Bellingham is a coastal city in northwest Washington that offers tremendous beauty and a multitude of things to do for every type of traveler. This city of almost one hundred thousand people is celebrated for its picturesque location among temperate forests while a perpetually snow-covered Mt Baker provides an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Located only ninety miles north of Seattle and twenty miles from the Canadian border, it is an easy day trip from both places, however a weekend-long stay is recommended to fully appreciate everything this special pacific northwest destination has to offer.

Bellingham, once a city known for its canneries, lumber industry, and coal gas production, now draws people for its plethora of adventurous activities and thriving cultural scene. Folks in Bellingham can be described as friendly, sociable, community-driven, environmentally conscience, and like most Washington residents, active no matter what the weather is like.

The story you’ll hear most from residents on how they came to be here is they attended college at the University of Western Washington and never left. It’s not hard to see why.

Bellingham has a vibrant art scene which is visible throughout the downtown core and the Fairhaven historic district. There are numerous art galleries with work from local and regional artists as well as a plethora of stores selling everything from blown glass to ceramics.

The city also has a lot of talent in the performing arts industry and holds local productions, film festivals, as well as traveling Broadway shows regularly at the Mount Baker Theater, Bellingham Theater Guild, and many other places. Live music is thriving here too and there are several venues you can catch a live show.

Foodies will also enjoy Bellingham because this city is bursting at the seams with worthy restaurants from casual cafes to excellent fine dining options and everything in between. Whether you want quintessential pacific northwest fare or something a little more ethnic, you’ll be able to find it here. The coffee scene in Bellingham is incredible and renowned for locally sourced, fair trade, and organic beans with several noteworthy places to get your caffeine fix.

Arguably, the best thing about Bellingham though is its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities within city limits. Bellinghamsters are blessed with miles of hiking and biking trails whether along waterfront paths or through magnificent forests at one of the many parks sprinkled around town.

Water activities are also plentiful and you can take advantage of several jewel-colored lakes and bays for activities that include swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, or fishing.

With so many options you might be wondering where to start, but don’t worry, this list of highlights are guaranteed to ensure you have a great experience during your visit and make the most of your precious vacation time.

Things To Do In Bellingham

Explore Downtown Bellingham

Bellingham has a lovely walkable downtown district filled with historical architecture, art galleries, boutique stores, and cozy cafes. Spend an hour wandering a few blocks to check out the scene and get a feeling for this city which values community.

There are so many great restaurants, breweries, and bars around here that it would be hard to cover them all in this article. Some of the places you should keep an eye out for in case you get peckish while walking around are Bayou On The Bay, La Fiamma, Black Sheep, and Pure Bliss Desserts.

As for breweries, Boundary Bay Brewery, Gruff Brewing, Aslan Brewing, and Structures Brewing are all within the downtown area.

Some other places that might be of interest to you are the Sparks Museum of Electrical Invention, a museum that showcases the historic development of electricity, radio and early technology, and Pickford Film Center, a cinema screening independent films. Both are located next door to each other on Bay Street.

If you happen to find yourself in downtown Bellingham during the summer months, be sure to check out Downtown Sounds, an outdoor music series held on Wednesday evenings from July to August. These free community concerts are now seventeen years strong and are a lot of fun for the whole family. Besides the bands, there are food trucks and other vendors as well as a beer garden for adults. The event takes place at the corner of Holly, Prospect, and Bay streets.

See A Show At Mt Baker Theater

Bellingham has a vibrant arts scene and a lot of talent in the performing arts industry which you can take advantage of at the Mt Baker Theatre. This place is home to local productions but also hosts world class entertainers, legendary musicians, film festivals, and traveling Broadway shows.

The Mt Baker Theater has a fascinating history beginning in 1927 when it was built as a luxurious movie palace during Hollywood’s golden age. The construction was one of the last grand vaudeville movie palaces to be built in the Pacific Northwest and the only survivor of five similar movie palaces built in Whatcom County between 1914 and 1930.

The architecture of the building is built with an exotic Spanish Moorish design but also features a mix of French Baroque, High Gothic, Moroccan, Mediterranean, Spanish Gothic, Hindu, Babylon, Aztec, Mayan, and Italian Renaissance styles.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this iconic Bellingham landmark is a must see, even if it’s just during a walking tour of downtown.

