Seattle Day Trip Guide: Bellingham, Washington

About an hour drive north of Seattle and just 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Bellingham, Washington, is a breathtaking gateway to outdoor adventure. Getting there on the scenic route—pro tips: take Chuckanut Drive, stop for pastries and seafood—is half the fun.  

Here’s a taste of what Bellingham has to offer. 

Chuckanut Drive 
Take the scenic route 

Drive ten miles of gorgeous cliffside byway. 

Makeworth Coffee Roasters 
Serene coffee scene 

Bright, open, and airy, the two-story location in downtown Bellingham features small-batch roasts and easy breakfast (tacos!). 

Taylor Shellfish Farms 
Tide-to-table dining 

Sample oysters, clams, and the infamous geoduck (their words, not ours). 

Mallard Ice Cream 
Stop for a scoop 

Get a cone, sundae, shake or a hand-packed pint in one of 25 delicious—and often rotating—flavors. 

Breadfarm 
Baked goods with curbside pick-up 

Grab freshly made sweets and explore Bow, Washington’s local shops. 

Rock & Rye Oyster House 
Another seafood option (among many!) 

If you don’t stop at Taylor’s along the way, swing by Rock & Rye Oyster House for happy hour on the deck. 

Whatcom Museum 
Local history at its finest 

The Whatcom offers three options—try the Lightcatcher Building (above), which focuses on Northwest Coast Salish tribes history and culture.