The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bellingham, Washington (WA)

January 18, 2022 Mikaela Didonna

The Pacific Northwest scarcely gets more peaceful than unspoiled Bellingham, a bustling city nestled in the Bellingham Bay. Nature abounds in all directions surrounding this coastal paradise. The waters of the Pacific offer opportunities for whale watching, cruising to Friday Harbor or visiting the Canadian city of Victoria. To the east, Mt. Baker beckons skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. The city itself is alive with vibrant theater, historical museums, gourmet restaurants and fine arts.
Restaurants in Bellingham

1. Chain Lakes Loop

This attraction should be listed under Glacier, WA not Bellingham, WA, Bellingham, WA http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chain-lakes-3
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 36 reviews

Chain Lakes Loop

Reviewed By Danimarie8731 - Bellingham, United States

Easy access. I’ve been here in the winter spring and summer. All 3 times were fantastic. I’m not an expert hiker and I had an excellent time. Such stunning views. If you have the right boots or sandals (for me anything with Vibram technology) you will be able go far on this trail. It was iced over in December so we needed spike traction cleats for our shoes. If you are new to hiking this is an excellent place to start.

2. South Bay Trail

E. Laurel St. Boulevard Park, Bellingham, WA
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 60 reviews

South Bay Trail

3. Chuckanut Bay Distillery

1311 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225 +1 360-738-7179 [email protected] http://www.chuckanutbaydistillery.com
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 55 reviews

Chuckanut Bay Distillery

Located in the heart of Bellingham, Chuckanut Bay Distillery is a must-visit gem in central downtown Bellingham. Chuckanut Bay Distillery painstakingly slow crafts award-winning spirits from agricultural products (wheat, rye, potatoes, barley, corn, and more) grown within just a few miles of the distillery. Come by and enjoy a tasting flight through our portfolio of spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, coffee liqueur, and Krampus. Be sure to sign up for a guided tour led by our head distiller and see our grain-to-glass process up close.

Reviewed By klmfoster - Seattle, United States

My friends and I joined a group of 10 others to tour this unique space ~all while getting a lesson and tasting of some very fine spirits! I have lived in Bellingham for 26 years, and was thrilled to see this building open up to make space for an amazing artist (art with both the space, and the artisan distillery) Right downtown, so easy to miss ~ but don't! Very friendly (and knowledgeable) tour guide and staff. we also bought a bottle of the bourbon. Can't wait for the gin to come out

4. Clayton Beach

Bellingham, WA
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Clayton Beach

An uncrowded beach with beautiful rock formations and coves.

5. Interurban Trail

Bellingham, WA
Excellent
69%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Interurban Trail

A 5.5-mile biking trail.

Reviewed By adamtroywiggins - Abbotsford, Canada

This is easy access, beautifully forested trail that allows you to travel (run, walk, cycle) from Fairhaven to the camping sites of Larrabee State Park. The trail is largely developed on old railway grade and is user friendly!

6. Chuckanut Drive

State Highway 11, Bellingham, WA
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Chuckanut Drive

Chuckanut Drive is located between Bow and Fairhaven (Bellingham), WA. Built in 1909, as an original scenic roadway, above Chuckanut Bay.

Reviewed By IntrepidFromDC

Take three extra hours - 1.5 to detour off I5, and drive the beautiful road with amazing views, another 1.5 to experience Chuckanut Manor Seafood and Grill - also a 5! The road is carved out of a steep mountain with amazing water and island views. Drivers keep your eye on the road though because it's a long way down if you run off the road!

7. Bellingham Public Market

1530 Cornwall Ave Ste 107, Bellingham, WA 98225-4540
Excellent
70%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Bellingham Public Market

8. Structures Brewing

1420 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225-4513 +1 360-555-1800 http://www.structuresbrewing.us/
Excellent
70%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
10%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Structures Brewing

9. Nooksack Falls

Bellingham, WA +1 360-599-2714 http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall/Nooksack-Falls-4486
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 152 reviews

Nooksack Falls

Reviewed By Goodness4you - Newport Beach, United States

Easy to find right off the highway and a very easy stroll. These falls are absolutely beautiful. Well worth the stop.

10. Lake Padden Park

4882 South Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98229-3444 +1 360-778-7000 http://www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/lake-padden-park.aspx
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Lake Padden Park

This 900 acre park offers several miles of walking and biking trails.

Reviewed By Mur64 - Portland, United States

I walked around Lake Padden (2.8 miles) and had a lake view for half of walk and forest view for other part. THe day was windy which gave me nice wind in my hair on the lakeside and then calm on the forest side. The walking path is well done and I saw a few people. I walked it during the day during the middle of the week. I would walk this again on a future visit to Bellingham!

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