Bellingham, WA

Travel Guide
Bellingham which includes snow, mountains and snow skiing
Sandwiched between the Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the rolling hills of northern Washington, this thriving city is experiencing a cultural revival.

Just south of the Canadian border, this coastal city began its life as an industrial center. For decades, Bellingham centered upon the timber and coal industries but today most visit the Washington city for its natural beauty and thriving cultural landscape. At just over a century old, Bellingham is a relatively young city but one that’s history is well signposted as you explore its streets. Whether you’re using Bellingham as a launch pad to visit the San Juan Islands or you’re curious about its burgeoning arts and music scenes, there’s plenty to see and do during your stay.

Explore the downtown precinct on foot, bicycle or by bus. Thanks to relatively light traffic, parking is easily found even in the city center, so driving is equally viable. The cultural center of the city is centered upon the downtown precinct and the streets surrounding Western Washington University. A young population keeps things innovative and there are plenty of cultural sites to see. Admire the sculpture collection at the university, which features work by prominent American artists including Richard Serra and Beverly Pepper. Visit the nearby Whatcom Museum of History and Art, the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention and the Pickford Film Center for more cultural activities.

Take a trip through the dramatic landscape surrounding the city to really understand what the state of Washington is about. Perched on the edge of Bellingham Bay you can reach the San Juan Islands in less than an hour, or head east to reach the famous Mount Baker, a glacier-covered volcano that is a haven for skiers and snowboarders.

Bellingham is serviced by an international airport but is also just a short drive from the major cities of Seattle and Vancouver. Accommodations can be found on the waterfront or in the Meridian shopping precinct but those wanting a more rural escape will find holiday apartments and bungalows near Mount Baker and in the rural farmland to the northeast of the city.

Where to stay in Bellingham

30 mins south of the Canadian border you stumble upon historic Fairhaven with cobblestone walks, murals, restaurants and antique shops. 

Don't miss this quirky fish n' chip joint.

Fairhaven

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Restaurants, shopping, and spas highlight some of the notable features of Fairhaven. Make a stop by Bellingham Cruise Terminal while you're exploring.

Fairhaven
Bellingham featuring a cascade

Bellingham City Center

While visiting Bellingham City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Mount Baker Theatre and Marine Life Center.

Bellingham City Center
Impromptu visit to the lake made for a beautiful photo opp.

Samish Hill

While visiting Samish Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Padden Park and Lake Padden Golf Course.

Samish Hill
Views uplake from the Ranger Station in Lake Chelan, WA

Sehome

While Sehome isn't home to many top sights, Mount Baker Theatre and South Bay Trail are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sehome
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Happy Valley

While there might not be top attractions in Happy Valley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fairhaven Park and Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

Happy Valley
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Puget

Though Puget might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Whatcom Falls Park and Mount Baker Theatre.

Puget
Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA
The price is NT$3,763 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
NT$3,763
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"We flew into Seattle and stayed only one night here on our way to Vancouver, Canada. The property was clean and staff was friendly. We checked in late and checked out early so we didn't really get to explore the hotel and enjoyed its amenities, if any. Overall it was a clean hotel, great location ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
Best Western Plus Bellingham
Best Western Plus Bellingham
3 out of 5
3985 Bennett Dr., Bellingham, WA
The price is NT$3,773 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$3,773
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"The front desk person was very pleasant and the breakfast was good"

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Best Western Plus Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
3 out of 5
4051 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
The price is NT$4,063 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
NT$4,063
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,036 reviews)
"The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The food is excellent and rooms very comfortable. We were very pleased with our choice."

Reviewed on 2024/3/27

Oxford Suites Bellingham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Breeze Cottages
Sea Breeze Cottages
3 out of 5
131 Barnacle St, Ocean Shores, WA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (249 reviews)
"Super cute with everything you could need!"

Reviewed on 2024/2/18

Sea Breeze Cottages
Larkspur Landing Bellevue - An All-Suite Hotel
Larkspur Landing Bellevue - An All-Suite Hotel
3 out of 5
15805 SE 37th St, Bellevue, WA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Bellevue. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,785 reviews)
"Proximity to Bellevue."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Larkspur Landing Bellevue - An All-Suite Hotel
Larkspur Landing Renton - An All-Suite Hotel
Larkspur Landing Renton - An All-Suite Hotel
3 out of 5
1701 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Renton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,352 reviews)
"The staff are amazing!"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Larkspur Landing Renton - An All-Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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