Overview

Sun Valley is located just a 3 hour drive from Idaho's capital, Boise. As the largest city in Idaho, Boise is the state's center of commerce, banking, and government. However, just because Boise is Idaho's largest city, it is not lacking in natural beauty and access to the outdoors. In fact, Boise's balance of city culture and wild nature is making it a hot spot for those looking to relocate.

Location

Boise, the capital city of Idaho is located in the middle of the state near the western edge.

Services/Amenities

Not only is Boise the capital city of Idaho, it is also the largest city in the state. There is every type of lodging available from large chain hotels/motels to small bed and breakfasts – and everything in between.

Whether you want to drive through for a burger or are looking for a fine dining experience you will find plenty of both in the city.
Boise also has many banks, service stations, shopping and malls. Don’t forget the city recreational opportunities, as well. 

Adding to Boise's charm is Boise State University. Idaho's largest university, Boise State enrolls over 15,000 students a year. As a college city, Boise of definitely hip and rich in culture, museums, and nightlife.

Activities

Boise is tucked in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains along the Boise River. Its location allows for excellent outdoor adventures year round. Locals enjoy skiing at Bogus Basin Ski Resort in the winter, and biking and hiking on the Boise River Greenbelt. There are multiple reservoirs in the area excellent for boating or casting. Boise, ID is rich with rivers, mountains, lakes, and desert landscapes perfect for camping, kayaking, and hunting.

Attractions

Visitors and residents alike have a variety of fun and interesting attractions to choose from.

• Idaho Botanical Garden
  Covering 50 acres, the grounds of this botanical garden originally served as the farm and nursery for the Idaho State Penitentiary. Today the Idaho Botanical Garden offers a series of specialty gardens, including a contemporary English Garden, a Meditation Garden, a Children's Garden, and an Heirloom Rose Garden, among others.
• Idaho State Capitol
  Tour Idaho's State Capitol building and grounds and learn more about the architecture, history, and functions of this historic structure.
• Basque Museum & Cultural Center
  The Basque Museum & Cultural Center provides a look into the Basque heritage through exhibits, collections, and tours.
• World Center for Birds of Prey
  As a part of the World Center for Birds of Prey, the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center is a modern facility where you can explore the world of raptors through interactive displays, multi-media shows, and close-up views of birds of prey, including the California condor.
• Boise Zoo
  You'll see all sorts of creatures at the Zoo, not only from the local region but from around the world.
• Idaho Historical Museum
  The Museum's collection covers the full range of Idaho's history, from prehistoric times through the fur trade, the gold rush, pioneer settlement, and up to the present. Exhibits about the state's Native American, Chinese, and Basque populations are also presented. Located in Julia Davis Park, the Idaho Historical Museum is the state's largest museum.

Getting Here

To travel to Boise from Sun Valley, travel south on Highway 75 to the Junction with Highway 20. Then turn west and travel across the Camas Prairie, through Cat Creek Pass and then to Mountain Home. At Mountain Home you can take Interstate 84 north to Boise.