Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Meridian (Ada County, Idaho; pop. 90,739) sits at 794 m (2605 ft) elevation near Meridian Historic District, with regional transit access via Strawberry Glen Airport (10.0 km). Visitors pair Meridian landmarks with signature Idaho specialties including Russet baked potatoes with local sharp cheddar and Idaho finger steaks & smoked rainbow trout.
Within Idaho, Meridian (Meridian, ID) serves as a us city in idaho. Travelers exploring Idaho often combine a stop in Meridian with state highlights such as Coeur d'Alene Lake, Sun Valley & Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Hell's Canyon & Shoshone Falls.
| Fact | Details for Meridian (Meridian, ID) |
|---|---|
| City & State | Meridian, ID |
| County & Role | US City in Idaho |
| State & Major Hubs | Idaho (Boise, Sun Valley & Coeur d'Alene) |
| Population | 90,739 residents |
| Elevation | 794 m (2,605 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Strawberry Glen Airport (10.0 km) |
| Coordinates | 43.6121°N, 116.3915°W |
Getting to Meridian & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Strawberry Glen Airport (10.0 km)): Boise Airport (BOI), Spokane Airport (GEG) for northern Idaho, Amtrak Empire Builder at Sandpoint, and I-84/I-90.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into BOI Boise Airport, I-84/I-15 & Amtrak Empire Builder (Sandpoint)? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from Meridian includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in Meridian (Idaho)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In Meridian (Ada County, Idaho), local tables feature: Signature Idaho dishes—Russet baked potatoes with local sharp cheddar, Idaho finger steaks & smoked rainbow trout, and Huckleberry pancakes, pie & milkshakes.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around Meridian and across Idaho, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Idaho: Snake River Valley Riesling & Syrah, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Meridian (Idaho), look for: Local specialties across Idaho: Basque chorizo & croquetas from Boise's Basque Block, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic Idaho dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In Meridian (pop. 90,739), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across Ada County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 794 m (2,605 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Strawberry Glen Airport (10.0 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Meridian Historic Downtown · Ada County Courthouse Square
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Collister
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Eagle, ID (9.7 km)
- Star, ID (12.1 km)
- Garden City, ID (12.4 km)
- Kuna, ID (13.6 km)
- Eagle Foothills, ID (14.2 km)
Regional Specialties Across Idaho
- Russet baked potatoes with local sharp cheddar — a signature specialty across Idaho.
- Idaho finger steaks & smoked rainbow trout — a signature specialty across Idaho.
- Huckleberry pancakes, pie & milkshakes — a signature specialty across Idaho.
- Basque chorizo & croquetas from Boise's Basque Block — a signature specialty across Idaho.
- Snake River Valley Riesling & Syrah — a signature specialty across Idaho.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for Meridian
Best time to visit Idaho: Jun–Sep (lakes/hiking), Dec–Mar (skiing).
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in Meridian exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Meridian; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Meridian (Meridian, ID) located in the United States?
Meridian (Meridian, ID) is a us city in Idaho, United States (coordinates: 43.6121°N, 116.3915°W, elevation: 794 m (2,605 ft)). It has a population of approximately 90,739.
How do I get to Meridian by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach Meridian via Strawberry Glen Airport (10.0 km). Boise Airport (BOI), Spokane Airport (GEG) for northern Idaho, Amtrak Empire Builder at Sandpoint, and I-84/I-90. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is Meridian and Idaho known for?
In Meridian and across Idaho, signature regional dishes include Russet baked potatoes with local sharp cheddar, Idaho finger steaks & smoked rainbow trout, Huckleberry pancakes, pie & milkshakes, as well as Basque chorizo & croquetas from Boise's Basque Block and Snake River Valley Riesling & Syrah. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit Meridian?
Best time to visit Idaho: Jun–Sep (lakes/hiking), Dec–Mar (skiing). Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: