Bellingham and Whatcom County are a photographer’s dream. From small boutiques and local restaurants to waterfront parks and breathtaking hikes. Just 90 miles north of Seattle and 55 miles south of Vancouver B.C., Bellingham is the perfect destination for a photogenic vacation to share on Instagram.
1. Picture Lake (Mount Baker)
See two for one when you visit the most photographed landscape in the United States. Capture stunning views of Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan in the background, just off the Mount Baker Highway (WA State Route 542).

2. Boulevard Park | Taylor Dock
Explore Historic Fairhaven and Downtown Bellingham by way of Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, one of Bellingham’s most popular trails.
3. Whatcom Falls Park
Explore and discover the waterfall, an old stone bridge, braided trails and secret swimming spots.
4. Big Rock Sculpture Garden
Imagine an outdoor museum featuring breathtaking sculptures and towering trees.
5. Bellewood Farms
62 acres of apple farms make Bellewood more than just photogenic, it makes it the apple capital of Whatcom County.
6. Oyster Dome (Chuckanut Drive)
Stunning views of the Salish Sea islands. What more could you ask for? This spot requires a hike to get to, but is well worth it.
7. Lummi Island
Lummi Island is one of the best kept secrets in the Salish Sea, and it’s only a 10-minute ferry ride away from the mainland.
8. Hovander Homestead Park
Stunning countryside historic farm featuring a huge red barn and a Victorian home that is now on the list of National Historic Sites.
9. Camber Coffee
Bellingham shows off it’s beautifully designed coffee at Camber in Downtown Bellingham.
- cambercoffee.com
- Insta: cambercoffee
- FB: cambercoffee
10. Makeworth Market
Makeworth is every coffee lover’s and food stylist’s dream.
11. Baby Greens
Make all your plant lovers jealous with a photo at Baby Greens, a plant shop and coffee cafe.
- plantshopbaby.com
- Insta: plantshopbaby
- FB: plantshopbaby
12. Galloway’s Cocktail Bar in Historic Fairhaven District
Head to Galloway’s, a unique art deco-style, bar for a bright and classy cocktail.
Bonus: Check out Washington State Muralist Gretchen Leggit
From small designs like the Kombucha Town’s mural to the largest mural in Washington State located on Puget Sound Energy’s building that spans the length of two football fields, Gretchen Leggitt is leaving her mark on Bellingham and Washington State.
- The Kona Bike Shop: 1622 N State St., Bellingham
- Puget Sound Energy: 915 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
- Horseshoe Cafe: 113 E Holly St., Bellingham
- Ciao Thyme: 207 Unity St., Bellingham
- Kombucha Town: 210 E Chestnut St., Bellingham
Wanna see more Insta-worthy spots in Whatcom County?
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It's National #PlanAVacationDay – and there's no better vacation than exploring the peak of the Pacific Northwest! Check the link in our bio to mix and match our vacation guides to build your own unique and personalized two-day adventures in #Bellingham and #Whatcom
📸 Winnie Miyake
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#bellingham #visitbellingham #bellinghamexperience #travel #pnw #salishsea #nationalplanatripday
Gorgeous shot from a few nights ago! 💫 Orion Rising over Bellingham's Koma Kulshan (a.k.a. Mt. Baker) 📸 @electriceye.photography #Bellingham #VisitBellingham #BellinghamExperience