Bellingham Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Photo provided by Philip Cantrick/Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Whatcom Falls Park featuring a cascade and forest scenes
Bellingham featuring a bay or harbour and rocky coastline
Photo provided by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

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 are just a few things travellers enjoy about Fairhaven. Check out Bellingham Cruise Terminal or Bellingham Bay while you're exploring the area.

Fairhaven
Bellingham which includes a waterfall

Bellingham City Center

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

Bellingham City Center
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Puget

While there might not be top attractions in Puget, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Baker Theatre and Cornwall Beach.

Puget
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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 Cornwall Beach and Mount Baker Theatre.

Sehome
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York

When in York, you can plan a visit to Mount Baker Theatre and Depot Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

York
Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn
Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn
3 out of 5
151 E McLeod Road, Bellingham, WA
The price is NZ$187 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$187
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Great breakfast"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bellingham
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bellingham
3 out of 5
1063 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$243 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$243
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"It was OK. Fine for a road trip stop."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bellingham
Hotel Leo
Hotel Leo
2.5 out of 5
1224 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$284 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$284
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (743 reviews)
"Great ambiance and location"

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Hotel Leo
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' Studio - WE HAVE WATER LILIES!
'Emerald Lake' Studio - WE HAVE WATER LILIES!
Bellingham
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions The Hitting Zone and Bloedel Donovan ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (255 reviews)
Vacation
"Had a good time. Place was clean and cozy."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

'Emerald Lake' Studio - WE HAVE WATER LILIES!
Lake front holiday! On beautiful Lake Whatcom! The BEST view inside the valley.
Lake front holiday! On beautiful Lake Whatcom! The BEST view inside the valley.
Bellingham
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Bellingham. Enjoy a beach locale, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Whatcom and North ...
Family vacation
"Huge house- room and two offices for remote workers. Lovely view"

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2024

Lake front holiday! On beautiful Lake Whatcom! The BEST view inside the valley.
Holiday Escape! Amazing Theater Room, Hot Tub and Fitness Room.
Holiday Escape! Amazing Theater Room, Hot Tub and Fitness Room.
Bellingham
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Bellingham. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Whatcom and North Lake ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
Good overall
"House was nice overall. Hot tub and view were great. Bed in the master was extremely uncomfortable (way too firm, and I prefer firm mattresses but this was extreme), and neither shower had good water pressure. We also had to carry one of our dogs down to the little grassy part of the yard - she's ..."

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Holiday Escape! Amazing Theater Room, Hot Tub and Fitness Room.
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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