While counting down the days to the sunnier months may be a common experience, those in the Pacific Northwest who have endured a few rainy days especially cherish the beloved Pacific Northwest summer. Bellingham, WA is one of the best places to enjoy summer PNW style, with a backyard filled with the beautiful outdoors (water and mountains) and a lively downtown.
Even if you’ve already booked your summer activities, we’ve rounded up 15 fun-filled options to add to your summer to-do list. Whether you are a long term local or are looking for buy a house or Rent an apartment in Bellingham, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. After all, Bellingham (or Bam) is One of the best places to live in Washington – All year round!
1. Stroll through art cafes
Located in one of Bellingham’s historic downtown buildings is one of the best ways to escape the summer doldrums. If you’re craving an iced latte, getting creative, or shopping, Majestic Art Cafe Have it all. This place is a community hub offering workshops, community events, parties and classes – all owned and run by a collective of small business owners, artists and entrepreneurs. Owner Britni Ann recommends “”[taking] An art walk through the basement level of the Majestic Ballroom…[and] Pop into the Art Café to sample local art and gifts. Held on the first Friday of every month, the Art Walk is a great way to connect with locals, support small businesses, or even buy new pieces to decorate your house or apartment. If you can’t make it to the Art Walk, we also recommend checking out their other events, such as the Art Market or Art and Waffle Carnival.
2. Cool down in a kayak
To make the most of summer in the PNW, getting out on the water is a must. While there are a variety of water vehicles to choose from, may we recommend kayaking? Dragonfly Kayak Tour Providing an incredibly engaging experience, owner Tori Ayres says, “Explore the stunning scenery of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands with day, sunset, bioluminescence and nighttime tours. ”. These tours are expertly guided and feature landscapes filled with vibrant sunsets and bioluminescent creatures. Admire Washington’s natural wonders and you’re sure to make unforgettable memories in Bellingham’s summer beauty.
3. Visit the downtown farmers market
It wouldn’t be a summer to-do list without noticing the local farmers market! The Bellingham Downtown Farmers Market is a community classic held every Saturday and is a great way to connect with local farmers, businesses and residents. This place has everything you could want including fresh produce, seasonal flowers, and delicious food while supporting local Bam businesses. So if you find yourself with an empty spot on your Saturday schedule, we highly recommend checking out the farmers market, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want to take a summer stroll.
4. Take in the sights of Bellingham on a bike
Making the most of the summer weather is a must, and what better way to do it than on a bike? Located on the seafront, New Yilan Bicycle Electric bikes for rent and sale for the perfect summer activity. Not only is Bellingham one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, but it’s rich in a variety of routes that offer stunning views of the verdant PNW. No matter where you choose to ride, Bham Bikes “is one of the best ways to experience local destinations, parks and trails,” says owner Matt Holmes. We really can’t recommend it enough: slather on some sunscreen, put on some sneakers, go for a bike ride this summer and enjoy the scenery.
5. Stop for a drink at a local brewery
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its breweries, and Bellingham does have some great ones. If you want to stop for a drink (or not) after your ride, we recommend checking this out Cool Mountain Brewing Company. Established in 2012, the shop is known for its consistently delicious and balanced ales and lagers. Not only do they serve delicious drinks, but Kulshan sustainably produces beer and is a unique third location in the Bham community. “Whether you’re looking for a cozy night with live music in our Sunnyland Taproom, lively trivia in the Roosevelt Taproom, or soak up the sunshine in our award-winning beer garden, Trackside, our three unique locations have it all Giving you a space to suit every taste,” said General Manager Emily Mallos.
6. Get creative and create some art
A great summer activity—alone, with friends, or with a significant other—is to get creative. Whether you want to make art, see art, or talk about art, United Arts of Whatcom County This is where you should go. They are the region’s leading arts organization dedicated to cultivating the arts in the community and offer “fun and inspiring events and festivals, monthly gallery exhibitions, cross-cultural community building through arts events, and even art supplies thrift store” and everything else. ”, says project manager Xandra Blackburn. We particularly recommend attending an event to connect with residents, or visiting their thrift store to purchase household items sustainably. Home decoration DIY.
7. Try forest therapy yoga
If you are looking for outdoor community activities, Leisure Northwest Hosting exciting events for all ages. Founded in 2013, the Bellingham-based nonprofit is dedicated to teaching the health benefits of spending time in nature and promoting outdoor recreation. They offer a plethora of outdoor classes and experiences, such as forest therapy yoga, treasure hunts in the Treasure Hunt Adventure Lab, and Get a Dose of Nature, a guided nature immersion experience. Their three mission-related programs (park planning, advocacy, and stewardship) combined with their core values create unique nature experiences for all, especially during the sunny months of Bam.
