Bellingham's annual week-long community celebration, the Ski to Sea Festival, takes place during the the month of May. The Ski to Sea Festival features many community events including a junior Ski to Sea race, two parades, art and car shows, and a carnival. The celebration ends with the annual 85-mile long Ski to Sea race that takes place on Memorial Day Weekend. This seven-leg relay race starts at the top of Mt. Baker and finishes at Marine Park in Bellingham Bay.
HotelsHotel Bellwether
1 Bellwether Way
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 392-3100
Toll free: (877) 411-1200
Fax: (360) 392-3101
Fairhaven Village Inn
1200 10th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 733-1311
Toll free: (877) 733-1100
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa
804 10th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 756-1005
Toll free: (888) 808-0005
Best Western Lakeway Inn
714 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
Telephone: (360) 671-1011
Toll free: (888) 671-1011
Fax: (360) 676-8519 Best Western Heritage Inn
151 E. Mcleod road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Telephone: (360) 647-1912
Fax: (360) 671-3878 
RestaurantsA.W. Asian Bistro This sushi bar & Asian grill serves up classic stir fries, fresh sushi, and a long list of other fine entrees. Dishes feature cooking styles from many Pan-Asian heritages, including Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Mongolian, and Hawaiian. | | A.W. Asian Bistro | | 1132 Finnegan Way | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 715-3028 |
Anthony's offers fresh, expertly prepared seafood from our own seafood company, the best produce from local farmers, and warm, friendly service. While you dine, take in the spectacular views of the San Juan Islands and an impressive view of the sunset year round. | | Anthony's At Squalicum Harbor | | #25 Bellwether Way | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-5588 |
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar features moderately priced, high-quality food and beverage items in a comfortable atmosphere that appeals to all ages. | | Applebee's | | 1069 E Sunset Dr | | Bellingham, WA |
(360) 671-6000 |
The Bagelry produces the best bagels in the Northwest, prepared in the time-honored tradition that is hard to find today even in New York. With no preservatives or additives, The Bagelry's bagels taste like the ones our grandparents loved! | | Bagelry | | 1319 Railroad Ave | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 676-5288 |
Since 1995 we've been serving up the tastiest, healthiest and hugest Burritos anywhere. We go the extra mile to reduce the fat and additives and ramp up the taste. See our Menu and Healthy Eating pages for more on our menu and the Bandito way to eat healthier. We have the best salsa bar north of Seattle, mild, spicy or hot. All of our salsas are original recipes. Mango Tango, Green Apple Burn and House O' Pain to name a few. | | Bandito's Burritos | | 120 W Holly St | | Bellingham, WA |
(360) 738-8488 |
Delve into fresh Pacific seafood with attitude, impeccably prepared by our contingent of culinary renegades. Led by Executive Chef Craig Kline, the team boldy creates stylistic sushi, fantastic fishfare and myriad offerings to astound the most discerning individual. | | Big Fat Fish Co. | | 1304 12th St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 733-2284 |
Billy McHale's is a casual, family-friendly restaurant with a fun, retro nostalgic decor. Our menu offers a wide selection of all-american cuisine including a tasty selection of gourmet burgers with restaurant-made potato chips. We also have a separate lounge with a full-service bar, including cocktails, wine, beer and 31 margarita flavors! | | Billy McHale's Restaurant | | 4301 Guide Meridian | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 647-7763 |
Boomer's Drive In Boomers is located in an old-style A&W drive in, complete with the fireplace in the center of the dining room and car-hops. Good burgers, good shakes, good food all around. | | Boomer's Drive In | | 310 North Samish Way | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-2666 |
| | A no smoking, all ages establishment, The Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro has been in business since 1995, catering to locals and out-of-towners alike. While our beer has won award after award, it is balanced by a selection of food that will bring you back all on its own. All presented to you in a unique atmosphere of energy, artistry, community and hospitality. | | Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro | | 1107 Railroad Avenue | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-5593 |
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Busara Siamese Cuisine Busara serves all your favorite Thai dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients. Expect the average entrée to cost $8 to $12. Open for lunch and dinner. | | Busara Siamese Cuisine | | 324 36th Street | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 734-8088 |
