Bellingham is a small coastal Washington State city that borders Canada. It is the most popular city in Whatcom county and is home to Western Washington State University. For many Northwesters, Bellingham is a popular destination to escape to the seaside and enjoy some of Washington's small-town living. From the historic central business district to Boardwalk park, it is easy to spend a day admiring beautiful sights and devouring tasty eats.
If looking for a way to spend a day in Bellingham, here are some places to explore to experience the best of Bellingham.
If looking for a way to spend a day in Bellingham, here are some places to explore to experience the best of Bellingham.
Boulevard Park & Boardwalk
When in Bellingham, one cannot miss the quintessential Boulevard Park. Boulevard Park is located in the South Hill Neighborhood along South State Street and Bay View Drive.
One can spend hours at this park by walking the boardwalk or simply admiring the sound from a seaside bench. Enjoy one of several food concessions or coffee stands and walk along the newly renovated boardwalk that replaced a former old dock.
There is also the two-mile South Bay Trail that connects the Bellingham central business district to downtown Fairhaven. The trail leads along the former Bellingham & Skagit Interurban Railway, and the shoreline trail features nothing but the best views of the shoreline and views of the island.
When in Bellingham, one cannot miss the quintessential Boulevard Park. Boulevard Park is located in the South Hill Neighborhood along South State Street and Bay View Drive.
One can spend hours at this park by walking the boardwalk or simply admiring the sound from a seaside bench. Enjoy one of several food concessions or coffee stands and walk along the newly renovated boardwalk that replaced a former old dock.
There is also the two-mile South Bay Trail that connects the Bellingham central business district to downtown Fairhaven. The trail leads along the former Bellingham & Skagit Interurban Railway, and the shoreline trail features nothing but the best views of the shoreline and views of the island.
Hotel Bellwether
Located on the prestigious Bellingham Bay, Hotel Bellwether is certainly one of the most unique hotels in the Pacific Northwest. This luxury lighthouse hotel and restaurant is the perfect romantic getaway to escape to nature with a touch of urban living. Whether one wants to dine, stay or walk-by the hotel, it is well worth the visit. The restaurant offers fine dining, so eat good while warmed by a historic fireplace. Its an excellent spot to watch the sunset, inside or outside.
Located on the prestigious Bellingham Bay, Hotel Bellwether is certainly one of the most unique hotels in the Pacific Northwest. This luxury lighthouse hotel and restaurant is the perfect romantic getaway to escape to nature with a touch of urban living. Whether one wants to dine, stay or walk-by the hotel, it is well worth the visit. The restaurant offers fine dining, so eat good while warmed by a historic fireplace. Its an excellent spot to watch the sunset, inside or outside.
Old Town Cafe
After spending hours of walking the Boundary Bay, eat lunch at Old Town Cafe, which is located in the historic district. This cafe serves up tasty vegan and meat-based favorites all sourced from local, organic ingredients. They are best known for their fresh potatoes that are grilled up with "special spices."
The historic district is the place to visit local shops that sell everything from handmade clothes to locally made soap.
After spending hours of walking the Boundary Bay, eat lunch at Old Town Cafe, which is located in the historic district. This cafe serves up tasty vegan and meat-based favorites all sourced from local, organic ingredients. They are best known for their fresh potatoes that are grilled up with "special spices."
The historic district is the place to visit local shops that sell everything from handmade clothes to locally made soap.
Taste the Locals Brews
One excellent way to spend part of an afternoon, or the evening is through the experience of local brews. The PNW is known for its craft beers, and well, Bellingham is no exception. There are several noteworthy breweries, and though it is not realistic for many to visit all three in one day, here are some suggestions to navigate you to the best brewery you'd like to explore.
Chukanut Brewing
This brewery is known for having some of the most award-winning beers in the state. The owners started their brewpub operations in 1984, with experiences of consulting and opening brewpubs internationally. If you're searching for a European draft, come here!
Boundary Bay
Boundary Bay is the quintessential brewery of Bellingham. Laid back and relaxed, BB has been independently owned and operated since 1995, and operates out of a 1922 historic building. If you want to get in touch with the local vibe, this is the place to people watch and experience the charm of the local beer culture. It also resides across the street from the local Farmer's Market.
Aslan Brewery
Bellingham has long boasted a granola-hippie vibe, and though its not the actual hippie hangout, you can get a sense of the traditional B-ham vibe of the young locals who worship organic ingredients. Aslan pushes boundaries by searching for local ingredients that has a low impact practice. If searching for something fresh, local and organic, be sure to get a beer here!
One excellent way to spend part of an afternoon, or the evening is through the experience of local brews. The PNW is known for its craft beers, and well, Bellingham is no exception. There are several noteworthy breweries, and though it is not realistic for many to visit all three in one day, here are some suggestions to navigate you to the best brewery you'd like to explore.
Chukanut Brewing
This brewery is known for having some of the most award-winning beers in the state. The owners started their brewpub operations in 1984, with experiences of consulting and opening brewpubs internationally. If you're searching for a European draft, come here!
Boundary Bay
Boundary Bay is the quintessential brewery of Bellingham. Laid back and relaxed, BB has been independently owned and operated since 1995, and operates out of a 1922 historic building. If you want to get in touch with the local vibe, this is the place to people watch and experience the charm of the local beer culture. It also resides across the street from the local Farmer's Market.
Aslan Brewery
Bellingham has long boasted a granola-hippie vibe, and though its not the actual hippie hangout, you can get a sense of the traditional B-ham vibe of the young locals who worship organic ingredients. Aslan pushes boundaries by searching for local ingredients that has a low impact practice. If searching for something fresh, local and organic, be sure to get a beer here!
How to Spend a Day in Bellingham, WashingtonLocal Mural Art
Explore a myriad of vibrant mural arts, designed by Gretchen Leggitt, located on the facades of many public buildings. Her art depicts the beauty of the PNW landscapes, but in a modern way. Explore her art virtually or at one of these various establishments.
What's your favorite place to visit in Bellingham?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend a Day in Bellingham, Washington,
Explore a myriad of vibrant mural arts, designed by Gretchen Leggitt, located on the facades of many public buildings. Her art depicts the beauty of the PNW landscapes, but in a modern way. Explore her art virtually or at one of these various establishments.
- The Kona Bike Shop: 1622 N State St., Bellingham
- Puget Sound Energy: 915 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
- Horseshoe Cafe: 113 E Holly St., Bellingham
- Ciao Thyme: 207 Unity St., Bellingham
- Kombucha Town: 210 E Chestnut St., Bellingham
What's your favorite place to visit in Bellingham?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to How to Spend a Day in Bellingham, Washington,
RSS Feed