10 best places for weekend getaways from Meridian, ID
Weekend Getaway Itinerary from Meridian, ID
Discover a variety of landscapes and activities within easy driving distance of Meridian on this curated weekend itinerary. Start with an easy, scenic stroll or bike along the Boise River Greenbelt to stretch your legs and enjoy riverside parks and public art. Head to the Idaho Botanical Garden for a peaceful walk among curated plant collections, seasonal displays and photo-worthy garden rooms. For a dose of mountain air and outdoor recreation, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area offers skiing and snow sports in winter and hiking, mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides in summer—perfect for panoramic views of the Treasure Valley. Venture a bit farther to Lucky Peak State Park for water-based fun: boating, swimming and lakeside picnics on warm days. For dramatic desert scenery and a one-of-a-kind experience, Bruneau Dunes State Park’s towering sand dunes invite sandboarding, hiking and exceptional stargazing. If you prefer alpine wilderness, allocate a day to explore the Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s craggy peaks, pristine lakes and extensive trail network for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. Near Twin Falls, the Perrine Bridge provides awe-inspiring canyon views and is a hub for photography and adventurous activities; just downstream, Shoshone Falls delivers thunderous cascades and scenic overlooks that rival much larger waterfalls. Finally, immerse yourself in local history at the Old Idaho Penitentiary and take a short but rewarding hike to Table Rock for sweeping views of Boise—ideal at sunrise or sunset. This itinerary balances easy urban escapes, water recreation, desert adventure and high-country exploration so you can tailor weekend plans to seasons, fitness level and interests while keeping drive times manageable from Meridian.
Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise (29.8 mi)
15 Jul 2026
