Play in Whatcom County: By Land and By Sea

Whether you’re on the water, at the water’s edge, or exploring culture on solid ground, Whatcom County is full of sights to see! Pack three different cultural centers into three days, with whale watching, sea-side views, and outdoor art!  

Day One

Whale Watching and Cruising the Bay

One of the best ways to soak up Whatcom County is with San Juan Cruises. Spend the day—or enjoy the sunset—exploring Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands on a comfortable and relaxing outing.

Historic Fairhaven District

Fairhaven Historic District is known for its colorful 19th-century architecture and history, as well as for its artsy shops and cafes. Within the southern city limits of Bellingham, Fairhaven is a lively visitor destination and residential community. Many red brick buildings of Fairhaven’s Victorian-era survive in the federally designated historic district and are now home to a variety of unique local businesses, art galleries, restaurants, pubs, and one of the best independent bookstores in the nation. 

Find your Perfect Whatcom County Hotel

Book your jumping-off point from our lodging. Whether you prefer a luxurious waterfront resort, mid-priced hotel or economy lodging we have the perfect options in Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Day Two

Stroll Outdoor Art in Bellingham  

Wander through the famed 29-piece outdoor sculpture collection at the Western Washington University campus. Visit Big Rock Garden in Bellingham where 35 permanent works are displayed.

Explore Bellingham’s Art District

Explore Bellingham’s Downtown Arts District – anchored by Old City Hall, the Lightcatcher MuseumMount Baker Theatre, the Sylvia Center for the ArtsAllied ArtsPickford Film Center, and SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. Catch an exhibit and a show! 

Day Three

Blaine by the Sea

A border town surrounded by glorious views of the Drayton Harbor with Mount Baker in the distance, Blaine is a wonderful place to take a walk, sightsee, and eat! Drayton Harbor Oyster Company’s Pacific oysters are one of the many reasons why people are visiting from far and wide. Those who make the visit argue that Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. has some of the best tasting oysters in the world.

Peace Arch State Park

Blaine is also home to Washington State’s Peace Arch Historical State Park, located on the border of the United States and Canada. In addition to 20-acres of gardens and flowers, the park’s main attraction is the 67-foot Peace Arch, officially 100 years old in 2021.

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253 - Check Hours
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: 360-671-3990
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