20 Best Things To Do in Nampa, Idaho

The Treasure Valley is a wondrous place composed of five counties in southwestern Idaho and is considered the most populated area in the state. Just 20 miles west of Boise lies Nampa, the heart of the Treasure Valley. It is oftentimes overshadowed by the capital city in Idaho, but it can offer its fair share of enjoyable moments, places, restaurants, and experiences for everyone whether you’re a local or a visitor from another state or country. There’s always something fun in store for you. Dive in and discover the 20 best things to do in Nampa, Idaho.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

1. Tower Grill

A locally owned and operated restaurant in Nampa, Idaho, serving breakfast and lunch. Overseeing the Nampa Municipal Airport and the Owyhee Mountains, and having breakfast or lunch is a pleasant and nice experience in the Tower Grill. If you’re hangry or just hungry and don’t have things to do, relax at the restaurant with the great food and excellent service. Open daily, but make sure to catch them on their special season dinner menu with prime rib available every first Friday night of the month from 5pm to 8pm.

2. Tin Roof Tacos

Tacos prepared and cooked daily on site, Tin Roof Tacos brings to you fresh quality products in a no-frills fun-filled environment. With modern twists, they bring a new style of tacos unto the table from BBQ Brisket to Baja Shrimp. They are not just distinctive, but you also get more taco for your money. Reward yourself with tacos that you might get hooked to!

The Tin Roof Tacos caters the following:

• Large Orders
• Breakfast Meetings
• Birthday Parties
• Office Lunches
• Tailgate Parties

3. 1st Street Eat Eat Eat

• Mesa Tacos + Tequila. Another food place specializing in unique taco creations, indulge yourself with some good vibes, great food, and amazing cocktails. Mesa is a modern taco and cocktail bar that’s best when with family or loved ones. Make it a complete experience by trying their amazing agave spirits!
• Paddles Up Poké. As the first and only specialty poké restaurant in Idaho, it features and specializes poké bowls and sushi burritos. Catering all sushi lovers, vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, soy-free, and people with other dietary needs. Voted as “Best of Boise” since 2017, this restaurant boasts in providing high quality ingredients while keeping your experience quick, cheap, and simple, visit Paddles Up Poké.
• Holy Cow. Holy Cow Idaho is a neighborhood burger joint centered in the Historic Downtown Nampa, specializing in a selection of special craft burgers made with grass-fed beef. Added and topped with organic produce, giving you an experience you’ll remember forever. Aside from that, you can also savor their selection of craft beers, wine, and cider that they got from local Northwest breweries & vineyards. Experience a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere with terrific cuisine, cold brews, and chill vibes in Nampa, Idaho.
• Messenger Pizza. Contrary to its name, this place offers not just pizza but also delish and unique pies, quick slices, and even a salad bar. Check their social media page from time to time to take advantage of their discounts and even their buy 1 take 1 promos!

 

4. Brick 29 Bistro

Elevate your dining experience with locally-grown foods prepared exceptionally to bring out the best in this world. Brick 29 Bistro is on a mission to build relationships with their customers through engaged hospitality and a constant, ever-evolving culinary experience. Don’t miss out on their dashing cuisine!

5. The STIL

When you need to beat the heat, an award winning ice cream is the way to go! Made locally in small batches, you can have a sweet and unique ice cream experience paired with The STIL’s famous booze infused creations. Discover and treat yourself and your loved ones with delicious ice cream.

6. Tacos Aguililla Food Truck

The Tacos Aguililla Food Truck is the place to be for hundreds of people in Nampa. The concept is very simple but the food and the taste is phenomenal and it is fun. For an authentic taco food truck experience, be sure to check this out.

7. Casa Robles Mexican Restaurant

This fairly new restaurant is becoming the newest hotspot in town. Along with their great food, the staff is super friendly, polite, and helpful which adds up to the whole customer experience. In this place, you will surely have a great time with loved ones.

LOCAL GEAR & EQUIPMENT

8. Rise SUP Boards

The Idaho state offers a ton of adventures and activities for local Idahoans and tourists. One great example would be the Lake Lowell. If you’re planning to go to Nampa, it is a must to visit. Enjoy the scenic views and make it even better with the rentable paddle boards from Rise SUP Boards. Using carbon fiber as their source material, it makes it more convenient to use their SUP boards due to being lightweight and more responsive than the aluminum or plastic versions. Aside from renting, you can also purchase your own SUP board from them and bring it to your adventures conveniently.

