Guidebook for Bellingham

Joanna And Paul
Joanna And Paul
Guidebook for Bellingham

Parks & Nature

A beautiful, lush park with forest walks, waterfalls, bridges, streams, salmon runs and salmon hatchery and wildlife. Also has playgrounds and tennis courts and an off-leash area for dogs.
124 locals recommend
Whatcom Falls Park
1401 Electric Ave
124 locals recommend
A beautiful, lush park with forest walks, waterfalls, bridges, streams, salmon runs and salmon hatchery and wildlife. Also has playgrounds and tennis courts and an off-leash area for dogs.
An old growth nature preserve- huge old trees, beaver, owl, otter, mushrooms. A 3 mile loop with an optional 1 1/2 mile pond loop to add on.
30 locals recommend
Stimpson Family Nature Preserve
2076 Lake Louise Road
30 locals recommend
An old growth nature preserve- huge old trees, beaver, owl, otter, mushrooms. A 3 mile loop with an optional 1 1/2 mile pond loop to add on.
Lake- great for swimming, playgrounds, 900 acre park, several miles of walking & biking trails, off leash area for dogs.
100 locals recommend
Lake Padden Park
4882 S Samish Way
100 locals recommend
Lake- great for swimming, playgrounds, 900 acre park, several miles of walking & biking trails, off leash area for dogs.
Very, very beautiful spot between Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan- 58 scenic miles from Bellingham- alpine splendor, accessible, good walks & hikes from here. Open usually mid-June- September- depends on snow.
70 locals recommend
Artist Point
70 locals recommend
Very, very beautiful spot between Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan- 58 scenic miles from Bellingham- alpine splendor, accessible, good walks & hikes from here. Open usually mid-June- September- depends on snow.
Lowland hike to small lake- Great views on way up, 5.5 m. roundtrip- 950' gain. 7 miles south on Chukanut Dr. to Larrabee State Park on left- trailhead & parking on right. Pass needed to park.
Fragrance Lake Trail
Fragrance Lake Trail
Lowland hike to small lake- Great views on way up, 5.5 m. roundtrip- 950' gain. 7 miles south on Chukanut Dr. to Larrabee State Park on left- trailhead & parking on right. Pass needed to park.

Sightseeing

Fantastic mountain biking and ALSO walking- walk up a mile to huge views of Bellingham and the Bay facing west. Keep walking for hours on mixed use (forestry) trails.
43 locals recommend
Galbraith Mountain Bike Park North Entrance
1206 Birch St
43 locals recommend
Fantastic mountain biking and ALSO walking- walk up a mile to huge views of Bellingham and the Bay facing west. Keep walking for hours on mixed use (forestry) trails.
Departs most Thursday evenings in summer from the Harbor- lots of local color while on a boat trip in the Bay. Link is http://www.whatcommuseum.org/history-sunset-cruise#about
55 locals recommend
Whatcom Museum
121 Prospect St
55 locals recommend
Departs most Thursday evenings in summer from the Harbor- lots of local color while on a boat trip in the Bay. Link is http://www.whatcommuseum.org/history-sunset-cruise#about
A quaint but not too quaint district with plenty of shops and some great cafes and restaurants. Close to the WWU. Walk to the water, the Alaska Ferry Terminal, the Amtrak station, Boulevard Park.
122 locals recommend
Fairhaven
122 locals recommend
A quaint but not too quaint district with plenty of shops and some great cafes and restaurants. Close to the WWU. Walk to the water, the Alaska Ferry Terminal, the Amtrak station, Boulevard Park.
The falls are beautiful & worth a stop on your way up to Mt. Baker. I'm not sure that I'd make it my single destination as there isn't any real hiking around the falls.
49 locals recommend
Nooksack Falls
49 locals recommend
The falls are beautiful & worth a stop on your way up to Mt. Baker. I'm not sure that I'd make it my single destination as there isn't any real hiking around the falls.
On your way to go hiking (skiing),...Stop on your way, use the bathrooms, buy passes, talk with rangers, look at the topo maps, get maps etc....about an hour drive
19 locals recommend
Glacier Public Service Center
10091 Mt Baker Hwy
19 locals recommend
On your way to go hiking (skiing),...Stop on your way, use the bathrooms, buy passes, talk with rangers, look at the topo maps, get maps etc....about an hour drive
Nice place to spend the day- lovely island- take a little ferry over and cycle or drive the island, have lunch, visit the beaches and the tiny farmer's market....
25 locals recommend
Lummi Island
25 locals recommend
Nice place to spend the day- lovely island- take a little ferry over and cycle or drive the island, have lunch, visit the beaches and the tiny farmer's market....

