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

Just a couple of hours north of Seattle, Bellingham combines natural beauty with laid-back, college-town vibes.

Home to Western Washington University, this historic town is known for its walkable downtown, quaint shops and cafes, and family-friendly parks and trails. Bordered by Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the west and by Mt. Baker and the North Cascade Mountain Range to the east, it offers views in all directions. All combined, it makes for a great day trip from Seattle and the surrounding area. Read on to learn how to plan your ideal day trip to Bellingham.

Getting There
Things to Do in Town
Parks and Trails

How to Get to Bellingham from Seattle

Arriving in the Seattle Area

If you're visiting the Northwest from out of town, consider booking a hotel in Seattle Southside, the area surrounding SEA Airport. It's the most convenient area for visitors, and serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the region. Browse our directory to find accommodations and filter your search for amenities such as free breakfast and pools. If you need four wheels, there are plenty of car rental companies near the airport.

Getting to Bellingham

If you want to get to Bellingham as quickly as possible, you can drive north on I-5 nearly all the way there. It's about 2 hours from SEA Airport. However, you may want to take the scenic route along Chuckanut Drive, which winds along the Puget Sound coast, offering stunning views. To go this route, take exit 231 in Burlington and continue 20 miles north to Bellingham. At milepost 14, you'll pass Larrabee State Park, which you may want to stop and visit.

Chuckanut Drive leads to Historic Fairhaven Village, a vibrant neighborhood in the southern end of Bellingham.

Things to Do in Downtown Bellingham

Fairhaven Village

The entrance to Bellingham (if you're arriving from the south), Fairvan is a quaint neighborhood lined with 19th-century brick buildings.

  • Take a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood.
  • 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.
  • Snap a photo with Dirty Dan Harris, the founder of Fairhaven. You can find his statue lounging on a bench in Fairhaven Square.
Waterfront Detour: From Fairhaven, follow the pedestrian trail from 10th Avenue and Mill Street to reach Taylor Boardwalk. Stretching a quarter mile over the waters of Bellingham Bay, the boardwalk is part of the South Bay Trail connecting Fairhaven with Boulevard Park and beyond. It's an easy, scenic walk with plenty of benches along the way to stop and enjoy the waterfront views.

Downtown Bellingham

Drive 10 minutes north of Fairhaven to downtown Bellingham, where you'll find a walkable shopping and dining district.

  • Visit the Whatcom Museum, which houses a large collection and rotating exhibits of contemporary art. Permanent exhibits include People of the Sea and Cedar, which honor the art, activism, and enduring traditions of the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe.
  • The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention will appeal to the scientist in all of us. Appealing to all ages, it showcases inventions and innovations that have shaped society over the last four centuries.
  • Stop for a bite at local favorites such as The Bagelry or Boundary Bay Brewery.
  • Browse boutique shops, such as Greenhouse, an upscale home goods shop.
Historic brick downtown buildings at Bellingham Fairhaven
Fairhaven, Washington

Western Washington University

Bellingham is known as a college town, but the university itself is worth a visit, especially if you like historic architecture.

  • 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.
  • Take in the sculptures throughout campus, which is home to one of the nation's top outdoor sculpture collections.
Chuckanut drive bridge

The Top Parks to Visit in Bellingham

Bellingham's parks showcase the city's natural beauty. From peaceful boardwalks along Bellingham Bay to panoramic overlooks, these are a few of the best parks to add to your day trip itinerary.

  • Boulevard Park (Fairhaven): Just north of Historic Fairhaven, Boulevard Park is one of Bellingham's most popular waterfront destinations, with a scenic boardwalk over Bellingham Bay, picnic areas, and direct access to Taylor Dock and the South Bay Trail.
  • Marine Park (Historic Fairhaven): Right on the edge of Fairhaven, Marine Park offers beach access, waterfront views, and a convenient starting point for walking the South Bay Trail toward Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park.
  • Whatcom Falls Park (East Bellingham): Less than 10 minutes from downtown, this 240-acre park is known for its rushing waterfalls and forested trails.
  • Zuanich Point Park (Bellingham Waterfront): Located near Squalicum Harbor, just north of downtown, this wide-open waterfront park is a great place to watch boats come and go while enjoying views across Bellingham Bay.
  • Larrabee State Park (15 minutes south of Bellingham): Washington's first state park is an easy detour from the city, offering forested hiking trails, rocky beaches along Samish Bay, and stunning viewpoints along scenic Chuckanut Drive.

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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