This Boise & Idaho City itinerary covers 5 easygoing days of good food, scenic drives, and hot springs without overpacking the schedule. You’ll spend time eating really well in Boise, then slow things down in Idaho City, a tiny mountain town with gold-rush roots and a refreshingly quiet pace.
This Boise & Idaho City itinerary is designed for travelers who want variety without rushing, flexibility without overplanning, and food that’s actually worth building a day around.
If you’re figuring out where to base yourself at the start of the trip, check out my guide on Where to Stay in Boise: Best Areas & Hotels for a First-Time Visit to narrow things down without getting overwhelmed. I always recommend walkable downtown options so you’re not driving to every meal—browsing hotels in downtown Boise through Booking.com or Hotels.com makes it easy to compare locations and prices without overthinking it.
Kick off your Boise & Idaho City itinerary by staying central. Downtown Boise is compact, walkable, and ideal for easing into the trip without immediately needing a car.
Spend the afternoon wandering. Walk through nearby parks, pop into coffee shops, and get a feel for the city. Boise doesn’t demand a packed schedule on day one—and that’s part of the appeal.
Alavita is a strong downtown choice for house-made pasta and a seasonal menu that’s focused and well executed. Burrata starters and fresh pappardelle highlight what they do best—comforting Italian food that feels balanced and satisfying without being heavy.
Fork is a dependable downtown favorite with a polished-but-relaxed feel and a menu that balances comfort food with thoughtful, farm-to-table touches. It works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for dinner, which makes it easy to fit into any Boise itinerary.
Downtown’s walkability makes either one an easy night—see my full review of Alavita Boise or check out my Fork Boise review to decide which fits your vibe (or plan both).
Breakfast is a non-negotiable part of this Boise & Idaho City itinerary.
BACON if you want indulgent, unapologetic brunch
Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro for classic plates and generous portions
After breakfast, walk it off along the Boise River Greenbelt. It’s flat, scenic, and one of the easiest ways to enjoy Boise without committing to anything strenuous.
Keep lunch casual and leave the afternoon open—breweries, shops, or more wandering all work here.
This is where your Boise & Idaho City itinerary really shifts.
Renting a car makes this portion dramatically easier, especially if you want flexibility with timing and stops. We rented a car in Boise through Discover Cars because it lets you compare options and you can get the best deal.
The drive into the mountains is short but scenic, and Idaho City immediately feels quieter and slower. Spend the afternoon walking the compact downtown, grabbing lunch at a local spot, and leaning into the fact that this town is small by design.
The highlight of the day is The Springs, where private pools are reserved in advance. This isn’t a quick stop—it’s an intentional soak and worth planning around.
If you want to know exactly how reservations, timing, and the pools work, see my full review of The Springs Idaho City Hot Springs: What to Expect & How to Plan Your Visit before you go.
Mornings in Idaho City are quiet and unhurried. Enjoy breakfast, explore a bit more of the town’s gold-rush history, and then decide how adventurous you’re feeling.
If you want another soak (which I highly recommend), you have options:
Bonneville Hot Springs for a more secluded experience
Kirkham Hot Springs if crowds don’t bother you
If you’d rather skip soaking, the forest drive alone is worth the time.
Head back to Boise in the evening and don’t hesitate to repeat a favorite restaurant. This itinerary intentionally leaves room for that.
End your Boise & Idaho City itinerary with a relaxed brunch and no rush out the door.
Fork is a solid option if you missed it earlier, or you can keep things simple with coffee at Flying M Coffee and one last walk downtown. If you’re still on the fence about how Boise stacks up overall, check out my post Is Boise Worth Visiting? An Honest First-Timer’s Travel Guide before you head out.
This trip prioritizes good meals, manageable drives, and hot springs that are unique and exciting. The schedule is realistic, the food is worth planning around, and there’s enough downtime built in that you won’t feel like you need a vacation from your vacation. If that’s how you like to travel, this Boise & Idaho City itinerary is a good fit.
Flying out of Frankfurt at the crack of dawn? Stay at the airport, not in the city!
The Hilton Frankfurt Airport is connected to Terminal 1 and the long-distance train station, so the walk to your gate takes a few minutes and no taxi. The rooms are soundproofed so well you barely hear the planes, some have runway views, there’s a sauna, and the bread and butter at Rise are dangerously good. It costs more than hotels farther out. On a budget, the Hilton Garden Inn next door gets you the same walk for less.
Save this for your next Frankfurt layover ✈️
No landmarks, no crowds, no souvenir shops. Otterberg is the everyday side of Germany 🇩🇪
It’s a small town just outside Kaiserslautern. Lunch at Putai inside the historic Das Blaue Haus means crispy chicken in coconut curry and spring rolls with homemade sweet chili sauce, then a slow walk past the old church and quiet streets. The Palatinate Forest and Humberg Tower views are close by. If you want a packed itinerary this isn’t your town, but if you like good food and nowhere to be, you’ll love it.
Save this for your Germany road trip!
Every 6 minutes a new round unlocks, and you can eat your way around the world for two hours. 🌍🍽️
Masons in Kaiserslautern: Korean BBQ, Jamaican jerk chicken, raclette potatoes, crispy baked ricotta from Monaco, and the Belgian cookie cheesecake you’ll still be talking about the next day. €39-45 per person. Bring a group and pace yourself, because they charge for leftovers.
Save this for your next trip to Germany
Sedona got me again 🌵
This was my second trip, and somehow I liked it even more. Every visit adds another trail, viewpoint, or restaurant to the list, and the list keeps getting longer. This time I stayed near Airport Mesa, with sunsets right outside my door and none of the crowds.
My Substack has everything I’d tell a first-time visitor: the lodge I’ve now stayed at twice, the experiences I’d do first, and the restaurants I’d plan my days around.
Subscribe for free so you don’t miss the next one. Link in bio ✨
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
