This Walkable Coastal City in Washington Is a Must-Visit Gem

With a beautiful bay on one end and the towering Mount Baker on the other, Bellingham is a truly gorgeous town to visit. But many people might not know that it's actually one of the most walkable cities in Washington. In fact, this coastal city in the Evergreen State is the perfect place for weekend trips and overnight getaways. 

Why This Washington City Is So Easy To Explore on Foot

Bellingham has stretched out since it was established in 1903, but much of what locals and tourists want to see and experience remains walkable. Even within residential areas, Bellingham is still easy to navigate on foot, especially for active local Washingtonians. The original city, downtown area, and waterfront seem to have been made with pedestrians and boats—rather than cars—in mind. There are many small streets, nature trails, and walkways by the water that connect different districts—one of which is the South Bay Trail. 

Additionally, the best places to eat, drink, and be merry seem to be consolidated all within a few blocks of each other. This includes places like Aslan Brewing Company, The Black Cat, and The Birch Door Cafe. This is also where galleries, theaters, and museums sit, amidst artsy shops. Ultimately, there’s something new to walk to and find almost everywhere you turn. 

The Best Things to See Within Walking Distance

The best things to do in Bellingham, Washington, largely (and luckily) lie within walking distance, but the most popular are below:

Museums

There are two main museums in Bellingham within walking distance: the Whatcom Museum and the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. The Whatcom Museum is best for art and history, and the SPARK Museum is best for kids, with a few hands-on displays that highlight the history of electricity. 

Downtown Bellingham

Perhaps the most popular area of Bellingham, the downtown area takes only twenty minutes to walk from one end to the other, and is positively bursting with charm. In this area, it's clear that locals love their city and decorate it with art, unique spaces, and diverse eateries. There are breweries and cider houses, restaurants ranging from hole-in-the-walls to highly-acclaimed options, small bookshops, thrift stores, galleries, theaters, and more.

Marine Life Center

This small but mighty museum/mini aquarium is a hidden gem right on the water in Bellingham’s Bay. With a few exhibits, including a touch pool, this is the perfect place for kids to learn about marine life or for anyone to reconnect with sea life. 

The South Bay Trail

This trail connects two of the most popular spots in Bellingham: downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven. Along the way, people can walk alongside the waterfront with a few informative signs about the area and views of the Chuckanut Mountains. Boulevard Park also directly borders this trail, offering a place for coffee and a playground. 

What Makes This Scenic City in Washington Truly Stunning

Bellingham locals are a unique mix of the artsy and young, due to the influence of Western Washington University alongside older hippies that have remained in the area, as well as more stoic fishermen and boatmen. Families that have moved into the area value this eclectic mix, and add their own energy because, above all else, most locals have a distinct love for Bellingham’s natural landscapes and waterfront. 

This has led to a large influx of local shops and restaurants, many with a special twist. A perfect example would be the NEKO Cat Cafe Bellingham, where one can grab a coffee and a cuddle with a cute cat. It’s also a place where cats can be adopted into good homes, as well as a storefront where proceeds go to helping cats without homes. Many shops adopt a similar attitude, not limiting themselves to one thing but instead exploring every opportunity to make a more dynamic, helpful business. 

Bellingham is a town for the artists, hippies, nature fanatics, history buffs, food hounds, drink fiends, fishermen, and the list goes on, and on, and on. Luckily, it’s easy to get a bit of everything that any tourist could possibly want in a single day, and by foot, no less! Visit Bellingham and find out how many hidden gems this city has!