A Weekend in Dog-Friendly Boise

Posted by Erin Ballinger Suggest an edit

Boise, Idaho is a vibrant and welcoming city for travelers with furry friends. With its unique blend of urban charm and outdoor beauty, The City of Trees is the “pawfect” destination for your next weekend adventure with your pup. We’ve compiled a fun-filled itinerary with the right mix of activities, yummy outdoor dining options, and comfortable accommodations so you can make the most of your weekend getaway to dog-friendly Boise!

Friday

Relaxing poolside. Photo by @fin.thewestie

4 p.m. The Riverside Hotel BW Premier Collection

Check in at The Riverside Hotel BW Premier Collection, the city’s largest full-service hotel, located on 14 acres along the scenic Boise River. This pet-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms and a beautiful riverside location which features a walking trail along the water, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, a dog-friendly restaurant and bar, a pet relief area with waste stations, and dog treats at the front desk. Located just steps from the Boise River Greenbelt, the hotel is a short walk to local breweries, wineries, restaurants and parks, too.

Exploring Greenbelt trails with Fido. Photo by BringFido

5 p.m. Boise River Greenbelt

After settling into your weekend digs, leash up your pup and explore the Boise River Greenbelt, a lush, tree-lined pathway that stretches 46 miles along the river. Take your pooch on a leisurely walk and you might spot local wildlife or an amazing sunset. The Greenbelt provides plenty of spots for Fido to sniff, explore, and stretch his legs after your journey.

"Can I call this bark-cuterie?" Photo by @fin.thewestie

6:30 p.m. The Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill

Return to your hotel for dinner with your dog at The Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill. In addition to serving fresh, locally-sourced, grilled cuisine with specialty cocktails and the area’s best selection of local draft beer, the restaurant will treat you and your pup to live music, too. The lively atmosphere and Boise River views paired with the poolside vibe add to the experience.

"An ice cream cone with a milkbone on top!" Photo by BringFido/Peter

8 p.m. Big Bun Drive-In

If you and your best friend have a sweet tooth, grab a ride to Big Bun Drive-In for a taste of Americana and a doggy cone. Big Bun has been providing a classic drive-in experience since 1954 and serves hand-spun milkshakes, floats, and soft serve ice cream cones that are sure to satisfy your desire for dessert. Take a photo of your pup enjoying their vanilla doggy cone topped with a Milkbone and tag it with #bigbunfurryfriends for a chance to be featured on Big Bun’s Instagram page!

Saturday

"You going to finish that?" Photo by @bigcitycoffee

8 a.m. The District Coffee House

Start your day at The District Coffee House. This local favorite has a cozy, pet-friendly patio where you can dig into a hearty brunch or delicious baked goods along with a fresh cup of your favorite morning refreshment. Fido will love lounging by your side with a water bowl and a side order of eggs as you fuel up for the day ahead.

There’s nothing like a morning swim with some new friends. Photo by BringFido/Maddie

9 a.m. Market With Your Mutt

Spend some quality time browsing the goods a the Capital City Market, which is open on Saturdays April through December. You'll find fresh, local and handmade goods, and a designated food court where you can sample some of your yummy purchases.

“A whole cheeseburger, just for me!” Photo by @roccosdoodlelife

12 p.m. Westside Drive-In

For lunch, make the short trip to Westside Drive-In where the neon lights and monster burgers have beckoned Boiseans since 1957. Yes, the burgers may have gone up in price from the 15 cents people paid back then, but they’re still an affordable and scrumptious way to feed your two- and four-legged family. While trying out local favorites like the finger steaks and ice cream potato (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!), your furry friend can devour an ice cream with dog biscuits sprinkled on top.

"Which aisle has the dog treats?" Photo by @barknpurrboise

1 p.m. Bark n’ Purr Pet Essentials

Make a stop at Bark n’ Purr Healthy Pet Essentials, a locally-owned pet supply store that carries high-quality toys, treats, natural pet food and accessories. Stock up on some treats and pick up anything you might have forgotten to pack for your pup. The store has several souvenir-worthy items, too. There’s even a self-service dog wash if Fido could use a bath after his early morning swim.

