Roll into town in time to enjoy dinner and an “almost guaranteed” spectacular sunset. Enjoy gracious hospitality and a comfy bed at one of our area hotels.
Bellingham Visitor Information Center
Open 7 days a week, this is a great place to grab maps, postcards and information about where to stay, what to do and where to eat. Talk to a pro about what’s happening in Bellingham and around the county on the day. Our main office is located at I-5 exit 253 at 904 Potter Street.
1. Specialty Cruise
Get on the water with a specialty cruise or a whale watching day trip through the San Juan Islands. Check out this blog for the inside scoop: Discover the San Juan Islands on a Small Ship Cruise out of Bellingham or check out the Water Adventures page to plan your next kayaking adventure.
2. Walking Tour
Learn about our colorful past and irascible characters with a walking tour of the Historic Fairhaven District or choose from a variety of other tours including The Good Time Girls and Bigfoot Adventure.
Historic Fairhaven District
When you’re ready to sit down and grab a bite to eat, head over to the Historic Fairhaven District (I-5 Exit 250). Explore the shops, boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants, and take in the views of the bay along the South Bay Trail and Taylor Dock.
3. Coffee & Stroll
Grab a coffee and walk (or bike) the gentle 2-mile waterfront path from Fairhaven to Bellingham. 10 Best Walking Trails in Bellingham and Whatcom County will give you some great places to take a stroll.
4. Downtown Arts
Explore Bellingham’s downtowns arts district – anchored by Old City Hall, The Lightcatcher Museum, Allied Arts, Mindport, Pickford Film Center and SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. Take a look at our Museums & Galleries page to get the full list.
Whatcom Museum
The Whatcom Museum provides innovative, and interactive educational programs and exhibitions about art, nature and Northwest history. Stop by the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building for art, modern and green architecture and the Family Interactive Gallery. About two blocks away, experience Northwest History at Old City Hall.
SPARK: Museum of Electrical Invention
Spark Museum of Electrical Invention in downtown Bellingham offers an exciting and educational experience for audiences of all ages. Compelling interactive exhibits spanning over four centuries of scientific achievement and cultural heritage are featured in a world-class collection of unique objects. Spark features several of the inventions and innovations that helped change the course of human history.
Allied Arts
Allied Arts has improved the cultural health and vitality of the community through community events involving visual artists and musicians, its sponsorship of exhibits and programs focused on local artists, its extensive arts education in local schools and its public advocacy for the arts. Currently, we are focused on developing and increasing collaborative relationships with local and regional organizations serving Whatcom County.
Mindport
Mindport features interactive exhibits designed and hand built by our staff and fine art installations that rotate through our public window display and our indoor galleries. Opportunities abound for discovery, learning and experimentation for visitors of all ages.
5. Grab a Bite
Fresh, fished, farmed and forged – the mantra of our local restaurants specialties. Need ideas on where to go? Visit our Places to Eat, Vegan Food in Bellingham and Whatcom County or our main blog page for a variety of food options.
Have More Time?
- Take a treasure hunt in search of murals in Lynden, Blaine and Ferndale.
- Head for the hills on the leisurely drive up to Mt Baker Scenic Highway to Mt. Shuksan and Picture lake or (seasonally) to the end of the road at Artist Point.