A Local’s Guide To The Top 10 Things To Do In Bellingham WA

  The City of Bellingham offers incredible beauty and a multitude of things to do for every type of person, whether a traveler or a local.

With easy access to the coast, mountains and forest, Bellingham makes outdoor recreation easy to find, as well as good food and entertainment at many of the local spots.

Keep reading to check out the local’s guide to the top 10 things to do in Bellingham WA.

 

1. Take A Hike

Whatcom Falls Park

This extremely popular park is absolutely breathtaking.

It features one of the most easily accessed waterfalls in Washington and is the perfect spot for hiking, dog walking, biking, photography or just a family outing.

You can hike over 5 miles of trails at this beautiful park, located just a 10 minute’s drive from downtown. You can also check out the grand moss-covered Stone Bridge, built between 1939-1940, it was constructed from salvaged Chuckanut sandstone and definitely worth seeing.

 Oyster Dome 

If you are looking for a hike with a view, there’s no hike like Oyster Dome.

Not necessarily the best hike for beginners, after a challenging 2.5-mile, 1,050-feet ascent up Blanchard Mountain, you’ll see a beautiful view of Lummi Island and the San Juans, as well as Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

It makes for gorgeous photos, and this view alone makes Oyster Dome one of the most popular trails in the area.

Mt Baker/Artist Point 

The main recreation route for Mount Baker is highway 542, also known as the Mount Baker Highway. This paved state highway ends at the appropriately named Artist Point.

Here you’ll feel as if you have stepped into a work of art and it only gets better as you continue. This is a major destination where access to several other trails can be found as well as views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker.

Whether you want a place to get out and admire the scenery or a place to start an incredible mountain hike, Artist Point at Mt. Baker is a must-see!

 

2. Explore Fairhaven Village

Skylark's Hidden Cafe

Skylarks is a unique and cozy locally acclaimed restaurant with food reminiscent of a home cooked meal and a full bar.

The décor is historically stylish, featuring the warmth of handcrafted woodwork and the deep hues and golden accents of the Victorian era.

Go grab a bite and try their 7 time award winning Clam Chowder or a decadent piece of Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake. They’ve also got incredible breakfast!

Village Books 

Since 1980, Village Books has been “building a community one book at a time.” Today, this large three-story, dog-friendly bookstore is located in the heart of Fairhaven Village and is the main independent bookstore in Bellingham.

They have a huge selection of bestsellers, children's books, puzzles, and fun gift items.

Whether you’re in need of a new book or not, it’s definitely worth a look around just for the cozy vibes this bookstore provides.

Whale Watching

One of the best ways to soak up Bellingham and Whatcom County is with San Juan Cruises, May through October.

Departing from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven, you can spend the day exploring Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands on one of the many San Juan Cruises.

Spend a fun afternoon on their Whale Watching Lunch Cruise or have a romantic date night on their Chuckanut Cracked Crab Dinner Cruise.

 

3. Try Some Local Bellingham Restaurants

The Birch Door 

Specializing in homemade breakfast fare, this unique restaurant on Meridian Street is a must-visit dining destination in Bellingham.

Every delicious item at this restaurant is done in an old-fashioned way. Starting at dawn every day, they prepare their numerous hand made batters using fresh, high quality ingredients like fresh eggs, and real cream.

They also use an old fashioned method of sourdough for their homemade buttermilk pancakes, making them extra fine and fluffy. All of their syrups and toppings for pancakes and omelets are prepared from scratch and, whenever possible, use locally sourced ingredients.

If you want a delicious, high quality breakfast, definitely check out the Birch Door Café.

D’anna’s Café Italiano 

What started in the early 90's as a wholesale pasta business in Seattle, Washington, turned into a delicious Italian restaurant called D’anna’s Café Italiano.

When restaurants started getting amazing reviews from their handmade pasta and ravioli products, they decided to open their own café and the people of Bellingham get the benefit of tasting their fresh handmade pasta, gnocchi, ravioli, homemade bread and many other favorites that are prepared from scratch daily in their kitchen.

If you are a fan of Italian food, make this restaurant your next date night.

La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza 

Another local favorite restaurant is La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza.

It’s known for its wide variety of delicious flavors, but great pizza isn’t the only reason to visit La Fiamma.

The stylish urban décor and vibrant atmosphere make this restaurant feel relaxing and fun.

You can watch the display of a pizza’s progression through the kitchen which is always entertaining, or you can just relax in the heated outdoor dining area and catch an amazing sunset over the San Juan Islands.

 

4. Shop Local Bellingham Stores

 

Bellingham Farmers Market 

Every Saturday, April-December from 10-2, the Bellingham Farmers Market is a hub of local vendors that produce a wide variety of items such as fresh produce, honey, flowers, herbs, dairy, seafood, coffee, bread and other hand crafted goods.

There is also Local live music that just adds to the experience.

If you want to support several local businesses at once, the Bellingham Farmers Market is a great way to spend your Saturday morning.

