Discover Bellingham, WA: Your Ultimate Guide to RV Camping and Exploration
Located a bit north of Seattle and a bit south of Vancouver, the town of Bellingham, Washington, is a lovely little place that is well worth visiting if you ever have the chance.
No, the city doesn’t have the huge museums and fancy attractions found in the two big cities it’s sandwiched between, but it has a certain charm that is hard to deny, and you’ll find there are plenty of great answers when it comes to asking the question, “What’s there to do in Bellingham, Washington?”
Ready to plan your trip to this amazing little city and see all it has to offer? This article will help you figure out when to go, where to park the RV, and what to do while you’re there.
When To Visit Bellingham, Washington
First, let’s talk a bit about when you might want to plan a trip to Bellingham. The city is quite far north (almost as far north as you can go without leaving the US). On top of that, it sits right on the water, so chilly ocean breezes are consistently there. What does this mean for you? If you’re traveling in an RV (and really, even if you aren’t), it means you likely don’t want to visit during the winter months.
We spent a month and a half in the area during June and July and sometimes found ourselves feeling a bit cold in the evenings even then. That said, the daytime summer temperatures were absolutely perfect, leading us to believe it is the best time to be in the city. From what I understand, spring and fall are both okay seasons to visit Bellingham if you don’t mind the chilly weather, but as we said before, winter should probably be avoided.
Where To Camp in Bellingham, Washington
We visited the Bellingham area in our RV, and we highly recommend you do the same. There are a number of great RV parks around, and staying in an RV is definitely the most budget-friendly option. Besides, who doesn’t like a camping trip?
Some of the best camping options in the area include:
Larrabee State Park
We absolutely loved Larrabee State Park! While we didn’t camp in this park, we did enjoy several day visits and would definitely plan to camp there next time we’re in the area. The park is located about 20 minutes outside of town, and the campground at Larrabee State Park offers full hookups, nice showers, trails, a playground, easy ocean access, and more.
The Cedars RV Resort
Another great option is The Cedars RV Resort in Ferndale. This RV park features full-hookup sites, a swimming pool, and a fun and welcoming vibe. We love that the park is just 15 minutes from downtown Bellingham and very close to the ocean as well.
Birch Bay RV Campground
We stayed in Birch Bay RV Campground during our time in the Bellingham area. This is a Thousand Trails park with a pool, a dog park, and two playgrounds. The bathhouses are lovely, and the park staff is friendly and helpful. Although this park is part of the Thousand Trails network, you do not have to have a membership to stay.
What To Do in Bellingham, Washington
Wondering what to do in Bellingham, WA? We’ve got you covered! Below are the very best things we found to do while in the area. That said, these are far from the only options, so be sure to do a little exploring of your own to see what other gems you can dig up.
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
An absolutely amazing little museum that focuses solely on the history and science of electricity, this is one of the best museums we have seen in a long time.
On the weekends, the museum has an awesome presentation all about electricity and how it works. Additionally, there are docents all throughout the museum offering fun tidbits and demonstrations. The exhibits include countless antique electronics, some with some surprising historic significance.
Mindport Exhibits
Somehow even smaller than SPARK, Mindport was another unique spot that really surprised us with just how cool it was. This museum is located right next door to SPARK, and if you don’t mind a long day, it’s totally possible to do both in a single day. The Mindport Exhibits consist of a huge number of hands-on exhibits and contraptions that allow visitors to experiment with light, sound, color, gravity, and more.
Whatcom Museum
Unfortunately, we never did make it to the Whatcom Museum during our visit. It’s on our list for next time, though! This museum focuses on the art, culture, and history of the Northwest. It features three full floors of exhibits and galleries and seems to be an amazing place to learn about the area you’re visiting. As an added bonus, this museum accepts ASTC reciprocal passes!
Marine Life Center
This place is tiny, but it’s free and is an awesome place to learn about all the creatures that call the waters of this area home. Our favorite animal at the center was the octopus. We also loved watching the animals during feeding time, and the knowledgeable staff made the whole experience a memorable one.
Larrabee State Park
We mentioned Larrabee State Park as a place to camp above. That said, even if you don’t camp here, you really should pay the place a visit. The park features walkways down to the bay, beautiful hiking trails, a playground, and more.
Our favorite spot in the park? The short hike down to Clayton Beach, where you can find countless sand dollars as well as tide pools that are chock-full of all kinds of critters.
Big Rock Garden Park
Another great place to go for a stroll? Big Rock Garden Park. This park is tucked away in the heart of Bellingham and provides an excellent place for a well-shaded afternoon walk. The walking path here features all kinds of interesting sculptures, giving you something to look at and ponder as you enjoy the outdoors.
Whatcom Falls Park
Yes, we are suggesting another park. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say Whatcom Falls Park is a must-see while in Bellingham. As you might have guessed, this little oasis features a beautiful waterfall. There are walking paths throughout the park, and the tranquil setting is ideal for resetting and reconnecting with nature.
Experience Bellingham: A Destination of Endless Adventure
Bellingham, WA, offers a perfect blend of outdoor and urban adventures. With fantastic camping opportunities, abundant outdoor activities, and a vibrant cultural scene, this Pacific Northwest gem truly has something for everyone. There’s no better way to truly appreciate Bellingham’s diversity than by experiencing it firsthand. So, why wait? Plan your Bellingham trip today and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city.
