A Quick Look

Boise:

Days 1-2: Exploring Boise

Begin your journey in Idaho's capital-Boise, a city known for its vibrant downtown and
deep connection to the outdoors.

Freak Alley Gallery

Star rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars 4.8

Category: 🎨 Art gallery

Freak Alley Gallery is a must-see outdoor mural gallery in the heart of downtown that showcases the city's artistic spirit.

• Features a rotating collection of street art and graffiti from local artists.

• Located in a pedestrian-friendly alley perfect for photography.

Boise River Greenbelt

Star rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars 4.9

Category: 🏀 Sports activity location

Boise River Greenbelt provides a scenic escape following the river through the city.

• Offers 25 miles of paved pathways for walking or cycling.

• Connects several major city parks and the Boise State University campus.

Old Idaho Penitentiary Site

Star rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars 4.8

Category: 📜 Museum

Closed · Opens Saturday 12:00 PM

Old Idaho Penitentiary Site—offers a fascinating and slightly eerie look into the state's frontier justice history.

• Features tours of the cell blocks, solitary confinement, and the gallows.

• Houses a collection of historic weapons and prison artifacts.

Day 3: Natural Wonders on the Road

On your way toward Utah, take a slightly southern route to see two of Idaho's most impressive natural features.

Bruneau Dunes State Park—is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America.

• Visitors can rent "sandboards" to surf down the massive dunes.

• Features an on-site observatory for some of the best stargazing in the regio

• Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 4.5

• Category: 🏞️ State park

• Open · Closes 10:00 PM

Shoshone Falls Park in Twin Falls is known as the "Niagara of the West" for its massive scale.

• The falls are actually taller than Niagara Falls, reaching 212 feet.

• Best visited in the spring when water flows are at their peak.

Days 4-5: Salt Lake City & Surrounds——finish your trip in Salt Lake City, where you can explore the intersection of history, science, and the Great Salt Lake itself.

Temple Square

Star rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars 4.7

Category: 🏛️ Historical landmark

Closed · Opens Saturday 10:00 AM

Temple Square is the historic five-block area at the center of the city and
a world-renowned landmark.

• Known for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and manicured gardens.

• Offers free guided tours and the chance to hear the world-famous Tabernacle Choir.

Natural History Museum of Utah

Star rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars 4.8

Category: 📍 Museum

Closed · Opens Saturday 10:00 AM

Natural History Museum of Utah is housed in a striking building that mimics the copper-rich mountains surrounding it.

• Features impressive dinosaur displays and artifacts from Utah's indigenous tribes.

• Offers panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley from its outdoor terraces.

Antelope Island State Park

Star rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars 4.7

Category: 🏞️ State park

Closed · Opens Saturday 6:00 AM

Antelope Island State Park provides the best access to the Great Salt Lake and its unique ecosystem.

• Home to free-roaming bison, antelope, and bighorn sheep.

• Features white sand beaches and trails with expansive views of the salty waters.

Salt Lake City:

🏔️ Outdoor Adventures & Hiking

Explore the stunning Wasatch Range with these hand-picked trails and scenic spots.

Easy & Family-Friendly

• The Living Room (SLC): A local favorite hike leading to "furniture" made of rocks with a panoramic view of the valley.

• Doughnut Falls (Big Cottonwood): A unique waterfall that drops through a hole in the rock.

• Ensign Peak: A quick 1-mile round trip hike with a historical monument and a bird's-eye view of downtown.

• Willow Lake: A gentle 2-mile round trip hike through beautiful aspen groves.

Moderate Hikes & Scenic Lakes

• Cecret Lake (Little Cottonwood): Located near Alta, this alpine lake is famous for its summer wildflowers.

• Lake Mary: A 3.5-mile round trip hike leading to a gorgeous mountain reservoir.

• Bells Canyon: A 5.3-mile round trip trek featuring waterfalls and granite peaks. (Trailhead is located at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon).

Urban Parks & Paved Trails

• Liberty Park: Located in downtown SLC; perfect for a casual walk, rollerblading, or biking.

• Sugarhouse Park: A massive green space next to downtown with great skyline views.

• Porter Rockwell Trail (Draper): A fantastic, long-distance paved trail ideal for cycling.

🏎️ Day Trips & Excursions

Ready to venture a little further? These spots are worth the drive.

• Antelope Island: An 11-mile scenic drive where you can spot bison and diverse wildlife in the middle of the Great Salt Lake.

• The Salt Flats: About an hour west of SLC. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset picnic and surreal photography.

• Park City: Just 45 minutes away. Walk the iconic Main Street for world-class shopping, dining, and incredible mountain biking.

• Snowbird Tram Ride: Take the aerial tram to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Wasatch Mountains. You can even grab lunch at the top!

🪂 High-Octane Action

• Paragliding in Draper: Experience world-renowned paragliding right at the Point of the Mountain. Tandem rides are roughly $175; be sure to book in advance.

• Mountain Biking: Head to Draper for some of the best-maintained mountain bike trails in the state.

🧖 Relaxation & Spas

• The Kura Door: A premier Japanese-inspired spa experience in the city. Their massages are legendary (10/10).

• The Cliff Spa at Snowbird: A mountain getaway featuring a heated rooftop pool and hot tub overlooking the peaks.

🍴 Where to Eat

Breakfast:

• Bruges Waffles, Cafe Niche, Oasis Cafe, Chubby’s Bakery (Asian-style donuts)

• Lunch

• Even Stevens, Jinya (Ramen), Lucky 13 (Award-winning burgers), Laid Back

Dinner

• Sapa Sushi, BTG Wine Bar (Italian), Skewered Thai, Red Iguana (Mexican), Bombay House (Indian), Red Iguana (Mexican), The Cliff Dining & Pub

🍸 Bars & Nightlife

• The Rest: A "stealth" speakeasy entered through a hidden bookcase.

• Lake Effect: Cool vibes and great cocktails; perfect for happy hour.

• White Horse: A swanky, modern bar atmosphere.

• Beer Bar: Picnic-style tables with a massive beer list, fries, and brats.

• Whiskey Street: A popular, high-energy spot for a casual drink.

🍪 Sweet Treats & Dessert

• Crave Cookies: Widely considered the best cookies you will ever have.

• Pie Fight: Incredible single-serving pies.

• Dolcetti Gelato: Authentic, high-quality gelato.

• Spilled Milk Ice Cream: Unique scoops topped with your favorite cereals.