Bellingham

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Photo provided by Philip Cantrick/Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Whatcom Falls Park featuring a cascade and forests
Bellingham showing rugged coastline and a bay or harbour
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

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(10 area reviews)

Restaurants, shopping, and spas are some highlights of Fairhaven. Make a stop by Bellingham Cruise Terminal or Bellingham Bay 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 Marine Life Center and Mount Baker Theatre.

Bellingham City Center
Default Image

Puget

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

Puget
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, Cornwall Beach and Mount Baker Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sehome
Aslan was started by some WWU alum who stayed in bham after school. Awesome beer and good food! Make sure to stop by!

York

While York isn't home to many top sights, Mount Baker Theatre and Depot Market Square are some notable places to visit nearby.

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 CA $121 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
CA $121
CA $139 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
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! (1,003 reviews)
"The bed very comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham Bellingham Heritage Inn
Oxford Suites Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
3 out of 5
4051 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
The price is CA $182 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
CA $182
CA $222 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,319 reviews)
"Great hotel with terrific breakfast"

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Oxford Suites Bellingham
Baymont by Wyndham Bellingham
Baymont by Wyndham Bellingham
2.5 out of 5
125 E. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA
The price is CA $103 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
CA $103
CA $118 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (416 reviews)
"Great and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham 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.
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 Aug. 19, 2024

Lake front holiday! On beautiful Lake Whatcom! The BEST view inside the valley.
'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 Jul. 4, 2025

'Emerald Lake' Studio - WE HAVE WATER LILIES!
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 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 May 30, 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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