Beach House Guidebook
Groceries/Essentials
This is the closest grocery store to Sandy Point in Ferndale. In addition to groceries, it has a deli, cheese section, bakery, lots of take out options, beer, wine, spirits and a pharmacy. Great selection and good customer service. Three other locations in Bellingham.
19 locals recommend
Haggen
1815 Main StThis is the closest grocery store to Sandy Point in Ferndale. In addition to groceries, it has a deli, cheese section, bakery, lots of take out options, beer, wine, spirits and a pharmacy. Great selection and good customer service. Three other locations in Bellingham.
Fred Meyer
1225 W Bakerview RdOne stop shopping for groceries, apparel, toys, pharmacy etc.
Eco-minded chain in Bellingham with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products. Many take out options
29 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
1030 Lakeway DrEco-minded chain in Bellingham with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products. Many take out options
We are fortunate to have this store for many local products and produce. It has a deli for take out items, good wine and beer selection. Second location in Cordata in the north end of Bellingham
59 locals recommend
Community Food Co-op Downtown
1220 N Forest StWe are fortunate to have this store for many local products and produce. It has a deli for take out items, good wine and beer selection. Second location in Cordata in the north end of Bellingham
Very popular store with most of their own brands of products. Currently allowing only 72 customers in the store at one time with lineups outside - but they move fast.
48 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
2410 James StVery popular store with most of their own brands of products. Currently allowing only 72 customers in the store at one time with lineups outside - but they move fast.
Sightseeing
About a 50 minute drive to the ski area. Great hiking during the off season. Great skiing during the winter. On the drive up you can stop in Glacier where there are several options of good eateries and just past Glacier, on Mt Baker Hwy. stop for a look and a walk up to Nooksack Falls, an 88 foot waterfall.
106 locals recommend
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Mount Baker Highway
About a 50 minute drive to the ski area. Great hiking during the off season. Great skiing during the winter. On the drive up you can stop in Glacier where there are several options of good eateries and just past Glacier, on Mt Baker Hwy. stop for a look and a walk up to Nooksack Falls, an 88 foot waterfall.
The Bellingham Farmer's Market is open every Saturday starting in April and continuing thru December, 10am to 3pm. Lot's to see, buy, eat and do.
73 locals recommend
Bellingham Farmers Market
1100 Railroad AveThe Bellingham Farmer's Market is open every Saturday starting in April and continuing thru December, 10am to 3pm. Lot's to see, buy, eat and do.
A beautiful, short drive will get you to Gooseberry Point and the ferry terminal. A ten minute ferry ride puts you on Lummi Island, population 800 (2000 in the high season). Many artists studios and quiet hide-aways. Also home to The Willows Inn Restaurant, deemed as "a destination restaurant", #2 in the top 100 US restaurants. It's already booked far in advance. However, a worthwhile eatery to stop at is the Beach Store Cafe, just off the ferry landing. ( Unfortunately only open for take out presently on Fri. Sat., Sun. from 4-7:30)
25 locals recommend
Lummi Island
A beautiful, short drive will get you to Gooseberry Point and the ferry terminal. A ten minute ferry ride puts you on Lummi Island, population 800 (2000 in the high season). Many artists studios and quiet hide-aways. Also home to The Willows Inn Restaurant, deemed as "a destination restaurant", #2 in the top 100 US restaurants. It's already booked far in advance. However, a worthwhile eatery to stop at is the Beach Store Cafe, just off the ferry landing. ( Unfortunately only open for take out presently on Fri. Sat., Sun. from 4-7:30)
Western Washington University sits on the side of Sehome Hill facing Bellingham Bay. It's a great place to wander to look at the many different buildings, many quite historical; and it boasts a large and varied collection of outdoor sculptures. Also check out the Sehome Arboretum
33 locals recommend
Western Washington University
516 High StWestern Washington University sits on the side of Sehome Hill facing Bellingham Bay. It's a great place to wander to look at the many different buildings, many quite historical; and it boasts a large and varied collection of outdoor sculptures. Also check out the Sehome Arboretum
This drive from Fairhaven to Burlington on Highway 11 is gorgeous! Remember to stop off at Taylor Shellfish for oysters and/or dungeness crab, and at the Oyster Bar for a scenic lunch or dinner. The towns of Edison and Bow on the south of the drive are quaint as well. Highly recommended.
