Bellingham, Washington: An Outdoor Paradise with City Amenities

Just 85 miles north of Seattle lies the coastal city of Bellingham, known for its endless outdoor recreation activities, popular farmers markets, and world-class breweries. This city is perfect for those who want to spend the day adventuring outside but still have time to explore new restaurants, art galleries, and shops.

Friday: Marine Life, Hikes & Organic Brews

Leave Seattle early Friday morning and head north on I5 towards Bellingham. In less than two hours, you’ll arrive at Mount Bakery Cafe Downtown, known for its delicious pastries and egg benedict specials. It also serves certified organic, locally roasted coffee from Hammerhead Roasters.

After fueling up on breakfast, head south on Chuckanut Drive towards Teddy Bear Cove. When you arrive, you’ll park and take a short hike down to the water. The cove is surrounded by tidepools where you will see an abundance of marine life: sea urchins, starfish, crabs, and sea anemones. Don’t forget to look off the shore line – you’re bound to see seals as well. If you’re visiting the area during the warm summer months, you may even spot bioluminescent algae at night. 

Head 15 minutes south to the Oyster Dome Trailhead. This trail is rated as difficult, with a distance of 7.3 miles and an elevation gain of 1,879 feet. The views at the top make the hard climb worth it, though. You can see for miles on a clear day, including the Skagit River Flats, Anacortes, Samish Bay, Vancouver Island, and the Olympic Mountains. This area rarely sees snow even in the winter months, making this a perfect hike for any time of year. If you’re looking for an easier hike, check out Clayton Beach Trail just a few minutes up the road.

In the center of downtown is Aslan Brewing Company, a family-friendly taproom known for its organic brews and classic pub fare. Happy hour is from 2PM-5PM daily, where you can get a dollar off beers and discounted snacks. If you’re not a fan of beer, Aslan also offers ciders, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Head to Waterfront Robins Nest for the night, a Hipcamp located on the shore of Lummi Bay. Each private campsite comes with a picnic table and adirondack chairs. 

Saturday: Classic Brunch, Skiing & Cider

Get up early and head to Little Cheerful cafe for a classic American brunch. We recommend ordering the crispy hash browns or the crab benedict (a local favorite). If you have extra time, be sure to check out the Bellingham Farmers Market. It’s open on the third Saturday of every month in the off-season, and every Saturday in the summer. Grab some fresh goods to enjoy at your campsite later in the weekend.

If you’re in for a scenic drive, head east on Highway 542 towards Mount Baker. Depending on the time of year, you can either ski, snowshoe, or hike. The Mount Baker Ski Area is known for its incredible views and offers slopes for all skill levels. If you typically ski at Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass, you’ll find that Mount Baker is less crowded. Check out Raven Hut for delicious soup and sandwiches. If you’re visiting in the summer, drive up to Artist Point which offers sweeping views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Lake Ann Trail and Chain Lakes Loop Trail are both good summer hike options nearby.

Head back into town and stop at Bellingham Cider Company. There are delicious food options and a large variety of ciders, wines, and cocktails. If you make it back earlier than expected, you can enjoy happy hour pricing from 3PM-4PM.

Make your way to Larrabee State Park for the night, another beachfront campground. Reservations can be made on the Washington State Parks website. Spend the evening relaxing after a long day of adventures. 

Sunday: Swimming, Mountain Biking & Tacos

One of our favorite spots in Bellingham is Banter, with locations in downtown and Fairhaven. Order one of the breakfast bowls and a lavender matcha latte. This restaurant is known for being health-conscious and plant-heavy, so there’s options for everyone in your group.

Drive just a few minutes away to Whatcom Falls. The park has four sets of waterfalls and several miles of well-maintained walking trails. There are multiple swimming holes scattered throughout the park, so if you visit in the summer, be sure to check those out. One of our favorites is Whirlpool Falls, tucked away in the woods just north of the Waterline Bridge. As always, use caution when swimming in these areas. Whatcom Falls Park is also home to a fish hatchery where trout are raised to feed Washington state lakes, streams, and ponds. 

If you’re into mountain biking, Bellingham is filled with great trails for it. One of our favorites is Galbraith Mountain – if you have extra time after your hike or swim, we highly recommend checking this spot out! Don’t own a mountain bike? No problem! Dig Deep is a Bellingham-based mountain bike guiding company that offers rentals and instruction. Check them out if you’re a first-timer! 

Head back into town for happy hour at Black Sheep from 3PM-6PM daily (and all day Sundays!). This restaurant is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, serving delicious veggie tacos and corn tortillas. Try a passion-orange margarita and the carne asada tacos. This spot is 21+, so if you’re traveling with kids we recommend Storia Cucina. This popular Italian restaurant has happy hour from 2PM-5PM daily and 10PM-close on the weekends.

Hop on I5 south and head back to Seattle.

Ready to Explore Bellingham?

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