Meridian, ID has loads of bucket list-worthy spots for brand spanking new residents, however typically, essentially the most unforgettable locations exist simply past the sting of what’s acquainted. Drive twenty minutes in any path from Meridian, and the panorama shifts; orchards stretch into the horizon, rivers hint paths by means of the valley, and quiet cities are ready to be found. It’s the kind of enjoyment you don’t want a airplane ticket for, solely curiosity and a tank of fuel.
Whether or not you’re desirous about buying a house in Meridian, looking for an condo to lease, or a rental dwelling within the metropolis, making time to discover the locations to go to close to Meridian is a should. On this Redfin article, we’ve created a listing of 13 close by locations that may let you step exterior your on a regular basis life and into the unfamiliar. Let’s get began.
Estimated journey time:19 minutes
With mountain views that may take your breath away, common sights, and hidden gems, Boise, ID is the Treasure Valley’s largest metropolis only a quick drive from Meridian. The town strikes a steadiness between outside residing and cosmopolitan aptitude, providing all the pieces from paddleboarding at dawn to festive neighborhood occasions.
1. Begin your day with a morning stroll by means of Esther Simplot Park
There’s no higher place to ease into the day than at Esther Simplot Park. Wrapped across the Boise River, this park gives nice strolling trails, ponds, and simple river entry that units the tone for an out of doors journey.
Close by on the banks of the Boise River at Esther Simplot Park, Idaho River Sports activities is the place the stoke flows simply as sturdy because the water. This paddle sports activities retailer is the place you launch your first stroke, swap tales with river people, and catch stay tunes after a session on the water. From children’ camps to whitewater lessons and board leases, they’re all about getting extra individuals out on the river and holding the vibe excessive.
2. Catch a present at The Egyptian Theater
The Egyptian Theatre is one among metropolis’s most cherished historic landmarks so as to add to your Boise bucket checklist. The venue gives a heat and lovingly restored surroundings with glorious consideration to Egyptian architectural detailing. A middle for live shows, opera performances, visitor audio system, movie festivals, and film premiers, The Egyptian has housed quite a few top-level nationwide touring acts and theatre productions. On high of all that, the acoustics within the room create a incredible concert-goer expertise.
3. Discover Boise’s eating scene
Boise’s eating scene has blossomed in recent times, coupling farm-to-table freshness with distinctive flavors. You’ll discover all the pieces from cozy brunch spots and craft breweries to modern rooftop bars and underground gems.
Amongst these spots, one downtown establishment to take a look at is Liquid Lounge & Strong Grill & Bar, a neighborhood favourite that’s been serving the Treasure Valley for almost 20 years. Notable for its crave-worthy menu, artistic drink specials, and joyful hours (day by day from 4–6 p.m. and 10 p.m.–midnight), it’s the type of place that simply turns into a go-to.
Head downstairs to Liquid Laughs, their underground comedy membership within the Strong Cellar, for a few of the greatest stand-up exhibits within the area.
4. Take a while to loosen up at Rain Salon & Spa
Between back-to-back adventures and city-hopping, somewhat downtime is important and Boise has simply the spot for it: Rain Salon & Spa. This full-service Aveda salon and spa, with places in each Boise and Meridian, gives all the pieces from skilled hair coloring and cuts to nails and skincare. Their signature scalp facial is a standout with an hour of pure leisure, a stress-melting therapeutic massage, and scalp-loving care that refreshes you from root to soul.
5. Take a look at The Comedy Lounge
To finish your night in Boise with somewhat pleasure, a comedy present is likely to be the proper exercise earlier than making your manner dwelling. The Comedy Lounge showcases a powerful line-up {of professional} comedians. Situated within the Depot Bench neighborhood, that is Boise’s solely full-time, skilled comedy membership bringing television and film credited headliners to the Valley. Tickets vary from $25-50 to see a few of your favourite comedy stars.
Caldwell, ID
Estimated journey time: 23 minutes

Tucked into the guts of Idaho wine nation, Caldwell has developed from quiet farmland right into a vacation spot stuffed with small-town attraction and seasonal delights. With orchards, beautiful surroundings, and a rising meals and wine scene, it’s a spot that looks like a fresh-air retreat.
6. Choose your personal fruit at Cherry Hill Farms
Few issues seize the magic of the season fairly like a go to to Cherry Hill Farms. From the primary spring blossoms to the crisp days of fall, this family-owned orchard gives an idyllic backdrop in your subsequent day journey.
Between tart cherry U-pick to their well-known Peach Days and Superior Apple Days, there’s one thing scrumptious taking place all season lengthy. Go to their farm retailer throughout harvest for recent produce and native items, and revel in household enjoyable within the corn maze. With U-pick alternatives all through the season, Cherry Hill Farms is your go-to vacation spot for recent air, recent fruit, and unforgettable reminiscences.
7. Have some aggressive enjoyable at Pyrrhic Tactical Sports activities Heart
For those who’re touring with older children or thrill-seeking associates, Pyrrhic Tactical Sports activities Heart delivers high-energy pleasure with their rugged paintball facility. Whether or not you’re arriving solo, planning a birthday celebration, or wrangling a church or sports activities group, this venue is about up for full-scale enjoyable. Gear leases can be found on web site, together with gloves, vests, and coveralls. All you must deliver is your aggressive spirit. It’s a playful, adrenaline-filled approach to spend a day outside.
Estimated journey time: 18 minutes

