11 Recommended Tourist Spots in Bellingham: A lot of nature with mountains, sea, rivers, and lakes!

Bellingham, a coastal city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is located close to the Canadian border, making it easily accessible by both air and land. It is a very popular destination for tourists. Known as one of the most livable cities in the United States, Bellingham is recognized for its natural beauty.
A notable landmark is Western Washington University. The city has a large Japanese population because the university also accepts international students from Japan. Despite being a suburban area, Bellingham offers a welcoming environment for tourists. Like Japan, it has four distinct seasons, and no matter when you visit, there are always different ways to enjoy the city, making it an attractive destination. In this article, we'll introduce recommended spots in Bellingham, the city known for its student vibe.

1. Boulevard Park

One of the most famous places in Bellingham is Boulevard Park. It’s a small park along the coastline, but it’s a very popular tourist spot in Bellingham.
The park features typical American park amenities such as a barbecue area, fishing pond, trail courses, and a swimming beach, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of activities. Although it’s a beach, since it's located in a bay, the water is very calm with little to no waves. The water is clear, and you might even spot starfish or crabs walking, making it a great place for both adults and children to play in the water.
If you get tired, it’s also recommended to take a break at the park’s café. The café is popular not only with tourists but also with locals, so it can get quite crowded throughout the day. If you’re lucky, you might get a seat! Relax and enjoy your time by the sea. Don't forget to visit the pier! The very long pier that extends across Bellingham Bay gives you a unique feeling, almost like walking on water.

2. Whatcom Falls Park

Another recommended park in Bellingham is Whatcom Falls Park. The vast area of the park has a barbecue area, athletic courts, basketball courts, and other activities for all ages, making it popular among both Bellingham residents and tourists.
The highlight is the Whatcom Falls. It's a fairly large waterfall, and you might think you’ll have to walk quite a distance into the mountains to see it, but you can actually view it right from the entrance. This makes it a great spot for those who aren’t used to hiking. The stone bridge in front of the falls adds to the atmosphere, and in the summer, it’s a tradition for young people in Bellingham to jump off the bridge.
There are other waterfalls nearby, so if you have time, you can explore another trekking route to see more of the area.

3. Fairhaven Historic District

In the port towns surrounding Bellingham, there are several areas that have preserved old streets as historical districts. Fairhaven is one of them.
Many historically significant buildings have been repurposed into modern cafes and restaurants, making it one of Bellingham’s most iconic tourist attractions. On a sunny day, it's lovely to stroll around and enjoy the history of the area at a relaxed pace.
Fairhaven is also famous as the place where John Manjiro, the first Japanese person to live in the United States, resided. The city features the Manjiro Trail Course. Manjiro, who lived in a cobblestone and brick-built town during the Edo period at the age of 14, is a figure worth learning about. If you're in Bellingham, visiting this spot is a must!

4. Lake Padden Park

Lake Padden Park boasts a vast picnic space that’s perfect for outdoor dining! Surrounded by the mountains of Bellingham, the lake offers a peaceful setting where you can watch wildlife like waterfowl and squirrels while enjoying a leisurely meal outdoors.
The best time to visit is in the fall! The vibrant autumn colors of the distant mountains reflected on the lake’s surface create a breathtakingly beautiful scene. It’s a well-known park in Bellingham, and because it’s so large, you can enjoy it without feeling crowded by other tourists.
In addition to picnicking, the park also features hiking and cycling trails, barbecue areas, fishing ponds, boats, canoes, and even a golf course! The park is especially popular in the spring and summer, when the weather in Bellingham is mild, and both locals and tourists enjoy activities like flower viewing, sunbathing, and swimming.

The trail that circles the lake is about 40 minutes long, making it a popular spot for tourists due to its accessibility.

5. Mount Baker

If you're visiting Bellingham, you must go to Mount Baker. It’s a volcano located in the Cascade Mountain Range, and during the winter, it gets an average of 15 meters of snow every year.
The view of the towering mountains from the base is breathtaking. Many tourists return to this spot repeatedly because of the stunning scenery that takes your breath away.
From the visitor center, there are several trail courses available. These courses are easy to participate in, so if you have the time, it's highly recommended to join in. About a 10-minute drive from there is the final point where you can drive up to. The elevation is higher, offering an even more amazing view.
Although Mount Baker is not part of a national park and attracts fewer tourists, you can enjoy a peaceful experience. However, it is a bit far from the center of Bellingham, and access can be tricky. When visiting, it's best to sign up for a tour guide in advance from downtown Bellingham.

