Boise is a great year-round destination for you AND your dog. Nestled in the foothills of the Boise National Forest, the city is the perfect mix of outdoor adventures and urban experiences for you and your four-legged friend. This dog-friendly guide to Boise, Idaho will show you the best things to do, places to eat, and dog-friendly stays in the city.
Side note: This post was written by Faith (with the help of her pup Lily), a local of Boise. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate dog-friendly guide to Boise Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
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Table of Contents
Dog-friendly Things to Do in Boise
1. Boise Greenbelt
In the summer, biking, hiking, paddling, and walking are great ways to spend your days. Running through the center of the city is the Boise Greenbelt. This 25-mile of paved walk and bikeway runs on both sides of the Boise River.
The paved walkway even takes you through two of Boise’s best parks, Ann Morrison and Julia Davis. Both parks serve as a green lung to the city and are great for your furry friend.
Ann Morrison Park even has a great off-leash dog park called Dog Island! At Dog Island, your dog can meet and greet, play catch, and swim in the river.
The Boise River Greenbelt is perfect for long walks with your pup. Or if your pup loves to run alongside you as you bike, there are many urban routes to explore in Boise. You can easily rent a bike through the city bike program and off you go.
2. Teyala Winery
A great pet-friendly place to stop on the Greenbelt is Teyala Winery. The tasting room is right on the river and can easily be accessed by walking or biking along the Greenbelt.
Teyayla has a gorgeous dog-friendly outdoor space to watch the river and enjoy some delicious wine. The river is there to remind you and your pup to relax and enjoy an afternoon in Boise’s sun.
3. Boise River
If time on the water is what you and your dog crave, Boise has great places to paddle and all are dog-friendly. Rent a paddleboard and take Fido down the Boise River or spend time lazing away at Lucky Peak Lake.
4. Boise Foothills
For those looking for more outdoor adventures, there is truly no better place than the Boise Foothills. Boise is home to dozens of hiking trails all within minutes of the city center. Whether you want to tackle Table Rock, which overlooks the city or wander through the winding trails of Military Reserve, there is a trail for every type of hiker in Boise.
5. Freak Alley
During your dog-friendly trip to Boise, you can not miss downtown’s Freak Alley. It’s actually the northwest’s largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery where several blocks of the city have been turned over to street art. The murals change yearly and showcase local and regional artists.
6. City Scavenger Hunt
Let’s Roam has a fun self-guided Scavenger Hunt that will take you and your pup to all the best Boise sights while learning fun facts. You can also make it a competition by having some friends join you! During the scavenger hunt, you’ll cover 1.2 miles and should allow for about 2 hours!
Dog-friendly Restaurants in Boise
Barrel Brewing
Nearby Freak Alley is 10 Barrel Brewing. While dogs aren’t allowed inside, the beer house has the perfect deck to people watch and enjoy a craft beer with your pup.
- Hours: Open Daily from 11 am- 10 or 11 pm
- Address: 826 W Bannock St, Boise, ID 83702
Wyld Child
Wyld Child is a part of three restaurants that have reinvigorated a defunct car wash and gas station. The old is out and the new spaces include Wyld Child, a modern roadside kind of restaurant, Push and Pour, a local’s favorite coffee shop, and The Still, the best ice cream in town.
The three stores are connected by an expansive outdoor patio that includes several fire pits and a place to play lawn games. In this part of town, there are good vibes only and your dog will be the coolest pup in town after an evening here.
- Hours: 11am-9pm
- Physical Address: 13 S Latah Street, Boise, Idaho 83705
Big City Coffee House
Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at the best dog-friendly coffee shop in Boise, Big City Coffee House. The cinnamon rolls are huge and the patio is perfect for Fido to start another day in the amazing dog-friendly city of Boise, Idaho.
- Hours: 6am-4pm
- Physical Address: 1416 W. Grove Street
Pet-friendly Stays in Boise
The Modern
After a full day of adventuring, you’ll be happy to lay your head at the best dog-friendly hotel in Boise, The Modern. A refurbished Motorlodge, the Modern has the most distinct vibe in town. The hotel is especially great for pet lovers because its layout means your pup can go from your car straight to the room, with no lobby needed.
- Physical Address: 1314 W. Grove Street (Boise’s Linen District)
- Pet fees: $25 per dog
- Restrictions: Under 80 pounds
Dog-friendly packing list for Boise
If you’re planning a trip to Boise with your furry friend, here are some essentials to include on your dog-friendly packing list:
- Dog food and treats: Bring enough food and treats for your dog to last the duration of the trip.
- Water and food bowls: Pack collapsible or portable bowls that are easy to transport.
- Leash and harness: Make sure to bring a sturdy leash and a well-fitting harness.
- Bedding: Bring your dog’s favorite bed or blanket to make them feel more comfortable in a new environment.—This is a great foldable travel bed!
- Toys: Pack a few of your dog’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during downtime.
- Medications: If your dog takes any medications, be sure to bring enough for the entire trip.
- Waste bags: Bring plenty of waste bags to clean up after your dog.
- Towels: Pack a few towels for wiping off muddy paws or drying off after a swim.
- Identification: Make sure your dog has up-to-date identification tags with your contact information.
- Copy of vaccination records: In case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your dog’s vaccination records on hand.
Is Boise dog-friendly?
YES! Boise, Idaho is a very dog-friendly city. From its many hiking trails to its dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, Boise has something to offer for both dogs and their owners. If you’re a dog lover looking for a great city to explore with your furry friend, Boise is absolutely worth a visit.
What else would you add to this Dog-friendly guide to Boise?!
Author’s Bio!
Faith Hansen has lived in Boise with her husband, son, and beloved labrador mix for nearly 20 years. When the family is not biking, paddling, and hiking in their own hometown, they are traveling the world. They write 3ticketsplease.com, a blog about budget family travel. Follow the family adventures over on Instagram!
If you found this dog-friendly guide to Boise helpful, be sure to check out my other dog-friendly city guides around the USA!
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