Renew Yourself in Bellingham, Washington
By Visit Bellingham December 26, 2025
Images courtesy of Visit Bellingham
Unwind and reset in 2026 with a trip to peaceful Bellingham, Washington. Located between the stunning Cascade Mountains and the tranquil Salish Sea, there’s no better place for a trip packed with quiet moments in nature combined with the amenities of a culturally rich college town.
Bellingham is known for its outdoor recreation, with an abundance of year-round hiking, biking, and water activities. Find serenity on an alpine trail on Mount Baker or soak in forest vibes in the Chuckanut Mountains or Whatcom Falls Park. Experience the magic of bioluminescence on a nighttime kayaking tour or ride your bike toward electric sunset views on Galbraith Mountain.
In town, there’s plenty to do and see in Downtown Bellingham or historic Fairhaven Village. Browse art galleries, boutiques, bookstores, and antique shops. Savor seafood and craft beer at award-winning restaurants and breweries. Go on a distillery tour, explore a museum, or catch live entertainment at a theater or music venue. If you need help mapping out your itinerary, a variety of curated quest passes can give you ideas while offering discounts along the way.
When you’re ready to turn in for the night, check in at one of Bellingham’s many incredible hotels. Options like Hotel Bellwether and The Chrysalis Inn offer water-view rooms and delicious, convenient on-site dining. The Chrysalis is also home to one of the best spas in town—the perfect place to treat yourself to a decadent massage, facial, or other treatment.
Learn more and start planning your next well-deserved vacation at bellingham.org.
Follow Us
Grange Estate Brings Modern Luxury to Dundee Hills
Foley Wines created a hidden-gem hospitality experience in Oregon’s popular vineyard region.
I have a confession. Although I have long loved Pinot Noir, it wasn’t until January of this year that I visited Oregon’s Dundee Hills, a 12,500-acre American Viticultural Area about 30 miles southwest of Portland. I’ve spent time in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, the Columbia Gorge, and even Portland proper, but for some reason had…
Like Nowhere Else
Muckleshoot Casino Resort. The biggest and best in the northwest.
Photos courtesy of Muckleshoot Casino Resort. Located south of Seattle, Muckleshoot Casino Resort offers a truly unforgettable escape—one with indulgence, relaxation, and exhilaration, all right at your fingertips. Whether you’re planning a thrilling night out, a spontaneous staycation or a memorable weekend away, this is the experience you’ve been looking for. Our luxurious hotel has…
Winter Isn’t Over Yet
Why now might be the best time to take your kids skiing.
For many avid skiers in the Pacific Northwest, this winter has been a bust. Drier-than-normal conditions and a lack of snow have put a real damper on powder days, lift operations, and access to the mountains. As an avid backcountry skier, I’ve noticed the lean conditions and have not made it a priority to get…
The Rise of the Experience Economy
REI brings back guided travel, betting that memories matter more than stuff.
In my household, with two young boys under the age of five, we often have to remind them to take things back. Did you really mean to tell dad that his dinner isn’t good? You might want to take that back. Did your brother deserve to be hit? Let’s rethink that one. Extreme analogies aside,…