Outdoorsy, artsy, and all yours. Intersection of art, cuisine, and adventure.

Bellingham is known locally as the “city of subdued excitement.” This Waterside community will keep visitors busy while making them feel as chill as the growlers in its plentiful breweries. Snowboarders in the winter turn to their mountain bikes in the summer, leaving no seasonal gaps in opportunities for adventure. While it is a college town on the surface, the youthful glow doesn’t detract from the homey comforts that will make it hard to leave when it’s time to check out. 

This Waterside gem sits on Bellingham Bay in the shadow of Mount Baker, and hosts the annual Ski to Sea race. The 94-mile multisport team race includes ski, run, bike, canoe and kayak legs and brings crowds to Bellingham every Memorial Day weekend.

It’s rarely a bad time to drive the 39 miles east to Mount Baker. The wildflowers and mountain air in summer are almost as refreshing as shredding with friendly local skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Whether hiking to Artists Point in July or snowshoeing in January, the view will leave visitors breathless.

Within Bellingham city limits, visitors will find lakes, waterfront parks, trails and beaches. Downtown and the up-and-coming Waterfront District are both worth a wander with plentiful local shops, coffee spots and restaurants. 

Take a walk down Railroad Avenue on a summer Saturday and find that you’ve strolled into a bustling and long-standing Farmer’s Market. Visit long-time stalls full of veggies, flowers, hula-hoops, pottery, hot food, and clothing. Info on Bellingham farmers market can be found on page 37.

Bellingham was established as its own city when the neighboring towns of Sehome, Whatcom, Fairhaven and Bellingham merged in the early 1900s. The distinct neighborhoods add to what makes Bellingham feel smaller than it actually is. The population may be close to 95,000, but it never feels that big 

Local businesses with friendly faces abound in Bellingham; from eateries to bookstores, the locals make visitors feel like regulars. Bellingham is a dog-friendly town, and furry friends will be hard pressed to find an area where they don’t find friendly, petting hands. Bring your dog along to one of the many breweries or restaurants with outdoor seating, because in Bellingham, your dogs don’t have to sit out the fun.

In the evenings, local breweries are often bustling with hipsters downing oatmeal stouts and vegetarian appetizers, but there truly is something for everyone. Dietary restrictions are rarely a problem in Bellingham, as many restaurants have gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options available.

The smell of coffee and delectable breakfast specialties waft through the Bellingham streets in the mornings. There is a coffee shop to fill every desire, a breakfast spot for every taste. An artful town through and through, even the cafés offer paintings for sale by local artists.

If visitors feel inspired to seek out more art, they will find no shortage of avenues to find it. Bellingham boasts a collection of galleries, city sponsored sidewalk sculptures, murals and, of course, the Whatcom Museum. Within the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher building is the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG), which is a sprawling children’s museum certain to entertain kids of all ages. Those searching for more science-minded history can get their fix at the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention. More information on museums can be found on page 56.

 The Marine Life Center in Squalicum Harbor is free to the public and offers visitors a chance to observe many species of sea life native to the Salish Sea. The center also rehabilitates octopi when the need arises, so you may just get to observe one of the sea’s most remarkable creatures in recovery. Staffed with educators, visitors should feel free to ask questions about the resident sea life and ways we can keep our local ecosystem healthy. After sojourning at the Marine Life Center, take a walk around Squalicum Harbor, where the ocean breeze is always puffing away. Seals are a common sighting at the harbor, and visitors trying to get their steps in can walk all the way to Zuanich Point Park.

The newest development in Bellingham is the Waterfront District, home to Waypoint Park, the Waterfront Pump Park, and the Granary Building, which is home to a few local businesses. Check out the Northwest Tune-Up bike and music festival July 11-13, 2025.

For outdoor activities, take in a Bellingham Bells baseball game, or head to Lake Padden for paddle boarding. Ride the interurban trail on a bike or stroll through Whatcom Falls and wade in the cool, shaded water. Muse in shades of green while exploring the sculptures in the wooded glens of the Big Rock Garden on Sylvan Street. Beauty in Bellingham is around every corner, so come and seek it out.

For more information, visit Bellingham.org.