Boise's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems
Places: 19 POIsDistance: 11.68 miDuration: 47m
Tour #2598
About this English self-guided 47m driving tour in Boise, ID
Welcome to Boise, Idaho—the City of Trees, and the capital of the Gem State. I’m excited to take you on this journey through one of the most surprising and charming cities in the American West. Over the next couple of hours, we’ll uncover Boise’s history, culture, art, and natural beauty, all while cruising through its streets and neighborhoods.
Boise’s story began in the 1800s, when French trappers, miners, and soldiers settled along the Boise River. They named the place boisé, meaning “wooded,” after spotting its tree-lined valley rising out of the desert. From those humble beginnings as a frontier fort and supply town, Boise has grown into a modern capital city—one that still keeps its friendly, small-town spirit.
Along the way, we’ll pass some of Boise’s most iconic landmarks: the elegant dome of the Idaho State Capitol, the colorful murals of Freak Alley, the historic Old Penitentiary, and the serene Idaho Anne Frank Memorial. We’ll roll through leafy parks like Julia Davis and Camel’s Back, explore the Basque Block that celebrates Boise’s unique cultural heritage, and catch glimpses of the foothills that frame the city with trails and wide-open skies.
But this tour isn’t just about buildings and monuments—it’s also about the stories. You’ll hear how geothermal hot water still heats downtown buildings, why Boise State’s famous blue football turf made national headlines, and how Basque immigrants helped shape the city’s identity. We’ll share fun facts, famous names, and even a few quirky surprises along the way.
By the end, you’ll have seen Boise from every angle: its past, its present, and the natural beauty that makes it such a beloved place to live and visit. So settle in, roll down the windows, and get ready to discover Boise, a city that always has more to offer than meets the eye.
Welcome to Boise, Idaho! We’re kicking off our tour right here in one of the city’s most unique cultural districts—the Basque Block.
As you drive along Grove Street, notice how the architecture here feels a little different from the rest of downtown. Many of the buildings are historic Basque boarding houses, built in the early 1900s. They’re brick or stucco, with simple façades and arched windows, designed to be practical and welcoming for the Basque immigrants who once lived and gathered here. Some have colorful tile work, murals, or traditional signage in Euskara, the Basque language, which gives the block a distinct European flavor right in the heart of Boise.
This neighborhood isn’t just about buildings—it’s about community. For over a century, Basque families have celebrated their traditions here with lively festivals, music, and dancing. If you come back on foot, you might hear the strum of a Basque accordion, watch a Jota folk dance, or taste specialties like chorizo and paella at one of the cafés.
At the end of this street, on your left side, you’ll see the Basque Museum & Cultural Center. It’s the only Basque museum in the United States and preserves stories of shepherds, farmers, and families who built their lives in Idaho.
For now, keep driving straight. When you reach the end of Grove Street, we’ll take a right turn onto Capitol Boulevard as we continue deeper into Boise’s history and landmarks.
As we make our turn onto Capitol Boulevard, you’ll notice this wide, tree-lined street guiding you straight toward the crown jewel of Boise—the Idaho State Capitol building rising ahead in the distance.
Capitol Boulevard was laid out in the early 1900s as Boise’s grand avenue. With its broad lanes, historic lampposts, and rows of trees, it was designed to give visitors an impressive approach into the heart of the city. Today, it connects downtown Boise with Boise State University and the riverfront, making it one of the city’s most-traveled corridors.
And look straight ahead—you can already see the gleaming dome of the State Capitol framed perfectly at the end of the boulevard. That dome, topped with a bronze eagle, is modeled after the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., but with local touches that make it uniquely Idaho.
Keep driving toward it, and we’ll talk more about this remarkable building once we’re closer.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1The Basque Block
Place 2Capitol Boulevard & First Glimpse of the Capitol
Place 3Idaho State Capitol – The People’s House
Place 4Freak Alley Gallery
Place 5Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Place 6Boise Depot – Gateway to the City of Trees
Place 7Historic Capitol Boulevard Bridge
Place 8Welcome to Julia Davis Park
Place 9Boise Art Museum
Place 10Pioneer Cemetery & Dona Larsen Park – Echoes of Boise’s Past and Present
Place 11Warm Springs Avenue – Boise’s Grand Boulevard
Place 12Idaho State Archives & Historical Society – Guardians of the Past
Place 13Idaho Botanical Garden – From Prison Farm to Paradise
Place 14Old Idaho Penitentiary – Life Behind the Walls
Place 15Chief Eagle Eye Reserve, Monahan Trail & Table Rock – Nature, Heritage, and Views
Place 16Boise Fun Facts – Quirks and Surprises
Place 17Camel’s Back Park – Gateway to the Foothills
Place 18Camel’s Back Park Parking Lot – Farewell from Boise
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
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Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).