trip.
Sara Sheehy worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. From high-altitude lakes nestled in evergreen forests to historic crossings of the Oregon Trail, Idaho’s state parks offer a little something for every type of traveler.
Sofia Jaramillo worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjrwu-lJF4k There it is once again, that feeling of surrender. Surrender to the unknown.
Aaron Theisen worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. My riding buddy and I are cruising up a climbing Sandpoint mountain bike trail at the Sherwood Forest trail system in northern Idaho’s Panhandle, and we’re already making plans for our next ride.
Tara Morgan worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. There’s no better place to soak in the sunshine and breathe in the lilac-scented spring air than an outdoor patio. And there’s no better time to linger over a decadent meal and mimosas than brunch.
Did you know Idaho has more navigable miles of whitewater than any other state in the Lower 48? With 3,100 miles of rapids, eddies, sand bars and more, you can always find a way to add a day (or six) of whitewater rafting to your Idaho vacation.
Summer vacation planning is in full swing and Idaho has all the outdoor amenities to make your summer memorable. As we prepare to pack our bags for a long weekend or a week-long getaway, it’s important to know about a few changes to improve your summer experience.
April is Idaho Craft Beer Month, and to celebrate this annual event, I asked some breweries and restaurants around the state to share their favorite beer-and-food pairings and to tell us what inspires their creations. Warning: thirst or hunger pangs may occur while reading.
When the weather grows warmer and days become longer, the opportunity to break away and leave routines behind is on the horizon. But summer is more than just going on vacation. It’s a time to experience something new and make unforgettable memories.
Alexandra Baackes worked in partnership to create this Travel Tip. When I mused that my delayed trip to Idaho would be worth the wait, I was right – but I had no idea just how right I’d be. While pouring over the details of my postponed adventure, I learned a fun tidbit: Idaho is the Gem State.