Bellingham is a beautiful city in north Washington, nestled amidst the Salish Sea and the majestic Mount Baker. The city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and urban charm, making it ideal for a short getaway.
Abhi and I visited Bellingham in the summer of 2022, car-free. In this guide, I will share our complete 3-day itinerary that includes the top spots we visited, how to reach Bellingham without a car, where to stay, and some unique things to do, along with tips to make your trip memorable!
How to reach Bellingham from Seattle
We love traveling car-free as it is good for the environment and cheap because you don’t have to worry about hefty parking fees or not finding a parking spot. We chose FlixBus to travel from Seattle to Bellingham for just $50 round trip per person. It was a comfortable 2-hour journey from Seattle, loaded with scenic views. Alternatively, you can also take the Amtrak for just $38 round trip.
Where to stay in Bellingham?
We stayed at Bay City Motor Inn, a 2-star budget motel in the Sehome neighborhood. Located just off Interstate 5, this modest motel was close to our Flix bus stop on the Western Washington University campus and a short bus ride from Bellingham Port.
Our room was simple yet functional, equipped with cable TV, complimentary WiFi, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. They also have suite rooms that come with whirlpool tubs. The motel offered us a complimentary continental breakfast and access to amenities like a fitness center, a game room, and a cozy lobby lounge by the fireplace. Our stay at Bay City Motor Inn was comfortable and hassle-free, and it was the perfect pick for our budget.
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, I recommend staying at Hotel Bellwether, an upscale waterfront hotel overlooking Bellingham Marina.
Navigating within Bellingham city
We relied on the bus to hop from one neighborhood to another and purchased the Whatcom TA Day Pass for $3 per person to save time and money. However, when it came to reaching places that were further away, such as Ferndale and Larrabee State Park, we decided to take a cab instead.
Getting a cab from Larrabee State Park was difficult as the network is poor, so I recommend booking one in advance or hiring a car to explore this wonderful state park.
Bellingham Complete Itinerary
Day 1
Eldridge Castle
Our first location was a historic landmark soaked in rich history, the Eldridge Castle. This stunning Victorian building, constructed in the late 1800s by William Eldridge, offers panoramic views of Bellingham Bay and the surrounding landscape.
The castle’s architecture comprises turrets and intricate stonework, reflecting the Victorian influences prevalent during its construction. Once a venue for social gatherings and education, it now serves as a private residence. The castle is close to the public, but you can surely take a quick stop to admire its exterior and intricate work from afar.
Little Squalicum Beach
Next, we headed to a tiny beach strip, just a 4-minute downhill walk from Eldridge Castle. This hidden gem offered a lovely view of Bellingham Bay and ample opportunity for wildlife watching. We spent a few hours at the beach tide pooling and observing the wildlife, from birds to butterflies. It’s the place for spending quality time in the lap of Mother Nature.
Port of Bellingham
We walked further and reached the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, the Port of Bellingham. The port plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth, facilitating commerce, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Founded in 1920, the Port of Bellingham has evolved into a multifaceted community offering a range of maritime, industrial, commercial, and recreational activities.
Marine Life Center
The Marine Life Center is an aquarium cum educational facility that showcases a variety of local marine animals and features an interactive touch pool. Admission to the center is free and offers a vast display of species to explore. We had a fantastic time learning about marine life and observing the animals from a safe distance.
Zuanich Point Park
Next to the Marine Life Center was a beautiful harborside park that greeted us with breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands. It was a clear and sunny day, ideal for a nice walk through the park’s paved path.
Bellingham Farmers Market
For lunch, we headed straight to the vibrant Bellingham Farmers Market. We wandered through stalls overflowing with fresh produce, handcrafted goodies, and delicious food. We stopped by the Bright & Sunny stall for some freshly made Wild Ginger Beer and grabbed a Filipino meal bowl from Bry Foodtruck that contained a little bit of everything on their menu.
Lake Whatcom
In the evening, we headed to the majestic Lake Whatcom, a glacial lake offering breathtaking views and abundant outdoor activities. This lake provides drinking water for the residents of Bellingham and is approximately 10 miles long.
Railroad Trail Hike
We joined the Railroad Trail beginning from Bloedel Donovan Park at the north end of Whatcom Lake. This easy 5.6-km point-to-point trail passes through forests and gardens and ends at a gorgeous waterfall. It was a refreshing hike surrounded by lush greenery, and we also saw the old railroad on the way. Stop by this place for photos.
Whatcom Falls
Our final stop was the gorgeous Whatcom Falls, a small waterfall cascading down the stone cliff. It was the perfect finale of our nature-filled day. On our way back, we rewarded ourselves with some sweet treats at Lafeens Family Pride Donuts and Ice Cream, a local favorite.
