Enjoy the History, Scenery, and Adventure of Whatcom County!
Whatcom County covers a large area of Washington that spans from the Canadian Border in the north to Skagit County in the south, and from the Salish Sea on it’s western side up into the Cascade Mountains to the east.
Places to Learn about the history of Whatcom County
Fairhaven Historic District, Salmon Cannery, Pioneer Park, Historic Log Cabins, Deming Logging Show Museum, Whatcom Museum of History and Art
Education: Mount Baker vineyards, Marine Biologist-Guided Nature Walks, The American Radio Museum, Drayton Harbor Maritime Museum, Lynden Pioneer Museum
Convenient Day Trips in Whatcom County
Casinos, Georgia Straits Cannery, Mount Baker (hiking), Artist Point and Table Mountain, Lynden Dutch Village, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (seasonal), Buchart Gardens, San Juan Islands, Outlet Mall, White Rock, Canada a quaint seaside village, Antique and Collectable shopping.
Soft Adventure and Family Fun
Fishing, Sea Kayaking Tours, Balloon Tours of Skagit Valley, Whale Watching, River Rafting, Wet & Wild Waterpark, Golf courses, Hiking, Horse Back Riding
Unique Ideas
Native American Story Teller, Scottish Highland Games, Art Gallery Walk, Chartered Cruises & Sunset Sails, year-round, Gourmet Dining, and Sunset Beach Bonfires.
Visit Semiahmoo Resort Golf and Spa, a waterfront resort nestled in a 1,100-acre wildlife preserve in Blaine, Washington. The preserve is visited by over 200 species of birds yearly and boasts sunset views over Semiahmoo Bay and sunrise views of Mount Baker over Drayton Harbor.
For mountain bikers, Bellingham is host to some of the best mountain biking in Washington.
Bellingham Washington
Visit Bellingham Washington to enjoy much of what Whatcom County has to offer. Known for it’s penchant for beer, Bellingham has a reputation for being, shall we say, “selective” when it comes to beer choices! You will find excellent accommodations for your stay, savory dining and delectable desserts, as well as shopping, entertainment, and activities to fill your days. See Bellingham Webcams for current weather conditions.
Historic Fairhaven
(I-5 Exit 250)
A favorite destination for visitors, historic Fairhaven still sports many of the original buildings and brick covered streets from the area’s glory days at the turn-of-the-century. Shop in the many unusual and charming stores with clothing, jewelry, pottery, fine woodworking and galleries, test the wide array of culinary establishments, and revel in the singular charm that is exclusively Fairhaven. A historic walking tour brochure is available at most Fairhaven businesses.
Chuckanut Drive
(I-5 Exit 250)
There’s no drive on earth that could replicate this stunning roadway. Positioned along the coastline, Chuckanut Drive bestows outlooks so breathtaking you’ll readily take advantage of the many viewpoints along the way. Enjoy views of the San Juan Islands and salt-water vistas and fern embedded stone cliffs. There are several hikes along the route, and rich Skagit farmlands at the end with access back to I-5.
Lynden – A Dutch Village
The work and tradition of Dutch settlers are alive and thriving in the town of Lynden. Located on State Highway 539 (I-5 Exit 256), this delightful farming community greets visitors to their downtown area with a windmill and rows of shops sprinkled with Dutch architecture on the main street. Most of the shops are closed on Sunday. Lynden celebrates several Dutch holidays and is home to the popular NW Washington Fair.
July 8, 1998
Mount Baker Highway
With its majestic glaciers, 10,778 foot Mount Baker is just 90 minutes away from Bellingham and may be seen from much of Whatcom County (I-5 Exit 255). More than majestic views and natural beauty, the Mount Baker Highway offers insight into the history of the Pacific Northwest. Designated a Washington State Scenic and Recreation highway in 1967, the highway continues 58 miles from I-5 in Bellingham to Artist Point (elev. 5,140 ft.), viewpoint surround by Mt. Baker’s peak, Mt. Shuksan and Table Mountain. Download a Mt Baker Highway Driving Guide, which contains maps, historical information and a mile-by-mile tour of the Mt. Baker Highway. See photo journal of Artist Point and Table Mountain at the end of the Mount Baker Highway.
Vancouver, British Columbia
(Peace Arch Border Crossing)
Vancouver, British Columbia is a truly cosmopolitan city placed in a dramatic natural setting. Surrounded by mountains and a thriving port environment filled with great shopping and touring opportunities, Vancouver B.C. is the perfect day trip from Bellingham at a mere hour or so north. Visit Canada Place that incorporates the World Trade center and the CN Imax Theater. Rent a bike and tour Stanley Park and be sure to visit historic Gastown and Granville Island for shopping and fun dining. Vancouver also has a large and vibrant Chinatown.
White Rock, British Columbia
(Peace Arch Border Crossing)
White Rock, B.C. is the waterfront community you can see directly across the water from the Resort. Miles of sandy beaches, quaint shops, tea rooms, art galleries, waterfront dining, and spectacular sunsets greet visitors to White Rock. White Rock’s Marine Drive with its red brick promenade lines three miles of waterfront. Along the promenade both young and old join together to celebrate life, creating an almost carnival-like atmosphere.
LaConner, WA
LaConner, south of Whatcom county in Skagit County (I-5 Exit 230), is a charming waterfront village renowned for its annual tulip festival. LaConner has something for everyone, whether you like shopping, historical sites and museums, wildlife, or walking in the world-famous fields of flowers.
Attractions
- GoNorthwest.com – NW Washington
- Bellingham/ Whatcom County CVB
Best Restaurants in Whatcom County
- The following restaurants in Whatcom County offer fresh Farm to Table cuisine:
- Pierside Kitchen Restaurant at Resort Semiahmoo – Blaine / Birch Bay
- The Fork at Agate Bay – East of Lake Whatcom
- The Willows Inn – Lummi Island
Lodging – Hotels in Whatcom County
- Resort Semiahmoo, Golf, Spa
- Hotel Bellwether
- Chrysalis Inn
- Marriott SpringHill Suites
- Silver Reef Casino Hotel
- Also see hotels in Bellingham
Blaine Washington Hotels
Lynden Washington Hotels
Windmill Inn Lynden
Homestead Resort
Ferndale Washington Hotels
