These 29 Things to Do in Bellingham are Worth It
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Bellingham | Nature, Hikes & Day Trips | Food & Drink | Art, Museums & Culture
I’m a Washington local who can help you find all sorts of fun things to do in Bellingham!
Bellingham is one of the best places to visit in Washington State. This list covers its popular outdoor sites and museums, as well as excellent places to dine, drink, and shop. I also recommend a few hidden gems you won’t find in other guides. Now, let’s dive in!
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Best Things to Do in Bellingham
Fairhaven Historic District
Spend time in Bellingham’s most adorable historic district.
Any trip to Bellingham should include a stop in the charming Fairhaven Historic District. Fairhaven Village was a separate settlement before becoming part of Bellingham in 1903. However, it still feels like one of Washington’s small towns.
There are tons of awesome bars, shops, and restaurants in Fairhaven. Go to Galloways Cocktail Bar for some of the best drinks in the city. Order an ice-cold beer from Fairhaven Stones Throw Brewery. Grab a great cup of coffee from Cafe Blue in McKenzie Alley and visit the epic Village Books and Paper Dreams.
Honestly, Fairhaven is downright adorable. You’re bound to stumble upon something great while wandering the quaint streets full of classic brick buildings. Get started at the above spots, and then let curiosity be your guide!
Village Books and Paper Dreams
Find books and gifts in a three-level bookstore with two restaurants and lots of events.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 671-2626 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Monday-Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm Sunday
Village Books and Paper Dreams is a must-stop spot in Fairhaven if you consider yourself a bookworm. It’s another place I never leave Bellingham without stopping at. This massive 3-floor shop is a bookstore and gift shop, plus it has a cafe and a restaurant.
Snag tons of local gifts and peruse the local author section. There are lots of cozy nooks for you to relax and read. The store hosts excellent events almost daily.
Boulevard Park
Watch sunsets over Bellingham Bay on a 2.5-mile boardwalk connecting Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Take a stroll through Boulevard Park. It’s the scenic way to get from Fairhaven to downtown. This pleasant 2.5-mile walk follows the Bellingham boardwalk, which hugs the Bellingham Bay. The best time to do it is at sunset when golden light illuminates the bay.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way. Take a seat on a bench if you need a break or want to watch boats bob along the water. Let kids run wild at the playground and don’t forget to grab a drink at Woods Coffee too.
Mallard Ice Cream
Sample odd, innovative, and tasty flavors at a beloved ice cream shop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 734-3884 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Sun-Thu, 12 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat
I never leave Bellingham without stopping at Mallard Ice Cream first. After all, it’s my favorite ice cream shop in Washington! This quirky, rubber-duck-filled shop in downtown works with odd, out-of-the-box ingredients and turns them into irresistible ice cream.
Some of the strangest flavors have included coriander, dill, ghost pepper honey, and “everything but the bagel.” Okay, I know these probably don’t sound appetizing, but you’ll just have to trust me here.
My advice: Try the weirdest thing on the menu if you can’t decide what to get. It’s bound to be a pleasant surprise! But don’t worry if you’re not feeling so adventurous. You can still order classics like chocolate, vanilla, and cookies & cream too.
Whatcom Falls Park
Admire the falls at a picturesque city park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-7000 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily
Visiting Whatcom Falls Park is a must if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. The park is east of downtown Bellingham and on the northern end of Lake Whatcom.
Whatcom Falls Park has well-maintained hiking trails that are scenic year-round. Take a stroll over the beautiful moss-covered stone bridge and admire Whatcom Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Washington. If it’s hot out, take a dip in the swimming holes where you’ll stay cool beneath a shady canopy of trees.
You can also bring your dog to the off-leash dog park, ride your bike on the pump track, or visit the salmon hatchery.
Larrabee State Park
Camp, hike, and search the tide pools at Washington’s first state park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 676-2093 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – dusk (summer), 8 am – dusk (winter) | Entrance: Discover Pass ($10 day use, $30 annual)
Larrabee State Park is Washington’s first state park. It was established in 1915, and it’s only 15 minutes from downtown Bellingham. Needless to say, it’s incredibly easy to get here!
Larrabee State Park has a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking for views and solitude or recreation. Explore miles of hiking trails that will take you up mountains, around lakes, and along the shoreline of Samish Bay. Book a campsite for the weekend or picnic down by the beach. Search for anemones, crabs, and starfish in the tide pools.
Chuckanut Drive
Take the scenic route to and from the city.
