Places to visit in Bellingham, WA.
If you’re spending the day in Bellingham, we hope our list will help make it even more enjoyable. As always, no matter what you decide to do, we hope you have a great time in Bellingham.
It’s a small town, but Bellingham still has things to do. There are Whatcom Falls Park and Lake Padden Park—not to mention countless other places to explore. And the best part is Bellingham is just a short drive away from all kinds of things to do in Seattle and Vancouver. So take advantage of that proximity!
Why is Bellingham, Washington, a great place to visit?
Bellingham is a city located in the state’s northwestern region and is renowned for its beauty and charming atmosphere. Stunning natural landscapes, including Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, and the North Cascades, surround the city. In addition, Bellingham is a hub of arts, culture, and recreation, making it an excellent destination for visitors. Here are a few reasons why Bellingham is a great place to visit:
- Stunning natural landscapes: Bellingham is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, forests, and waterways, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Rich cultural scene: Bellingham has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues.
- Diverse food and drink options: Bellingham has a thriving food and drink scene, offering a variety of cuisines and local microbreweries.
- Plenty of recreational activities: Bellingham offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing.
- Friendly community: Bellingham is known for its friendly and welcoming community, making it an ideal destination for visitors.
Whatcom Falls Park
Located in the Bellingham area of Washington, Whatcom Falls Park is a great place to spend some time. It is a beautiful park with numerous waterfalls and trails. It is a favorite destination for swimmers and picnickers.
The park is centered around the upper part of Whatcom Creek. It offers three waterfalls, Whirlpool Falls, Whatcom Falls, and Middle Whatcom Falls. The waterfalls are best seen from the historic stone bridge built in 1939.
The park is also known for its off-leash dog areas. During the summer months, the park attracts many swimmers.
Several hiking trails wind through the forest. Some of these routes overlook the creek gorge. Others stay deep within the forest. Finally, a few of the paths wind through meadows.
Whatcom Falls Park is an excellent place for a walk or run. It has five miles of hiking trails. It is also home to a fish hatchery operated by Bellingham Technical College.
Lake Padden Park
Located in Bellingham, Washington, Lake Padden Park is a 150-acre park with many fun activities. This park is also home to a golf course, playgrounds, and several picnic areas. There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park. The park also offers a boat launch and fishing dock.
Lake Padden Park is an excellent destination for a family day out. There are several picnic shelters and ball fields that can be reserved. In addition, it is a good spot for a school function or church event.
Visit the Parks & Recreation Main Office for more information about the park. You can also check out the Facility Rentals page for details on rental rates.
Lake Padden Park is ideal for a family day out, especially in the summer. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of parking spaces. A park is also a popular place for outdoor weddings. You can rent a pavilion for your special day for a reasonable fee.
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
Located in Bellingham, Washington, the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention is one of the state’s most extensive collections. The museum displays a variety of artifacts spanning four centuries of human innovation.
Besides the impressive collection, the museum also provides hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. The Static Electricity area, for example, is fun to explore. It’s filled with balloons, different materials, and a machine that makes your hair stand independently.
Another fascinating exhibit is the War of the Currents display. It includes a working replica of Tesla’s famous “Egg of Columbus.” In addition, the collection consists of many artifacts that illustrate a century of electricity and radio innovations.
While the first incandescent light bulb wasn’t invented until decades later, the Edison Museum holds several lamps from Thomas Edison’s lab.
Whatcom Museum
Located in downtown Bellingham, Washington, the Whatcom Museum is a fine art gallery and historical institution. It is an accredited institution nationally by the American Alliance of Museums.
The museum is home to a permanent collection of Northwest Coast Native American artifacts and regionally essential art pieces. It also has a children’s museum and a museum store. The museum’s mission is to promote research and public education. Therefore, it also features a wide range of educational programs.
The museum is also the site of a five-year exhibition partnership with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This partnership is part of the Art Bridges + Terra Foundation Initiative, a joint program that expands access to outstanding works of American art.
The Whatcom Museum’s current exhibition, Many Wests, is the culmination of a collaborative curatorial project. It includes works from four partner museums and the Smithsonian’s permanent collections. The artworks will be displayed in focused installations.
Zuanich Point Park
Whether you’re looking to burn a few calories on a sunny day or want to take in the scenery, Zuanich Point Park is the place to be. The 4.4-acre sandbox boasts a nautical-themed children’s play area, a small dock for water access, and a handful of paved trails. The Bellingham Parks department maintains the park and is open Monday through Sunday. It’s a short walk from the downtown core, but a car isn’t required.
The park is also home to several notable features, including the Squalicum Boathouse. The boathouse features a 1,420-square-foot open-air dining room with a full kitchen and fireplace. It is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and the like and is available for rent. In addition, the walls are home to many nautically themed photos and a buffet area.
Best Things to Do in Bellingham, Washington
Places to visit in Bellingham, WA:
- Whatcom Falls Park
- Lake Padden Park
- SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
- Whatcom Museum
- Zuanich Point Park