Bellingham is a city in the north-western United States, and the county seat of Whatcom County, Washington. It is the largest city in the region north of Seattle. Bellingham is a wonderful city. With its beautiful surroundings, friendly people, there are a lot of things to do in Bellingham, WA.
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Bellingham is now a thriving community of 16,000 people. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with family and friends or a romantic weekend getaway, Bellingham has something for you. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Bellingham, WA.
Top Things to Do in Bellingham, WA
1. Whatcom Falls Park
If you’re looking for a fun day out, Whatcom Falls Park is a great place to go. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the four waterfalls are definitely worth seeing. You can also find picnic tables and basketball courts in the park, so it’s perfect for a day out with family or friends.
The Stone Bridge, a scenic viewpoint constructed near the Whatcom Falls State Park parking lot, provides a great place to take pictures and admire the falls below.
The Whatcom Creek Trail Loop, a four-mile hiking trail, winds through the forest and by all four of the Whatcom Creek waterfalls. This offers hikers the chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful waterfalls.
2. SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
The second thing on our list of things to do in Bellingham, WA, is the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out, then this museum is the place for you. There’s something for everyone at this fascinating museum with five permanent collections to explore. The Birth of Electricity exhibit is a great place to start, and kids will love the MegaZapper Electrical Show. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the Tesla Coil? It’s sure to get your heart racing!
3. Fairhaven Historic District
If you’re looking for a unique shopping and dining experience, be sure to check out the Fairhaven Historic District in Bellingham. This district is home to many charming Victorian-era buildings, and you’ll find a variety of local shops and cozy restaurants here. Some favorite places to shop and eat in Fairhaven are Village Books and Skylark’s Hidden Cafe.
The Bellingham Cruise Terminal is located near Fairhaven and offers whale-watching tours and San Juan Island explorations.
Whale-watching tours are a popular attraction in Bellingham, and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal offers a variety of different tours. You can choose from tours that explore the San Juan Islands or those that focus on whale watching.
The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located just north of Seattle. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and abundance of wildlife, and it’s a popular destination for tourists.
The Bellingham Cruise Terminal also offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get around the city.
If you are looking for scenic lodging in Bellingham, be sure to check out Fairhaven Historic District. You’ll find charming Victorian-style bed and breakfasts like The Chrysalis Inn and Spa or Hotel Bellwether here.
Fairhaven Winterfest goes on throughout December and features festive lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, and other holiday festivities.
4. Galbraith Mountain Bike Park
If you’re looking for a great place to mountain bike in Bellingham, look no further than the Galbraith Mountain Bike Park. This park has more than 50 miles of groomed trails that range from flowy and friendly to fast and frightening. The best part is that access to these trails is available from two entrances – the north entrance on Birch Street or the south entrance on Samish Way. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s something for everyone at the Galbraith Mountain Bike Park.
5. Bellingham Farmers Market
When it comes to shopping, Bellingham doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a big department store or a unique boutique, you’ll find what you need in Bellingham. Our downtown area is home to a variety of stores, including well-known chains and local shops. If you’re looking for something special, be sure to check out the Bellis Fair Mall, located on the outskirts of town. This large mall features over 180 stores, including department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants.
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out the Bellingham Farmers Market. This weekly farmers’ market takes place from April through December and features over 100 vendors. You’ll find fresh produce, homemade confections, and local artisan goods. Live music accompanies the lively atmosphere of this public event.
Be sure to attend Third Saturday Markets, which take place every month throughout the year. These winter markets take place in an expansive indoor pavilion and feature similar fare to the summer markets. Bellingham Farmers Market also features special events throughout the year, including a Spooktacular celebration in October and Demo Days once a month.
6. Boulevard Park
Boulevard Park is a charming bay-side community space. The park features a performance stage for local concerts, open space for throwing a frisbee, and some of the best views of Bellingham Bay found anywhere else in the city. Connecting the Fairhaven Historic District to the south and downtown Bellingham to the north, Boulevard Park provides excellent walking and biking trails along the shore.
Woods Coffee is centrally located in the middle of the park and provides an extra caffeine boost during the day. Public barbecue pits and sandy beaches make Boulevard Park popular for picnics. Fishing is also a fun activity, and the park has several shoreline fishing spots and a boardwalk where visitors can drop a line.
7. Mount Baker Theatre
Visitors to Bellingham can attend showings of the Missoula Children’s Theatre performance throughout most of the year. Each show is offered at a discount for children and senior citizens, and patrons can purchase tickets on short notice without paying any service fees.
The theater also offers jazz nights on Mondays during the summer, which feature live jazz music while patrons enjoy wine and beer from local breweries. The Missoula Children’s Theatre offers additional performances during the summer. These shows are not only entertaining for children, but all age groups can appreciate the fun.
8. Lake Padden Park
Next on our list of things to do in Bellingham, WA is Lake Padden Park, which is a great place to go for a hike, bike ride, or picnic. The park has several hiking and biking trails and a perfect lake for fishing, paddling, and sunsets. Visitors can also picnic at Lake Padden Park and let their dogs run free at the off-leash park.
9. Whatcom Museum
On a single weekend, visitors to Bellingham can enjoy activities and events at the Whatcom Museum. Examples include lectures series, educational workshops, family days, and special exhibitions.
Whatcom rotates exhibits throughout the year, but there are collections for regional art and relics as well as an impressive archive of photographs.
These collections are spread across the three Arts District buildings that the museum occupies, including the iconic and historic Old City Hall.
After a busy day enjoying the exhibits of the Whatcom Museum, those visiting Bellingham can take some time to relax and enjoy their surroundings. The city of Bellingham is surrounded by nature, and there are numerous parks and trails that visitors can explore on a sunny day.
Visitors to Larrabee State Park in Bellingham are also looking for adventure. Kirk Creek Campground has the perfect blend of campsites, trails, and beaches to satisfy any outdoors enthusiast. A popular choice is a hike up to Oyster Dome, which leads to stunning views of Samish Bay.
Another way to explore Larrabee State Park is via kayak or canoe. With over 40 nautical miles of saltwater shoreline, Larrabee is a popular spot for kayaking. Visitors should be aware that there are many currents and tides to consider before heading out on the water, so it’s recommended you consult with park rangers first.
In the middle of the majestic mountain range, you will find a hidden Valley filled with Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking Trails, and Mountain Biking Trails. Larrabee State Park is where the Winter comes alive in Bellingham.
10. Mt. Baker Ski Area
When you visit Mt. Baker Ski Area, be sure to stop in at the Mt. Baker Ski Area Lodge. You’ll find amenities for many seasons of fun, including a top-notch ski shop, restaurant, and bar. Whether you venture inside to grab a mountain-top drink or take in the view from the deck, you won’t be disappointed by this special place on Mount Baker.
You may also consider attending the acclaimed Mt. Baker Film Fest. The Mt. Baker Ski Area is around 50 miles east of downtown Bellingham and offers 1,000 acres to explore, including the famous Banked Slalom race in February.
11. Lake Whatcom
Last but not least on our list of things to do in Bellingham, WA is Lake Whatcom. Besides engaging in several exciting recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing, Lake Whatcom is also a great place to spend time outdoors. Hikers will find trails suitable for all levels of expertise at the Hertz Trail in Lake Whatcom Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions to visit in Bellingham?
The top attractions to visit in Bellingham include but are not limited to Bellingham Farmers Market, Whatcom Falls Park, and Lake Whatcom.
What is there to enjoy in Bellingham at night?
There are several places to visit for a good time after dark. These include but are not limited to Kulshan Brewing Company, Wander Brewing, Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, Boundary Bay Brewery,
What are the Best Outdoor Activities in Bellingham?
The best outdoor activities in Bellingham include hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. Hiking trails are available for all difficulty levels at Whatcom Falls Park, Boulevard Park, and Lake Padden Park. There are also plenty of opportunities for biking on the many bike paths in Bellingham. The Nooksack River is a great place to go fishing, and kayakers can explore the many coves and inlets of Bellingham Bay.
What are the most popular things to do in Bellingham with kids?
Some of the most popular things to do in Bellingham with kids are visiting Whatcom Falls Park, Fairhaven Historic District, and Boulevard Park. These parks offer a variety of activities for kids, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of things to do in Bellingham, WA! There are many fun activities that the whole family can enjoy here. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an exciting day out with family and friends, Bellingham has something for everyone.
If you are looking for another great place to visit in Washington, check out our list of the 23 Amazing Things to do in Yakima, WA.
