Seattle Day Trip: Small Town Vibes and Northwest Beauty in Bellingham, Washington

Home to Western Washington University, Bellingham is not just an outdoor-lover’s dream, but is a day-trippers paradise.

Just 90 miles north of Seattle and 21 miles south of the Canadian border, Bellingham is bordered by the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands to the west and Mt. Baker and the North Cascade Mountains to the east.

Getting There
Things to Do

Getting to Bellingham

From the Seattle area, Bellingham is a straight shot north on I-5. It's about a two-hour drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the area around it known as Seattle Southside.

Take Exit 231 to the winding and scenic Chuckanut Drive. The road winds along the coast, offering views of the San Juan Islands on the way. It's worth making a quick stop at one of many vantage points to admire the view. Chuckanut Drive leads to the historic Fairhaven District, where your day trip begins.

Historic brick downtown buildings at Bellingham Fairhaven
Fairhaven, Washington

Things to Do in Bellingham

Fairhaven District

Fairhaven is quaint and walkable, making it easy to spend a morning meandering. Here are some things to do while there:

  • Notice the plaques on the ground that depict what the town looked like many years ago.
  • Browse books at Village Books, a three-story shop where you could get lost for hours.
  • Visit one of the many art galleries showcasing local art – Fairhaven is a hotbed of artistic talent.
  • Snap a photo with Dirty Dan Harris, the founder of Fairhaven. You can find his statue lounging on a bench in Fairhaven Square.

Stop #2: Next stop is Western Washington University – or just Western for short.


See where Western started – Old Main was the original home to the New Whatcom Normal School, a teaching school for women. Now the building houses the school’s administration and services.
Red Square – When classes are in session and the sun is out, Red Square is a flurry of activity – from students studying, catching up with friends, playing an impromptu game of hacky sack and so much more, this is the place to see Western.

Take in the sculptures throughout campus – it’s one of the top 10 outdoor sculpture collections in the nation.

Stop #3: Park your car downtown and wander through the many quirky shops and restaurants.

Stop in and get bagels for the week at The Bagelry – ask any Western alum and they will likely say this bagel shop is one of the things they miss most.
You’re probably hungry by now – go to Boundary Bay Brewery for lunch and don’t forget to buy a sweatshirt!
Need a gift or just something for yourself? Check out Greenhouse – they have everything you need for your home and kitchen.

Chuckanut drive bridge

Stop #4: Folks in Bellingham love the outdoors – maybe more than most people. Experience one of the best parks at Whatcom Falls. Park your car and walk into the park – you will instantly hear the waterfalls, drowning out all the other noise. A paved path leads you to a sandstone bridge spanning Whatcom Creek and then the main waterfall comes into view. Once summer arrives, college students can be seen jumping the 60-foot cliff known as “The Whirlpool,” which has become a tradition for Western students.

Stop #5: Before heading home, head back to Fairhaven to Boulevard Park to watch the sun go down. It’s been a perfect day.

TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO BELLINGHAM WASHINGTON

Bellingham FAQs

Q: Is Bellingham worth visiting for a day trip from Seattle?

A: Yes. Bellingham is one of the best day trips from Seattle, located about 90 miles north (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car). Visitors can drive scenic Chuckanut Drive, explore historic Fairhaven, visit Western Washington University, hike Whatcom Falls Park, and enjoy waterfront sunsets — all in one day.

Q: What are the best things to do in Bellingham in one day?

A: Top things to do in Bellingham include:

  • Driving Chuckanut Drive for coastal views
  • Exploring Fairhaven’s historic district
  • Visiting Western Washington University’s outdoor sculpture collection
  • Walking to Whatcom Falls
  • Dining at local breweries like Boundary Bay
  • Watching sunset at Boulevard Park

    It’s an ideal mix of outdoor adventure, local culture, and scenic beauty.

Q: How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Bellingham?

A: The drive from Seattle to Bellingham takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via Interstate 5. For a more scenic route, exit onto Chuckanut Drive near Bow, Washington, which adds a short detour but offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands.

Q: What is Chuckanut Drive and why is it famous?

A: Chuckanut Drive is a scenic coastal highway between Burlington and Bellingham, Washington. It’s famous for its winding cliffside views overlooking Puget Sound, forested hills, and vistas toward the San Juan Islands. It’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest and a highlight of any Bellingham day trip.

Are there scenic stops between Seattle and Bellingham near me?

A: Yes—along the route you’ll find scenic viewpoints on Chuckanut Drive, historic Fairhaven, and parks like Whatcom Falls, all offering easy stops for photos and short walks.

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