BELLINGHAM FAVOrites
Looking for other things to do in Bellingham, Washington while you visit? This town has a million options for fun outdoor activities, food to eat, beers to drink, and trails to hike! Don’t want to wade through a million whole options? Check out some of our favorites below.
Favorite Bike Shops
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Transition Outpost
The Transition Outpost is a bike shop located in the same building as Transition’s headquarters, about a half-mile away from the south Galbraith Mountain trailhead. The Outpost is more of a community hub than your typical bike shop; they offer a large variety of local craft beer, sandwiches from Old World Deli in downtown Bellingham, snacks, and lots of space to hang out before or after your ride. In addition, they offer premium mountain bike demos, E-MTB demos, bike service, and bike gear for sale. The Outpost hosts a lot of events and DJs, so check their instagram (@transition_outpost) to see what is coming up next!
Getting there:
Take I-5 to exit 246 (North Lake Samish). If coming from north (downtown Bellingham), take right onto N Lake Samish Dr, cross interstate overpass, and continue left onto Samish way - the Outpost will be on your left in about 200 feet. If coming from south (Seattle), turn left at end of exit ramp onto Samish way, and the Outpost will be on your left in about 200 feet.
Address:
Transition Bike Company & Outpost
5090 Samish Way
Bellingham, WA 98229
Read more about the Transition Outpost here:
Favorite Hikes
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Locust Beach
Short hike to a beautiful rocky beach just outside of Downtown Bellingham. Spectacular views of Bellingham, Lummi Island, and Orcas Island. When the tide is out it’s possible to walk a ways out into the bay along the Nooksack River Delta if you aren’t afraid of getting a little muddy! Stroll along the beach, set up a hammock, or take in a pleasant sunset. Lummi Island, Orcas Island, and Chuckanut Mountains are visible from Locust!
Getting there:
Take Holly Street Northwest from downtown Bellingham. Holly Street becomes Eldridge Avenue, which then becomes Marine Drive. Turn left onto Locust Avenue, then immediately turn right into the gravel parking lot located at 3199 Locust Avenue, Bellingham.
Read more about Locust Beach and other favorite beaches here:
www.bellingham.org/top-5-bellingham-bay-beaches-near-downtown
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Oyster Dome
Oyster Dome is a Bellingham classic! Strenuous hike that pays off your efforts with incredible views of Skagit River flats and Samish Bay, Orcas and Lummi Islands, as well as the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island in the distance. There are two options for Trailheads - Chuckanut Drive and Samish Overlook on Blanchard Mountain, the latter making for a shorter, but still strenuous hike.
Read more about Oyster Dome trail and access:
Favorite Stays
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Heliotrope Hotel
Located less than a mile from Bellingham's downtown core, the Heliotrope Hotel is a haven at the heart of things to settle in after a day of hitting the trails. With seven different room layouts, common spaces for unwinding, and a bike wash station, the Heliotrope Hotel offers choice and value in your stay experience.
Read more about Heliotrope and book your room here:
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Hotel Bellwether
According to the hotel itself, “Hotel Bellwether is a luxury, boutique hotel situated on Bellingham Bay in the vibrant Pacific Northwest, steps from Squalicum Harbor marina. To the East are the spectacular Cascade Mountains featuring the majestic Mt. Baker, a 10,750-foot snow-capped peak known for the brilliant colors it turns during morning sunrises and world-record snowfall. To the West are the world-famous San Juan Islands.”
Read more about the Bellwether and book your stay:
Other Outdoor Activities
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Community Boating Center
Great place to rent boats (kayaks, paddleboards, sailing dinghies, rowboats, keelboats, and more) for an outing in Bellingham Bay! They also offer classes, youth programs, and guided experiences. No trip to Bellingham is complete without some time out on the water!
Located just outside of downtown Fairhaven district.
Read more about the Community Boating Center and hours and directions:
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Moondance Kayak
Want some water time, but prefer to be accompanied by an expert? It should already be obvious that we believe in the benefit of hiring a guide, and while in Bellingham look no further than Moondance Kayak, Bellingham’s longest-running kayak guiding company. Learn about our local marine ecosystem while taking in incredible views of the cascades and San Juan Islands!
Learn more and book your tour here:
Favorite Beers
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Kulshan Brewing
When the weather’s nice, there’s no better place to hang out and have a beer than Kulshan’s Trackside location. Located on the redeveloping waterfront district of Bellingham alongside a large bike pumptrack, Trackside is a large, seasonal pop-up beer garden that has been a huge success since it opened in 2021. Oh, and the beer is delicious!
Read more about Kulshan/Trackside, their hours and food trucks, and directions here:
Favorite Eats
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Super Mario Taco Truck
Hands-down some of the best burritos we’ve ever had. Salvadorian, packed with flavor, and has one of the tastiest vegetarian burritos we’ve experienced. Nothing else to say here!
Located right in downtown Bellingham at 1422 N Forest st. Open from 11am-7pm every day but Sunday. If googling, make sure to differentiate between their brick-and-mortar location and taco truck.
Super Mario’s website:
www.restaurantji.com/wa/bellingham/super-mario-s-taco-truck-/
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Otherside Bagels
Otherside is one of the newest kids on the block in the Bellingham restaurant world, but their breakfast and lunch has quickly become one of our favorites in town! The quality of their bagels is hard to find here on the West Coast, and their coffee is no slouch either. If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or lunch, or a quick snack between Bellingham adventures, look no further. Parking can difficult, so we recommend riding your bike.
Learn more and order online here: