Looking for riverside charm with an artsy edge near Boise? Visit Garden City, Idaho! Nestled along the Boise River, Garden City blends urban creativity with outdoor adventure. Enjoy local breweries, art studios, live music, and riverfront trails in this up-and-coming hub just minutes from downtown Boise.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Garden City is from late spring through early fall (May–September). These months offer ideal weather for biking the Greenbelt, patio dining, and enjoying outdoor festivals. Fall is especially nice with crisp temps and fewer crowds.
How to Get There
- By Car: Garden City is located directly adjacent to Boise, easily reached via I-184 and Chinden Boulevard (US-20).
- By Air: Boise Airport (BOI) is just 15 minutes away and offers nonstop service to many major U.S. cities.
- By Bike or Foot: The Boise River Greenbelt runs right through Garden City, perfect for scenic access from surrounding areas.
Where to Stay
- Modern Hotel (Downtown Boise) – Stylish boutique hotel just minutes from Garden City’s art and brew scene.
- Riverside Hotel, BW Premier Collection – Spacious riverside resort with a pool, live music, and direct Greenbelt access.
- Vacation Rentals – Charming cottages, studios, and riverfront homes available for a local and laid-back stay.
Top Attractions
- Surel’s Place – Artist-in-residence studio and cultural center with rotating exhibits and creative events.
- Boise River Greenbelt – Bike or walk the scenic riverside trail that runs through Garden City and beyond.
- Garden City’s Live-Work-Create District – Explore murals, indie shops, and creative studios along Chinden Blvd.
- Whitewater Park – Kayak or paddleboard the man-made waves, or watch from the shaded shoreline path.
Wineries and Cideries
⮕ Telaya Wine Company
Savor handcrafted wines while relaxing by the scenic Boise River.
You will find the Telaya Wine Company scenically located along the edge of the Boise River, where their outdoor patio provides the ideal place for friends and family to meet and enjoy a great glass of wine. The full Telaya Wine Experience includes a tour of the production facility where you can see the wine-making process and appreciate the delightful aromas. You will find out all about the quest to produce a superior product and will then get the chance to enjoy a guided tasting of 6 Telaya wines. Visitors who have already experienced the tour are welcome to come and taste the latest wines on offer or simply to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside a glass or bottle of your favorite Telaya wine.
Telaya Wine Company, 240 E. 32nd Street, Garden City, ID 83714, Phone: 208-557-9463
⮕ Meriwether Cider Company
Enjoy crisp, refreshing ciders crafted from locally sourced apples.
Garden City visitors who fancy a change from wine and beer tastings will be pleased to know that the town is home to a fabulous cidery where you can taste a variety of delicious natural ciders. The family-owned company brews up a range of delicious ciders using fresh Idaho fruit and nothing but fruit. The ciders come in a variety of flavors, which range from dry to sweet – there is definitely something here for all tastes. When you visit their tap room you can choose from 11 of their most popular flavors, which include Foothills Semi-Dry, Stong Arm Semi Sweet, Cranberry Cross Cut (which won a double gold award) and their Mulled Hot Cider, the best choice on a cold winter’s day.
Meriwether Cider Company , 5242 Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714, Phone: 208-972-6725
⮕ Cinder Wines
Discover award-winning wines in a stylish, welcoming urban winery.
What started off as a love of the land and the amazing produce found on her parent’s farm has turned into a full-time labor of love for winemaker Melanie Krause who, together with her husband Joe own and run Cinder Wines. The winery is named for the volcanic cinder which forms part of the soil on which their vineyards are established. Cinder Wines produces a range of wines using traditional and lesser-known cultivars like Tempranillo and Mourvedre. The Tasting Room offers tastings by reservation and is open daily. If you would like to know more about the winery and the wine-making process you can book a guided tour.
Cinder Wines, 107 E. 44th St, Garden City, ID 83714, Phone: 208-906-0555
Where to Eat
- Push & Pour – Hip coffeehouse with great espresso, bites, and an artsy vibe near the river.