6 locals recommend
Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut DriveThis drive from Fairhaven to Burlington on Highway 11 is gorgeous! Remember to stop off at Taylor Shellfish for oysters and/or dungeness crab, and at the Oyster Bar for a scenic lunch or dinner. The towns of Edison and Bow on the south of the drive are quaint as well. Highly recommended.
Lynden is home to Washington State’s largest Dutch settlement and is the heart of the region’s farmland. This is also a village that loves to celebrate life’s simpler things.
25 locals recommend
Lynden
Lynden is home to Washington State’s largest Dutch settlement and is the heart of the region’s farmland. This is also a village that loves to celebrate life’s simpler things.
With long stretches of sandy beaches, a State Park for camping and picnics, a water slide park and a variety of places to eat, this resort style community has a lot to offer families.
36 locals recommend
Birch Bay
With long stretches of sandy beaches, a State Park for camping and picnics, a water slide park and a variety of places to eat, this resort style community has a lot to offer families.
Fairhaven Village boasts many many activities: restaurants, arts galleries, bookstores, pubs, clothing stores, toy stores, etc. Village Books is a favorite browsing spot and is connected to Paper Dreams if shopping for gifts. There is so much to do and see within a 3 block area, you might spend an entire day here.
122 locals recommend
Fairhaven
Fairhaven Village boasts many many activities: restaurants, arts galleries, bookstores, pubs, clothing stores, toy stores, etc. Village Books is a favorite browsing spot and is connected to Paper Dreams if shopping for gifts. There is so much to do and see within a 3 block area, you might spend an entire day here.
Walks/Hikes
Enjoy a gentle 2.6 mile stroll on the main loop trail that goes around Lake Padden or lengthen your trip by exploring some of the short trails at the east end of the park. To find a little solitude take a turn off the beaten path to rise above the north side of the lake on a less-trodden upper trail.
100 locals recommend
Lake Padden Park
4882 S Samish Way Enjoy a gentle 2.6 mile stroll on the main loop trail that goes around Lake Padden or lengthen your trip by exploring some of the short trails at the east end of the park. To find a little solitude take a turn off the beaten path to rise above the north side of the lake on a less-trodden upper trail.
A gentle walk along the Nooksack River and along boardwalks over wetlands - fragrance garden and viewing tower. Also visit Hovander Park with it's mix of fields, livestock, meadows and farm buildings.
Tennant Lake Park
A gentle walk along the Nooksack River and along boardwalks over wetlands - fragrance garden and viewing tower. Also visit Hovander Park with it's mix of fields, livestock, meadows and farm buildings.
Overlooking Squalicum Harbor, the 4.4-acre Zuanich Point Park is the venue for community events, boating celebrations, picnics, and outstanding kite flying. The Squalicum Promenade paved path is perfect for jogging and roller-blading.
37 locals recommend
Zuanich Point Park
2600 N Harbor Loop DrOverlooking Squalicum Harbor, the 4.4-acre Zuanich Point Park is the venue for community events, boating celebrations, picnics, and outstanding kite flying. The Squalicum Promenade paved path is perfect for jogging and roller-blading.
Located on Bellingham Bay, Boulevard is a favorite among locals for sunsets (and sunrises!), walks, and beautiful pictures. The facilities at Boulevard include a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, an awesome performance stage, trails, and pocket beaches. The Woods Coffee is also located at Boulevard to fulfill your snacking needs!
25 locals recommend
Bayview Drive
Bayview DriveLocated on Bellingham Bay, Boulevard is a favorite among locals for sunsets (and sunrises!), walks, and beautiful pictures. The facilities at Boulevard include a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, an awesome performance stage, trails, and pocket beaches. The Woods Coffee is also located at Boulevard to fulfill your snacking needs!
A beautiful park which features lots of trails which meander along Whatcom Creek; historic bridge; tennis courts; fish hatchery; play grounds.
124 locals recommend
Whatcom Falls Park
1401 Electric AveA beautiful park which features lots of trails which meander along Whatcom Creek; historic bridge; tennis courts; fish hatchery; play grounds.
