Bellingham is a beautiful destination to visit and there are a number of really cool things to see and do here. Situated on the far north coastline of Washington state, this small town is blessed with gorgeous views of the Puget Sound to the west and the Cascade mountains to the east.

Bellingham is a laid back college town filled with Washington small town charm. The city is often referred to as a smaller version of Portland, or at least what Portland use to be like.

Bellinghamster’s (which is what the locals like to call themselves), are a very liberal and environmentally conscious bunch. They love being active and outdoors but also very much appreciate the arts which is evident in the thriving music and theater scene here.

Bellingham’s downtown area is filled with stylishly refurbished warehouses, independent food co-ops and many breweries.

In the historic Fairhaven district you will find beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, boutique stores, and lovely restaurants. On the edge of town are big shopping malls that were created to cater for the bargain hunting Canadians.

What makes Bellingham such a wonderful place to visit is the incredible scenery from the bay to Mt Baker, the opportunity for outdoor adventures whether it be on the water or in the mountains, farm to table menu’s, a vibrant arts scene, and of course the friendly locals.

Best Things To Do In Bellingham

Watch The Sunset At Boulevard Park

Boulevard Park is an amazing waterfront experience, especially so in the summer. This is because of the spectacular sunsets that can be seen from the park over the ocean.

In late June and early July, the sun does not set until around 9.30pm with twilight until 11:00pm! We loved bringing our dinner to the park in the evenings to enjoy whilst taking in these magnificent sunsets.

You can do the same or grab some fresh pastries from the coffee store nearby. Parking can be tight starting late afternoon so get here early.

Mt Baker Theater

20 Best Things To Do In Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is home to the Mt Baker Theater, a once luxurious movie place built in 1927 during Hollywood’s golden years.

This iconic Bellingham landmark which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features exotic Spanish Moorish architecture as well as a mix of French Baroque, Moroccan, Mediterranean, Hindu, and Mayan design influences.

The space is host to local productions, legendary musicians, film festivals, and Broadway shows, so if you are looking for some evening entertainment, be sure to check their events calendar.

Take A Stroll Along The Over-Water Walkway

The recently completed Over-Water Walkway from Boulevard Park to Cornwall Avenue is a Bellingham highlight for visitors and a popular spot with locals.

The Walkway was constructed due to the public’s desire for more waterfront access and it is busy at all times of the day with walkers, joggers and cyclists.

There is seating along the Walkway if you’d like to sit and sip on a beverage, read a book or just people watch.

The boardwalk will lead you right into downtown Fairhaven where you can peruse the local shops and eateries.

Relax At The Woods Coffee House

The Woods Coffee is a premier coffee chain in Washington which was established by the Herman family who are Whatcom County locals.

There are nine stores in Bellingham but the most loved location by locals and visitors is the one located in Boulevard Park.

Where else can you sit in a beautiful coffee shop 10 feet from the Pacific Ocean! It is probably the most spectacular coffee shop anywhere in the United States.

The interior spaces have been designed for people to enjoy and not for quick turn over of tables. All stores boast gas fireplaces, river rock mantles and accents, open beams, and comfy leather sofas.

Other architectural elements like pine tree, mountain, and bear carvings help make the stores look like the outdoors and really embody the Pacific Northwest.

If you are visiting Bellingham in winter, the stores are a cozy place to take refuge from the cold and rainy weather.

Whatcom Art Market

The Whatcom Art Market is a co-op gallery featuring over forty local and regional artists. You can find everything from paintings to woodwork, etched glass, metal, textiles, sculptures, jewelry, and so much more.

Naturally, it is the perfect place to visit if you are an art aficionado, but also if you’re looking for unique gifts for family and friends.

The store is located in downtown Fairhaven and open every day of the week from 11am to 6pm.

Sample The Local Beer

With thirteen breweries operating in the Bellingham city limits you are spoilt for choice here! Most of the Bellingham breweries are located within miles of each other in the downtown core area so you can leave the car at your hotel and take yourself on a pub crawl.

The best way to plot your route between breweries is to pick up a Tap Trail Map & Passport.

If you only have time to visit one or two breweries, we recommend Aslan (who use only organic ingredients), Boundary Bay (they have free summer concerts in their beer garden), and Chuckanut Brewery (for great views of the bay).

Many of the breweries are family friendly so bring the kids along!

Take A History Tour With The Good Time Girls

Bellingham Bucket List: 40 Best Things To Do!

If you are interested in delving into Bellingham’s history, take a tour with the Good Time Girls who provide entertaining guided tours that explore the city’s past.

The Good Time Girls are three local women dressed in corsets, who take visitors on walking tours of Bellingham while discussing life here in the nineteenth century.

