Visitor Safety Guidelines for Bellingham and Whatcom County

Bellingham, Washington and Whatcom County are looking forward to welcoming visitors again when we reach Phase 3 of Washington State’s Safe Start Re-opening plan. As we continue to maneuver through this global pandemic, the health and safety of our residents and visitors are our highest priorities. We ask all visitors to do your part to help make our tourism industry restart successful and your visit safe and fun. #WhatcomStrong

Planning, education and communication are essential to accomplish this. Below is a handy and downloadable guide to packing and planning for your trip. You may also want to view our Travel Advisory, which is updated daily.

Masks At Bellingham Hotels Hotel Bellwether Front Desk — Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham is ready to serve guests safely. (And Bella will greet you with a tail wag!)

Guidelines for Responsible Visiting

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Visitor Safety Guidelines pdf

Washington State Governor Inslee has mandated that all individuals wear a face covering in public spaces, including stores, offices and restaurants. There are exemptions, including people with certain disabilities or health conditions, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and children under the age of 5 (though it’s encouraged to have children ages 3-5 wear a covering if possible). There are also situations when you can remove your face covering, such as when seated at a restaurant or when recreating alone.

Which restaurants are currently open in Bellingham and Whatcom County?

Bellingham and Whatcom County are currently in Phase 2 of Washington State’s Safe Start reopening plan. Restaurants are allowed to offer in-house dining at 50% occupancy. Our restaurants have taken extra precautions and are ready to serve.

Together with local restaurants, Bellingham Whatcom County has created two lists to help provide visitors and locals with everything they need to know to find great food and support our community during the current coronavirus situation.

For a list of restaurants open for dine-in service (call ahead for reservations): https://www.bellingham.org/insider-blogs/restaurants-currently-open-with-in-person-dining-in-bellingham-and-whatcom-county/
For a list of restaurants offering delivery, take-out or curbside: https://www.bellingham.org/insider-blogs/restaurants-offering-take-out-food-curbside-pickup-and-delivery-in-bellingham-and-whatcom-county/

For a full list of restaurants in Bellingham and Whatcom County with maps, locations and contact info see our restaurants page.

Where can I stay in Bellingham and Whatcom County?

With the highest regard for health, Whatcom County’s local hotels, places to eat and attractions have been working to maintain high cleaning standards, while sanitizing their properties daily and hourly to protect guests and employees.

To learn what our local Hotels are doing, check out our insider blog “High Cleaning Standards at Bellingham and Whatcom County Hotels and Businesses.”

For a full list of Bellingham and Whatcom County hotels and contact info click here. Be sure to call in advance for reservations.

Hotel Bellwether Bellingham — Hotel Bellwether

How can I safely enjoy Outdoor Adventures in Bellingham and Whatcom County?

Bellingham is home to 3,400 acres of parklands and 80 miles of trails, which can lead to a lot of questions like: which parks and trails are open? When is the best time to go for a hike? And what’s nearby?

Travel Tip: Check out our Summer Playbook for insider-tips on which outdoor recreation activities are available in Whatcom County during each phase of Washington State’s Smart Start Covid-19 re-opening plan.

A great resource for discovering local parks is the Whatcom Park Finder. This tool searches over 180 parks throughout Whatcom County. Just put in your address and search radius, and Park Finder will show nearby parks in your neighborhood.

Be sure to Recreate Responsibly, as outlined on our Hiking, Biking and Water Adventures pages.