8. PNW Whale Watching
Another incredible way to experience summer in Bellingham is by boat. Whale watching is on everyone’s bucket list, whether locals, new residents, or tourists, and whale watching season runs from spring to fall, with peaks from June to September. Outer island adventure Offers tours by high-speed boat to “search for orcas, whales, eagles, seals and more.” They are so confident in their skills that they are even guaranteed to see whales, as whale watching is truly a “right of passage” in the Pacific Northwest.
9. Grab a bite to eat in downtown Bellingham
You’re sure to work up an appetite after a day on the water, nature, or shopping in downtown Bellingham. To satisfy those cravings, we recommend you head to any of these two local Bham restaurants for a delicious meal.
Our first suggestion is Bantam Kitchen and Bar Located in downtown Bellingham. Mallard Ice Cream’s sister business, in our Redfern Bellingham Bucket List, this place also highlights seasonal, fresh and local produce. Their specialty is elevated comfort food, including quesadillas, deviled eggs, fried chicken and more. This is a split-level restaurant, so whether you enjoy the view from the bar upstairs or the cozy lounge downstairs, you’re sure to enjoy dishes and care “made with the bounty of Whatcom County” Made cocktails.
Our second suggestion is Old World Deli, also located in downtown Bellingham. The restaurant has been Bham’s only true deli since it opened in 2007 and has won several awards. Sandwiches may be a summer staple, and we can’t think of a better place to do so. “Whether you’re looking for gourmet sandwiches, imported deli cuts, premium cheeses, hard-to-find market items, catering for your special event, or a bottle of fine wine with dinner, we’re your place First choice,” said partner Chris.
10. Enjoy some art
If you want to immerse yourself in the local art scene, one way to do that is to find a nearby art space. Chuangyi art space Downtown Bellingham is a hub for art of all kinds. The non-profit organization supports, empowers and creates opportunities for all local artists and musicians through events and workshops. Executive Director Riley Currie says their “art gallery, live music every weekend, weekly workshops and classes, free community open mics, and their low-power FM radio station KZAX 94.9, have something for everyone.”
11. Hiking adventure
Like many cities in the PNW, Bellingham offers many great hikes for all levels of visitors. With picturesque views and fresh air, you’re sure to find a great place to hike, even if you’re not an avid hiker or outdoor enthusiast. Popular attractions include Oyster Dome, Fragrance Lake Trail, Stimpson Family Nature Preserve (Sudden Valley) and Whatcom Falls Park. Whether the final destination is lush trees reflected in a lake or the rushing Whatcom Falls, or if it’s the journey (rather than the destination) that you truly care about, a Washington summer hike is truly a must.
12. Get active
When the sun starts to shine, a great way to enjoy the nice weather is to get out and play a sport (new or old). Whatcom Sports & Leisure Program director Elsha Grimes said the scheme provides “an affordable, safe, fun and healthy environment where the community can enjoy a variety of unique recreation and activities”. The place is open to all ages and has plenty of indoor/outdoor soccer facilities, an ice rink, and several semi-professional sports teams to choose from. Not only will you get your daily exercise, but we can’t think of a better way to meet new people and get involved in the local community.
13. Taste the best beers
Whether you’re heading out for a picnic, driving to Chuckanat, after a hike, or whatever Bellingham activity you choose for the day, the iced coffee and pastry pairing is the perfect sweet summer treat. blue cafe is a black and queer owned business located on 11th Street that offers delicious drinks, pastries, and breakfast dishes along with healthy community cheer. Located in the heart of Fairhaven, this place “specializes in[s] Working with our guests to create an experience that might make you laugh or warm your heart,” said owner Micah Jones. Whether it’s iced milk tea to-go (well, hot is good too – we don’t judge), brunch with the family, or pastries with the girls, this cafe is truly a must-visit for Bam.
14. Visit your local Bam Art Studio
If art is more your thing, may we suggest a studio art tour? It happened in late summer, Whatcom Artist Studio Tour Takes you through Bellingham and visits the studios of several artists—for free! “Each studio features the work of a major artist, and some may include other artists, offering a unique and eye-catching variety of artwork,” explains graphic designer Nancy Chambers. Whether you are looking to purchase a new item to decorate your home bellingham houselooking for new sources of inspiration, or just want to connect, share and learn about art, this art discovery journey is truly for every art lover and novice alike.
15. Mini golf, go-karts, etc.
Located in Birch Bay, just half an hour north of Bellingham, it’s an entertainment haven Station 49. The restaurant has been family-run for four generations and has been a local staple since the 1950s. They offer many different activities such as go-karts, mini trains, live music and comedy shows, so you’re sure to find something you like. Whether you’re planning a mini-golf date night, a trip to the arcade with the kids, or want to try line dancing, this spot is a great place to kill summer boredom.