For visitors interested in delving deeper into the theater’s history, tours are available which cover the theater’s silent film era and reveal some of the secrets behind the curtains. There might be a ghost story or two involved.

If interested in taking a tour, you can inquire here. Otherwise, take a look at the events calendar to see if any of your favorite performers are in town during your visit or see what movies are playing here.

Visit A Brewery In Bellingham

Bellingham has a long thriving craft beer scene boasting eighteen breweries to take your pick from. Considering the city of Bellingham only has a population of approximately 90,000 residents, this is certainly quite impressive.

If you are into craft beer, brewery hopping is an obligatory activity for first time visitors to Bellingham. Fortunately, many of the breweries here are within walking distance from the downtown area and located close to each other making it very possible to strike a few establishments in one day without needing to drive.

So where should you start? Well, how about Bellingham’s oldest brewery, Boundary Bay Brewery. These guys have been around since 1995 and offer a wide variety of brews from IPAs to pilsners and stouts, which are all brewed with water from Bellingham’s own Lake Whatcom watershed.

Another favorite with locals is Aslan Brewing Co. Aslan, who pride themselves on being USDA certified organic, make refreshing lagers to hoppy brews as well as seasonal surprises like ginger rye pale ale and blueberry saisons. They also have a nearby second location called the Aslan Depot which serves as the company’s barrel aging facility and as an adults only tap room. The tap list here features craft beer, ciders, and wine from around the world.

Kulshan Brewing is for you if you prefer German style lagers, although they still have a variety of IPAs and seasonal beers such as summer ales, winter ales, and gose too. One of the coolest things about this place is the rotating food trucks serving everything from Greek food to BBQ.

Axe Throwing In Bellingham

For a unique night out, why not give axe throwing a shot? This new ‘axe-citing’ sport has become all the rage recently throughout North America and Bellingham just so happens to have acquired an indoor axe-throwing venue.

So how is the game played you ask? Individuals throw hatchets at wooden targets marked with a bullseye and score points based on where the hatchet sticks. You don’t need any experience or strength either because the secret to becoming good is in your form. And don’t worry, the ‘axe-perts’ will show you exactly what to do if it’s your first time.

Axe throwing is great fun for all ages and a memorable experience for friends, date nights, and birthdays. For more information visit Bellingham Axe.

Bellingham Farmers Market

The Bellingham Farmers Market is held every Saturday throughout most of the year connecting local growers with the community. Besides fresh produce, there are many stalls selling everything from art, crafts, delicious sweets, baked goodies, and more.

You can find the market at Depot Market Square in downtown Bellingham. Hours are 10am to 2pm April through December.

Take A Drive On Chuckanut Scenic Byway

Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway is a twenty-two mile stretch of road that features lush evergreen forests and gorgeous emerald bays. The curvy road hugs the Chuckanut Mountains as it travels alongside the shoreline of picture perfect Samish Bay.

The drive is a terrific way to explore the gorgeous scenery surrounding Bellingham and is beautiful at any time of the year, especially summer of course but autumn is also a great time of year when when maple and alder trees are ablaze with color.

This scenic byway offers access to numerous beautiful beaches, tidepools, peaceful coves, and hiking trails through lush temperate forests. There are several turnouts along the way to stop and take in the views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

>>Read: Best Stops Along Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway

Larrabee State Park

On the edge of Bellingham just outside of the Fairhaven district is secluded and peaceful Larrabee State Park. This state park which was Washington’s first, is situated on the western slope of Chuckanut Mountain and offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

One of the most popular hiking trails in Larrabee is the hike to Fragrance Lake which leads to a serene lake. On the way up are several view points that overlook Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

If you’re not in the mood for physical activity, Larrabee State Park is still sure to impress you as there are many pleasant bays and tranquil coves where you can relax and soak up the lovely scenery.

Taylor Shellfish Farm

Taylor Shellfish Farm are known throughout the Pacific Northwest for growing the finest shellfish including geoduck, clams, and a variety of different oysters. All of the shellfish here are raised on the tidal mudflats of picturesque Samish Bay. This means you can enjoy fresh tide to table service with some of the most magnificent views of coastal Washington.

Most popular with customers here are the Pacific oysters which are very plump and especially delicious whether on the half shell or grilled. You might also like to try their Kumamoto oysters, a Japanese variety that take an excruciatingly long time to grow. These oysters are noted for their sweet, clean, and fruity flavor.