For a truly fine dining experience, visit the Cliff House restaurant. We have the best dining view in Bellingham! Let us treat you with the finest service, freshest seafood, top-quality angus steaks, and rich pastas. You've simply got to try our famous "Whiskey Crab Soup!" Come and see the restaurant everyone's talking about! | | Cliff House | | 331 N State St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 734-8660 |
Coconut Kenny's Bite into Coconut Kenny's Killer Pork Bar-b-que sandwich - shredded Kalua pork on a veritable loaf of sweet Hawaiian bread - and you might recall that Hawaii was once known as the Sandwich Isles. But that's not all this beach-a-licious little restaurant dishes out. Don that tropical-print shirt you were wondering what to do with and try teriyaki wings, oven-baked pasta, or pizza made with Coconut Kenny's own sweet Hawaiian pizza dough, made fresh daily. | | Coconut Kenny's | | 2220 James Street | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-9273 |
The Legendary Colophon Cafe and Deli offers fine fare in a casual setting. The Colophon Cafe is famous for their freshly made soups and desserts, salads and sandwiches. We even have an old-fashioned ice cream counter and an espresso bar! | | Colophon Cafe | | 1208 11th St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-0092 |
We make our own fresh guacamole, salsa fresca, pico de gallo, sauces, pinto and black beans, and meats. All menu items are made to order. Our authentic recipes and fresh ingredients give you healthful Mexican meals that are incredibly delicious. | | Diego's Mexican Grill | | 300 N Samish Way | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 714-9426 |
| | It may seem more than just a bit odd that one of Bellingham's finest seafood, steak and primerib restaurants is named after one of its most unkempt characters. The restaurant, unlike its namesake, achieves a delicate balance of intimacy and elegance, backed by an inviting menu featuring fresh Northwest cuisine prepared in the classic traditions. | | Dirty Dan Harris | | 1211 11th St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 676-1011 |
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Dos Padres A Fairhaven favorite for over 30 years, serving delicious Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner. Quiet and authentic ambience, perfect for family dining. Dos Padres also has a great little hidden cantina. | | Dos Padres | | 1111 Harris Ave | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 733-9900 |
This combination bistro/wine shop is the perfect pairing of food & wine. Enjoy the food that is made with fresh, local and seasonal products and a menu that changes daily to reflect this. Pick out a bottle of wine to go with lunch or dinner from the extensive selection of Washington and Northwest wines. | | Du Jour Bistro | | 1319 Cornwall Ave | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 714-1161 |
You’re bound to have a terrific dining experience at El Gitano. Great Mexican food at a modest price, lots of it and fast, friendly service in an authentic setting is the concept behind El Gitano Mexican Restaurants. So if you appreciate great Mexican food, come hungry and come often... and stay for the fun! | | El Gitano | | 1125 E. Sunset Dr | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 714-1065 |
Flats Tapas Bar Flats offers an assortment of small, exotic dishes that can serve as an appetizer or a light meal. The food emphasizes Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine and is all prepared from scratch. A delightfully different dining experience. | | Flats Tapas Bar | | 1307 11th St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 738-6001 |
At Giuseppe's we use only the finest ingredients including virgin olive oil on our tables and in our sauces. We feature imported cheeses, mushrooms, and the best meats, olives and fine wines available, all in an effort to bring the classic taste of the Italian countryside to your dining table. All of this takes time but to us it is an art and a labor of love. We are truly committed to pampering our guests. At Giuseppe's our motto is and always has been: You deserve to be pampered! | | Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant | | 1414 Cornwall Ave | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 714-8412 |
Grace Café The Grace Cafe offers great food at great prices. Start your mornings off with a large assortment of fresh baked bagels with your favorite spread. And breakfast is served anytime with Grace's "EggWich" to their colossal home baked-on-the premises super delicious cinnamon rolls! Lunch is served starting with "Hearty & Healthy" salads & soups, "Sandwiches Extraordinaire" to "Create Your Own Sandwich" choosing your own meat, cheese and bread. And check out Grace's daily lunch specials, piping hot and ready to go! | | Grace Café | | 1065 E Sunset Drive | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 650-9298 |
Splendidly innovative Northwest menu selections served in an elegant waterside location with a panaramic view of Bellingham Bay and the islands. You will find the freshest seafood, locally grown vegetables, and fine aged meats are prepared with artistry and care unique to our distinguished chef, Joseph Merkling. | | Harborside Bistro | | 1 Bellwether Way | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 392-3200 |
