Garden City Travel Guide

Garden City is a small getaway city in Idaho, close to the capital, Boise. Garden City got its name from Chinese immigrants who lived in the area, while Main Street -- also know as 'Chinden' -- is a mixture of the words 'Chinese' and 'garden'. This main street is very popular among young adults and artists due to the edgy feeling and the apartments available there.

There are a lot of things to do in Garden City from landmarks, hiking, water parks, zoos, and museums to explore. There are even distilleries and vineyards in the region for travelers looking to sample the local grapes. Garden City has a wide selection of vacation rentals for visitors to choose from, so you're sure to find your new home away from home here.

Things to Do in Garden City

There are tons of sights to see and activites to enjoy in Garden City, plus with the state capital, Boise, only a few miles away, it's easy to take day trips to other places. Visit the downtown Boise area for landmarks, such as the Idaho State Capitol Building which hosts tours for people to learn more about legislative history.

The Boise River Greenbelt has a postcard-worthy hiking trail and is a quaint day out for families to discover the importance of dams and how they work. For wildlife and bird-watching the World Center for Birds of Pray and the Ann Morison Park are wonderful spots to soak up nature at its finest.

If you're visiting Garden City in the winter and are looking to make the most of the snow, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is home to skiing and snowboarding, complete with rental equipment and classes. The fun doesn't stop there either, during the summer, the area also has stunning hiking routes, tube sliding, and trampoline jumping. Elsewhere, the Roaring Springs Waterpark and the Wahooz Family Fun Zone are must-visits for families with young children.

For an alternative experience in Garden City, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is a disused prison which welcomes the public to see the inside and document 100 years of prison history. There are educational programs and guided tours available most days of the week.

Best Places to Stay in Garden City

The best area to stay in Garden City is by the canal, which is also very close to Boise. Garden City offers many types of house rental properties that can guarantee a great stay with family and friends. Most vacation rental house come with full kitchens and multiple bathrooms, so are suitable for large groups too.

Best Time to Visit Garden City

For summer activities, the ideal time to visit Garden City in June when the weather is pleasant but not overly hot, having an average temperature of 80 degrees. For skiing and winter activities, plan your trip in December when there's plenty of snow and temperatures average 30 degrees.