This seafood establishment is located on lovely Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway so you’ll have a good excuse to take a short road trip. Whether you decide to stay and dine on the waterfront picnic tables, or just stop by their retail store to pick up some fresh seafood to take home, Taylor Shellfish Farm is well worth a visit on every trip to Bellingham.

Stroll Fairhaven Historic District

Fairhaven is a charming neighborhood in Bellingham filled with restored Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, book shops, and boutique stores. Spending a few hours strolling this historic district is highly recommended as there is much to see.

Besides admiring the well-preserved red brick buildings littered throughout downtown, there are quite a few art galleries and shops to wander through offering everything from blown glass to woodwork, jewelry, paintings and pottery from local and regional artists.

Bookworms will love Village Books, a three-level independent bookstore and giftshop where you are welcome to linger as long as you like to browse shelves, or sit and sip on some coffee from the cafe located on the mezzanine level.

This area is also home to some of Bellingham’s best restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes, so be sure to bring your appetite. The Fairhaven district is situated beside gorgeous Bellingham Bay so you won’t have to go too far to enjoy stunning water views either.

Watch Sunset At Boulevard Park

Boulevard Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Bellingham due to its location on the shores of calm Bellingham Bay. This popular community space offers a small beach perfect for cooling off in the summer, picnic benches, barbecues, and a kids playground.

The green space here is where you want to be when the sun is out because it is a great spot to sunbathe and relax. Not only that but Boulevard Park is also the best place to watch sunset! At this park you’ll see the sun appear colossal in size as it gets closer to the horizon, then the sky lights up in vivid colors that include bright oranges, fiery reds, and deep purples.

Take A Walk On The Bellingham Boardwalk

The Bellingham Boardwalk is an over-water walkway that connects Taylor Dock in Fairhaven to Boulevard Park in Bellingham. The quarter mile long trail provides outstanding views of Bellingham Bay and even mountain peaks in Canada can be seen from here on a clear day.

The iconic Bellingham landmark is a favorite among visitors and locals, and a great place to stretch your legs, relax, socialize, people watch, or catch a sunset.

There are bench seats along the boardwalk to stop and take a moment to yourself, soak in the marvelous views and breath in the marine air, or you may even want to bring a book to read which is what some of the residents do.

One of the best ways to experience the Bellingham Boardwalk is to pick up a coffee to go from Woods Coffee which is located on the southern end of the walkway to take with you on your stroll. Alternatively, stop in at the coffee shop after your walk and relax inside their cozy store which offers stunning water views and a warm fireplace during the winter.

Go On A Whale Watching Cruise

Wildlife enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy whale watching aboard the Victoria Star 2, a deluxe one hundred foot vessel with indoor and outdoor seating.

This tour cruises through the San Juan Islands which are prime whale watching waters in search of transient and resident orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales. You’ll likely spot other wildlife like seals, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles too.

The tours which are operated by San Juan Cruises, are fully narrated explaining the history and geology of the area by the captain. All trips include a delicious lunch featuring freshly baked lasagna, caesar salad, fresh bread, fruit, and desert. There is also a full bar onboard in case you feel like a cocktail or two to celebrate the lovely experience.

Cruises operate daily between May and September departing at 11am and returning at 5pm from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven.

Hike The Loop Trail Around Lake Padden

If you’re looking for something to do in Bellingham that involves a little bit of physical activity, take on the Lake Padden loop trail which can be hiked in any season. This trail is 2.6 miles in total and is considered easy. The trail travels along a gravel path around the circumference of the lake offering beautiful views from various points.

Besides hiking, the park offers other recreational opportunities including biking, paddling, and even golfing. Swimming here is an excellent past time during the summer.

See Whatcom Falls

Whatcom Falls is a stunning waterfall that is a favorite among residents of Bellingham. The waterfall is located inside Whatcom Falls Park, a 241 acre park that has serene forested trails and numerous quiet spots to sit and contemplate.

To reach Whatcom Falls, you need to descend a short and easy paved walking trail from the parking lot off Lakeway Drive down to a bridge where you can see the waterfall.

The arched bridge which spans Whatcom Creek is quite handsome and was built in 1940 using Chuckanut sandstone. Beyond the waterfall are over five miles of hiking trails to explore.