Jalapeño's Family Mexican Restaurant All your favorite traditional Mexican dishes, along with some tasty new innovations, always served hot and fresh. Don't miss their delicious homemade salsa bar. | | Jalapeño's Family Mexican Restaurant | | 501 W Holly St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 671-3099 |
| | You'll find a truly comfortable and satisfying dining atmosphere accompanied by a fun and casual bar setting. Each is a welcoming destination on its own, and together they create an energetic and inviting, uniquely gratifying restaurant experience. | | Keg Steakhouse & Bar | | 3218 Fielding St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 738-0275 |
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La Fiamma specializes in delicious, award-winning wood fire pizza. From pepperoni to Moo Shu, the variety of the offerings on our menu satisfies the variety of the characters among our clientele. The La Fiamma experience is always a fusion of personality, ambience, and incredible food. | | La Fiamma | | 200 E Chestnut St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-0600 |
Le Chat Noir This intimate, artistic restaurant overlooks Fairhaven from the historic Sycamore Square building. It offers an ecclectic blend of comfort food and upscale cuisine with European influences, which is both delicious and reasonably priced. The food and service is complemented by the dark, mysterious atmosphere. | | Le Chat Noir | | 1200 Harris Avenue | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 733-6136 |
Mambo Italiano Mamo Italiano's terrific service complements its wonderful Italian cuisine. Outdoor seating is available on the sidewalk for lunch and dinner. | | Mambo Italiano | | 1303 12th St | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 734-7677 |
Mykonos Greek Restaurant Mykonos is just off I-5 at the Bellingham Airport exit. Their dining area features classic Greek columns, while the bar area is relaxed and welcoming. They feature a full range of Greek dishes, my favorite being the "Arni Psito" with New Zealand lamb and roast potatoes - washed down with a good ale and you still get change out of a $20 bill. | | Mykonos Greek Restaurant | | 1650 W Bakerview Road | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 715-3071 |
| | Nimbus is an innovative restaurant perched atop the 14th floor of the historic Bellingham Towers Building. With commanding views of the mountains, the ocean and the city, Nimbus brings a level of sophistication to Bellingham dining, rarely if ever before experienced. | | Nimbus | | 119 N Commercial St | | 14th Floor | | Bellingham, WA 98227 |
(360) 676-1307 |
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Olive Garden’s Culinary Institute of Tuscany, located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy in a restored 11th century village, is where Olive Garden’s chefs learn the secrets of great Italian cooking - like how to combine fresh ingredients - to create authentic Italian dishes that you’ll enjoy sharing with your family and friends. | | Olive Garden | | 4276 Guide Meridian | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 733-6286 |
| | The spectacular views of the San Juan Islands are the perfect backdrop for the stunning dishes served at candlelit tables. The wine cellar consistently wins the Best of Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator and provides a wonderful array of choices for wine lovers from around the world. | | Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive | | 2578 Chuckanut Drive | | Bow, WA 98232 |
(360) 766-6185 |
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| | Pad Thai is a largest, most beautiful and popular Asian restaurant in Bellingham. We offer great food, service and drinks…all at a reasonable price. Visit us at Pad Thai. We’re confident you’ll want to come back again and again… and, of course, bring your friends. | | Pad Thai | | 4285 Meridian St | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 752-2422 |
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Featuring premium blended-to order smoothies and fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, wheatgrass, energizing breakfast bowls, freshly prepared gourmet wraps and crisp salads, Robeks has met the challenge for convenient, great tasting and nutritious quick service meals. | | Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats | | 3110 Woburn St, #107 | | Bellingham, WA 98226 |
(360) 734-6363 |
Rudy's Pizzeria Rudy's serves up gourmet pizzas with over 50 toppings to choose from. You'll also find calzones, salads, tasty cookies, and a small but respectable selection of local beers on tap. Free delivery available after 5:00 pm. | | Rudy's Pizzeria | | 1230 N State | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 647-7547 |
Offering the finest seafood, steaks, pizza, gourmet burgers and pasta, all with waterfront dining. Also featuring a full service cocktail bar. | | Sensa | | 2615 S Harbor Loop Dr | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 733-4777 |
