Things To Do
Kulshan Brewing Co - Trackside Beer Garden
A favorite spot for outdoor beverages and grub. The "container village" has a handful of food and beverage options centered around the spacious and open Trackside location of our favorite brewery in town.
Structures Brewing
Another favorite for beers and has a great waterfront location. This spot is our go to for great burgers and chicken sandwiches.
Black Sheep Bellingham
Really tasty tacos and margaritas, and a great atmosphere!
Artist Point
The best bang for your buck to get amazing high elevation views within an hour’s (one way) drive from town. There are several hiking options ranging from an easy 1 mile meander, to an 8 mile loop or an out and back as far as you'd like that approaches Mount Baker. Or simply enjoy the scenic drive to the end point of Highway 542. You won’t regret it. A must do for first time Bellingham visitors.
Fairhaven
The village of Fairhaven is a separate downtown area with great shops and restaurants. Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park are awesome spots nearby to take a walk on the waterfront. Avenue Bread and Cafe Blue are two of Ursula's favorite spots from when she used to work in Fairhaven.
Whatcom Falls Park
A favorite park with nice walking and running trails. Be sure to check out the Falls. Some of our other favorite parks in town are Cornwall Park, Elizabeth Park and the Sehome Hill Arboretum.
Hiking in the Chuckanuts
The Chuckanut area is incredible for having a wide variety of hikes so close to town. Park at the Lost Lake Parking Lot and take an easy half mile walk down to Clayton Beach to explore tide pools and walk along the water. Alternatively, the Fragrance Lake Trail has a moderate incline up through massive old growth trees, up to a scenic lake. Some other hikes start from Arroyo Park, or head south down Rt 11 to check out Oyster Dome for a longer hike with a great viewpoint.
North Cascades National Park
Just a couple hours away, the incredibly scenic HWY 20 takes you through North Cascades National Park. Take in the sights from the car or stop to hike one of the many trails into the wilderness.
Olympic National Park
A bit further than a day trip away from Bellingham, the Olympic Peninsula is home to rainforests, glaciers, beaches, and everything in between. Cross it off the bucket list if you have a few days to fill on your schedule.
San Juan Islands
Take a ferry from Anacortes, about 45 minutes from Bellingham, to one (or more) of the many San Juan Islands. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is the best choice if you'd like to walk onto the ferry and explore a quaint town on foot.
Crab Dinner Cruise in the Bay
For a very reasonable price, this is our best recommendation for getting out on the water. Highly recommend an evening out on the bay! New Englanders are free to say “lobster is better” whenever they like.
Lake Padden Park
Beautiful lake park with hiking trails. Southernmost east-west trail directly south of lake goes thru gorgeous old growth.