Insider's Guide

Bellingham, WA

Welcome to Bellingham Insider's Guide

Bellingham, Washington, is a vibrant city located in the northwest corner of the United States, near the Canadian border. Nestled between the San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountains, it offers breathtaking natural beauty and a high quality of life.

Weather

Bellingham enjoys a mild marine west coast climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound produce moderate temperatures year-round, while the nearby Cascade Mountains introduce variability.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Bellingham_Weather
Average Temperature

58°

Average Annual Rainfall

36"

Weather Patterns

Mild

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High
45°
48°
52°
58°
63°
67°
72°
73°
67°
58°
49°
44°
Low
35°
36°
39°
43°
48°
52°
55°
55°
50°
45°
39°
35°
Rain
8.0″
5.5″
4.4″
2.8″
2.1″
1.6″
0.9″
1.1″
2.0″
4.8″
8.0″
8.3″
Avg. Temperature

58°

Avg. Annual Rainfall

36"

Weather Patterns

Mild

High
Low
Rain
January
45°
35°
8.0"
February
48°
36°
5.5"
March
52°
39°
4.4"
April
58°
43°
2.8"
May
63°
48°
2.1"
June
67°
52°
1.6"
July
72°
55°
0.9"
August
73°
55°
1.1"
September
67°
50°
2.0"
October
58°
45°
4.8"
November
49°
39°
8.0"
December
44°
35°
8.3"

Local Sports

Bellingham may not have major league teams, but it boasts an energetic sports culture. The city features community-based and semi-professional teams, showcasing its passion for athletics and outdoor activities.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Bellingham_Local-Sports
Bellingham Bells (WCL)
The Bellingham Bells offer college players a summer platform to showcase their talents. With a strong local following, they provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment at Joe Martin Field, making them a cherished community fixture.
Sport: Baseball
Founded: 19991
Joe Martin Field
Bellingham United (EPLWA)
Known as “The Hammers,” the team enjoys passionate local support and fosters a competitive soccer environment. They reached the PCSL post-season Challenge Cup two years in a row and averaged over 1,000 fans per match at Civic Stadium.
Sport: Soccer
Founded: 2011
Civic Stadium
Western Washington University Vikings (GNAC)
The Vikings boast a robust athletic program, excelling with multiple national championships, especially in women’s rowing and men’s basketball.
Sport: Various, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and rowing
Founded: 1893
Civic Stadium

Golf Courses

Bellingham and its surrounding areas boast beautiful golf courses for all skill levels. These courses leverage the region’s stunning natural beauty, offering breathtaking views of mountains, water, and forests.
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Country Clubs

Bellingham Golf & Country Club
Dakota Creek Golf & Country Club
Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club

Public and Private Courses

Avalon Golf Links
Lake Padden Golf Course
North Bellingham Golf Course
Raspberry Ridge Golf Course
Sandy Point Golf Course
Shuksan Golf Club

Schools

Schools in Bellingham include public, private, and charter options. The Bellingham Public Schools district serves 11,614 students across 27 schools. There are also 16 private schools and one charter school. The area is diverse, with 37% minority enrollment.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Bellingham_School

Colleges and Universities

Bellingham Technical College
Northwest Indian College
Western Washington University
Whatcom Community College

School Districts

Bellingham Public Schools
Blaine School District
Ferndale School District

Private Schools

Assumption Catholic School
Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY)
Bellingham Christian School
Gardenview Montessori
Skagit Adventist Academy
Whatcom Hills Waldorf School

Performing Arts Schools

BAAY (Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth)
Bellingham Repertory Dance
Bellingham School of Music
Dancing for Joy
Opus Performing Arts

Things to Do and See

Bellingham is a vibrant city offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy scenic parks, engaging museums, and a lively arts scene. With opportunities for hiking, exploring historic areas, and community events, Bellingham caters to all interests.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Bellingham_Things-To-Do-And-See
Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive, Washington’s original scenic byway, stretches 20 miles from Burlington to Bellingham along WA State Highway 11. It features Larrabee State Park with beach access, tide pools, and trails. End your trip in historic Fairhaven Village, known for its art galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
Firehouse Performing Arts Center
The Firehouse Arts & Events Center is a versatile venue located in a renovated historic 1927 fire station in the Fairhaven neighborhood. It serves as a performance space, classroom, community meeting area, cafe, events space, theater, and art gallery.
Marine Life Center
The Marine Life Center in Bellingham features interactive exhibits and educational programs. Highlights include a touch tank, rock shore habitat, and the popular Great Pacific Octopus, showcasing diverse marine species.
Mount Baker Theatre
Mount Baker Theatre, a beautifully restored 1927 architectural gem in Downtown Bellingham’s Art District, is the largest performing arts venue north of Seattle. It hosts a wide range of performances, including concerts, plays, and films, enriching the region’s cultural scene.
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Sehome Hill Arboretum is a 180-acre park near Western Washington University. It features trails, an 80-foot observation tower, and diverse plant life. This lush, green space offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views and a rich variety of native and non-native plants.
Spark Museum of Electrical Invention
The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention in Bellingham showcases the history of electrical technology through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. Visitors can explore the development of electricity, radio, and related inventions, making it an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls Park is a 241-acre park in Bellingham, WA, featuring stunning waterfalls, extensive hiking trails, picnic areas, and a fish hatchery. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty, explore the well-maintained paths, and relax in the serene natural environment.

Directory

This directory serves as a valuable tool for efficiently locating and accessing essential resources, such as dining establishments, healthcare facilities, public service offices, and community events. By offering comprehensive details and contact information, it aims to streamline the process of finding necessary services and participating in local activities.
IR_Insiders-Guide_Directory
No coffee shops were found
Asia Oriental Market
Hela Provisions
India Market
Mi Rancho Meat Market
N State Street Market
Valley Market & Deli
Bellingham Country Gardens
Bellingham Farmers Market
Goods Nursery and Produce
Youngstock's Nursery & Produce
BoxDrop Mattress & Furniture
Griffith Furniture & Mattresses
Modern Classics Furniture
Animal Control and Rescue Services
Bellingham City Hall
Police Department
US Social Security Administration
Whatcom County Health and Community Services
Community Food Co-Op Downtown
Haggen (Meridian St location)
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods Market
Living Earth Herbs Apothecary
Living Pantry - Bellingham
Pope's Food Medicine
Wonderland Tea & Spices
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital
PeaceHealth United General Medical Center
Priority Care at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clinic
BTV Access Bellingham (Channel 10)
Fox 13 - Seattle (Channel 13)
KOMO- ABC 4 (Channel 4)
My Bellingham Now (OnlineNews)
Bellingham Public Library
Cascadia Daily News
Bellingham Bar and Grill
Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Fireside Martini and Wine Bar
Flatstick Pub - Bellingham
Honey Moon Mead & Cider
The Admiralty Lounge
Anthony's at Squalicum Harbor
Black Sheep Bellingham
Keenan's at the Pier
Lighthouse Bar & Grill
Rock and Rye Oyster House

The business listings provided in this directory are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, not all listings may include complete information such as phone numbers, websites, or other contact details.