Bellingham has something for everyone. With a thriving downtown arts district, delicious beer scene and incredible access to the outdoors, it’s easy to plan a day or a week in the City of Subdued Excitement.
From shopping in Fairhaven to flying down the mountain bike trails on Galbraith, Bellingham offers something for everyone. Bring your bike and peddle from Bellingham to Fairhaven on the South Bay Trail, take a day trip to the Mt. Baker Ski Area for unforgettable views of the North Cascades, or rent kayaks at our Community Boating Center to explore the bay. Whatever floats your boat, it’s waiting for you here in Bellingham.
Events Calendar
Discover what is going on in Whatcom County.
Agricultural
With 140 miles of marine shoreline and 100,000 acres of highly productive farmland, Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington are a fresh food haven stretching deliciously between the Salish Sea and snow-capped Mount Baker, near the U.S. – Canada border.
Attractions
Bellingham and its surrounding communities are filled with fun things to do. Unique attractions range from minor league baseball to walking tours and motor sports.
Basecamp
From the glaciers of Mt. Baker and the greenery of the surrounding national, state and county parks, to the currents of the Nooksack and the Salish Sea, we are a world-class outdoor recreation playground. Welcome to Basecamp Bellingham.
Bicycling
Biking is one of the most popular activities in the Bellingham area on trails, tracks and city streets. Whatcom County also offers endless country roads and miles of trails to explore.
Bird Watching
Whatcom County, in the northwest corner of Washington State, is home to six key locations on the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail, Cascade Loop. Patient bird-watchers, looking to fill in their checklists, find a rich variety of viewing sites to spot hundreds of species, especially waterfowl and birds of prey.
Casinos
Local casinos offer a wide range of games including electronic machines. Other appealing features include great food, entertainment, and an exciting atmosphere!
Fishing
With over ten different lakes, Bellingham Bay and the Nooksack River to choose from, Bellingham is a fisherman’s paradise. Schedule your visit by time of year to find your dream catch or check out our list of fishing locations to see what’s open and active.
Hiking
Year-round hiking is plentiful in the Bellingham region, with easy proximity to hundreds of miles of trails in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Chuckanut Mountains, as well as miles of opportunities within Whatcom County, including North Cascades National Park.
Museums & Galleries
Whatcom County shines with arts and heritage activities. A combination of nationally touring and locally produced museum exhibits, gallery tours, theater productions, symphony performances, comedy shows, science and history exhibits provide an active and diverse calendar of events throughout the year.
Running
Every mile counts when you’re running. Check out our running page to make sure you have everything you need.
Scenic Drives
From sunsets on saltwater to classic fall foliage, Bellingham is home to two iconic highway routes, both of which are officially designated as scenic drives.
Shopping
The best shopping in the Bellingham region is available in several areas. Both Downtown Bellingham and the Historic Fairhaven District feature shops with locally made items. Front Street in Lynden is also a hub for local shops and antiques stores.
Snow Sports
Snowboarders and skiers enjoy a variety of terrain, day lodges, ski lessons and rentals. Mt. Baker Ski Area has the longest season in the state and often the most snow in North America.
Spas & Health
Whether you plan to spend your time in Bellingham hiking at Whatcom Falls, skiing Mount Baker or eating and drinking as much local food and beer as you can, you’ll eventually need to take a break.
Water Adventures
With more than 100 miles of beautiful Salish Sea shoreline, Whatcom County is home to Chuckanut Bay, Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island, Lummi Bay, Cherry Point, Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts.
Winter Activities
Head up to Mount Baker to experience all of your favorite snow sports including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Stop by downtown Bellingham and Historic Fairhaven for shopping or visit the theatres, museums & galleries.
Spring Activities
Get outdoors and take advantage of the amazing hiking, biking and fishing around Whatcom County. It’s a perfect time to take a scenic drive or go golfing. Bellingham also has a variety of theater, music, museum and galleries to choose from for those rainy spring days.
Summer Activities
Go for a hike or take a scenic drive along Mount Baker Highway or Chuckanut Drive. Head out to Bellingham Bay for a day of boating, paddling and kayaking. Visit Galbraith Mountain for endless county roads to bike or attend one of Bellingham’s famous bike races. Or stop by one of Whatcom’s 14 golf courses for a day on the green.
Fall Activities
There are many reasons why we love fall in Whatcom County. It is a perfect time of year to take a scenic drive, go hiking or biking, consider the lifecycle of a salmon on the Bellingham Traverse, or take in some of the local art with theaters/music and museums/galleries.