Guidebook for Blaine
Drinks & Nightlife
Great wine selection...that's a focus. Also serves good food. Their flatbreads are a favorite. Great music on weekends and sometimes other nights. - check their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/thevaultwine/
16 locals recommend
The Vault Wine Bar
277 G StreetGreat wine selection...that's a focus. Also serves good food. Their flatbreads are a favorite. Great music on weekends and sometimes other nights. - check their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/thevaultwine/
Skylarks is also a restaurant and a bar...a place to hear jazz on many nights, especially weekend!
13 locals recommend
Skylarks Hidden Cafe
1308 11th StSkylarks is also a restaurant and a bar...a place to hear jazz on many nights, especially weekend!
It is both a pub and bar, and sometimes has music. There is an outdoor seating area during spring/summer/fall. About 10 minutes from Still Waters Cottage.
23 locals recommend
Packers Kitchen + Bar
9565 Semiahmoo PkwyIt is both a pub and bar, and sometimes has music. There is an outdoor seating area during spring/summer/fall. About 10 minutes from Still Waters Cottage.
Food Scene
Packers or Pierside Kitchen both overlook the water. Great sunsets. Also rent a boat at the marina. Live music on weekends outside by beach during summer and fall.
26 locals recommend
Semiahmoo Resort
9565 Semiahmoo PkwyPackers or Pierside Kitchen both overlook the water. Great sunsets. Also rent a boat at the marina. Live music on weekends outside by beach during summer and fall.
Good and casual. Outdoor area with great views of sunset. Ask for Brett...he's the BEST server. Tell him that Dotti and Roby sent you. He will take great care of you.
27 locals recommend
CJ's Beach House
7878 Birch Bay DrGood and casual. Outdoor area with great views of sunset. Ask for Brett...he's the BEST server. Tell him that Dotti and Roby sent you. He will take great care of you.
Want a great steak? This is THE place. Almost next door to The Vault Wine where you can go for a glass of great wine and live music on weekends.
16 locals recommend
Jack Niemann's Black Forest Steak House
638 Peace Portal DrWant a great steak? This is THE place. Almost next door to The Vault Wine where you can go for a glass of great wine and live music on weekends.
The Bellwether has great views and music. The music is outdoors during the summer and indoors in the winter!
8 locals recommend
Hotel Bellwether
1 Bellwether WayThe Bellwether has great views and music. The music is outdoors during the summer and indoors in the winter!
Great soups and sandwiches and located in the bottom of Village Books, a bookstore to remember!
19 locals recommend
Colophon Cafe
1208 11th StGreat soups and sandwiches and located in the bottom of Village Books, a bookstore to remember!
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa has a little of everything...an amazing hotel, restaurant and spa overlooking the water.
13 locals recommend
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa Bellingham, Curio Collection by Hilton
804 10th StThe Chrysalis Inn & Spa has a little of everything...an amazing hotel, restaurant and spa overlooking the water.
Eat at this fabulous restaurant after a hike to the top of Oyster Dome. It's directly across from the trailhead on Chuckanut. For lunch or dinner, make a reservation and be prepared to spend some bucks...worth it!
The view at the top is amazing. Sometimes, you will see a hang glider preparing to leap off the mountain and soar. From the Chuckanut Drive entry, it's 7 miles round trip. Be prepared for climbing as it's 2000 feet at the top.
40 locals recommend
The Oyster Bar
2578 Chuckanut DrEat at this fabulous restaurant after a hike to the top of Oyster Dome. It's directly across from the trailhead on Chuckanut. For lunch or dinner, make a reservation and be prepared to spend some bucks...worth it!
The view at the top is amazing. Sometimes, you will see a hang glider preparing to leap off the mountain and soar. From the Chuckanut Drive entry, it's 7 miles round trip. Be prepared for climbing as it's 2000 feet at the top.
Everything Else
North Bellingham Golf Course
205 W Smith RdGreat public golf course and reasonable prices.
Great golf and public, but pricey and worth it for stunning views!
