Visit Ocean Shores for the Beaches, Shops, and Saltwater Taffy!
Seattle Southside makes a great home base location for travelers who want to take day trips in the state of Washington.
Head North to Explore Bellingham WA
Home to Western Washington University, Bellingham is not just an outdoor-lover’s dream, but is a day-trippers paradise.
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.
Head north via Interstate-5, and get off the highway at exit 231 to take the winding and scenic Chuckanut Drive. The road winds along the coast and the San Juan Islands are so close, you could swim to them. Stop at one of the many vantage points – it is well worth the five minutes.
Stop #1: Chuckanut Drive will drop you off in the historic Fairhaven district. Wander around town and stop at the plaques on the ground – you can get a good idea of what the town looked like many years ago.
While there, make sure to stop into Village Books – you could get lost for hours in this three-story shop.
Visit one of the many galleries and see the inspirations of local artists – Fairhaven is a hot bed of artistic talent.
Take a picture 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.
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.
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.
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