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Family escape to Bellingham
As summer nears its end, my family is itching for more adventures — but for an easy day trip, not an epic road trip.
One nearby solution is Bellingham, a small city boasting lots of things to do, including a fabulous array of parks to explore and other attractions for adventurous Northwest families.
Bellingham’s natural areas feel refreshingly wild, while the city — encompassing both downtown and the historic Fairhaven neighborhood — offers a dynamic small-town vibe with plenty to see and do. The relatively short 90-minute drive from Seattle means it’s far enough away to feel like an escape, but close enough to use less than a tank of gas.
Check out these top things to do in Bellingham!
First stop: Larrabee State Park
More day trips and overnight getaways for Seattle-area families:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently for 2024.
Hike and explore at Larrabee State Park
Just south of the city along scenic Chuckanut Drive, find all kinds of geologic and active adventures at Larrabee State Park. Explore the short waterfront trails at the beach, which feature interesting sandstone rock formations. A brand-new trail and bridge over the railroad tracks connect the park to Clayton Beach, a terrific spot for kids and families on the shore of Puget Sound. Park at the Lost Lake trailhead to access the trail (Discover Pass required).
Hike the Fragrance Lake Trail, a 5.5-mile round-trip trek, or drive up the bumpy gravel Cleator Road to hike the newer Rock Trail. This fascinating trail is short and steep and includes unique geological features called tafoni, which are honeycomb holes worn into the sandstone. Cliffs with exposed rock layers and conglomerates, as well as giant, mossy boulders, are additional highlights of this trail.
Tips: Remember that a Discover Pass is required to park at Larrabee and all state parks. Do not attempt to cross the train tracks outside of designated bridges or tunnels.
Next stop: Lake Padden
Paddle, bike or hike at Lake Padden
Bring your hiking shoes, biking gear or canoe and play for a day at Lake Padden, a beautiful forested lake about 5 miles to the southeast of downtown. A kid-friendly 2.6-mile loop trail circles the lake, with other trails branching off. You’ll feel like you are in the mountains rather than just five minutes off the freeway. In the summer, families can fish or swim.
Tip: The southeast corner of the park has an enclosed off-leash dog area, plus a few miles of specific trails where your furry friend to run free.
Next stop: Whatcom Falls
Wander the trails at Whatcom Falls Park
Miles of wide gravel paths and wilder dirt trails invite families to explore beautiful Whatcom Falls Park, located a few miles east of downtown Bellingham. One main waterfall tumbles underneath a historic stone bridge. Smaller waterfalls and rapids entice hikers to explore downstream. Kids will be interested in the on-site fish hatchery and can learn about salmon through posted interpretive signs. The main paths are suitable for strollers and bikes. Seasonal fishing is allowed for children at Derby Pond.
Caution: Swimming is not advised in Whatcom Creek because of dangerous undertows. (You may spot teenagers and others jumping off cliffs into a swimming hole. We do not recommend this activity as there are rock outcroppings and the swimming hole is shallow.)
Next stop: Interurban Trail
Bike or stroll the Interurban Trail
This old railroad-grade trail runs 6 miles from Fairhaven (Bellingham’s historic district) to the previously mentioned Larrabee State Park. You can hop on the trail at Fairhaven Park and make the easy ride over to Arroyo Park, which makes a good turnaround spot.
More ambitious mountain bikers can continue on to Larrabee State Park, but would need to detour around a missing rail trestle by finding their way through the dirt trails in Arroyo Park, or by riding a short section along Chuckanut Drive to California Street to pick up the Interurban Trail again.
Much of the ride is in the shade, but there are some dramatic peekaboo views over the water in spots. We walked our bikes in some difficult sections; mercifully, those were short.
Tips: Kids will enjoy the playground and large grassy fields at Fairhaven Park, as well as the labyrinth. Restrooms and running water are available there.
Next stop: Western Washington University
Explore trees, a tower and rocks at Western Washington University
For a gentle nature walk in the city, visit the Sehome Hill Arboretum. Play in the rock tunnel and climb the lookout tower, which you can scale to get a view of the treetops and the city.
Next, head to the adjacent campus of Western Washington University. Western’s campus holds an impressive collection of public sculptures. Traipse around and see what you can find — perhaps the Bigger Big Chair or the kid-favorite Rock Rings?
Tip: You can walk directly to campus from the arboretum, or drive around and park closer (be sure to bring a few dollars for a parking permit). If classes are in session when you visit, try to keep the kids fairly quiet.
Next stop: Boulevard Park
Play and stroll along Bellingham Bay
Head to Boulevard Park, a shoreline park on Bellingham Bay near Fairhaven, to take in stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Kids can walk out on the boardwalk over the water, play at the nautical-themed playground or fly kites. Parents will appreciate fabulous Woods Coffee (arguably the best coffee shop in the city), with its natural wood décor and second-floor loft for enjoying views over the water. Trails at Boulevard Park connect to the 2-mile-long South Bay Trail; if you’re feeling energetic, hike it (or bike it) from Fairhaven to downtown Bellingham.
Tip: Parking at Boulevard Park is free, but can be busy on sunny days.
Next stop: Cordata Park
Newer play stop: Cordata Park
A newer park in Bellingham has registered on our radar, and it’s called Cordata Park. The huge park and its awesome inclusive playground are well worth a stop for getting out the wiggles with kids. But there’s more! There’s a splash pad open through Sept. 15, a paved pump track and even an outdoor parkour course. Pack a lunch because you’re going to stay for hours! You’ll also find a mile of trails through woods and wetlands.
Tip: This park is popular, so you won’t have the place to yourselves. Picnic tables and restrooms mean you can stay a while.
Next: Where to eat and stay in Bellingham
Where to fuel up and sleep in Bellingham
Fuel
In Fairhaven, get a treat at the Mount Bakery, lunch at Colophon Café and dinner at The Filling Station. For coffee or brunch, try FireHouse Café (featuring a fantastic outdoor seating area and an incredible tree) or Café Blue. Fairhaven’s familiar double-decker bus has had a rough go at various times, but it’s now open as a taco stand. Hooray!
Downtown, try long-time fave The Bagelry for lunch or a snack, family-friendly Boundary Bay Brewery or tasty Brandywine Kitchen for dinner. Old World Deli on State Street serves up amazing sandwiches. Find more amazing sandwiches at Café Rumba. No visit to Bellingham is complete without a cone from Mallard Ice Cream, the city’s premier ice cream shop.
Sleep
Pitch a tent at Larrabee State Park on Chuckanut Drive (reservations recommended, and note that you’ll hear very heavy train noise). About 20 miles northwest of Bellingham, Birch Bay State Park is a large campground on the water with wonderful beaches that are perfect for exploring at low tide.
If a hotel is more your family’s style, try Marriott’s SpringHill Suites in downtown Bellingham, with large rooms that feel more like apartments and include microwaves and mini fridges; or its sister hotel, TownePlace Suites, complete with kitchens. The swanky Chrysalis Inn sits right at the top of the Taylor Street dock and South Bay Trail. It’s a short trail walk to Fairhaven and has pet-friendly rooms.
