Bellingham

Bellingham

Bellingham is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, located in the northwest of Washington State on Bellingham Bay.  This coastal town has plenty to offer, including an historic shopping district, luxury waterfront hotels, world-class museums and galleries, a famous theater, bustling marinas, and an enchanting waterfall in an inner-city park.

If traveling north up to Bellingham on i5, take the scenic route along Chuckanut Drive, and enjoy breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands.

Things to do in Bellingham

The charming Fairhaven Historic District is the starting point for a visit to Bellingham, and has an abundance of tasteful gift shops, cafés and restaurants.  The 1890’s red brick vintage buildings are beautifully preserved, with European-style cobbled alleyways and a village green in the heart of town.  Visitors can relax in the village green during summer, and enjoy the open-air cinema and local landmarks including the Colophon Café and Village Books. Another great option for coffee is the classy “Rustic Coffee Bar” on 11^th street, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a quiet atmosphere. 

Visitors can then take a 15-minute stroll past the Village Green north up 10^th street to the Taylor Avenue Dock.  This old industrial dock was re-opened in 2004, and has a sheltered picnic area, and some of the best views of Lummi Island.   The dock then ends at Boulevard Park, with a nice stretch of grassy waterfront, and popular “Woods Coffee” with superb views and a rustic, northwestern interior.

Art lovers can then drive 5-minutes south of Bellingham to the Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden on Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11) to view an extensive collection of fine-art, glassware and pottery, and a small garden with lovely water-features.

It’s then a short drive to the north-east side of Bellingham to the 241-acre Whatcom Falls Park .  The easiest access to the falls is along the Silverbeach Road entrance off Lakeway Drive, where the falls are just a 2-minute walk from the car park.   An historic stone bridge provides the perfect vantage point for Whatcom Falls, and was built during the depression era as part of President Roosevelt’s public works initiative.  Visitors can then stroll along the Lower Gorge Trail through lush temperate forest, to discover other smaller cascades and waterholes along Whatcom Creek, popular for swimming during summer (no lifeguards on duty).

Bellingham also has a vibrant Downtown Museum and Gallery District, and key attractions are located within a few blocks of each other.  The lofty white tower of the Mount Baker Theater is one of Bellingham’s most dramatic landmarks.  The elegant Main Stage is listed on the register of National Historic Places, and has a full calendar of world-class acts.  A short distance away, the Whatcom Museum is housed in two locations within a block of each other; including the Lightcatcher Building with a stunning 37 foot translucent wall, and the magnificent Victorian-style Old City Hall.  Some other museums and galleries include:

• Museum of Radio and Electricity:  Interactive exhibits on the history of radio and electricity inventions  ~  1312 Bay Street, Bellingham
• Mindport:  A unique science/art gallery where visitors are encouraged to touch and explore the fascinating exhibits  ~  210 West Holly, Bellingham
• Bellingham Train Museum:  Model railroad layouts, including a floor loop for kids.  Visitors can actually run the trains!  ~  1320 Commercial Street, Bellingham
• Allied Arts:  Gallery for emerging artists from Oregon, Washington State, California and Alaska  ~  1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham

Restaurants

There is a great selection of waterfront restaurants on Bellwether Way near the Bellingham Marina; including:  

• Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill 
• Anthony's Restaurant
• Hotel Bellwether Restaurant
• Giuseppe’s Restaurant
• Kuro Kuro Sushi

After dinner, visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront path in front of Hotel Bellwether, or visit nearby Pete Zuanich Point Park visible from Hotel Bellwether, to enjoy the sunset.

Another great option is Fino Wine Bar at The Chrysalis Hotel. 

Bellingham Hotels

There are a wide choice of hotels, inns and motels in Bellingham.  Some luxury waterfront hotels include:

• The Chrysalis (near the Fairhaven Historic District)
• Fairhaven Hotel (in the Fairhaven Historic District)
• Hotel Bellwether (near the marina)

Bellingham also has a Best Western Hotel, Comfort Inn, Travelodge, Motel 6, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn.   Review the list below for other options.

Day Trips from Bellingham

Consider taking a 6-minute ferry ride to Lummi Island from Bellingham WA.  Alternatively you could head east along the Mount Baker Scenic Highway to explore Mt Baker – Artist’s Point in summer or Mount Baker Ski Area in winter.