Bellingham is easily one of the best weekend getaways near Seattle. Take Chuckanut Drive if you’re traveling from the south.
This scenic drive connects Skagit County and Bellingham on a road that winds between the Chuckanut Mountains and Samish Bay. There are several places to stop and snap pretty photos, hike, or eat.
Visit Taylor Shellfish Farms or Chuckanut Manor and Grill to slurp down oysters. Picnic in Larrabee State Park, or hike to Oyster Dome for a fantastic view across the water. Stop somewhere with a clear view if you’re on the road during sunset so you can witness beautiful colors washing over the bay.
🚗 Need a Car? Book a rental with Discover Cars to take advantage of all the outdoor adventures Bellingham has to offer! You’ll get a great deal and be able to go on as many hikes and to as many parks as you’d like.
Nature, Hikes & Day Trips
Mount Baker Ski Area
Ride fresh powder at one of northern Washington’s top skiing destinations.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 734-6771 | Website
The Mount Baker Ski Area is just an hour and a half from Bellingham, so a day of skiing or snowboarding is well within reach of visitors.
You’ll find a variety of trails for riders of all levels. Lessons are available for anyone wanting to brush up on their skills. The ski resort also has rental facilities and tasty food to warm you up between runs.
To get here, you’ll take the scenic Mount Baker Highway which is an experience itself because the route has views that will take your breath away.
Oyster Dome Trail
Hike to a beautiful viewpoint atop the Chuckanut Mountains.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Discover Pass ($10 day use, $30 annual)
Oyster Dome Trail is a great hike that’s just 25 minutes from downtown! Come here prepared for a steep climb with a good number of switchbacks.
You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views as you make your way up Blanchard Mountain. See Lummi Island, Orcas Island, and even as far as Vancouver Island on clear days! Keep in mind that the road up to the trailhead is a bit rough. Try to arrive early because the lot can fill up fast at this popular trail.
📚 Related Reading: Plan to go on a hike near Seattle next!
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Wander shady trails and climb a tower for a view of the Bellingham Bay.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-7000 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 7 pm daily
Sehome Hill Arboretum is right beside Western Washington University. It’s a great place to hike without leaving the city. There are over 5 miles of trails in the arboretum. Nearly any trail will lead you to the observation tower.
Enjoy views of Bellingham Bay and even Mount Baker from atop the tower. While hiking, check out interesting rock formations, native plants, and wildlife. As a bonus, you’ll get a good workout on the hills.
Waypoint Park
Spend time at a cool, industrial park on Bellingham’s waterfront.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-7000 | Website | Hours: 24 hours dailyCafe Rumba
Waypoint Park is on downtown Bellingham’s waterfront, right beside the Granary Building. The park has a cool, industrial look because of all of the old mill buildings in the area.
But the main eye-catching structure is the Acid Ball. This is an old pulp mill relic that was repurposed into an art piece and covered in reflective glass beads. Visit at night to see it glow.
Come to the park to relax at the pebble beach or let kids play at the playground. There’s also a pump track for all ages, plus nearby coffee and ice cream and plenty of room to picnic.
Lummi Island
Take a trip to a nearby island.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Lummi Island Ferry Schedule | Entrance: Ferry fares $8+
Lummi Island is one of the best islands to visit in Washington state and it’s a great day trip to take if you have an extended stay in Bellingham. You can catch the ferry to Lummi by driving just twenty minutes to the Whatcom Chief Ferry (Gooseberry Point) on the Lummi Reservation. The ferry crossing takes 5 minutes.
Bring a bike with you to Lummi Island. You can ride all around the island easily and check out many of its gems. Visit Sunset Beach, wander through the Otto Preserve, and hike up Lummi Peak for views of the San Juan Islands across the water.
Maritime Heritage Park
Take a stroll in a park next to a creek teeming with salmon in the fall.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-7000 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily
Maritime Heritage Park is between the Lettered Streets and Central Business District. It’s bisected by Whatcom Creek. The Whatcom Creek Fish Ladder is the park’s main attraction. In fall, the creek is teeming with salmon rushing upstream to spawn, along with harbor seals taking advantage of the run.
This is also a nice park for a post-lunch stroll. There’s a native plant trail and placards throughout identifying what plants you’re looking at.
Lake Padden Park
Go swimming, fishing, and paddling at a tranquil lakeside park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-7000 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free parking
Lake Padden Park is another popular spot for outdoor excursions. Naturally, much of the recreation revolves around the lake. Swimming and fishing are two of the main activities. There’s also a boat launch for people who’d like to explore the lake via kayak or canoe.
