1. Chuckanut Drive
If you’re a sucker for gorgeous views, epic sunsets and easy-to-get-to trailheads then Chuckanut Drive is your route! Built as Washington State’s first scenic byway, Chuckanut Drive is a 24-mile scenic drive that connects Skagit County to Bellingham with views of the San Juan Islands in the distance, and the oyster beds of the Samish flats in the water just below. 

Travel Tip: You can now explore Chuckanut Drive virtually too! 

2. Larrabee State Park
Washington’s first state park, Larrabee State Park has been a local favorite since its opening in 1915. Over 100 years later, this 2,748-acre camping park offers 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on Samish Bay.

Larrabee is also a great spot to kayak! Whatcom County’s 100+ miles of saltwater shoreline and freshwater lakes offer plenty of kayaking opportunities and thanks to the Port of Bellingham, we now have the Whatcom Water Trails Map.

3. Explore Historic Fairhaven
If you love great food, boutique shopping, an amazing art scene and getting outside in a small town, you will love Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven District. Stroll charming streets lined with locally owned stores where you can browse art, craft food products, new and used books, dreamy footwear—and find those perfect items to take home with you!

4. Stay in Style
Whether you prefer a luxurious waterfront resort, or an experience right in the heart of downtown, immerse yourself in Bellingham’s “laid back, lovely” feel!

5. Enjoy Local Art
Whatcom County is full of unique art and artists. The art collections range from the Big Rock Sculpture Garden featuring over 37 different pieces tucked away above Lake Whatcom to Western Washington University’s outdoor sculptures, which is one of the top ten university collections in the entire United States.

Bonus Activity: Mural Artist Gretchen Leggitt

From small designs like the Kombucha Town’s mural in Downtown Bellingham to the largest mural in Washington State located on Puget Sound Energy’s building that spans the length of two football fields, Gretchen Leggitt is leaving her mark on Bellingham and Washington State. Take a walking tour of Bellingham or explore her art virtually! 

6. Explore Downtown Bellingham’s Art District
There is so much to do in Bellingham’s downtown arts district! Start in the center at the Whatcom Museum with their latest exhibit.

After, head down Bay Street to the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, one of Whatcom County’s most popular indoor attractions. The SPARK Museum is still doing their signature demonstration involving the biggest lightning machine in the country, a Tesla coil called The MegaZapper. MegaZapper shows currently take place every Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. 

7. Downtown Dining
We are known for our agriculture scene and farm-to-table lifestyle and you will want to savor it! 

We also have over 17 different craft breweries and several of them are family-friendly and dog-friendly.

8. Whatcom Falls Park
Best known for its namesake waterfall, the park’s main attraction could easily be checked off your Bellingham bucket list in as little as 15 minutes. But there’s so much more to discover beyond the falls. Spend an hour or two wandering Whatcom Falls Park’s 241 acres, and you’ll find everything from miles of serene, forested trails to a 100-year-old railroad trestle standing silently over Whatcom Creek. 

9. Scenic Mount Baker Highway
Mount Baker Highway is State route 542, stretching from Bellingham toward snow-capped Mt. Baker. 

Towering evergreens and leaf maples line the route, with skirts of the Nooksack River peeking out at several points. In the summer months, hike to Artist Point and its spectacular views of Mt. Baker’s 10,781-foot peak. 

10. Keep Dreaming
Maybe your Bellingham vacation can wait, but there’s no reason to stop planning! Order a Bellingham Whatcom County Travel Guide and get everything you need to plan your next trip right to your door. 

You can also follow Bellingham Experience on Facebook and Instagram for the inside scoop.