Best Weekend Getaways from Boise: Quick Escapes You’ll Love
Introduction: Sometimes You Just Need to Get Away
Even if you love living in Boise (like I do), every now and then you need a change of scenery. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family-friendly adventure, or a solo reset in the mountains, there are dozens of incredible places within a few hours of Boise that locals return to again and again.
After helping hundreds of families relocate to Idaho, one of the most common questions I hear is, “Where do locals go to unwind?” This guide answers that question.
Below are my favorite weekend getaways from Boise - places I’ve personally visited and locations where I’ve helped clients buy vacation homes, cabins, and second properties.
1. McCall, Idaho
Why Go
McCall is a four-season destination about 2.5 hours north of Boise, sitting on the shores of Payette Lake. It offers boating, hiking, skiing, and some of the best hot springs in the state.
What to Do
- Rent a boat on Payette Lake
- Hike Ponderosa State Park
- Ski or snowboard at Brundage Mountain
- Soak at Burgdorf or Gold Fork Hot Springs
- Visit during Winter Carnival
Where to Stay:
Shore Lodge, Scandia Inn, or vacation rentals
Drive Time:
2.5 hours
2. Stanley, Idaho
Why Go
Stanley feels completely unplugged. Surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains and the Salmon River, it’s ideal for outdoor lovers and anyone wanting to disconnect.
What to Do
- Hike Alice Lake or Sawtooth Lake
- Fly fish or raft the Salmon River
- Soak at Mountain Village Hot Springs
- Stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Where to Stay:
Redfish Lake Lodge, Mountain Village Resort, cabins or camping
Drive Time:
3 hours
3. Sun Valley / Ketchum
Why Go
Sun Valley blends world-class skiing, outdoor recreation, and upscale dining with a laid-back mountain town feel.
What to Do
- Ski Bald Mountain in winter
- Bike the Wood River Trail in summer
- Visit Sun Valley Lodge
- Explore galleries and restaurants in Ketchum
Where to Stay:
Limelight Hotel, Sun Valley Lodge, Ketchum Airbnbs
Drive Time:
2.5 to 3 hours
4. Cascade, Idaho
Why Go
Cascade offers a slower pace than McCall with easy access to nature, making it ideal for a last-minute getaway.
What to Do
- Soak at Cascade Aquatic Center or nearby hot springs
- Fish or paddle Lake Cascade
- ATV or snowmobile nearby trails
- Visit Tamarack Resort
Where to Stay:
Cascade Lake Inn, Arrowhead RV Park, cabins
Drive Time:
2 hours
5. Idaho City
Why Go
This historic gold rush town combines Idaho history with relaxing hot springs.
What to Do
- Soak at The Springs (reservations required)
- Explore historic cemeteries and buildings
- Dine at Trudy’s Kitchen
Where to Stay:
Idaho City Hotel, B&Bs, forest cabins
Drive Time:
1 hour
6. Baker City, Oregon
Why Go
Baker City is a charming Oregon town with rich history and access to the Blue Mountains.
What to Do
- Ride the Sumpter Valley Railroad
- Visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
- Explore downtown antique shops
Where to Stay:
Geiser Grand Hotel, historic Airbnbs
Drive Time:
2.5 hours
7. Hells Canyon
Why Go
Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and far less crowded, offering jaw-dropping scenery.
What to Do
- Jet boat tours on the Snake River
- Hike or camp in the canyon
- Wildlife spotting
Where to Stay:
Pittsburg Landing Campground, nearby RV resorts
Drive Time:
3 to 4 hours
8. Riggins, Idaho
Why Go
Riggins is Idaho’s whitewater rafting capital and a fall foliage favorite.
What to Do
- Whitewater raft the Salmon River
- Fish for salmon or steelhead
- Hike Rapid River Trail
Where to Stay:
Hotel Riggins, riverfront cabins
Drive Time:
3 hours
9. Sunnyslope Wine Region
Why Go
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy wine country. Sunnyslope offers scenic vineyards and relaxed tastings.
What to Do
- Wine tasting at Koenig, Ste. Chapelle, and Williamson
- Picnic overlooking the Snake River
- Attend harvest and wine festivals
Where to Stay:
Caldwell or Nampa B&Bs, Boise hotels
Drive Time:
45 minutes to 1 hour
10. Garden Valley / Crouch
Why Go
Close to Boise but feels remote, Garden Valley is perfect for cabins, hot springs, and river adventures.
What to Do
- Soak at Kirkham or Pine Flats Hot Springs
- Raft the South Fork of the Payette
- Enjoy live theater at Starlight Mountain Theatre
Where to Stay:
Cabins, Airbnbs, Middle Fork Lodge
Drive Time:
1.5 hours
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Go Far to Feel Far Away
One of the best parts of living in Boise is what surrounds it. Within a few hours, you can ski, soak, raft, sip wine, or completely unplug in the mountains.
If you’re thinking about buying a second home, investing in a cabin, or just want help choosing the right area to live so weekend trips are easy, I’m happy to help.
Curtis Chism
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