Fringe

Fringe Boutique is great for everything from wardrobe basics to brands you can’t find anywhere else.

This shop has lookbooks for every season, plus space for local artists to showcase and sell their work.

If you’re looking for high-quality style at an affordable price, while also supporting a local small business, this is definitely the place to go.

Greenhouse 

If you are looking to furnish your new home or simply add some extra style to your existing décor, be sure to check out this amazing local store.

Greenhouse is a high end home décor store that was originally founded in 1972 as a plant shop.

Over the years, the store evolved into a high-end, premium destination for gourmet & specialty home decor, housewares, and furniture.

At Greenhouse they hand-pick every item that goes into the store, creating a highly curated collection of inspiring, high quality products for all your home and decorating needs.

You can be sure anything you buy at Greenhouse is high quality and beautiful.

 

5. See A Show

 

Mt Baker Theater

The Mount Baker Theater in Downtown Bellingham is the largest performing arts facility of its kind north of Seattle.

A beautifully restored 1927 architectural gem, the theatre is dedicated to showcasing some of the best live performing artists on both the professional and community levels for audiences in the area.

This historic theater occupies half a city block in downtown Bellingham's Arts District, and features a wide range of entertainment, including musicals, magicians, and classic instrumentalists. 

Pickford Film Center

If you’re into quirky independent films, definitely check out the Pickford Film Center.

Not your average movie theater, according to PFC “the mission of Pickford Film Center is to provide a forum and resource for independent cinema, strengthening community through education, dialogue and the celebration of film”.

They offer year-round, independent, foreign and documentary film, world class performing arts, and other related special events.

Upfront Theater 

The Upfront Theatre is the place to be if you are a comedy fan.

The Upfront is a nonprofit improv theatre, offering live improv comedy performances, classes, and workshops.

Originally established in 2004 by world renowned improviser, Ryan Stiles, The Upfront Theatre has dedicated itself to bringing laughter and joy to all ages.

The Upfront has performed many different types of shows and is known for their long form narrative shows including the popular murder mystery “Hellingham”, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, An Improvised Musical, Space Trek and many more.

If you want a good laugh, the Upfront Theater is a great choice.

 

6. Visit A Park

 

Boulevard Park 

Boulevard Park is a favorite among Bellingham locals.

It includes a boardwalk-type area on the shore, plus an old railway that's been converted to a planked walkway that takes you out over the water.

The park also features a performance stage for local concerts, open space for throwing a frisbee, and some of the best views of Bellingham Bay in the city.

There are also public BBQ pits and a playground, making this park the perfect place to bring your family.

Spend a day at the park and have a picnic, go biking, fishing or just walking to take in the view.

Larrabee State Park 

In the middle of the majestic Chuckanut mountain range, Washington's first State Park, Larrabee State Park, is a gorgeous park to visit for it’s gorgeous views, camping, or playing on the pebble beach.

Scenic trails like the previously mentioned Oyster Dome Trail in Larrabee State Park lend to great views of Samish Bay and the surrounding San Juan Islands.

Larrabee offers more than 50 electric campsites and a boat launch to explore the Puget Sound. 

It also features two beautiful lakes, Fragrance Lake and Lost Lake. Both of these are great options for freshwater fishing or breathtaking photography.

Lake Padden 

On the south side of the city, Lake Padden Park is a beautiful bit of outdoor space in Bellingham spanning over 745 acres.

A popular 2.6-mile trail circles the water, and several additional hiking trails branch away from the shore. These trails are designated as leash-free and tend to be a popular spot for pet owners. 

Lake Padden offers a long list of amenities, including picnic areas to bring large groups, a playground for the kids, fishing docks, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a golf course, an off leash dog park, and more.

Lake Padden itself is also a top attraction. This 160-acre lake is a very popular fishing location and provides a gorgeous sunset views. And within a five-mile drive from downtown, it's an easy place to get away.

 

7. Try Some Outdoor Recreational Activities

 

Mt Baker Ski Area 

Just over 50 miles east of downtown Bellingham, Mt. Baker Ski Area is one of Washingtons top resorts.

It's not only a popular destination for residents of Bellingham, but the gorgeous backdrop and impressive slopes of Mount Baker draw tourists from around the world.

Featuring more than 1,000 acres to explore, Mt. Baker Ski Area is great for those of all levels.

With an average of more than 600 inches of snowfall each year, this is the ultimate destination for winter athletes.

Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center 

If you want to amp up your water recreation skills, the Community Boating Center is a non-profit that aims to teach about and provide safe and fun small water recreation on Bellingham Bay.

They provide various watercraft lessons, boating experiences, and boat rentals for the community.

Rentals can be purchased for an hourly or seasonal fee, and include dinghy sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and row boats.

If you're looking for a unique boating experience, the center also has a bioluminescence night time paddle and a coastal explorer paddle, and they also offer a sunset sail that includes a tour of local sites and natural history of the area.

Galbraith Mountain Bike Park 

If mountain biking is your thing, there’s no place better than Galbraith Mountain.

