Bellingham and Whatcom County are full of outdoor recreation, festivals, and events during the summer. With many, many hours of daylight and mild temps in the 70s, it is a wonderful place to be!
Summer is the perfect time to explore more than 100 miles of beautiful Salish Sea shoreline. With all the calm bays and beautiful lakes, water adventures abound.
Want to get an overview of where you can play? Check out this fantastic Water Trails Map.
Bring your equipment, rent it from our partners, or get tickets for one of the tour vessels that go whale watching, on history cruises, and visit the San Juan Islands. Go ahead, get out there!
Check out all of the amazing tours available in Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Find local guides to help you discover:
Birch Bay Waterslides – Take the kids for some fun at the water park! This five-acre park features nine slides, a large whirlpool, four-foot deep kids activity pool and a small kiddies area, along with hot showers, a pizza restaurant, full concessions, covered picnic areas, locker rentals, life jacket rentals and lounging chairs.
Home to a host of multisport races throughout the year you’re sure to find an event that matches your favorite activity. Pull together a team of friends, or go solo. Just make sure you get out there!
Make your trip to Bellingham a home run by exploring the Farmer’s Market, Taylor Dock, mountain Bike trails, the arts district and the waterfront, then catch a Bellingham Bells home baseball game at Joe Martin Field.
Enjoy one of Whatcom County’s many markets for local produce, gifts and more. Check their link for availability:
Whatcom County is a haven for fruit-lovers. Find a farm near Bellingham to U-Pick everything from raspberries and strawberries to apples.
You can also explore the Raspberry Festival in Lynden! Every summer it brings people together from all over to celebrate the area's fruitful berry fields.
Located in western Whatcom County with lodging inside the national park, and summer adventures for people of all ages, the North Cascades Institute is a must see.
Adventures include family getaways, Diablo Lake Boat Tours, Base Camp and classes on everything from the geology of Mount Baker to birding on Bellingham Bay. The Institute — an environmental education nonprofit founded in 1986 — hosts programs in the field as well as at their green-built Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake.
Whatcom County is home to several golf courses that offer excellent playing paired with epic views.
Our area is home to five disc golf courses all playable for those new to the sports while also capable of challenging even the most experienced players. Many even host tournaments and other events throughout the year.
Check our golfing page for details.