Entertainment & Activities

Quirky small interactive museum with a fun blend of science and art. Not to be missed.
24 locals recommend
Mindport
210 W Holly St
24 locals recommend
Quirky small interactive museum with a fun blend of science and art. Not to be missed.
At Squalicum Harbor-Playground, watch the boats, fly a kite, rent a paddleboard & paddle the harbor, visit the marine petting exhibit, buy salmon off the local boats....also some great eateries.
37 locals recommend
Zuanich Point Park
2600 N Harbor Loop Dr
37 locals recommend
At Squalicum Harbor-Playground, watch the boats, fly a kite, rent a paddleboard & paddle the harbor, visit the marine petting exhibit, buy salmon off the local boats....also some great eateries.
Such an amazing small marine petting and education s=center- they cycle marine life in and out but if you are lucky you may meet an octopus.
11 locals recommend
Marine Life Center
1801 Roeder Ave
11 locals recommend
Such an amazing small marine petting and education s=center- they cycle marine life in and out but if you are lucky you may meet an octopus.
Best spot in Bellingham to have a coffee for views etc. Indoor/outdoor fireplace, fantastic small park with playgrounds, water access, trails to Fairhaven & downtown Bellingham.
48 locals recommend
Bayview Drive
Bayview Drive
48 locals recommend
Best spot in Bellingham to have a coffee for views etc. Indoor/outdoor fireplace, fantastic small park with playgrounds, water access, trails to Fairhaven & downtown Bellingham.
equipment rentals on the way up to Mt Baker for skiing....
33 locals recommend
Glacier Ski Shop
9966 Mt Baker Hwy
33 locals recommend
equipment rentals on the way up to Mt Baker for skiing....
This is where you wil be skiing and sledding and snowshoeing.....(or just enjoying the views from the lodges!)
6 locals recommend
Mt. Baker Resort
10500 Mt Baker Hwy
6 locals recommend
This is where you wil be skiing and sledding and snowshoeing.....(or just enjoying the views from the lodges!)
public swimming pool- very close- BIG slide...hot tub for parents
7 locals recommend
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
1114 Lakeway Dr
7 locals recommend
public swimming pool- very close- BIG slide...hot tub for parents
Incredible toy store in the heart of Fairhaven
Fairhaven Toy Garden
909 Harris Ave
Incredible toy store in the heart of Fairhaven
Great climbing gym- all ages, lots of challenges, inexpensive, nice setting for the non-climbers to hang out and have self serve coffee/tea while others climb.
9 locals recommend
VITAL Climbing Gym - Bellingham
1421 N State St
9 locals recommend
Great climbing gym- all ages, lots of challenges, inexpensive, nice setting for the non-climbers to hang out and have self serve coffee/tea while others climb.

Food Scene

GREAT breakfast and lunch place- Bellingham tradition.
50 locals recommend
Old Town Cafe
316 W Holly St
50 locals recommend
GREAT breakfast and lunch place- Bellingham tradition.
Best breakfast in town! eat inside or out. Be sure to check out their live streaming of Tour de France when the race is in session- (doors open at 5 a.m. at that time)
36 locals recommend
Mount Bakery Cafe Downtown
308 W Champion St
36 locals recommend
Best breakfast in town! eat inside or out. Be sure to check out their live streaming of Tour de France when the race is in session- (doors open at 5 a.m. at that time)
Great place to have a coffee- take in some local color
23 locals recommend
Black Drop
206 W Magnolia St
23 locals recommend
Great place to have a coffee- take in some local color
Southwest style cuisine, awesome margaritas, fantastic and fun decor and waitresses....our favorite place
36 locals recommend
Pepper Sisters
1055 N State St
36 locals recommend
Southwest style cuisine, awesome margaritas, fantastic and fun decor and waitresses....our favorite place
Great Thai Food, our favorite for eating in or take-away. Nest door to REI, Starbucks and a grocery store too in case you need something...
9 locals recommend
Busara Thai Cuisine
404 36th St
9 locals recommend
Great Thai Food, our favorite for eating in or take-away. Nest door to REI, Starbucks and a grocery store too in case you need something...
Excellent- making all their own ice cream and sorbets with seasonal flavors using local ingredients....
52 locals recommend
Mallard Ice Cream
1323 Railroad Ave
52 locals recommend
Excellent- making all their own ice cream and sorbets with seasonal flavors using local ingredients....
Local business, great bagels and soups, muffins, cakes etc....
25 locals recommend
Bagelry
1319 Railroad Ave
25 locals recommend
Local business, great bagels and soups, muffins, cakes etc....
Fantastic artisan breads, sandwiches, pastries, soups, salads.....3 locations in town See them in Fairhaven too....
13 locals recommend
Avenue Bread - Railroad Ave
1313 Railroad Ave
13 locals recommend
Fantastic artisan breads, sandwiches, pastries, soups, salads.....3 locations in town See them in Fairhaven too....
Fantastic food! robust, local, healthy, constantly changing menu, Family style tables, lunches only.
10 locals recommend
Ciao Thyme
207 Unity St
10 locals recommend
Fantastic food! robust, local, healthy, constantly changing menu, Family style tables, lunches only.
Great Italian Food
39 locals recommend
D'Anna's Cafe Italiano
1319 N State St
39 locals recommend
Great Italian Food
Great food, lots of GF options, sit outside in the summer
16 locals recommend
Brandywine Kitchen
1317 Commercial St
16 locals recommend
Great food, lots of GF options, sit outside in the summer
Good pizza and their sister restaurant half a block away has great burgers (Fiamma Burgers)
29 locals recommend
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza
200 E Chestnut St
29 locals recommend
Good pizza and their sister restaurant half a block away has great burgers (Fiamma Burgers)
Some people say they have the best coffee in town....
18 locals recommend
Avellino
1329 Railroad Ave
18 locals recommend
Some people say they have the best coffee in town....
great burgers!
14 locals recommend
Fiamma Burger
1309 Railroad Ave
14 locals recommend
great burgers!
fantastic food (surf/turf etc) even better views of the bay $$$
35 locals recommend
Anthony's Hearthfire Grill, Bellingham
7 Bellwether Way
35 locals recommend
fantastic food (surf/turf etc) even better views of the bay $$$
fantastic italian food
23 locals recommend
Mambo Italiano Cafe
1303 12th Street
23 locals recommend
fantastic italian food
At the top of Village Books- lovely views, super quiet and cozy to read a book, eat a simple meal, have a glass of wine....
Book Fare Cafe
1200 11th St
At the top of Village Books- lovely views, super quiet and cozy to read a book, eat a simple meal, have a glass of wine....
Fun place and great if you like donuts!
13 locals recommend
Rocket Donuts & Acme Ice Cream - Downtown
306 W Holly St
13 locals recommend
Fun place and great if you like donuts!

