Bellingham Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Bellingham showing snow skiing, snow and mountains
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

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Fairhaven

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 which includes a waterfall

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
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Samish Hill

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

Samish Hill
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Sehome

While Sehome may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mount Baker Theatre and South Bay Trail.

Sehome
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Happy Valley

Though Happy Valley may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fairhaven Park and Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

Happy Valley
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Puget

While there might not be top attractions in Puget, you can explore the larger area and discover places 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 NZ$223 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$223
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
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 26 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
Best Western Plus Bellingham
Best Western Plus Bellingham
3 out of 5
3985 Bennett Dr., Bellingham, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$224 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
NZ$224
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 27 Mar. 2024

Best Western Plus Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
3 out of 5
4051 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
The price is NZ$258 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$258
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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 27 Mar. 2024

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.
Emerald Lake Chalet - SPRING BREAK GETAWAY!
Emerald Lake Chalet - SPRING BREAK GETAWAY!
Bellingham
Stay at this family-friendly chalet in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Bloedel Donovan Park and Glen Echo ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
Great Lake front location
"This was our second time at the property. Very clean and accommodating. Gorgeous lake views!"

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

Emerald Lake Chalet - SPRING BREAK GETAWAY!
Secret passage to the San Juan Islands.  Very quiet spot on a short, rural road.
Secret passage to the San Juan Islands. Very quiet spot on a short, rural road.
Bellingham
Stay at this family-friendly cabin in Bellingham. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Hermosa Beach and Lummi Island Beach Access are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
Greg's rehab cottage
"I was rehabing from a Total Right knee replacement and this place was perfect. Open floor and handicapped bathroom."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Secret passage to the San Juan Islands. Very quiet spot on a short, rural road.
Spacious home apartment in park like setting
Spacious home apartment in park like setting
Bellingham
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (103 reviews)
Quiet, Beautiful Stay
"5+ star rating! From booking, the communication, kindness and quietness of the location, our weekend in Bellingham was wonderful. The location is so close to WWU (5minutes), and is set in a tranquil residential neighborhood. Close to shopping, restaurants and I-5. Clear communication and the owner ..."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2024

Spacious home apartment in park like setting
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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