You are losing out on a lot if you believe Idaho is just potatoes! We may declare with some degree of confidence that Idaho is one of the most underappreciated states in the union, thanks to its stunning hidden hot springs, striking mountain peaks, and quaint communities.

Idaho could be the ideal location for your upcoming road trip if, like us, you enjoy being outside but find major tourist spots to be too crowded.

We're going to provide you with an example schedule that highlights some of the top attractions in the state. You can't see everything in a week, for sure, but this is a wonderful place to start!

Idaho's Top Attractions to See in Just One Week

We are aware that not every road journey is the same. Perhaps you are pressed for time, or you simply don't want to feel hurried. We understand that. Every destination on the schedule has the labels "Idaho Must" or "If you have time."

Our top picks for stops on any Idaho road trip are those designated as "Idaho Musts." The locations tagged as "If you have time" are still valuable, but only if you have the time. To go to a certain part, simply click on any of the links.

McCall: Adorable Town Surrounded by a Lake

This posh cottage town is located on Payette Lake's southern edge. Even though it was the middle of the week, we had the impression that the majority of the McCall homes were affluent second homes since they were so beautiful.

We took a little break and explored several adorable coffee shops, such as Fogglifter and Mountain Java, while also trying some beers from Salmon River Brewing. Lakeside Park is a terrific place to unwind after dark and enjoy the sunset if you're seeking for somewhere to do so.

Our buddy from Idaho gave us a terrific suggestion about a unique hot spring that isn't as well-known as many of the well-known spots. We were delighted to see this sort of "local" establishment and made sure to stop. There are two pools with heating water for resting in, set amid a watercourse.

Although the downstream pool was flooded and the water level was a little high when we visited, it would be much nicer later in the summer. It was quite lovely, with the light beaming through the trees, the sand sparkling (really!) from the minerals in the rocks, and only a few other people getting wet. This hot spring is highly recommended if you're visiting McCall.

Boise: A Cool City with a Cozy Feel

Boise was mentioned in an article we just read titled "up-and-coming cities in the US to visit before they get too cool." (Along with Minneapolis, our hometown!) We can see why it made the list—it has great farmer's markets, accessible bike routes, and a bustling beer sector.

Activities in Boise

Take a city bike rental and ride the paved Greenbelt, which runs next to the Boise River.

Riding riding bike to the Old Idaho Penitentiary is a must. You can visit the grounds and view the prisons used to house some of the worst Western offenders for $6. A decent view of the city may be obtained from the short hiking paths that are located behind the prison.

The stunning Idaho Botanical Gardens are immediately next door for a change of scenery following the Old Penitentiary. One of the nicest things to do in Boise for couples is to stroll along the trails among native shrubs and flowers.

Visit several breweries! Wishing we had more time, we would have like to taste more of  Barrel and Payette Brewing!

Discover the Saturday Market in Boise! This massive farmers market, which spans four or five blocks of N 8th Street in the center of downtown, is held every Saturday from April until mid-December. We were quite impressed by the several areas dedicated to food merchants, artists, and local product sellers. You'll discover something you enjoy here, including street food, artisan wines, musicians playing on the sidewalk, and art booths!

Places to Dine in Boise

• Hawaiian raw fish salad, or poke bowls, are served at Paddles Up Poké. We seldom stop back, but we did so twice in a row since it was so wonderful. That ought to demonstrate to you how excellent it is. This should be your last stop if you enjoy fish in any way.

• 10 Barrel Brewery - Consistently bustling, and rightfully so, 10 Barrel offers fantastic culinary options along with some very delicious beers. Ben advises those who want dark, full-flavored beers to try the P2P Porter. Fun Fact: We've been to 10 Barrel's Bend, Oregon, locations too many times to count because that's where we reside!

• Fork: One of the greatest restaurants in Boise, this well-liked location downtown offers sophisticated American cuisine. They have a massive serving of delicious asparagus fries, and their butter cake is well worth making room for.

Bruneau Sand Dunes

We don't mince words when we remark that the scenery of Idaho is varied. Sand dunes may be found 62.3 miles south of Boise, to be exact. Making a stop here on your route to Twin Falls is a great way to break up the journey.

• At the Bruneau Sand Dunes, what are your options?

• A picnic in front of a little lake encircled by dunes

• To unwind, cool down in the water by swimming!

• Visit the visitors center to learn about the animals and the history of this area.

• To obtain a fantastic perspective, climb one of the dunes (be careful—the sand becomes really hot!).

• Try boarding down the dunes by renting a sand board at the tourist center! (You may hire two boards for $25 per day, or one for $15.)

• You may camp here if you'd want to stay the night.

The State Park of Thousand Springs

This is an excellent stop if you're traveling from Boise to Twin Falls by car. There is a pleasant short walk that you can take to get up close to the several springs and waterfalls in the region. If you have any spare time, Hagerman Valley Sports also rents out paddle boards and kayaks. A grassy area is ideal for picnics and taking in the scenery.

How to Get There: There is some difficulty in getting to Thousand Springs. There's a large sign that reads "Thousand Springs Resort" along Highway 30. Continue from this point forward. The picnic tables and parking area are paid for, and the location is across the river from the real springs.

We halted when we couldn't figure out how to go to the springs, but we eventually figured it out. You have truly gone too far if you arrive at this "resort." After reversing course and passing under the bridge, go eastward along the State Fish Hatchery Road, passing through the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area.

You'll pass through a few country roads before coming to a route known as "Thousand Springs Grade." You'll probably have little to no mobile coverage there, so do some research on it first. This steep road enters a park immediately adjacent to the Thousand Springs.

Harmonious Stone

Balanced Rock is a fun bonus to your journey if you're in the region. This rock structure is the perfect example of a balancing act, just as its name suggests. The top is 40 feet high, but the base is only 3 feet by 17 inches. That completely changes the meaning of the phrase "top heavy"!

Since this is only a rock, I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to stop here. Really, all you can do is ooh and aah, snap a few photos, and if you really want to, enjoy lunch at the picnic table in front of the rock. That's everything for now. But it's a very spectacular sight if you happen to be in the vicinity. It was a great trip for us because we slept at the Balanced Rock campsite, which is around one mile away. You may also read this: Tips for Surviving in Expensive Countries

Twin Falls: Magnificent Fall & Well-Known Bridge

While visiting Twin Falls, there are a few must-see locations in the surrounding area. Otherwise, there is not much to the town. You are not required to remain the night if you are pressed for time or just wish to leave the city. It takes a few hours to tour these sights.

When in Idaho, would you want to give Van Life a try?

It goes without saying that we adore #vanlife.

We have plenty of suggestions if you want to experience van living but lack the time or desire to create your own conversion. See our selection of the best providers of USA campervan rentals, ranging in price from inexpensive to luxurious; we've even included special offers just for our readers.

We suggest checking into Escape Campervans as one firm. They are completely equipped with everything you need for an amazing road trip and have 12 sites across North America. Additionally, their prices are reasonable and fair.