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 looking for a romantic weekend with your spouse, a family-friendly adventure, or just a solo reset in the mountains, there are dozens of places within a few hours of Boise that are worth the trip. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of families relocate to Idaho, and this is one of the questions I get all the time: "Where do locals go to unwind?"

Let me show you.

This blog post is your ultimate guide to the best weekend getaways from Boise. I've personally visited most of these and have helped clients buy second homes or vacation spots in several of them.

1. McCall, Idaho

Why Go

McCall is a four-season destination about 2.5 hours north of Boise. It sits on the shores of Payette Lake and offers boating in the summer and skiing in the winter.

What to Do

• Rent a boat on Payette Lake

• Hike in Ponderosa State Park

• Ski or snowboard at Brundage Mountain

• Soak in nearby hot springs (like Burgdorf or Gold Fork)

• Visit during Winter Carnival (snow sculptures, parades)

Where to Stay

• Shore Lodge (luxury lakeside resort)

• Scandia Inn (charming mid-century motor lodge)

• Vacation rentals via Airbnb or Vacasa

Drive Time

2.5 hours

2. Stanley, Idaho

Why Go

Stanley feels like stepping back in time. With the Sawtooth Mountains as your backdrop and the Salmon River nearby, it's the perfect place for a rugged, unplugged weekend.

What to Do

• Hike to Alice Lake or Sawtooth Lake

• Fly fish or raft the Salmon River

• Soak at Mountain Village Hot Springs

• Stargaze at one of the darkest skies in the U.S.

Where to Stay

• Redfish Lake Lodge

• Mountain Village Resort

• Cabins and camping

Drive Time

3 hours

3. Sun Valley / Ketchum

Why Go

Sun Valley is Idaho's most famous resort town, blending world-class skiing with upscale dining and culture.

What to Do

• Ski Bald Mountain in winter

• Bike the Wood River Trail in summer

• Visit Sun Valley Lodge

• Enjoy galleries, music festivals, and outdoor dining in downtown Ketchum

Where to Stay

• Limelight Hotel

• Sun Valley Lodge

• Ketchum Airbnb options

Drive Time

2.5 to 3 hours

4. Cascade, Idaho

Why Go

Less crowded than McCall, Cascade offers a slower pace and easier access to nature. Perfect for a last-minute weekend trip.

What to Do

• Soak in Cascade Aquatic Center or nearby hot springs

• Paddle or fish Lake Cascade

• Snowmobile or ATV trails

• Visit Tamarack Resort for year-round outdoor sports

Where to Stay

• Cascade Lake Inn

• Arrowhead RV Park

• Budget-friendly cabins and lakefront rentals

Drive Time

2 hours

5. Idaho City

Why Go

Looking for history and hot springs? Idaho City is a former gold rush town with a Western feel and relaxing natural springs.

What to Do

• Soak at The Springs (reservation required)

• Explore old cemeteries and historical buildings

• Eat at Trudy’s Kitchen (known for their pies)

Where to Stay

• Idaho City Hotel

• Local B&Bs

• Cabins in the woods

Drive Time

1 hour

6. Baker City, Oregon

Why Go

Cross state lines and head to this charming Oregon town with a strong sense of heritage and access to the Blue Mountains.

What to Do

• Ride the Sumpter Valley Railroad

• Visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

• Antique shopping downtown

Where to Stay

• Geiser Grand Hotel

• Airbnb homes in historic neighborhoods

Drive Time

2.5 hours

7. Hells Canyon

Why Go

If you’re craving dramatic landscapes, Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and far less crowded.

What to Do

• Take a jet boat tour on the Snake River

• Camp or hike in the canyon

• Spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife

Where to Stay

• Pittsburg Landing Campground (remote)

• RV resorts near Cambridge or Riggins

Drive Time

3 to 4 hours

8. Riggins, Idaho

Why Go

Riggins is the self-proclaimed whitewater capital of Idaho. It’s also a hub for fishing, hiking, and fall foliage.

What to Do

• Whitewater rafting on the Salmon River

• Chinook salmon or steelhead fishing

• Hike Rapid River Trail

Where to Stay

• Hotel Riggins

• Riverfront cabins

Drive Time

3 hours

9. Boise Wine Region (Day Trip or Overnight)

Why Go

You don’t have to go far to enjoy great wine. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail features over a dozen wineries with stunning views.

What to Do

• Wine tastings at Koenig, Ste. Chapelle, and Williamson Vineyards

• Picnic overlooking the Snake River

• Attend seasonal wine and harvest festivals

Where to Stay

• Inn at 500 Capitol (Boise, if day-tripping)

• B&Bs in Caldwell or Nampa

Drive Time

45 minutes to 1 hour

10. Garden Valley / Crouch

Why Go

Close to home, but it feels like a true escape. Garden Valley is a favorite for cabin rentals, stargazing, and summer river fun.

What to Do

• Soak in Kirkham or Pine Flats Hot Springs

• Raft the South Fork of the Payette

• Catch live theater at Starlight Mountain Theatre

Where to Stay

• Airbnbs and rustic cabins

• Middle Fork Lodge

• Local campgrounds

Drive Time

1.5 hours

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Go Far to Feel Far Away

Living in Boise gives you access to an incredible range of weekend escapes. Whether you’re looking to ski, soak, sip wine, or just unplug in the woods, there’s something on this list that will help you recharge. If you're considering moving to Boise or just bought a home, I always tell clients: part of what makes Idaho so livable is what surrounds it.

If you're thinking about buying a second home in one of these locations or just want tips on planning your next family-friendly weekend, I’m happy to help.

📲 Call or text Curtis Chism at (208) 510-0427
📥 Ready to relocate remotely? Download our Boise Relocation Guide