Summer is the nicest time to visit, but this is a great year-round park for walking and jogging. There’s a 3-mile loop around the lake, hiking trails, tennis courts, and a nearby golf course.
Lake Whatcom Park
Hike and bike around a peaceful lake.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-5850 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily
Lake Whatcom is a peaceful park with hiking and biking trails that follow the lake. The trails are well-maintained and clean, and the Hertz Trail is an easy and popular one to try. There are plenty of places to swim here, so visiting when it’s hot outside is a must.
Galbraith Mountain Bike Park
Test your mountain biking skills on a variety of trails.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Galbraith Mountain Bike Park is a top destination for local mountain bikers. There are tons of trails around the park for riders of all levels, and they’re well-maintained by the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition.
The park is used primarily for biking, but hikers and horseback riders come here, too. Enjoy views of the city, Bellingham Bay, and the mountains while you ride. Head to Fairhaven Bicycles for great deals if you need to rent a bike to ride at Galbraith Mountain.
Whale Watching with San Juan Cruises
Witness majestic orcas in Puget Sound.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 443-4552 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm May-September | Entrance: $129 adults, $64.50 youth (6-17), free children under 6
Bellingham’s proximity to the San Juan Islands means it’s a good place to try one of the best activities in Washington state: whale watching!
San Juan Cruises operates out of the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Book a whale-watching tour with them. You’ll take a half-day journey out on the water and around the San Juan Islands to see majestic orcas. Your booking includes lunch, and you’re guaranteed orca sightings.
Chain Lakes Loop Trail
Hike in the breathtaking wilderness around Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan with views of North Cascades National Park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Northwest Forest Pass ($5 day use, $30 annual pass)
Hike the Chain Lakes Loop — it’s one of the most scenic hikes in Washington. This hike takes you through meadows, mountains, and alpine lakes.
You’ll have views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and even the North Cascades. Take a dip in a lake on a hot day as a refreshing mid-hike reward.
It’s a loop trail, so you’ll choose between two starting points. Begin with a steep climb or end with one. Plan to do this hike in the summer or early fall (it’s closed in winter).
Food & Drink
Makeworth Coffee
Enjoy a cup of coffee at a modern, light-filled roastery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 933-1678 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily
Start your morning at Makeworth Coffee. This local coffee shop serves fresh, house-roasted coffee and a few breakfasts, too. The cafe is light-filled and airy. There’s seating upstairs and downstairs, and it has a calming ambiance for remote workers and students.
I recommend trying the honey lavender latte if you want something sweet but not overbearing. Make sure you grab a bag of single-origin coffee before you leave. Makeworth’s beans are some of the best in the city.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? Hotel Leo is a historic hotel right downtown! It’s affordable and close to many of the places on this list. It’s convenient whether you’re using public transit or driving, and I enjoyed staying here on a recent visit. I highly recommend booking a stay.
Ashuri Baklava Cafe
Delight in Turkish coffee and perfectly made baklava.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday, 10 am – 8 pm Thursday-Sunday, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Ashuri Baklava Cafe is one of my favorite hidden gems in Bellingham. This tiny, authentic Turkish Cafe is owned by two brothers. Come for perfect Turkish coffee and baklavas.
Get the cardamom coffee and pistachio baklava for a winning combo. There are a few other Turkish pastries and drinks to choose from, too. In addition to food, Ashuri has lamps, cups, saucers, rugs, and pillow covers for sale. So you can take a little bit of Istanbul home with you when it’s time to leave.
Cafe Rumba
Munch on delicious and authentic Peruvian sandwiches.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 746-8280 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Mon-Wed, 10 am – 8 pm Thurs-Sun
Cafe Rumba makes the most delicious Peruvian sandwiches. Grab lunch here. It’s got an extensive menu but rest assured, anything you choose will be good.
I recommend getting the choripollo or butifarra if you just can’t make up your mind. Wash it all down with chica morada (purple corn juice). The portions are generous enough that you can save some for lunch the next day, too.
Brewery Hopping
Drink beer with the locals at some of Washington’s best craft breweries.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Sample tasty pours from local breweries while in this city! Bellingham is a wonderful craft beer destination. Many of its best breweries are conveniently downtown, but it’s well worth venturing further for others.
Aslan Brewing is one of the most easily recognizable, with brews you can find all over the state. Try Gruff Brewing for top-tier beer you can sip by a fire pit. Boundary Bay is the oldest Bellingham brewery, and its beer garden is a favorite among locals.