Shrimp Shack This local landmark is beloved by Bellingham residents and visitors alike. The Shrimp Shack serves delicious seafood prepared to perfection. | | Shrimp Shack | | 1200 Cornwall Ave | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 752-9100 |
Skylark's Hidden Café Breakfast starts at 7 AM featuring all the classics including pancakes, eggs, hash browns and omelets. Lunch offers hot and cold gourmet sandwiches, award winning soups, salads, and pasta entrees. Dinner offers the pastas and salads from lunch but features baked salmon, pesto prawn linguini, prawn scampi, seafood gumbo and a New York steak. If you have room, our bourbon sauced bread pudding is the highlight of our dessert menu. | | Skylark's Hidden Café | | 1308-B 11th St | | Bellingham, WA |
(360) 715-3642 |
We serve Authentic Mexican Food, made fresh daily with only the freshest ingredients. From the recipes of the Santos family and recipes from the old Mexico, Jalisco state. Our tortillas are handmade to order. We also have a large selection of salsas to choose from. | | Taco Lobo | | 117 W Magnolia Street | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 756-0711 |
| | Village Inn Pub & Eatery The Village is a family-friendly restaurant with a huge menu, specializing in American cooking and seafood. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with live music playing some evenings. | | Village Inn Pub & Eatery | | 3020 Northwest Ave | | Bellingham, WA 98225 |
(360) 734-2490 |
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Parks
Lake Padden Park
(4882 Samish Way) This popular park located on the south end of Bellingham is the city's largest park. It includes the lake, the surrounding wooded hillside and an 18-hole public golf course. Many events and activities take place in this park throughout the year including fun runs and triathlons, cross country races, the Jr. Ski to Sea Race and the New Year's Day Padden Polar Dip. The 2.6 mile trail that circles the lake is great for runners and walkers. The steeper trails on the back hillside are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The park has designated equestrian trails and off-leash dog trails as well. Lake Padden is one of Whatcom County's hatchery stocked lakes and many people come to fish here from the end of April to October. Bloedel Donovan Park
(2214 Electric Ave.) This park on the north end of Lake Whatcom has a public boat launch and is the primary public access point to the lake. In the summer, Bloedel Donovan is filled with families who come to swim, play and picnic. The park has a playground, sand volleyball, a swimming area with a sandy beach, basketball and a multipurpose field. The large multipurpose building here is used for many different events and activities from toddler playtimes to art shows to classes. The Railroad Trail ends at Bloedel Donovan and provides easy access to and from the park for people on foot or bike. Boulevard Park
(South State St. and Bayview Dr.) A beautiful waterfront park along Bellingham Bay. This park is a great place to hang out on a sunny afternoon and watch the sunset in the evening. The park has a large grassy area and a small children's play area perfect for summer picnics and family gatherings. Several free summer music concerts are held here and it is a great place to watch fireworks on the 4th of July. Many people come to Boulevard Park on foot by the South Bay Trail that runs from the Village Green in Fairhaven through Boulevard Park and onto Downtown Bellingham. The 2.5 mile scenic trail is filled with walkers, joggers, dogs and families on nice weekend days. The park now has a Woods Coffee shop along the path which makes it a perfect destination to get your favorite drink. Whatcom Falls Park
(1401 Electric Ave.) A beautiful, forested park located along Whatcom Creek features several miles of wooded trails that are used by runners, hikers, dog walkers and kids. A scenic waterfall (photo right) can be seen from the stone bridge near the park's lower parking lot. A fish hatchery is located next to the parking lot and a short walk upstream is Derby Pond, a juvenile fishing area stocked with hatchery trout. Whatcom Falls Park has two playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a multipurpose field and a shelter. Dog owners can walk their dogs off-leash on the Waterline Trail between the water treatment plant and the cemetery. Groups of Mt. Bikers will often park in the upper parking lot of the park and head up to nearby Galbraith Mt. which has miles of roads and trails. Fairhaven Marine Park
(west end of Harris Ave.) This scenic park on Bellingham Bay features a saltwater beach and views of the San Juan Islands. Recent improvements to the beach have made access to the water safer and easier for kayakers as well as a better marine habitat. The park has a shelter, picnic area and public restrooms. During low tides, herons can often be seen fishing in the shallow waters. During Memorial Day weekend, this quiet park becomes jam-packed with spectators who come to watch the kayakers come ashore and cross the finish line of the annual Ski to Sea Relay Race.
