Weekend getaway from Seattle · #10 of 10
Bellingham
College-town breweries, the historic Fairhaven district and Chuckanut Drive's cliff-edge water views, with Mount Baker hikes an hour beyond.
Bellingham calls itself the 'City of Subdued Excitement,' and it's the perfect chill escape. Start with a jaw-dropping coastal drive, devour fresh oysters, and wander around historic Fairhaven's brick streets and cozy taprooms.
Getting there
This cliff-clinging route gives you killer views of the San Juans, salty oyster farms, and fun hairpin turns. It adds 30 minutes but is 100% worth it.
Need to get there fast? Blast up I-5 and hop off at exit 250 or 253. You can always catch the scenic Chuckanut drive on your way back home!
Day trip
Epic coastal drives, historic brick streets, and salty bay breezes- 18:30 AMDrive
Drive north to Chuckanut Drive
Hop off I-5 onto SR 11 and feel the road rise above Samish Bay. Keep your eyes peeled at the cliffside pullouts for gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands.
Tip · Keep a sharp lookout for the quirky, floating Loch Ness Monster sculpture out in the bay!
- 210:00 AMFood
Oyster stop on Samish Bay
Roll up to Taylor Shellfish right on the water. Slurp down the freshest oysters you'll ever have before tackling the fun, twisty hairpin turns at Oyster Creek.
📍 Taylor Shellfish Farms, Samish Bay
Tip · Grab a shucking knife and a dozen to go, or just feast right there on the picnic tables hanging over the water.
- 311:00 AMActivity
Larrabee State Park
Explore Washington's very first state park, where forested mountain slopes meet the salty shore. You'll find hidden beach coves, cool tide pools, and epic viewpoints.
📍 Larrabee State Park, Bellingham
Tip · You'll need a Discover Pass here. If you're up for a workout, the trail to Oyster Dome starts right nearby.
- 412:30 PMFood
Lunch in Fairhaven
Slide right into historic Fairhaven. The gorgeous, Victorian-era red-brick blocks are packed with fantastic local cafes, lively pubs, cute galleries, and bookstores.
📍 Fairhaven, Bellingham
- 52:00 PMActivity
Boulevard Park boardwalk
Stroll the scenic South Bay Trail to Boulevard Park, the city's favorite waterfront hangout. Walk the iconic overwater boardwalk and dip your toes in the bay.
📍 Boulevard Park, Bellingham
- 63:30 PMSight
Whatcom Falls Park
Head inland to this lush oasis right in the center of town. Stand on the historic, 1930s sandstone bridge to get the perfect view of rushing Whatcom Falls.
📍 Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham
- 75:00 PMFood
Boundary Bay Brewery dinner
End your day at a beloved local institution on Railroad Ave. It's the perfect spot for fantastic house-brewed pints and a hearty, satisfying dinner.
📍 Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham
Tip · If you want a mini beer crawl, there's a whole cluster of other great taprooms within walking distance.
- 86:30 PMDrive
Drive home on I-5
Zip straight back home on the freeway, or do a sunset rerun of Chuckanut Drive to catch the gorgeous golden hour light reflecting off the water.
Where to eat
Slurp down ultra-fresh Taylor Shellfish oysters literally steps from the lapping waves of the bay.
A legendary downtown staple that serves up great pub eats and anchors the city's epic craft beer scene.
This charming historic neighborhood is a goldmine of indie bakeries, cozy courtyard spots, and top-tier coffee.
When to go
Make sure to drive up the Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point and Picture Lake. That stunning final stretch only opens up to cars during the summer months!
Head 90 minutes east to Mount Baker, a legendary winter playground holding the world record for snowfall and the birthplace of snowboarding.
Time your visit for April's beer festival or the wild Memorial Day Ski to Sea relay race from the mountain peak all the way down to the bay.
Good to know
- Chuckanut Drive is super twisty. The driver gets much better views heading south, so consider saving this scenic run for your drive home.
- Don't forget to pack your Discover Pass to avoid parking tickets at Larrabee State Park and nearby trails.
- Always check the road conditions before driving up to Artist Point - the final 1.8-mile stretch closes down for the winter season.
- Keep in mind that Fairhaven, downtown, and the university are spread out, so you'll want to drive or hop on a bus to get between them.