Arts & Culture

Independent cinema-great movies- 2 locations downtown. Stay for coffee/tea in their mini cafe. Watch movies on the roof in the summer!
67 locals recommend
Pickford Film Center
1318 Bay St
67 locals recommend
Independent cinema-great movies- 2 locations downtown. Stay for coffee/tea in their mini cafe. Watch movies on the roof in the summer!
Interesting, hands on, educational, quirky, fun rainy day activity for the whole family
47 locals recommend
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
1312 Bay St
47 locals recommend
Interesting, hands on, educational, quirky, fun rainy day activity for the whole family
Beautiful theatre, great performances, music, plays etc.... http://mountbakertheatre.com
73 locals recommend
Mount Baker Theatre
104 N Commercial St
73 locals recommend
Beautiful theatre, great performances, music, plays etc.... http://mountbakertheatre.com
live improv comedy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights- see more here: http://theupfront.com
24 locals recommend
The Upfront Theatre
203 Prospect St
24 locals recommend
live improv comedy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights- see more here: http://theupfront.com
19 locals recommend
Lightcatcher Building
250 Flora St
19 locals recommend
Jansen Art Center
321 Front St

Shopping

Because it is one of the best and because the food is amazing and the local color even better.
73 locals recommend
Bellingham Farmers Market
1100 Railroad Ave
73 locals recommend
Because it is one of the best and because the food is amazing and the local color even better.
Fantastic large independent bookstore in Fairhaven, sweet cafe upstairs "Book Fare", lots of reading nooks.
55 locals recommend
Village Books
1200 11th St
55 locals recommend
Fantastic large independent bookstore in Fairhaven, sweet cafe upstairs "Book Fare", lots of reading nooks.
ski and equipment rentals, bike store
11 locals recommend
Fairhaven Antique Mall
1108 11th St
11 locals recommend
ski and equipment rentals, bike store

Drinks & Nightlife

Great Local brewery- good food, beer and atmosphere.
104 locals recommend
Aslan Brewing Company
1330 N Forest St
104 locals recommend
Great Local brewery- good food, beer and atmosphere.
Great Local brewery- Fun, relaxed- sit outside with your children, bring your own picnic to eat with your drinks or buy food from the rotating food vans that come through.
86 locals recommend
Kulshan Brewing Company
2238 James St
86 locals recommend
Great Local brewery- Fun, relaxed- sit outside with your children, bring your own picnic to eat with your drinks or buy food from the rotating food vans that come through.
Another great local brewery with great restaurant attached- live music outdoors in the summer
119 locals recommend
Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro
1107 Railroad Ave
119 locals recommend
Another great local brewery with great restaurant attached- live music outdoors in the summer
European style atmosphere, cozy, great place for a drink, light meals and happy hour specials.
35 locals recommend
Temple Bar
306 W Champion St
35 locals recommend
European style atmosphere, cozy, great place for a drink, light meals and happy hour specials.
Deming-Fantastic food, great apres hike/ski place for a beer, wonderful pizzas, salads, lots of local color!
56 locals recommend
North Fork Brewery
6186 Mt Baker Hwy
56 locals recommend
Deming-Fantastic food, great apres hike/ski place for a beer, wonderful pizzas, salads, lots of local color!
great music venue
25 locals recommend
The Green Frog
1015 North State Street
25 locals recommend
great music venue
Great venue for bands
39 locals recommend
Wild Buffalo House Of Music
208 W Holly St
39 locals recommend
Great venue for bands