Boutique Hotels in Bellingham, WA

Nestled within the Cascade Range, Bellingham is known for its natural beauty. One of the cleanest, greenest cities in the nation, it’s been internationally recognized for its efforts in reducing its carbon footprint. If you're in the mood to get out of your comfort zone, the best Bellingham boutique hotels are a great place to stay when you do.

Wander around downtown and check out the local art galleries and cafes. Or, if you prefer something more low-key, head over to Sehome Hill Arboretum for some quiet time under a grove of giant evergreens. On a rainy day, check out one of the many local coffee shops and bakeries.

The main artery along the coast, Chuckanut Drive, is the state’s original scenic byway and passes right through Bellingham Bay. Take a day and hit this magnificent stretch of highway as you revel in the gem that is the Pacific Northwest. Roll down the windows and take in the scent of fresh pine from towering evergreens, get lost in the tranquil waves of the Salish Sea, and catch a sunset over the Cascades.

When it comes to hiking, Bellingham checks all the boxes. The best Bellingham boutique hotels are in close proximity to the North Cascades National Park and the Snoqualmie National Forest, which means the great outdoors are at your doorstep.

If you have a free day, catch a ferry over to the San Juan Islands. Thirty-one miles from Bellingham, this pocket of islands on the border of Canada offers some amazing wildlife viewing experiences, from whale watching on Orcas Island and Lopez Island during the summer or bird watching at Lime Kiln Lighthouse, where you can observe thousands of migratory birds stopping by during spring and fall migration.

A trip to downtown Bellingham wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the esteemed Mount Baker Theatre. Since 1926, this historic theater has hosted concerts, films, plays and Broadway-style performances. Popular legend has it that the theater is haunted by a resident ghost named Judy, so keep your eyes peeled.

Treat your taste buds to quintessential Pacific Northwest cuisine, with some of the freshest Pacific catch. And if you find yourself craving a hot beverage on a rainy day (which is the norm in the Northwest) you’re in luck. With close to 20 coffee shops in the downtown area, a robust cup of java is within reach of Bellingham boutique hotels.

While in the Northwest, you may notice many of the towns have a Scandinavian flair. That’s due in part to the large number of immigrants who settled in the area from Norway, Sweden and Finland. A fine example of this is Bellingham’s historic district of Fairhaven. Once a major manufacturing hub for lumber, coal, and fishing, Fairhaven still holds some of its lineage, with many buildings holding Scandinavian architecture and restaurants offering Scandinavian favorites, like lefse. Discover all this and more during your stay at Bellingham boutique hotels.

Don't forget to check out our boutique hotels in Yakima and Seattle.