Fairhaven Park
(107 Chuckanut Dr.) A nice city park with a playground, summer spray park, tennis court, basketball court and a multipurpose field. The park has a pavilion and a picnic shelter that can be rented out for special events. The park is located along the 6.5 mile long Interurban Trail that runs from Fairhaven to Larrabee State Park. This popular trail is enjoyed by walkers, joggers and bikes and is used for the annual Chuckanut Footrace each year in July.
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Arroyo Park
(Old Samish Rd.) A beautiful forested park along Chuckanut Creek in south Bellingham. The park has moderate to difficult trails that are used by hikers, joggers, mountain bikers and horses. All trails in Arroyo park are designated by the city as off-leash dog areas and open to horses (handlers must pick up after their animals and have voice control over their dogs).
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Cornwall Park
(3424 Meridian St.) A beautiful forested city park located along Squalicum Creek. This park has a nice playground and a summer spray park for kids. The creek has several cascading pools that can be fun for kids to play in during the summer. Bellingham's only public disc golf course is located in Cornwall Park. The 9-hole course is free to use and is a fun activity for all ages, just bring your own discs. The park also has tennis courts, a multipurpose field and the Jackson Fitness Trial.
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Big Rock Garden Park
(Sylvan St. and Illinois Ln.) A beautiful garden park near the north end of Lake Whatcom. This peaceful park has wooded trails and a wonderful collection of permanent and temporary outdoor sculptures. Each year in May, Big Rock Garden has a party celebrating the opening of its new Sculpture Exhibit. The park also has several summer concerts on Sunday afternoons. A great place to get away and enjoy nature!
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Sehome Arboretum
(25th St. Sehome Hill) This natural forest park located on Sehome Hill next to WWU's campus. It is maintained by both WWU and the City of Bellingham. The Arboretum has several miles of trails and a road that runs to the top of the hill. There is an observation tower at the top of the hill a short distance from the parking lot. The tower is on the north side of Sehome Hill and offers nice views of the bay, the city, north Whatcom County and the Canadian Cascades. Many college students in the nearby neighborhoods use the trails to walk to and from class. The steeper trails are often used by area high school and college athletes for a challenging workout. Dogs are allowed off-leash on secondary trails only.
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Woodstock Farm
Bellingham's newest park opened to the public in 2006. The farm is a public heritage site built by Cyrus Gates over 100 years ago. The site was used by the native people for thousands of years prior to Mr. Gates living there. Currently, selected areas of the site are open to the public. Woodstock Farm is located on Chuckanut Bay and must be reached by foot or bicycle via the Interurban Trail or Chuckanut Drive. Parking is available at the North Chuckant Trailhead parking lot.
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Samish Park
This park is located on Lake Samish and is operated by the Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Dept. The park has a day lodge, swimming area, playground, picnic tables, hiking trails, fishing dock and non-powered boat rentals.
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Larrabee State Park
This park is located along Samish Bay 6 miles south of Bellingham. It can be reached from Chuckanut Drive and the Interurban Trail. The park has a campground, rocky beach, hiking trails and a public boat launch. Kids enjoy the beach and the tide pools at low tide. Colorful starfish are easy to see along with a variety of other sea creatures. A good place to enjoy the sunset and the scenery. The calm waters of the bay make it a nice place to kayak.
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*Info and Pictures courtesy of bellingham.net, livebellingham.com and mcclatchy.com |
