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Home / Insider Blogs / Play in Whatcom County: By Land and By Sea

Play in Whatcom County: By Land and By Sea

By Lorin Lindell / March 16, 2021

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! 

Check out our current Travel Advisory for local travel restrictions including COVID-19 related guidelines.


Bellingham Wateradventures 5

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.


  • San Juan Cruises Whale Watching Bellingham Washington (15)
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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. 


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  • My Ideal Day In Historic Fairhaven Bellingham Washington South Bay Trail (2)
  • Boulevard Park Taylor Dock Bellingham Washington Whatcom County Brittany Fields

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.


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    SPARK Museum

Explore Bellingham’s Art District

Explore Bellingham’s Downtown Arts District – anchored by Old City Hall, the Lightcatcher Museum, Mount Baker Theatre, the Sylvia Center for the Arts, Allied Arts, Pickford 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.


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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. 


Get the Inside Scoop on Bellingham and Whatcom County

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    Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway, Oysters & Fairhaven
  • Bellinghamphotographerkatherynmorantourismwinekeenansfeb2020191
    Savor Whatcom: Local Wine, Beer, Farms & Spirits
  • Tristin Munich Mount Baker Highway Bellingham Wa
    Drive and Hike Mt. Baker Scenic Byway

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Filed Under: Insider Blogs Tagged With: Bellingham Bay, Blaine by the Sea, Blaine Washington, Boulevard Park, Exploring Historic Fairhaven, Exploring Whatcom County, Historic Fairhaven District, Museums in Downtown Bellingham, Outdoor art in Bellingham, outdoor art in Whatcom, Pacific Northwest (PNW), peace arch state park, Salish Sea, San Juan Cruises, Spark Museum, Taylor Dock, Things to do in Bellingham, things to do in Blaine Washington, things to do in Whatcom County, Western Washington University, Western Washington University Outdoor Art, whale watching, Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands, whale watching in Washington State, Whatcom Museun

About Lorin Lindell

Lorin Lindell is the Marketing & Social Media Coordinator for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. She graduated from Western Washington University in the Winter of 2019 with a degree in Communication and Public Relations. She enjoys exploring new horizons and sharing the stories she finds along the way. In her free time Lorin can be found outside exploring Whatcom County and the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229

Hours: Due to COVID-19, the Visitor Center is open limited hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. Masks required.

Phone: 360-671-3990
Email: tourism@bellingham.org

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