1. Boise
The Capitol of Idaho makes the list because not only is it the place you’ll most likely fly into, but also because it’s a scene and community worth experiencing. Whether you want to take in a Boise State football game on the blue turf or float the Boise River, the options are limitless and multifaceted to say the least.
Place to eat: Of all the dining options in Boise, Bittercreek Alehouse is a solid representative of the cuisine that the city centers around. Not only do they source a strong majority of their food and drink from Idaho, but it’s tasty and the owners have good intentions in terms of quality. In the restaurant business, you can’t ask for much more than Bittercreek offers: local, delicious and genuine. Consider dropping in.
Place to stay: A unique place to stay is the Modern Hotel and Bar. This place has award winning bartenders and a quaint, but exciting, atmosphere. The Aviation cocktail is something to try.
Best activity: The best winter activity is skiing thirty minutes away at Bogus Basin Resort. The ideal summer outing is a mountain bike ride in the foothills or a trip to Lucky Peak Reservoir with a jet boat. It’s impossible to narrow it down, but you can’t go wrong.
2. McCall
Just two hours north of Boise, McCall is everything that Idaho represents. There also isn’t a spotlight on the town, as it’s not nationally known yet. Right outside of McCall is a bustling ski mountain in the winter, and immediately adjacent to town is beautiful Payette Lake. McCall has limitless activities to offer, whether you’re on a romantic couple getaway or an unbearably loud family vacation.
Place to eat: The dining in McCall isn’t anything groundbreaking, but My Father’s Place and the Fog Lifter are two places to drive by when it’s meal time. They’re just across the street from each other, making it viable to enjoy both menus in the same day.
Place to stay: There are many vacation home rentals in the area, so if you’re looking for a more home away from home experience, your options will be there. In addition, there are nice hotels like the Shore Lodge that are worth considering.
Best activity: A trip to Burgdorf hot springs is ridiculously scenic and only a thirty minute drive from town. Skiing Brundage is the winter activity that can’t be passed up if you like hitting the slopes.
3. Ketchum
Ketchum is a small town nestled right up to the world class ski resort of Sun Valley. It’s a must-see for anyone in the state, evidenced by people visiting the resort town annually from all over the world. It’s an iconic winter wonderland in the cold months, and an outdoorsman’s best dream in the summer and shoulder seasons. Whether you’re into fly fishing or simply just want to sit down and drink a local beer while looking at the mountains, you can’t go wrong in Ketchum.
Place to eat: Desperado’s Mexican restaurant is high quality and representative of the Sun Valley mindset. It’s worth checking out, particularly for lunch. The seasonal tacos never disappoint.
Place to stay: Pennay’s at River Run is a nice condominium option, with Sun Valley Lodge being the famous hotel choice for many people over the years.
Best activity: It’s hard to sidestep skiing, but an hour drive up to Redfish Lake comes in as a close second place. If you go 20 minutes further past Redfish, you’ll run into a strikingly beautiful view of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Idaho is extremely hard to narrow down as a travel destination. While these locations are in the southern part of the state, the rest of Idaho is just as mind-blowing. If you’re planning a trip to the Gem State, you’ve already won the game. You’ll enjoy every minute of it, and these are just some ideas to help you navigate your way around paradise.
Author Bio
Michaela Price is an avid traveler. When she’s not laminating her next itinerary, she writes about last minute vacation rentals.
See. Things to do on vacation in Montana
See. Things to do on vacation in Montana