- Barrelhouse Pub & Grill – Local favorite for burgers, beer, and comfort food in a casual setting.
- Sid’s Garage – Over-the-top burgers, shakes, and cocktails with a funky, fun atmosphere.
Local Events
- Garden City First Friday Art Walk (Monthly) – Open studios, gallery shows, and food trucks throughout the creative district.
- Western Idaho Fair (August) – Big-time fun with rides, concerts, rodeos, and fair food at nearby Expo Idaho.
- Mother Earth Music & Arts Festival (Spring) – Celebration of music, art, sustainability, and community in Garden City parks.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Garden City, Idaho
- Boise (5–10 min) – Explore museums, breweries, and greenbelt trails in Idaho’s vibrant capital city.
- Meridian (15–20 min) – Visit family-friendly attractions like Roaring Springs Water Park and The Village at Meridian.
- Eagle (15–20 min) – Stroll charming downtown shops, dine at riverside restaurants, or explore local greenbelts.
- Kuna (25–30 min) – Discover Snake River wineries, the Kuna Caves, and nearby hiking trails in the desert foothills.
- Star (25–30 min) – A growing small town with a rural vibe, scenic farmland, and local markets.
- Nampa (25–30 min) – Tour Idaho wineries, explore Lake Lowell, or catch a show at the Ford Idaho Center.
- Caldwell (30 min) – Enjoy the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, Indian Creek Plaza events, and Western Idaho Fairgrounds.
- Hidden Springs (15–20 min) – A planned community with trail access, foothills views, and a cozy village hub.
- Middleton (30 min) – A quiet, family-friendly town with farmland charm and easy access to nearby wineries.
- Emmett (30 min) – Explore orchards, riverside parks, and local festivals in this scenic gem north of Garden City.
FAQ
-
Where is Garden City located?
- Garden City is located along the banks of the Boise River.
- The area was originally a garden farmed by hundreds of Chinese immigrants.
- It remains an ideal location for farming due to its fertile land.
-
What activities can visitors enjoy in Garden City?
- Garden City offers a mix of outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
- Visitors can enjoy:
- Canoeing and kayaking on the Boise River.
- White-water rafting at Boise Whitewater Park.
- Fly fishing for trout in the center of town.
- Exploring art and craft studios along the Artisans Pathway Map.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
The Riverside Hotel – A scenic stay along the Boise River with great amenities.
Walk or bike along the Boise River Greenbelt – Enjoy scenic trails and wildlife viewing.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and ideal for outdoor activities.
Modern Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with easy access to Garden City and downtown Boise.
Float the Boise River – Rent a tube or raft for a fun, relaxing experience on the water.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and harvest season.
Hyatt Place Boise/Towne Square – A comfortable stay with convenient access to Garden City attractions.
Visit the wineries on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail – Enjoy local wines and scenic vineyard views.
Winter (December-February) – Cool temperatures and nearby winter sports.
Hilton Garden Inn Boise Spectrum – A cozy stay with modern amenities.
Go skiing at Bogus Basin – Just a short drive from Garden City, perfect for winter sports lovers.
Garden City, Idaho Weather by Month:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip. (in) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33 | 15 | 1.5 | Cold & Snowy |
| February | 38 | 18 | 1.3 | Cold & Snowy |
| March | 47 | 25 | 1.7 | Chilly & Wet |
| April | 59 | 33 | 1.8 | Mild & Rainy |
| May | 70 | 41 | 2.1 | Pleasant |
| June | 82 | 50 | 1.8 | Warm & Dry |
| July | 90 | 56 | 1.1 | Hot & Dry |
| August | 88 | 54 | 1.0 | Warm & Dry |
| September | 77 | 44 | 1.2 | Mild & Pleasant |
| October | 62 | 34 | 1.5 | Cool & Crisp |
| November | 45 | 25 | 1.8 | Chilly & Rainy |
| December | 35 | 17 | 1.6 | Cold & Snowy |