Biking
Galbraith mountain is a world class mountain biking destination located within riding distance of downtown Bellingham. Over 65 miles of singletrack that winds through 3,000 acres overlooking the city and Bellingham Bay. Because of the quantity of trails, the mountain can handle 100’s of hikers, runnners, horse riders and bikers during the course of the day without trail users feeling like the trails are busy! Hugely popular among locals!
22 locals recommend
Galbraith Mountain Trails
Tower RoadGalbraith mountain is a world class mountain biking destination located within riding distance of downtown Bellingham. Over 65 miles of singletrack that winds through 3,000 acres overlooking the city and Bellingham Bay. Because of the quantity of trails, the mountain can handle 100’s of hikers, runnners, horse riders and bikers during the course of the day without trail users feeling like the trails are busy! Hugely popular among locals!
Dining and Drinking
Twin Sisters Brewing Company
Spacious, fun, family friendly brewery/restaurant in Sunnyland neighborhood, Bellingham that provides lots of outdoor and indoor seating. They offer a full menu made with fresh local ingredients as well as craft beer and cocktails.
Expansive, unfussy brewpub with a deck & beer garden serving locally sourced pub grub & craft beer. A local favorite
119 locals recommend
Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro
1107 Railroad AveExpansive, unfussy brewpub with a deck & beer garden serving locally sourced pub grub & craft beer. A local favorite
Organic craft brewery with a family-friendly taproom, house brews & modern takes on classic pub fare, plus wine & cider.
104 locals recommend
Aslan Brewing Company
1330 N Forest StOrganic craft brewery with a family-friendly taproom, house brews & modern takes on classic pub fare, plus wine & cider.
Ferndale's lively taproom with a unique "pour your own" concept offering craft beer, cider and wine. Food trucks, trivia night, music bingo etc.
DownTime Taps
1730 La Bounty DrFerndale's lively taproom with a unique "pour your own" concept offering craft beer, cider and wine. Food trucks, trivia night, music bingo etc.
This is a spacious, fun, family friendly brewery/restaurant with lots of outdoor and indoor seating. They offer an extensive menu made with fresh, local ingredients
27 locals recommend
Twin Sisters Brewing Company
500 Carolina StThis is a spacious, fun, family friendly brewery/restaurant with lots of outdoor and indoor seating. They offer an extensive menu made with fresh, local ingredients
Food scene
Delicious Italian food. Currently open from 4pm to 9pm. First come first served...no reservations
39 locals recommend
D'Anna's Cafe Italiano
1319 N State StDelicious Italian food. Currently open from 4pm to 9pm. First come first served...no reservations
Remodeled restaurant in an historical building in Ferndale featuring Italian food to pair with an extensive wine list! The received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2019 and 2020. Just reopened for lunch at 11:00 am dinner daily at 5:30. You can make reservations on their website at leaderblock.com.
9 locals recommend
Leaderblock Wine
2026 Main StRemodeled restaurant in an historical building in Ferndale featuring Italian food to pair with an extensive wine list! The received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2019 and 2020. Just reopened for lunch at 11:00 am dinner daily at 5:30. You can make reservations on their website at leaderblock.com.
Locally owned great breakfast and lunch spot. Currently open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Several other locations in Bellingham and your will find their delicious bread at may local groceries.
21 locals recommend
Avenue Bread-James St
2301 James StLocally owned great breakfast and lunch spot. Currently open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Several other locations in Bellingham and your will find their delicious bread at may local groceries.
Downtown eatery open for amazing breakfast and lunch with plenty of options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. If there's a wait, its worth it!
50 locals recommend
Old Town Cafe
316 W Holly StDowntown eatery open for amazing breakfast and lunch with plenty of options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. If there's a wait, its worth it!
Festive, longtime Mexican cantina in Ferndale with kitschy decor, jumbo portions & happy hours in spacious digs.
9 locals recommend
Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant
5694 3rd AveFestive, longtime Mexican cantina in Ferndale with kitschy decor, jumbo portions & happy hours in spacious digs.
Local coffeehouse chain serves beverages, sweets & cafe fare, plus cold-brewed java in growlers.
Dine-in and take out. Good service and nice dine-in atmosphere.
7 locals recommend
Woods Coffee
1867 Main StLocal coffeehouse chain serves beverages, sweets & cafe fare, plus cold-brewed java in growlers.
Dine-in and take out. Good service and nice dine-in atmosphere.