Things to do in Bellingham

    Discover amazing Bellingham activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Bellingham sits between the sparkling waters of Bellingham Bay and the foothills of Mount Baker, offering an unbeatable mix of waterfront strolls, mountain adventures, and a lively downtown bursting with craft breweries and farm-to-table eateries. From kayaking past historic ships to hiking forested trails or catching a live show at a local venue, Bellingham invites you to dive into Pacific Northwest culture and scenery at every turn.

    Popular Activities in Bellingham

    Private Salish Sea Birding Tour for 1 to 6 People

    Spot Salish Sea seabirds on a private 3 or 6 hour tour from Anacortes with a certified naturalist

    4.9 88 reviews

    Private Whale Watching and Wildlife Tour for 1 to 6

    See orcas and marine wildlife in the San Juan Islands on a private tour led by a certified naturalist

    4.9 88 reviews

    3-Hour Guided Kayak Tour on Orcas Island

    Embark on a breathtaking kayaking adventure around the stunning Orcas Island! This 3 hour guided kayak tours offer an unforgettable journey, perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $89/ person

    Orcas Island E-Bike Adventure

    Discover the enchanting beauty of Orcas Island on an E-Bike! We suggest renting Electric Bikes for Orcas, as it is quite hilly and works better for groups.

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $40/ rental

    Orca Whale Watching Cruise in Eastsound

    Embark on a guaranteed whale-watching tour with over 98% success rate. Book in advance to secure your spot!

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $24/ person
    Private Fishing Charter in San Juan Islands

    Private Fishing Charter in San Juan Islands

    Cast off into the vibrant waters of the San Juan Islands with this Private Fishing Charter! Perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels, this 4 hour charter provides a comprehensive fishing experience, from bottom fishing to crab and prawn catching.

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $1,690/ group

    Mount Constitution Hike & Gourmet Picnic

    Experience the beauty of Moran State Park like never before with our exclusive Hike & Gourmet Picnic on top of Mount Constitution. This unique experience is exclusively offered only to our guests.

    $189/ person

    Private Day Sailing Tour From Orcas Island

    Experience a private 3-hour sail on a classic sloop in calm San Juan waters with optional hands-on instruction

    5.0 39 reviews

    Private 1-Hour Combo Horseback Ride

    Build confidence with arena and trail time plus personalized wrangler guidance

    4.9 192 reviews

    30-Minute Public Trail Ride

    Enjoy a guided trail ride for ages 3+ with a safety class—no experience needed

    4.9 192 reviews
    $30/ rider

    50 Minute Group Trail Ride

    Ride with experienced guides; ages 8+ and no experience required

    4.9 192 reviews

    Kids Pony Time With Grooming and Pony Ride

    Let ages 3–7 groom ponies and enjoy a relaxed trail or arena ride in a fun, 1-hour session

    4.9 192 reviews
    $60/ child

    Private Mountain Trail Ride

    Customize your ride with a dedicated wrangler and enjoy Skagit Valley views

    4.9 192 reviews
    $150/ person

    Public Mountain Trail Ride with Skagit Valley Views

    Guided 2-hour mountain ride with Skagit Valley views for experienced riders ages 10+

    4.9 192 reviews
    $100/ person

    Private and Semi-Private Riding Lessons

    Learn to ride with one-on-one or small-group instruction tailored to beginners

    4.9 192 reviews

    Northwest Wildlife Sanctuary Experience

    Meet sloths, a river otter, wolf dogs, and owls up close during a 90‑minute wildlife encounter

    4.8 63 reviews
    $79/ person

    Afternoon 6-Hour Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

    Explore prime wildlife zones with naturalist guides on a beginner-friendly 6-hour kayak outing

    4.7 544 reviews

    Beginner Full-Day Kayak Rental in Friday Harbor

    Enjoy a 6-hour paddle with quality gear, GPS safety, and beginner-friendly routes

    4.7 544 reviews

    Beginner Half-Day Kayak Rental in Friday Harbor

    Paddle protected waters with GPS-tracked kayaks, safety gear, and flexible start times

    4.7 544 reviews

    San Juan Island Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

    Paddle after sunset to see glowing waters with expert naturalist guides; beginner friendly

    4.7 544 reviews
    $259/ person

    Morning 3-Hour Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

    Paddle with expert naturalist guides on a beginner-friendly morning outing with chances to spot local wildlife

    4.7 544 reviews
    $149/ person

    Guided Drift Boat Birdwatching on Skagit River

    Drift peacefully down the Skagit River to spot diverse birdlife and lush scenery

    5.0 316 reviews

    Deer Harbor 3-Hour Kayak Tour

    Paddle the Wasp Islands from Orcas Island with wildlife spotting, guide support, and basic instruction included

    4.9 144 reviews
    $119/ person

    Orcas Island Spring Wildflower Kayak Tour

    Paddle to Yellow Island in small groups and see seasonal wildflowers on a guided kayak tour

    4.9 144 reviews
    $145/ person

    Deer Harbor Whale Watching with Naturalists

    Spot orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales on an educational cruise led by expert naturalists

    4.9 259 reviews
    $99/ person

    Half-Day Kayak Tour on San Juan Island

    Paddle the west side for wildlife and scenic views with expert guides and small groups

    4.9 804 reviews
    $140/ person

    In-Home Experiences

    Private Chef Gourmet Dinner on Orcas Island

    Enjoy the luxury of a gourmet meal prepared in the comfort of your vacation rental by an experienced chef who tailors every dish to your group's preferences.

    $50/ person

    Explore the Charm of Bellingham

    Bellingham is a vibrant city where the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest meet a thriving arts scene and an adventurous spirit. Located between Seattle and Vancouver, this charming destination offers visitors unique experiences with its mix of urban amenities and natural beauty. Wander through Fairhaven's historic district to discover boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries that reflect the city's creative vibe.

    The great outdoors beckon in Bellingham with opportunities for hiking at Whatcom Falls Park or exploring Chuckanut Drive’s scenic byway for breathtaking views of Puget Sound. In warmer months, Lake Padden provides perfect spots for kayaking or picnicking along its serene shores. For those seeking winter thrills, nearby Mount Baker boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Washington State.

    Bellingham also prides itself on being a haven for craft beer enthusiasts with numerous local breweries offering tastings throughout town. Whether you're savoring fresh seafood at one of its waterfront restaurants or catching live music downtown, there's always something happening here that captures both heart and imagination. This city invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and leave feeling rejuvenated by nature’s splendor mixed with small-town charm.

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