It’s Not Seattle, It’s Not Portland—This Underrated Coastal Town Has the Best of the Pacific Northwest
It’s easy to assume the Pacific Northwest begins and ends with Seattle or Portland. But just shy of the Canadian border, Bellingham quietly checks every box, without the crowds, traffic, or sky-high prices.
Waterfront parks, independent shops, breweries that actually feel local, and trails that start practically in town, Bellingham has everything people look for in the PNW, just with a slower rhythm. This guide covers the best things to do, whether you’re passing through or ready to give it a full weekend.
A Guide to the Best Things To Do in Bellingham
1. Enjoy the Breweries
With almost 20 independent breweries around town, most walkable from each other, this is the kind of place where you can sip a hazy IPA cozy taprooms to expansive beer gardens.
Wander Brewing keeps winning awards and locals still swear by Kulshan and Structures Brewing for consistency and innovation. Newer names like Otherlands Beer are throwing in Baltic-inspired lagers and fermentation experiments.
2. Go Kayaking
Bellingham Bay delivers calm paddling, island views, and the occasional curious seal. Rent a kayak or SUP right from Community Boating Center near Fairhaven, and you’re minutes from shorelines that feel way more remote than they are. Head out toward Lummi Island, skirt around Chuckanut Bay, or hug the coastline past forested cliffs and old fishing docks. Early mornings are smoothest, but even a windy afternoon offers some protected pockets.
3. See Whales and Wildlife
Peak season runs May through September, and most tours see orcas, gray whales, and humpbacks on the regular. You’ll also spot sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, and the occasional osprey flexing its wings over the sound.
Local companies like San Juan Cruises run fast, comfortable boats with naturalists on board who know their stuff without sounding like a textbook. If you’re already up in the San Juans or want a longer day trip, you can leave from Friday Harbor for even more remote sightings.
4. Take a Ferry
Hop on the Alaska Marine Highway or drive a short distance to Anacortes to catch the San Juan Islands ferry, and you’re on your way to some of the most low-key scenic escapes in the Pacific Northwest.
On San Juan Island, check out Lime Kiln Point State Park, known as one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world. Lopez Island is perfect for cyclists, and Orcas Island brings the hiking heat with Mount Constitution.
Ferries do fill up in summer, so book ahead or show up early, especially if you’re bringing a car.
5. Explore Mount Baker
Mount Baker isn’t technically in town, but Bellingham locals treat it as if it is. Less than two hours away, Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) takes you past rivers, alpine lakes, and finally to Artist Point, one of the most photogenic drive-up vistas in the state.
After living in Washington for 18 months, I’ve found this to be one of my favorite areas to explore. The top trails in the area are Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop, Lake Ann, Winchester Lookout, and Park Butte Look. If you’re here in winter, Baker flips into one of the snowiest ski areas in North America. Even in July, you’ll spot leftover snowfields where kids (and adults) are still sliding down on trash bags.
There’s no entrance fee, and way fewer crowds than nearby national parks.
6. Hike in Whatcom Falls City Park
This park is a haven for hikers and runners, with trails winding through lush forests, alongside flowing streams, and past the iconic Whatcom Falls. It’s a perfect place for a family outing, a peaceful solo hike, or a picturesque picnic. While the trails are not paved, they are in good enough condition for strollers and little kids. If you only have a short time, this is one of the best things to do in Bellingham.
7. Take the Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive is a scenic route that offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in the Pacific Northwest. The drive takes you through dense forests and along the coastline, with several spots to stop, explore, and take in the vistas. If you take this gorgeous drive, consider stopping for the Oyster Dome hike or enjoying the views at Larrabee State Park.
8. Boat or Recreate on Lake Whatcom
Lake Whatcom is a hub for recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The lake’s tranquil waters and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a day of relaxation or adventure. There are also a lot of Airbnb and VRBOs in the Sudden Valley area that offer excellent lodging for couples or larger groups!
9. Drive Into the North Cascades
The North Cascades offer breathtaking mountain scenery, with hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The drive through this rugged landscape is an experience with dramatic vistas and unspoiled wilderness. It’s a 90-minute drive from Bellingham but a must-do day trip to see one of the least visited mountain ranges in the United States. I recommend Cascade Pass, Maple Pass, Cutthroat Pass, Blue Lake, and Diablo Lake Overlook.
10. Check Out the Marine Life Center
The Marine Life Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine biology and conservation. It offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a close-up look at the diverse marine species that inhabit the local waters.
11. Drive Into Canada
Got your passport? Good. From Bellingham, you’re only about 35 minutes from the Canadian border, and crossing over opens a whole new layer of weekend options.
Head north to Vancouver for a city day that blends urban design with full-on mountain views, or veer toward White Rock for beachy boardwalks and that giant actual white rock on the shore.
The Peace Arch crossing is the most popular, but if you’re driving during peak hours, try Aldergrove or Sumas for faster clearance.
FAQ About Bellingham
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bellingham?
Unless you plan to hit the ski slopes on Mt. Baker, the best time to visit Bellingham is during the summer. The weather is perfect, and you can hike, boat, kayak, paddleboard, and more each day. Plus, you’ll be able to maximize the long PNW summer days, which start around 5 am and end at 10 pm.
Does Bellingham Get Snow?
Bellingham can see snow, but it’s uncommon considering its proximity to the water in Bellingham Bay. On average, they receive around nine inches a year. Like Seattle, the water makes the climate more moderate and keeps the temperatures warmer than other places further from the water.
How Far Away Is Bellingham From Seattle?
The drive from Bellingham to Seattle is super easy and quick. It’s about a 90-minute drive without traffic and is entirely on the I-5. You can set your cruise control and sit back and enjoy the beautiful views of the cascades to your east and the Puget Sound and Olympics to your west.
This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.
Alec Sills-Trausch
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