6. Spark Museum of Electrical Invention

The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention was originally established in 1985 to display the radio sets, spare parts, schematic diagrams, and magazine collections belonging to Jonathan Winter, a resident of Bellingham.
The collection continued to grow, and in 1998, it was officially recognized as the Bellingham city’s Antique Radio Museum after the number of items exceeded 800. The museum showcases items from the dawn of electrical civilization, including inventions from the 1600s, to items from the golden age of radio in the 1900s. The exhibits are packed inside the museum, offering a vast collection. Today, it features not just radios, but a variety of displays, much like a science museum in Japan. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the subject, you might find yourself excited as you leave the museum after learning about the history of electricity, which is part of our everyday life.

7. Big Rock Garden

Located just outside of Bellingham, the Big Rock Forest Park is a surprising tourist spot. The Big Rock Garden, designed to mimic a tropical rainforest, is a popular walking route for locals.
The design of the garden is highly calculated, keeping visitors engaged. Although it isn't particularly large, the dense planting of various plants creates the feeling of being lost in a jungle. The garden is also home to unique copper sculptures and art pieces, all created by local artists from Bellingham. It’s a favorite spot for tourists to take photos.
While children are not banned from entering, there aren’t open areas like other parks in Bellingham that have playgrounds or fountains, so it tends to be a quieter park with fewer children. The park is easy to find as it’s located on a single road, so tourists won’t get lost!

8. Nooksack Falls

Driving along the Mount Baker Highway, you’ll come across Nooksack Falls, a must-see spot on any Bellingham tourist list. As you drive down the narrow, bumpy road, you’ll soon be greeted by the sight of a large waterfall. It is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bellingham and is very popular with tourists because you can stop and see it immediately.
The waterfall is surrounded by tall trees, and the sound of the waterfall echoes in the otherwise quiet surroundings, creating the feeling of stepping into another world.
There are no designated picnic areas, but you can spread your lunch on the rocks or tree stumps around the area, which would make for a lovely memory. Although it is a bit far from downtown Bellingham, making it harder to access as a tourist spot, it’s definitely worth the visit!

9. Larrabee State Park

Just 20 minutes by car from downtown Bellingham, Larrabee State Park offers a truly natural experience, with squirrels running around your feet and birds flying overhead. The most popular activity is the Lake Trail, which leads you through the great outdoors towards a beautiful lake. The path is well-paved, with little elevation change, making it an easy walk even for beginners. Many tourists enjoy walking here while listening to birds chirping and experiencing the calming atmosphere of the forest.
At the park’s edge is Clayton Beach, where visitors enjoy swimming in the summer, as well as rock climbing along the cliffs. In the winter, when snow falls, you can enjoy sledding and skiing. No matter which season you visit Bellingham, make sure to stop by Larrabee State Park at least once.

10. Sehome Hill Arboretum

When it comes to trails in Bellingham, Sehome Hill Arboretum is the place to be! This isn’t just a regular botanical garden—it's a spot where you can observe plants growing naturally in the wild while hiking to a lookout point at the top of the hill. It has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
The main highlight is the tunnel along the trail that exposes the rock faces. It is said that workers during the coal mining era dug this tunnel by hand. Visitors come to see the chisel marks left in the tunnel, a testament to the history of the area.
It’s a bit of a distance to the top of the hill, but once you reach the lookout, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of Bellingham Bay. The views on clear days are especially stunning, but even on cloudy days, you can still see quite far, making this a year-round favorite spot for tourists. There are several trail routes, most of which lead to the lookout, so even if you get off track, don’t worry—just keep going!

11. Mindport Museum

One of the best spots for families with children in Bellingham is the Mindport Museum. This interactive museum is fun for everyone, from young children around the age of 3 to adults, and is a very popular spot among both locals and tourists in Bellingham. The staff is particularly well-regarded for being friendly and engaging, with a motto of “We won’t let any question go unanswered!” They always provide answers at the same level as the children, ensuring they’ll love it.
In general, the exhibits are designed to be visually stimulating, hands-on, and interactive. Most of the works are original creations by Mindport staff and local artists from Bellingham, so the activities you experience here can’t be found anywhere else. You’ll often see adults enjoying the exhibits too, such as the tornado display and the magnetism experiment corner, showing how fun it is for visitors of all ages. Since you're visiting for tourism, make sure to fully enjoy it!

◎ Summary

What do you think? In this article, we’ve introduced the many attractions of Bellingham, Washington. From the grandeur of the mountains and beauty of the parks to the exciting museums, you’ve hopefully gotten a good sense of what makes Bellingham special.
As for access, Bellingham is located near the Canadian border, so interestingly, the closest international airport is Vancouver International Airport in Canada, not within the U.S. Crossing the border by land is also a wonderful experience. When visiting, be sure to consider this route. Have a great trip in nature-filled Bellingham!