Day 2
Larrabee State Park
We began our second day in the lap of Mother Nature at the oldest state park in Washington State, Larrabee State Park. Our unforgettable cab drive on the iconic Chuckanut Drive gave us the best view of the coastline. The park has something for every visitor, from beaches to lakes, boat launch areas to campgrounds.
We were in the mood for another hike, so we headed on the Clayton Beach trail, a 1.5-mile hike to Clayton beach. Each turn gave us a breathtaking view of the Samish Bay, and the amount of birds we saw on the way was impressive.
Our time at the beach was spent well watching birds and tide pooling. We were able to spot a variety of crabs and other tiny marine species hiding under the rocks. It’s one of the best places to watch wildlife, so if you’re into birding or wildlife watching, I highly recommend visiting this park.
Fairhaven
Fairhaven is a historic district that was an independent town until 1906, after which it became a part of Bellingham City. The district is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, waterfront parks, and beaches. We started our exploration at the Marine Park, a 1.9-acre waterfront park popular for watching sunsets. We strolled around for a while and learned about Bellingham’s maritime history.
Before heading to our next spot, we stopped by the Fairhaven Coffee shop at the train station to refuel our energy. We stopped by the Port Fairhaven Fish N Chips at Bellingham Cruise Terminal for lunch and relished hand-beer battered-style fish and chips.
Boulevard Park
In the evening, we headed to Boulevard Park to watch the sunset. It is a popular waterfront community park on Bellingham Bay, established in 1980. One of the main highlights was the overwater boardwalk, which was the perfect place for our evening walk. We then grabbed a cup of Woods Coffee from the outlet (within the park) and sat by the beach to watch a spectacular sunset. It’s one of the best I’ve seen in Washington.
Day 3
Hovander Homestead Park
On the morning of Day 3, we headed north to Ferndale. Hovander Homestead Park was a 20-minute drive from Bellingham and offered a magnificent view of Mount Baker. This 350-acre county park is popular among history buffs and gives insights into the lives of 20th-century pioneers in the Pacific Northwest.
The park is home to a peat-bog lake and a fragrance garden that is a must-visit. This place is also a famous overlook sight for Mount Baker. If you have time, go on a guided day trip to the North Cascades National Park or a self-guided road trip to explore this gorges and underrated national park.
We began our journey at the Tennant Lake Fragrance Garden, admiring the mighty Mount Baker from the watchtower, spent some time in the garden looking for birds, and walked along the boardwalk over the Tennant Lake trail. The trail was an easy 2.9-mile loop that circled the lake. It was the best way to begin our day, and we thoroughly enjoyed observing nature closely.
Historic Downtown Ferndale
As a lover of small & quaint cities, visiting downtown Ferndale was a must! This historic city is a charming Victorian village founded in the 1850s. Originally a farming community known for its dairy and timber industries, the downtown has transformed into a place loaded with unique eateries and shops.
And that’s how we ended our fun 3-day adventures in Bellingham. Keep reading to learn a few unique experiences we recommend and some top stores and galleries you can visit in Bellingham.
Don’t forget to read my Food guide, where I share all the eateries and breweries we tried in Bellingham.
If you’re visiting Bellingham during spring season, do visit the famous tulip gardens of Washington State in Skagit Valley and Deception Pass State Park.
Unique Bellingham Experiences
Olive Oil Tasting
While exploring the historic downtown Bellingham, we stumbled upon a store that offered Olive Oil Tasting. Intrigued, we decided to try this unique experience out. We understood subtle differences and unique qualities of various olive oils, leading us to a newfound appreciation for olive oil.
Whale Watching
If you have time and love watching whales in their natural habitat, embark on a thrilling whale-watching adventure and witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. Here’s a tour that you might like.
Stores & Galleries we loved
Village Books
Village Books is a three-storeyed bookstore offering an impressive collection of books. The atmosphere is light and welcoming, and the coffee shop is a must-visit for a quick cup of freshly brewed latte and home-style cakes.
Haggen
Haggen is a Bellingham-based local grocery chain offering a delightful selection of fresh, local produce and unique gourmet finds. If you’re staying at an Airbnb, do your grocery run at any nearby Haggen.
Peter James Photography Gallery
If you want to take amazing photos back home and bless your wall with fantastic photographs, head to Peter James Photography Gallery. He has a stunning collection of nature photography. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Bellingham impressed us with its charm and stole our hearts. The city is a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, cultural gems, and a quirky, welcoming vibe. Use my itinerary and explore everything that makes Bellingham so unique.