9. Rolling H Cycles

They offer a wide selection of bicycles, accessories, and services for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. With a knowledgeable and friendly staff, Rolling H Cycles provides expert advice and assistance to help you find the perfect bike and gear for your needs. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, the bike shop is dedicated to providing quality products and exceptional customer service to enhance your biking experience. Bike services for flat tires, basic bicycle tune-up, or bike suspension rebuild, anything related to bikes, pay them a visit.

10. Cafferty’s Cyclery

The Cafferty’s Cyclery is a reputable bicycle shop that caters to the cycling community. With a wide selection of bikes, accessories, and gear, they offer options for various riding styles and preferences. The helpful staff can provide expert advice and assistance to help you find the perfect bike and ensure a great cycling experience. Cafferty’s Cyclery is a trusted destination for all your biking needs. Choose from a wide variety of top cycling products at amazing prices.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

11. Lake Lowell

Lake Lowell was built by the Bureau of Reclamation and opened in 1909 to provide irrigation water for Canyon County farmland. It is considered one of the largest off-stream reservoirs in the American West, capable of irrigating nearly 200,000 acres of land. The lake is also a prime spot for popular recreation activities for local residents and visitors to the county. Here are examples of the things to do in Lake Lowell:

• Boating
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Picnic
• BBQ
• Disc Golf Playing
• Motorized Water Sports
• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• Hunting

Recreation activities on the lake’s shores and waterways may be subject to restrictions depending on the season as part of the wildlife sanctuary. The other activities mentioned such as birdwatching, hiking and hunting are available due to the presence of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Deer Flat National Refuge, also established in 1909.

12. Lucky Peak State Park

The Lucky Peak State Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Idaho. It is situated near Boise and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The park is known for its stunning views of Lucky Peak Lake, which is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, Lucky Peak State Park has several picnic areas, hiking trails, and camping grounds, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families looking to spend quality time together. The park comprises 3 units:

• Discovery Park
• Sandy Point
• Spring Shores

13. Roaring Springs Water Park

The Roaring Springs Water Park is the Northwest’s largest waterpark. Featuring more than 20 water attractions for all ages, there’s just so much things to do. And adding to the experience the great food and drinks they’re serving makes it a perfect place to spend time with family and loved ones. These are the water attractions on the water park:

• Camp IdaH2O
• Class 5 Canyon
• Critter Crossing
• Snake River Run
• Bearfoot Bay
• Corkscrew Cavern
• Thunder Falls
• Cliffhanger
• Kiddie Kowabunga
• Viper’s Vortex
• Mammoth Canyon Family Raft Ride
• White Water Bay Wave Pool
• Pipeline Mines
• The Avalanche
• Rattlesnake Rapids
• Racing Ridge
• Endless River
• Double Trouble Drop Slide
• Leisure Lagoon

14. Ford Idaho Center

The Ford Idaho Center is a versatile event venue located in Nampa, Idaho. It is a popular destination for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and various other live performances. The center features a large indoor arena that can accommodate a significant number of attendees, as well as an outdoor amphitheater for open-air events. With state-of-the-art facilities and modern amenities, the Ford Idaho Center provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both performers and visitors. Whether you’re a fan of music, sports, or entertainment, the Ford Idaho Center offers a diverse range of events to suit different interests.

15. Nampa Civic Center

The Nampa Civic Center is a professional house and it serves as a hub for community gatherings, business conferences, and performing arts. With its spacious and well-equipped facilities, it offers a welcoming and professional atmosphere for a wide range of occasions, providing a theather stage for the performing arts with talented individuals in the Treasure Valley. The John Brandt Performing Arts Theater boasts an intimate setting with 640-seats to captivate you with their play.

16. Mettle Sports Nampa

It is a premier youth sports facility for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor sports activities in Nampa, Idaho. The facility provides state-of-the-art equipment and well-maintained courts for sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and more. Mettle Sports Nampa offers a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels, whether you want to join a league, host a competition, or simply enjoy some recreational sports.