21 locals recommend
Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club
8720 Semiahmoo PkwyGreat golf and public, but pricey and worth it for stunning views!
Essentials
Whether you are coming south from Canada or north from Seattle area, take Birch Bay Lynden Road exit off I-5. It's the exit you will take to head on out to your arrival at Still Waters Cottage. Why not make a stop before you arrive as it's only 5-10 minutes from Still Waters.
24 locals recommend
The Market At Birch Bay
8125 Birch Bay Square StWhether you are coming south from Canada or north from Seattle area, take Birch Bay Lynden Road exit off I-5. It's the exit you will take to head on out to your arrival at Still Waters Cottage. Why not make a stop before you arrive as it's only 5-10 minutes from Still Waters.
Haggen's is only 15 minutes away and a great grocery store with lots of options.
19 locals recommend
Haggen
1815 Main StHaggen's is only 15 minutes away and a great grocery store with lots of options.
Yorky's Market
8839 Blaine RdA convenient store, but more.
Parks & Nature
Stanley Park...right in the heart of downtown BC (British Columbia) Canada. Don't miss this! Stanley Park is world renowned. Just go and see it!
9 locals recommend
Stanley Park Loop station
Stanley Park...right in the heart of downtown BC (British Columbia) Canada. Don't miss this! Stanley Park is world renowned. Just go and see it!
Just a couple of miles from Still Waters Cottage.Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park feels private and secluded without being far from urban life.
Stroll along the rocky beach and take in dramatic views of the North Cascades Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. Or head up the Terrell Marsh interpretive trail to a rare saltwater and freshwater estuary teeming with birds and wildlife, including great blue herons.
Low tide reveals a wide mudflat with a treasure trove of clams and other shellfish that can be harvested in season. Bring out the pails, shovels, mud boots and licenses, and start digging! Swim in the relatively warm water (summer).
46 locals recommend
Birch Bay State Park
5105 Helweg RdJust a couple of miles from Still Waters Cottage.Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park feels private and secluded without being far from urban life.
Stroll along the rocky beach and take in dramatic views of the North Cascades Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. Or head up the Terrell Marsh interpretive trail to a rare saltwater and freshwater estuary teeming with birds and wildlife, including great blue herons.
Low tide reveals a wide mudflat with a treasure trove of clams and other shellfish that can be harvested in season. Bring out the pails, shovels, mud boots and licenses, and start digging! Swim in the relatively warm water (summer).
Great view with all types of boats. Grab a meal at one of the several restaurants surrounding the marina.
6 locals recommend
Port of Bellingham
1801 Roeder AveGreat view with all types of boats. Grab a meal at one of the several restaurants surrounding the marina.
Just beautiful! Hiking...enjoy!
On the eastern edge of Bellingham, Whatcom Falls Park is a 240-acre city park that features modern park amenities, well-maintained hiking trails, and plenty of open spaces to explore. Perhaps most notable about this city park are the four different waterfalls created by the cascading Whatcom Creek that meanders throughout the area. Alongside hiking trails like the 4.1-mile Whatcom Creek Trail Loop that explore these falls, visitors can find picnic tables, basketball courts, and covered shelters. The Stone Bridge constructed near the parking lot of Whatcom Falls State Park provides a scenic viewpoint that you really can't miss on your visit.
124 locals recommend
Whatcom Falls Park
1401 Electric AveJust beautiful! Hiking...enjoy!
On the eastern edge of Bellingham, Whatcom Falls Park is a 240-acre city park that features modern park amenities, well-maintained hiking trails, and plenty of open spaces to explore. Perhaps most notable about this city park are the four different waterfalls created by the cascading Whatcom Creek that meanders throughout the area. Alongside hiking trails like the 4.1-mile Whatcom Creek Trail Loop that explore these falls, visitors can find picnic tables, basketball courts, and covered shelters. The Stone Bridge constructed near the parking lot of Whatcom Falls State Park provides a scenic viewpoint that you really can't miss on your visit.
Galbraith Mountain is a defining feature of Bellingham recreation, and while the outdoor space and hiking trails lend towards many activities, most people visit Galbraith Mountain for the mountain biking
43 locals recommend
Galbraith Mountain Bike Park North Entrance
1206 Birch StGalbraith Mountain is a defining feature of Bellingham recreation, and while the outdoor space and hiking trails lend towards many activities, most people visit Galbraith Mountain for the mountain biking
Bayview Drive
Bayview DriveJust a great place to hang out
On the southeastern tip of Bellingham, next to Interstate 5, Lake Padden Park is a popular place for recreation in the area, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. With dozens of hiking trails weaving in and out of the woodlands, as well as challenging mountain biking trails, your fun at Lake Padden can always be in forward motion, and you'll find plenty of things to do. Outside of the blood-pumping recreation here, you can use the picnic shelters for an afternoon meal, let your furry friend run free at the off-leash dog park, and maybe catch a quick 18 holes at the adjacent Lake Padden Public Golf Course. 160 acre Lake Padden itself is also a top attraction.
100 locals recommend
Lake Padden Park
4882 S Samish WayOn the southeastern tip of Bellingham, next to Interstate 5, Lake Padden Park is a popular place for recreation in the area, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. With dozens of hiking trails weaving in and out of the woodlands, as well as challenging mountain biking trails, your fun at Lake Padden can always be in forward motion, and you'll find plenty of things to do. Outside of the blood-pumping recreation here, you can use the picnic shelters for an afternoon meal, let your furry friend run free at the off-leash dog park, and maybe catch a quick 18 holes at the adjacent Lake Padden Public Golf Course. 160 acre Lake Padden itself is also a top attraction.
There are 172 named islands and reefs in San Juan County, however the four ferry served Islands; San Juan Island (with the county seat Friday Harbor), Orcas Island, and Lopez Island are the most populous and host the vast majority of lodging and dining options and tourism activities. Spectacular view and energy of the islands with great food and music. Sucia, Lummi, and Lopez are also favorites of ours.
48 locals recommend
San Juan Islands
There are 172 named islands and reefs in San Juan County, however the four ferry served Islands; San Juan Island (with the county seat Friday Harbor), Orcas Island, and Lopez Island are the most populous and host the vast majority of lodging and dining options and tourism activities. Spectacular view and energy of the islands with great food and music. Sucia, Lummi, and Lopez are also favorites of ours.
Everything about this place is beautiful...the beach...the drive along Chuckanut Drive and the park itself.
As the only portion of the Cascade Mountains to reach the West Coast, the Chuckanut Mountains are another central theme behind the recreation and culture found in Bellingham. In the middle of this majestic mountain range, Washington's first State Park, Larrabee State Park, stands proudly for all the Chuckanuts have to offer. Whether it's world-class mountain biking or exploring scenic trails like the Oyster Dome Trail that lends to views of the adjoining Samish Bay and surrounding San Juan Islands, there is plenty of fun to be had at Larrabee State Park, not to mention the two photog
73 locals recommend
Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State ParkEverything about this place is beautiful...the beach...the drive along Chuckanut Drive and the park itself.
As the only portion of the Cascade Mountains to reach the West Coast, the Chuckanut Mountains are another central theme behind the recreation and culture found in Bellingham. In the middle of this majestic mountain range, Washington's first State Park, Larrabee State Park, stands proudly for all the Chuckanuts have to offer. Whether it's world-class mountain biking or exploring scenic trails like the Oyster Dome Trail that lends to views of the adjoining Samish Bay and surrounding San Juan Islands, there is plenty of fun to be had at Larrabee State Park, not to mention the two photog
Located 6 miles east of Bellingham, in the heart of an evergreen forest, is the Glen Echo Garden. Open Daily to the public, it offers 7 acres of multi-themed gardens including a Blue Garden, Gigantic Stump Garden, Serenity Garden, English Garden and Begonia & Fuchsia Garden. Recently added are the Natural Forest Garden, the Fern and Moss Garden, and the Japanese Garden!
Come and experience the peaceful atmosphere as you meander down walkways, past fountains, through arches, and along flowerbeds filled with unique shrubs and trees. Over 15,000 annuals add brilliant color to the natural wooded setting. Tables, chairs and benches are scattered throughout
Glen Echo Garden
4390 Y RdLocated 6 miles east of Bellingham, in the heart of an evergreen forest, is the Glen Echo Garden. Open Daily to the public, it offers 7 acres of multi-themed gardens including a Blue Garden, Gigantic Stump Garden, Serenity Garden, English Garden and Begonia & Fuchsia Garden. Recently added are the Natural Forest Garden, the Fern and Moss Garden, and the Japanese Garden!