So what does Whatcom actually mean you ask? Well, it is a native word meaning ‘noisy water’ which you’ll realize is quite fitting once you’ve heard how loud this waterfall can be as it cascades down over large rocks.

Take A Day Trip To Mount Baker Wilderness Area

If you’re feeling adventurous, and you love the great outdoors, take a road trip along scenic Mount Baker Highway and visit the Mount Baker Wilderness Area. The designated wilderness area is situated on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range and borders North Cascades National Park to the east and the Canadian border to the north.

Here you’ll find jagged mountain peaks, dazzling high elevation lakes, and splendid alpine meadows. Washington’s third tallest mountain, Mount Baker, stands imposingly over the landscape. This towering snowcapped mountain which stands at 10,778 feet is an active stratovolcano covered with thirteen glaciers.

If you enjoy hiking, there are miles of trails leading to some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire state. Some of the classic hiking trails here include the Chain Lakes Loop, Table Mountain, and Ptarmigan Ridge trails.

But even if you don’t have time to hike, the trip to Mount Baker Wilderness Area is still well worth the drive as you can enjoy some of the finest views in the area such as Mount Shuksan and gorgeous Picture Lake from Artist Point, a panoramic lookout spot which sits at an elevation of 5,100 feet.

The drive from Bellingham is 54 miles along State Highway 542 which travels through scenic farmland before entering a stately tree-lined stretch of road through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest leading to the highway’s terminus at Artist Point. If you have time this trip could be turned into a weekend getaway as there are plenty of things to see and do along Mount Baker Scenic Highway.

Where To Stay In Bellingham

Best Rated Hotels

Chrysalis Inn & Spa – The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is a four-star hotel situated on the Fairhaven waterfront. The cozy rooms come with bay windows and a fireplace, plus there is an onsite restaurant offering creative northwest cuisine.

Fairhaven Village Inn – Fairhaven Village Inn offers quaint rooms inside a charming Victorian-era building in the historic Fairhaven district. The 22-room property is a favorite among regular visitors and is the perfect place to unwind and relax.

Hotel Bellwether – Hotel Bellwether is a beautiful bayside property that offers spacious rooms with waterfront views. The luxury boutique hotel which is situated on the marina has luxury suites with four poster beds, gas fireplace, plush carpet, and jetted tubs.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Four Points By Sheraton – This affordable hotel in downtown Bellingham offers large clean and comfortable rooms. There is an indoor pool, gym, and onsite restaurant.

Home2 Suites By Hilton – The Home2 Suites is a fairly new hotel with rooms that contain small kitchens and lounge areas. Continental breakfast is included and there is also a gym and indoor swimming pool.

Use the interactive map above to search for hotels and vacation homes in Bellingham. Recommended hotels, campgrounds, and other points of interest have also been marked on the map.

Tips For Planning A Trip To Bellingham

Getting There

• By Plane: Bellingham does have an airport; Bellingham International Airport is three miles north of town and is served by Alaska Airlines with regular flights to Seattle, Portland, Palm Springs and Las Vegas. However you could also fly into Seattle and drive up to Bellingham.
• By Bus & Train: It is quite easy to get to Bellingham from Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver using public transport on either the Greyhound Bus or the Bolt Bus. The Bolt Bus runs twice a day to and from Bellingham and will set you back around $20 each way. Alternatively you can catch an Amtrak train from Seattle or Vancouver to Bellingham which stops in the Fairhaven neighborhood.
• By Car: From Seattle it’s an easy two hour drive north to Bellingham on Interstate-5. For a more scenic alternative take Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway from exit 231 into Bellingham.

Logistics

• Car Rentals: If you need to rent a vehicle whether in Bellingham or from Seattle, we recommend Enterprise Car Rentals or Thrifty but if you would prefer to compare car rental prices of other companies use RentalCars.com to find the best deals.
• Hotels: Search for hotels in Bellingham using Hotels.com to find the best rates on budget to luxury accommodation.
• Vacation Homes: If you would prefer to stay in a vacation home, Bellingham has plenty to choose from on VRBO from yurts to lakefront retreats.

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• Best Stops On Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway
• 29+ Best Things To Do In Washington: Bucket List Worthy Places & Activities
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