17. Ada/Eagle Bike Park

The Ada/Eagle Bike Park has an extensive series of trails connecting to the Ridge to Rivers trail system. Located in Garden City, more than 21 miles northeast of Nampa. This is a pretty exciting and fun place to show off those bike skills and make use of them.

18. Wilson Creek Trails

Wilson Creek Trails is a scenic trail system located in Melda, Idaho, 30 miles south of Nampa. It offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area through hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trails wind through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, meadows, and along the picturesque Wilson Creek. With varying difficulty levels, the Wilson Creek Trails cater to both beginners and experienced adventurers, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities. For extra fun, consider bringing your pet dogs but make sure to prepare beforehand as they may show tiredness halfway through the trail.

19. Celebration Park

The Celebration Park is located in Melba, Idaho, 24 miles south of Nampa. It is a unique and historic recreational area known as one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Pacific Northwest, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can explore the park’s rich history by visiting the archaeological sites and viewing ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks. Additionally, you can go hiking or take a leisurely stroll along the Snake River, enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with opportunities to catch various species of fish. Lastly, you can have a picnic in one of the designated areas or simply relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere of Celebration Park. Experience and be mesmerized by the historic Guffey Railroad Bridge as well as Southwest Idaho’s early mining and railroad history. Learn about the Paleolithic and Archaic lifeways in Celebration Park.

20. Stoddard Trail

Go for a relaxing walk with a view of nice trees and natural grasses. The Stoddard Pathway stretches for approximately two miles of paved surface. Parking is available by Maple Wood Park located off of Greenhurst Road.

21. Indian Creek Trail

The Indian Creek Trail is full of stories by Native Americans. Today, you can take a stroll along where they used to camp and hunt deer while appreciating the beauty around the trail and the city itself.

22. Indian Creek Plaza

The Indian Creek Plaza serves as a community hub for the people living in Caldwell, Idaho. It is a great place for community gatherings, events, and activities as the plaza features an ice rink and ribbon, stage for performances, live entertainment and movies, splash pad for kids to play, and an ample seating area for visitors to relax and chill. There are also shops and restaurants in the vicinity, making it a family-friendly place. In 2022, it has hosted 289 events and activities the whole year with more than 250,000 visitors and 60,000 ice skaters. Enjoy the atmosphere in the Indian Creek Plaza with loved ones.

23. Nampa Farmers Market

As all Farmers Market, you can find locally grown produce, artisanal food products, handmade crafts, and a lot more in the Nampa Farmers Market. It is a great place to connect people with growers, producers, artisans, and more. Winning top 3 of the Farmers Market in the US, it says a lot about the people, the products, and the experience get whenever you visit this place. Make sure to buy fresh, quality produce and products for you and your family at the Nampa Farmers Market.

24. Boise River Float

Floating on any river is a fun and relaxing thing to do. That’s why you should include to your to-do list the Boise River floating. With a stretch of 6 miles, you can enjoy the nature, scenic views, rapids, and the adventure on the Boise River. It’ll take approximately 2-3 hours to reach from Barber Park’s put-in spot to Ann Morrison Park’s take-out spot. Additionally, those places offer parking for vehicles. If traveling without a vehicle, Ada County Parks & Waterways provide shuttle services for everyone. It’s important to know and to remember the variety of hazards present on the river such as the bridges, low-hanging trees, and rapids. To fully enjoy the Boise River floating, make sure to prepare beforehand. Prepare your paddle board by renting one on Rise SUP Boards.

Editing Your Nampa, Idaho Adventure Photos and Videos

There are a lot of things to do in Nampa, Idaho, you just have to see it. Once you experience the beauty the city and its local attractions offer, that’s when you realize there’s a lot to be proud of in this city. With the variety of amazing cuisine in the area, there’s a lot to enjoy and explore. But it doesn’t stop there. There will always be more places to find and stops to enjoy.

If you want to turn your raw video footage and photos into something memorable and enjoyable to watch, contact us! VACA.video is a video editing company with a team of professional video editors that knows how to turn your raw footage into something worthwhile. Make your memories remembered forever with a video!