There are a few different tour options to choose from but the most popular are the BellingHistory and Sin and Gin tours.

BellingHistory tours run year-round and are suitable for all ages. For these, you can choose different areas around town to explore that cover topics like the maritime heritage of Bellingham or the beautiful Victorian-era homes in the Columbia neighborhood.

Sin and Gin is a tour geared towards adults chronicling Bellingham’s saloon culture from the original towns’ founding through prohibition, highlighting locations of former brothels and stories of the women who worked there. “A lot of people don’t know that there were licensed, legal red light districts in the towns of Whatcom and Fairhaven” says Kolby LaBree, one of the business founders.

These educational trips through time last for approximately sixty to ninety minutes.

Attend Downtown Sounds

Downtown Sounds is an annual outdoor music series that takes place every summer in downtown Bellingham. The event, which is now in its seventeenth year, is held every Wednesday night, and free to attend!

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. This summer festival is suitable for all ages.

Watch A Film Under The Stars At Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema

The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema is an iconic movie theater in Bellingham and attending a popular summer time tradition with locals.

Located at the beautiful Village Green in the historic Fairhaven district of south Bellingham, the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema has been showcasing movies under the stars every summer since the year 2000.

This year for 2022, films will be screened on Saturday evenings around dusk from the 25th June until 27th of August.

Bringing a blanket to sit on is recommended as lawn chairs are not permitted on the grass. Food and drinks such as popcorn and sweets are available to purchase, but you can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages too.

Whale Watching Excursion

Explore the Salish Sea while you go in search of whales aboard San Juan Cruises. These fully narrated tours will take you to the waters off the coast of San Juan Islands which is prime whale habitat. You are likely to spot a variety of marine life including orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions.

A delicious lunch is served during all trips that include fresh baked lasagna, salad, fruits, and dessert. But don’t spend too much time focusing on your lunch or you might just miss a whale breach!

Cruises operate daily between May and September and depart from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

Take A Scenic Road Trip On Chuckanut Drive

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 Chuckanut Mountain on one side as it travels alongside the shoreline of picture perfect Samish Bay.

This beautiful byway offers unparalleled views of the Puget Sound around every bend and there are several pull-outs along the way to stop and admire the magical views.

Besides taking in water views, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, bike, paddle, or fish along this stretch of road.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood At Taylor Shellfish Farm

Enjoy fresh tide to table service with some of the most magnificent views of coastal Washington at Taylor Shellfish Farm.

This seafood establishment located on scenic Chuckanut Drive is known throughout the state for growing the finest shellfish including geoduck, clams, and a variety of different oysters.

Most popular are their plump Pacific oysters, as well as the Kumamotos, a Japanese variety noted for their sweet, clean, and fruity flavor.

Taylor Shellfish Farm is a must visit on every trip to Bellingham!

Take A Hike In Larrabee State Park

Larrabee State Park is situated on the the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain and many of the trails here offer beautiful views overlooking Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

Besides views of the bay, the trails here will take you through forests draped in moss leading to freshwater lakes and even a waterfall!

Our favorite hike is the Fragrance Lake trail which is 4.5 miles and rated as moderate. You can see views of the bay at only 0.9 miles in and then continue up to the lake.

Visit Whatcom Falls

A visit to Whatcom Falls is obligatory for all first time visitors to Bellingham. This is one of Bellingham’s iconic landmark features and a popular destination with locals on the weekends.

The waterfall itself is beautiful to see year-round but particularly in the fall. Getting to the waterfall requires a hike down a paved path but not to worry as the trail is very short and easy.

Whatcom Falls is located inside Whatcom Falls Park, a 241 acre park that contains lush temperate forests and five miles of hiking trails to explore.

BEST HOTELS IN BELLINGHAM

Getting To Bellingham

By Car

From Seattle it’s an easy two hour drive north to Bellingham on the I-5. If you are not a Washington local and will be flying into Seattle airport, you can search for the best prices on car rentals using RentalCars.com who search all the big names like Alamo, Avis and Enterprise.

By Bus & Train

It is also quite easy to get to Bellingham from Seattle, Portland and Vancouver using public transport on either the Greyhound bus or the Bolt Bus which should set you back around $20 each way. The Bolt Bus runs twice a day to and from Bellingham. Alternatively you can catch an Amtrak train from Seattle or Vancouver to Bellingham which stops in the Fairhaven neighborhood.

By Plane

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. San Juan Airlines also flies daily from Bellingham to the San Juan Islands. Look for flights to Bellingham here.

Washington Guide Books

You Might Also Enjoy

Featured