"Going for gold!" Photo by BringFido/Kayleigh

2 p.m. Together Treasure Dog Island at Ann Morrison Park

Spend some quality time along the Boise River at Together Treasure Dog Island, an off-leash dog park located inside Ann Morrison Park. Let Fido get all his zoomies out at this 5-acre dog park equipped with picnic shelters, benches and a pond where pups can splash around. Before you go, register your pup for a city animal license, a requirement to use any off-leash dog parks during your visit. You can do so online or at one of several city office locations.

"Here for the beer." Photo by BringFido/Stacey

4 p.m. Mother Earth Brew Co.

Next up, visit Mother Earth Brew Co. where every Saturday and Sunday Idaho’s capital city goes to the dogs. Bring your pup along for its all-day Yappy Hour, and you’ll receive a dollar off your first drink. Canine customers are welcome both outside and inside the taproom, so Yappy Hour takes place rain or shine. While you’re there, check out the swag and spoil Fido with a plush Mother Earth Brew Co. toy shaped like a beer can.

“Can I see some kind of ID? He looks a little young.” Photo by @yardarmboise

6 p.m. The Yardarm

For dinner, head to The Yardarm, a relaxed outdoor venue known for its food trucks and dog-friendly vibe. With a variety of food options and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place to wind down after a long day. The Yardarm welcomes dogs with open arms, providing water bowls and plenty of shade for your pup as you enjoy some local flavors and maybe even a craft beer or a glass or two of wine.

“Let’s call it a pup-crawl!” Photo by BringFido/Ree

8 p.m. Payette Brewing Co.

If you’re up to it, wrap up your evening with a visit to Payette Brewing Co., a popular local brewery that welcomes dogs in its expansive outdoor seating area. Enjoy a refreshing beer and hit up a food truck for a tasty dessert tidbit. Payette Brewing is known for its community events, so you might find a dog-friendly gathering or activity during your visit. Its pooch-friendly beer garden features a 10-foot fire pit, bocce ball court, outdoor yard games, picnic tables in a grassy, shaded area and a stage featuring local live music acts.

Sunday

"I love it here THIS much!" Photo by @joinclubhound

8 a.m. Clubhound

Begin your Sunday with a visit to Clubhound, an off-leash doggy play space supervised by trained Rufferees. The outdoor dog park area is fully fenced, and has fun agility equipment and organized activities for Fido throughout the day. Don’t worry, you can get your caffeine fix at the coffee bar inside while your pup exerts his extra energy before your travels home. Clubhound also serves beer and wine, has free WiFi, and a full schedule of food trucks that come onsite. A day pass is available for $15 and you’ll need to upload your dog’s vaccination records online before your visit.

“Bone appetit, y’all.” Photo by @fin.thewestie

11 a.m. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

After your pup has worked up a big appetite, treat her to brunch at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar. Sit at an outdoor table on the second-floor patio and order some tasty vittles from the dog menu like bacon, scrambled eggs and chicken. You’ll love brunching on the Southern fare including biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and loaded omelets. Bloody marys, mimosas and, of course, coffee are available to wash it all down.

"Checkin’ out the alley!" Photo by @anthonyquinsay

1 p.m. Freak Alley Gallery and Depart Boise with a Dog-Tired Fido

Before your Boise adventure comes to an end, make one last stop at Freak Alley Art Gallery for some local culture (and some great photo opportunities!) The northwest's largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery is located just a couple of blocks away from Tupelo Honey. Then head home with a happy, tired pup and a weekend full of wonderful memories. Take a moment to reflect on the town’s scenic parks, dog-friendly local dining scene, and beautiful river, and you and Fido will leave Boise with wagging tails and hearts full of joy.

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