Come and experience the peaceful atmosphere as you meander down walkways, past fountains, through arches, and along flowerbeds filled with unique shrubs and trees. Over 15,000 annuals add brilliant color to the natural wooded setting. Tables, chairs and benches are scattered throughout
Just over 50 miles east of downtown Bellingham, Mt. Baker Ski Area is not only a powder destination for residents of Bellingham, but the dramatic backdrop and impressive slopes of Mount Baker draw tourists from around the world. Featuring more than 1,000 acres to explore, ranging from bunny hills to expert-only cliff areas, Mt. Baker Ski Area has something for every level of winter athlete, and with an average of more than 600 inches of snowfall each year, fresh tracks are common at this Cascade Mountain ski mecca. Within the boundaries of Mt. Baker Ski Area, the community also hosts annual events including the acclaimed Mt. Baker Film Fest and the Legendary Banked Slalom race in February.
106 locals recommend
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Mount Baker HighwayJust over 50 miles east of downtown Bellingham, Mt. Baker Ski Area is not only a powder destination for residents of Bellingham, but the dramatic backdrop and impressive slopes of Mount Baker draw tourists from around the world. Featuring more than 1,000 acres to explore, ranging from bunny hills to expert-only cliff areas, Mt. Baker Ski Area has something for every level of winter athlete, and with an average of more than 600 inches of snowfall each year, fresh tracks are common at this Cascade Mountain ski mecca. Within the boundaries of Mt. Baker Ski Area, the community also hosts annual events including the acclaimed Mt. Baker Film Fest and the Legendary Banked Slalom race in February.
This is an amazing hike! We highly recommend it. The view at the top is amazing. Sometimes, you will see a hang glider preparing to leap off the mountain and soar. From the Chuckanut Drive entry, it's 7 miles round trip. Be prepared for climbing as it's 2000 feet at the top. When you finish, you can get a great meal (lunch or dinner) at the Oyster Bar (across from where you enter the Trailhead). It is fabulous and it's a little pricey. Book reservations for dinner (lunch if you can).
55 locals recommend
Oyster Dome Trailhead
Pacific Northwest TrailThis is an amazing hike! We highly recommend it. The view at the top is amazing. Sometimes, you will see a hang glider preparing to leap off the mountain and soar. From the Chuckanut Drive entry, it's 7 miles round trip. Be prepared for climbing as it's 2000 feet at the top. When you finish, you can get a great meal (lunch or dinner) at the Oyster Bar (across from where you enter the Trailhead). It is fabulous and it's a little pricey. Book reservations for dinner (lunch if you can).
Getting Around
You can also rent cars at Bellingham Airport. Of course, you can always use Lyft or Uber to get you where you are going without having to rent a car.
National Car Rental
4255 Mitchell WayYou can also rent cars at Bellingham Airport. Of course, you can always use Lyft or Uber to get you where you are going without having to rent a car.
Shopping
One of the few remaining independent books stores is in Fairhaven...just one of the many unique stores in "Old Bellingham." Charming and a "must see." Skylark's is good food and good live music Thursday - Sat.
122 locals recommend
Fairhaven
One of the few remaining independent books stores is in Fairhaven...just one of the many unique stores in "Old Bellingham." Charming and a "must see." Skylark's is good food and good live music Thursday - Sat.
The one of the largest independent bookstores in the country...you will not be disappointed. Upstairs is a coffee shop and small cafe overlooking the water in Bellingham Bay. Downstairs is the Colophon Cafe, Restaurant and Bakery, known for their great soups and sandwiches.
55 locals recommend
Village Books
1200 11th StThe one of the largest independent bookstores in the country...you will not be disappointed. Upstairs is a coffee shop and small cafe overlooking the water in Bellingham Bay. Downstairs is the Colophon Cafe, Restaurant and Bakery, known for their great soups and sandwiches.
If you like outlet stores, put this on your place to shop!
142 locals recommend
Seattle Premium Outlets
10600 Quil Ceda BlvdIf you like outlet stores, put this on your place to shop!