Eagle, ID is one other excellent spot to go to close to Meridian that provides a extra relaxed tempo. Count on to see riverfront trails and hidden gems that profit from Idaho’s pure magnificence. This close by city pairs outside journey with small-town consolation, making it a novel day journey vacation spot.
8. Begin your day at Eagle Island State Park
Start your day at Eagle Island State Park, a neighborhood favourite for good cause. When the climate warms up, the sandy seaside, swimming space, and waterslide develop into a should. And when you’re craving a style of journey? Don’t miss the zip line course with six ziplines and a heart-racing fast leap that simulates a parachute dive into open air.
Because the group at EnVie Health Meridian describes it, “Eagle Island State Park is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities like hiking, swimming, and picnicking. With its beautiful landscapes and friendly atmosphere, it makes for an ideal destination to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Idaho.”
9. Join with nature on the Eagle Greenbelt
For a peaceable, riverside escape, make your approach to the Eagle Greenbelt, accessible simply off Freeway 55. “The river and trees in the area provide a serene escape right in the heart of the city,” shares Natalie, photographer and proprietor of Aspen and Sage Images.
“In the summer, you might find families playing on the rocky beaches or at the nearby Reid Merrill Park. There are also opportunities for fishing, biking, or stopping for a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants like Bardenay.” Locals additionally adore it as a photo-worthy backdrop, particularly in the summertime and fall.
10. Get artistic with glass at Fusions Glass Studio
In downtown Eagle, Fusions Glass Studio gives a playful, hands-on expertise that goes past the standard paint-and-sip. Stroll in solo or with a gaggle and design your personal glass creation; suppose sun-catchers, votives, night time lights, votives, or dishes in fused glass. Plus, it’s enjoyable and protected for all ages. They host college teams, events, and team-building occasions, and no appointment is required for teams of three or fewer. Your completed piece is prepared for pickup in a few week.
Estimated journey time: quarter-hour

Picture courtesy of Western Idaho Truthful
Situated alongside the banks of the Boise River and simply minutes from downtown, Backyard Metropolis is an up-and-coming favourite within the Treasure Valley. Recognized for its arts scene, wealthy historical past, and outside recreation, it’s a spot the place you may sip a craft cocktail, catch a live performance, or let your pup run wild, all in a single day.
11. Attend the Western Idaho Truthful
Western Idaho Truthful is the most important occasion within the State of Idaho and the final blast of the summer season each August. With a 5-night lineup of free grandstand live shows, Butler carnival rides and video games, iconic Truthful meals, livestock exhibits, and competitions, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from on the truthful, this August Fifteenth-Twenty fourth.
12. Let your pup play at Clubhound
Clubhound, situated in Backyard Metropolis simply exterior Meridian, is a one-of-a-kind canine park bar with human facilities; principally Disneyland for canines. This distinctive spot lets your pup roam and play off-leash in a protected, spacious surroundings whilst you chill with a chilly beer, a glass of wine, or quite a lot of different refreshing drinks.
And when you really feel hungry? Get pleasure from rotating meals vans serving up scrumptious native eats whereas your canine makes new furry associates. For those who’re seeking to loosen up, socialize, or simply deal with your pup to a fantastic time out, Clubhound is the final word hangout for canines and their house owners.
13. Discover the native artwork expertise of Backyard Metropolis
Backyard Metropolis has no scarcity of creativity, the place native artists deliver their visions to life. First, cease at Surel’s Place the place you may see the artists creating in a stay work area. Close by, the Visible Arts Collective is a gallery that hosts occasions and gives a glimpse into recent and provoking work. Lastly, as you wander the streets of Backyard Metropolis, the brilliant, whimsical SITy Benches shock you with colourful items of public art work that flip a easy stroll into inspiration.
Exploring every of the locations to go to close to Meridian
Whether or not you’re ziplining in Eagle, paddleboarding within the Boise River, or sipping your manner by means of Idaho wine nation, it’s clear that Meridian is surrounded by journey. These day journey locations supply one thing for each choice; no airplane ticket required. So subsequent time you’re craving one thing new, step exterior town limits and revel in all these locations to go to close to Meridian. This metropolis is just the start.

