Discover Bellingham through nature, water, culture and market life, each with a different focus. Those drawn to trails and landscapes will find an extensive trail network with views and paved waterfront paths. There is also a themed trail that can be visited year-round, museum exhibits and a Farmers Market with more than 100 stalls. When planning, the key is the kind of experience you want: observing nature, a path by the water, exhibits, or fresh produce and handmade goods.
Trails and nature on different scales
Sehome Hill Arboretum has six miles of trails. From there, enjoy sweeping views of Bellingham’s cityscape and Bellingham Bay. The trail network thus pairs with a landscape view that takes in both the city and the bay. Those looking to combine nature trails with views of the area around Bellingham will find a distinct focus here.
The Native Plant Trail can be visited year-round to experience the seasonal changes in native plants and wildlife. The focus is therefore not limited to a particular time of year: the trail offers a chance to observe changes over the course of the seasons. This nature experience differs from the views of the city and bay at Sehome Hill Arboretum.
Waterfront trails and docks
The Squalicum Harbor Promenade is 1.5 miles long and paved. It follows the shoreline around the Bellwether Peninsula and Squalicum Harbor to Zuanich Park. Its length, surface and endpoint give this route a clear outline. Unlike a trail network with multiple paths, this is a specific waterfront route leading to a named destination.
Boulevard Park is on Bellingham Bay along South State Street and Bay View Drive in the South Hill neighborhood. The park has docks over the water, including Taylor Dock. This offers a different emphasis from the Squalicum Harbor Promenade: here, the docks take center stage, while the promenade is a paved waterfront route with a specified course and endpoint. Both places offer different perspectives on the water.
Art, history and living traditions
The Whatcom Museum campus is in the Bellingham Arts District and includes exhibition buildings for art, local history and natural history. Its subjects range from artistic perspectives to historical and natural history content. Those planning a museum visit can use these different areas as a guide when deciding what to see.
A special feature is the permanent exhibition People of the Sea and Cedar. It honors the art, activism and enduring traditions of the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe. Its focus complements the areas of art, local history and natural history with a specific tribute to these communities and their traditions.
Produce and crafts at the Farmers Market
The Bellingham Farmers Market has more than 100 stalls and offers fresh produce as well as handmade goods. Alongside experiences in nature and culture, a visit to the market is another reason to travel here. These two product categories give a clear sense of what the market offers: fresh goods and handcrafted items. Those organizing their travel plans by interest can consider this focus alongside waterfront trails, nature experiences and exhibits.
The offerings also differ in form: the arboretum combines trails with views, the Native Plant Trail focuses on seasonal changes, and the Squalicum Harbor Promenade follows a set route to Zuanich Park. Boulevard Park adds another waterfront feature with its docks. The museum and Farmers Market round out these discoveries with exhibits, fresh produce and handmade goods.
Discover more destinations: Glacier, Lynden, Blaine, Maple Falls, Ferndale, Deming
For the broader travel overview: Whatcom.