It’s a world-class mountain biking destination right in Bellingham. Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition maintains all 3,000 acres and 65-plus miles on the mountain.

And it's not only mountain bikers who enjoy the amazing trail network, hundreds of hikers visit each day.

 

8. Visit A Museum

Whatcom Museum

For local history and art, the Whatcom Museum is a great place to spend the afternoon.

With more than 200,000 artifacts in their collection, the Whatcom Museum has more to explore than you can see in just a single weekend.

The collection is spread across the three buildings, including the historic Old City Hall, and the modern Lightcatcher Building.

The museum rotates its exhibits throughout the year, but the collections all focus on regional art, relics, and photographic archives.

There are also several events and educational experiences that cater to adults and children at the museum, like workshops, lecture series, and summer camps.

Spark Museum Of Electrical Invention

 The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is a great family friendly, fully interactive destination.

This great local museum displays some of the biggest innovations that have shaped the modern world and guides visitors through four decades of electric milestones.

The museum features five permanent collections ranging from the Birth of Electricity to the Golden Age of Radio.

There are thousands of radios from throughout history on display, as well as replicas of Edison's first light bulbs, and among the many other attractions, they feature a nine-foot Tesla Coil, known as the "MegaZapper,".

Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, you can also catch The "MegaZapper Electrical Show".

Mindport Exhibits

Mindport Exhibits opened in downtown Bellingham in 1995 as an experimental space where people could explore crossovers of art and science, and it continues to be a unique place that locals can observe, learn, and play.

They feature some Interactive Exhibits that are designed and hand built by staff and are meant to be touched and manually manipulated, which make it a great learning experience for families.

They also have several fine art exhibits as well as rotate local art collections in their public window and indoor galleries.

 

9. Take In Some Local Bellingham Culture

Big Rock Sculpture Garden

Set in a beautiful grove of evergreens above Lake Whatcom sits a unique city park showcasing original sculptures in a 2.5 acre garden.

You can wander through the paths of this peaceful Big Rock Garden Park, that features gorgeous art and nature.

The Park features over 37 permanent pieces by distinguished international and local artists, and throughout the seasons, you can witness change in the garden as each visit will have different plant life on display.

In Spring, the Rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom, in Fall the over 100 varieties of maples show of the beautiful fall colors, and in Winter the Conifers’ give off a cozy winter vibe.

Bellingham/Whatcom Culture Crawl 

For those more tech savvy, you can take part in authentic local arts and culture when you follow along the Whatcom County Culture Crawl.

This is a curated collection of outings designed to guide you to local galleries, museums, interactive experiences, and other significant places that showcase the local culture in Bellingham.

To sign up, just visit the Whatcom County Culture Crawl page and click “Sign Up”.

Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to go. There is no app to download and it’s very easy to use.

Also, when you visit a participating business, you can simply present your phone to the staff member there and you can redeem available discounts for that place.

Whatcom Art Market 

If art is your passion, the Whatcom Art Market is the best place to view and purchase from local artists that Bellingham is well known for.

The Whatcom Art Market is a non-profit co-op, the largest in Whatcom County, that features more than 45 artists local to Whatcom and Skagit County.

This local art market features paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, etched glass and more. Also, since it’s displays are on a rotation, you'll never see the same pieces twice!

 

10. Visit A Brewery

Stone’s Throw Brewery

You haven’t experienced Bellingham unless you’ve tried one of the many local breweries.

One of the most recent popular ones is Stones Throw Brewery, located in Historic Fairhaven.

It is the perfect place to relax while you cozy up by the fire-pit, grab a bite from the food truck, or hang out on their dog-friendly outdoor patio.

The vibe is laid back and family friendly and has excellent beer, they even feature some special events like trivia night and live music.

Boundary Bay Brewery 

Bellingham’s original craft beer destination, Boundary Bay Brewery, is a must-visit.

Located in Downtown Bellingham, Boundary Bay features a Taproom, family-friendly Bistro, and Beer Garden with outdoor concerts.

They offer a wide-variety of IPAs, lagers and their legendary Scotch Ale, and a delicious restaurant menu.

Each day menu items are made from scratch using ingredients from local suppliers/farmers they’ve partnered with to create a menu of fresh Northwest pub food.

Aslan Brewing Co. 

Aslan is one of the region’s most respected breweries, thanks to its commitment to local sourcing and its all-around great beer.

Established in 2014, Aslan Brewing is one of the most widely-known breweries in Bellingham and all beer brewed at Aslan is USDA Certified Organic.

They are also committed to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible for their delicious bar food, like their Bacon Bison Burger, Fried Mac-and-Cheese balls and Waffle Fry Poutine.

 

 

Ready to check out Bellingham?

As a local to Bellingham, there are endless opportunities no matter what your interests are. Whether you prefer to be outdoors hiking, skiing, boating, biking etc. or you like to take in art, museums, shows or go shopping. In Bellingham, there’s something for everyone.

 

 

 

 A Local’s Guide To The Top 10 Things To Do In Bellingham WA