Spend time appreciating the live music, the theater scene and the entertainment choices in Bellingham.
Activities like hiking give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors while you're in town. Nature lovers can visit Fairhaven Park and Lake Padden Park. There's plenty more to see, including sights like Mount Baker Theatre and Marine Life Center.
Cottages in Bellingham
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1. Waterfront Bellingham Bliss: Steps to Beach!
Waterfront Bellingham Bliss: Steps to Beach!Bellingham
$183
$366 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Top neighborhoods in Bellingham
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Fairhaven
Fairhaven charms visitors with its brick-lined streets and Victorian architecture straight out of a history book. Browse independent bookstores and artisan galleries before strolling Taylor Dock, which stretches into Bellingham Bay's sparkling waters. Marine Park offers perfect spots to watch ferries glide toward the San Juan Islands while sipping locally-roasted coffee. The neighborhood's cozy cafes and bistros serve fresh Pacific Northwest seafood in historic buildings with character to spare. Most shops and restaurants cluster within the walkable historic core, making exploration a breeze. While public transit is limited, the compact layout means everything's just a short stroll away.
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Bellingham City Center
Bellingham City Center packs historic charm and cultural treasures into a walkable core of brick buildings and tree-lined streets. The 1927 Mount Baker Theatre lights up evenings with performances, while the Old City Hall stands as a proud landmark. Travelers can explore galleries, catch street musicians, or browse the farmers market at Commercial Street Plaza. Dining options range from cozy cafes to craft breweries where Pacific Northwest flavors shine through fresh seafood and local produce. Boutique hotels in restored historic buildings make perfect home bases at moderate prices. Most downtown attractions sit within a three-block radius, making exploration easy on foot, while WTA buses connect to wider Bellingham adventures.
Columbia
Columbia offers a peaceful retreat from tourist crowds with tree-lined streets and mountain views just minutes from downtown Bellingham. You can stroll quiet residential blocks or take a short drive to nearby Squalicum Beach and Marine Life Center for some coastal fun. Mount Baker Theatre and Spark Museum await culture seekers, while Bellis Fair Mall satisfies shopping needs. Stay in charming vacation rentals or bed & breakfasts that cost less than downtown options. While dining choices are limited in the neighborhood, you'll find family-run cafes perfect for breakfast before heading out. A car is recommended to fully explore this authentic suburban gem and the surrounding attractions.
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South Hill
South Hill's tree-lined streets showcase stunning Victorian and Craftsman homes from the early 1900s. The peaceful residential neighborhood offers a true retreat from Bellingham's busier areas with mature gardens and scenic walking opportunities. Adjacent Fairhaven Park provides green space for visitors who appreciate architectural heritage and quiet surroundings. Accommodation options include charming bed & breakfasts in converted Victorian houses and vacation rentals in historic homes. While dining and shopping require a quick trip to nearby Fairhaven or downtown Bellingham, the neighborhood's walkable streets and authentic community atmosphere make it worth the short journey.
Top landmarks in Bellingham
Fairhaven Park
9.0/10 (308 reviews)
Fairhaven Park is worth a pic or two when discovering South Bellingham. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander.
Whatcom Falls Park
9.4/10 (290 reviews)
Whatcom Falls Park is worth a pic or two when discovering Whatcom Falls.
Lake Padden Park
8.8/10 (22 reviews)
If you like quiet time surrounded by flowers and greenery, hang out at Lake Padden Park in Samish Hill. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to Fairhaven Park and Samish Park, both nearby.
Bellis Fair Mall
8.0/10 (1,154 reviews)
If you want to give your credit card some exercise, head out to Bellis Fair Mall in Meridian.
Mount Baker Theatre
8.4/10 (183 reviews)
If you want to see a show while you're in town, try and grab some tickets at Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham City Center. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you enjoy the show and want to see another, The Upfront Theatre and iDiOM Theater are both a short walk away.
North Bellingham Golf Course
7.4/10 (94 reviews)
You might want to play some rounds at North Bellingham Golf Course, located 5.7 mi (9.1 km) from central Bellingham. If North Bellingham Golf Course doesn't quite scratch your golfing itch, Shuksan Golf Club, and Raspberry Ridge Golf Course are also nearby.
Marine Life Center
7.0/10 (2 reviews)
Get lost in halls of wondrous fish and exotic marine mammals at Marine Life Center, just one of the attractions in Bellingham City Center. It's also full of great shops and restaurants, so you can spend the afternoon having a wander. If you have fun at Marine Life Center, you'll love Sehome Hill Arboretum and Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, both located nearby.
Cornwall Beach
8.0/10 (2 reviews)
Whether you want to hunt for sand dollars or smell the fresh air, Cornwall Beach is a spot you might want to check out, located 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from central Bellingham. Enjoy the sunset by the shore at Squalicum Beach.
Bellingham and related destinations
Kayak through Bellingham Bay where seals and orcas make surprise appearances against a backdrop of the San Juan Islands. The 'City of Subdued Excitement' delivers precisely that - understated thrills around every corner. Hike Chuckanut Mountains' trails before rewarding yourself with pints at downtown's craft breweries. Explore the historic Mount Baker Theatre and quirky Spark Museum of Electrical Invention. Western Washington University adds youthful energy to this northernmost substantial city in the lower 48. Fairhaven's brick buildings house independent bookstores and coffee shops where locals discuss hiking trails. In minutes, transition from waterfront to farmland or mountain vistas - the perfect basecamp for Pacific Northwest adventures.
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