Bellingham and Whatcom County are famous for their outdoor recreation, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy an afternoon or evening indoors, too. From cozy cafes to indie theaters, here are some ideas for how to pass a winter day in Bellingham indoors.
A winter day in Bellingham is a great excuse to sit back and watch a movie at the Pickford Film Center, Bellingham's indie theater. Grab some popcorn, a cold beer, or a glass of wine from the concession stand and let one of the Pickford's curated film selections transport you away.
The SPARK Museum of Electrical invention is an ideal place to explore on a winter day in Bellingham. Visitors of all ages will feel a zip of excitement while exploring the museum's world-class collection of artifacts and objects that highlight the history and development of electricity, radio, and early technology. On weekends, catch the hour-long MegaZapper Electrical Show, featuring one of the largest Tesla coils in the US.
Shop the winter blues away in charming Fairhaven Village. The historic village offers a variety of shops, many housed within Victorian-era red-brick buildings. From locally owned clothing boutiques and art galleries to our popular independent bookstore, Village Books, there's something for every age, taste, budget, and desire. Grab a gift for friends and family or treat yourself to something unique.
Sign up for a free Arts & Culture Crawl pass on your phone to explore Bellingham's eclectic art scene. Let this curated collection of outings be your guide as you wander galleries, museums, interactive experiences, and culturally significant places throughout Whatcom County. Check in to score discounts and earn points redeemable for prizes. The real gift, of course, is the rich experience of connecting with Bellingham's arts, heritage, and culture.
Located in Downtown Bellingham, The Whatcom Museum is a regional destination for lovers of art, history, and culture. Peruse through collections and exhibitions that relate to the Pacific Northwest and the people who call it home. The museum holds close to 30,000 objects of art and history and boasts a photo archive of more than 200,000 images.
The museum is located inside two locations, Old City Hall and the Lightcatcher Building. Little ones and adults alike will have a blast at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) inside the Lightcatcher.
No winter day in Bellingham is complete without a cup of hot coffee. Not only do Bellingham coffee shops boast beautiful and unique spaces perfect for meeting up with friends or kicking back with a book, but they also offer an array of approaches to the world's most beloved bean. Enjoy a cup of Columbian coffee at COF& in downtown Bellingham or snuggle up with a mocha at award-winning Camber Coffee. Wherever you go, you can't go wrong.
If it's a winter day in Bellingham, then it's time to kick back and explore our area's ridiculously varied beer culture. Duck into one of nearly 20 craft breweries now operating in Bellingham and Whatcom County for a pint of cold beer and a dry place to relax until the drizzle clears. Whether you're looking for a cute European-inspired pub or a dog-friendly brewery for Fido, there's likely a place just around the corner.
When it's winter in Bellingham, warm yourself with a live performance from a symphony orchestra. The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra performs music of all ages for all ages at the historic Mount Baker Theatre, featuring local musicians as well as guest artists. Buy tickets here.
Rest your muscles and your mind at one of Bellingham and Whatcom County’s amazing spas. Whether you're hoping for a massage, facial, sauna, red light therapy, float tank, an amethyst crystal cave, or a mani-pedi, our area has plenty of spa offerings to help you unwind after a day of playing in the rain.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery in Bellingham offers tours of its working distillery! Taste spirits featured in craft cocktails, smell the inside of a charred American white oak barrel used to age award-winning Bourbon, see the inside of a secret barrel room, and so much more. Fun, funny, and educational!
Bellingham and Whatcom County are loaded with unique bars and restaurants that make a mean cocktail. Tuck into a warming cocktail with friends at one of these cozy locations.