My favorite beer spot is Otherland. Its vegetarian food menu is just as delicious as its German-style beers!
📚 Related Reading: Big beer fan? Then you won’t want to miss my round-up of the best Seattle breweries. Bookmark it to read next!
Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Taste award-winning whiskey, vodka, gin, and more at a prominent local distillery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 738-7179 | Website | Hours (tasting room): 3 pm – 6 pm Tues-Thurs, 12 pm – 6 pm Fri-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: free to enter, tours $20 | 👉 Grab your distillery tour tickets here
Love sampling craft spirits? Add Chuckanut Bay Distillery to your itinerary. It’s been around for a little over a decade, and its spirits have won many awards, so you know it’s good.
Order a tasting flight or try a cocktail. Its restaurant, Penny Farthing, serves shareable plates that pair well with the drinks. You can also book a distillery tour. You’ll sample spirits, enjoy a couple of mini cocktails, and learn about the production process and the distillery’s history.
Art, Museums & Culture
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
Learn about electricity through hands-on exhibits and docent demonstrations.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 738-3886 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $10 adults, $6 youth (2-12), free children under 2
The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention is packed with information on the history of electricity. Come here to learn about the creation and development of electricity, and how it “sparked” other inventions.
Some of the information here is dense. Luckily, there are docents available to demonstrate or distill some of the more complicated concepts. Hands-on exhibits will keep you entertained as you make your way through the museum.
The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention isn’t huge, but it’s surprisingly easy to spend a few hours here. Visit on a weekend (and pay just $5 more) to see the Mega Zapper Electrical Show!
Mount Baker Theatre
Watch award-winning films and phenomenal performances at a beautifully restored theater.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 734-6080 | Website
The beautiful Mount Baker Theatre was originally built in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It went through several stages of repairs that began in the ‘90s.
The gorgeous, 90-year-old theater is still put to good use. It hosts concerts, ballet performances, film festivals, comedians, and much more. Check the calendar to see if there’s a performance when you’re in town to catch a show at this historic theater. You can also call to book a tour of the venue.
Whatcom Museum
Discover art, history, and culture in a regional museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-8930 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Wednesday-Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday | Entrance: $12 adults, $10 youth (6-17), $7 children (2-5), free children under 2
Go to the Whatcom Museum to see regional art, learn about local history, and get a taste of the culture in the area. Whatcom Museum is made up of three arts district buildings in downtown Bellingham. Each is well laid out with interesting exhibits.
The Lightcatcher Building is one of the most popular. Come here to see stunning contemporary art in an equally stunning building. The Old City Hall has historical exhibits, along with a popular floor of taxidermy birds. Finally, the Syre Education Center features extensive photo archives, which are perfect for researchers.
Bellingham Farmers Market
Support local farmers and artisans at a vibrant year-round market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 647-2060 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm every Saturday, April-December (3rd Saturdays only January-March), Closed Monday-Friday & Sunday
Bellingham is close to the Skagit Valley, which is full of incredible farms. This means you can count on the produce at the Bellingham Farmers Market being top-tier.
There’s always a good range of fresh fruits and veggies at the market. You’ll also find flowers, sauces, meats, drinks, and hot food vendors. Local makers at the market sell jewelry, pottery, wearables, and more.
The market occurs year-round on Saturdays from April to December and every third Saturday from January to March. Find it in the Depot Market Square.
Bellingham Marine Life Center
See, touch, and learn about marine animals that live in the bay.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 671-2431 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Thurs-Tue, Closed Wednesday | Entrance: free, donations accepted
The Marine Life Center is a good place to visit if you’re traveling with kids. It’s a small but interesting educational center that has touch tanks with local marine creatures.
The staff is knowledgeable and patient when answering questions. There’s plenty of signage and diagrams for those who want a self-guided experience. You’ll see octopuses, starfish, crabs, rays, fish, anemones, and much more.
Big Rock Garden Park
Check out beautiful sculptures in a tiny, manicured park.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (360) 778-7700 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily
Find Big Rock Garden tucked away in east Bellingham. This tiny, 2-acre garden features over 30 sculptures created by both international and local artists. Ferns, rhododendrons, maples, and other plants throughout the garden both complement and enhance the art.
The trails are well-maintained and accessible. Head to this gem of a garden if you need a spot for some quiet reflection.
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I’m certain you’ll love your trip to Bellingham now that you know some of the best things to do there! Bellingham is one of Washington’s best cities, so take your time exploring to find even more gems. Have a question? Leave a comment down below!
