Bellingham City Guide

The city offers fresh Pacific Northwest seafood and diverse international options like Thai and Mexican. Vegan and vegetarian choices are common. Late-night food options exist but are limited.

Nightlife centers on breweries, pubs, and live music venues, with some bars and clubs available.

A strong coffee scene with many independent shops and specialty roasters.

Tipping is expected for most services, usually 15-20%.

SIM cards are available at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, and retailers like Best Buy. Coverage is good for all major providers. Prepaid plans usually don't need ID.

The city is clean with effective waste and recycling services.

Few 24/7 services. Some grocery stores open late; few food and pharmacy options available around the clock.

Supermarkets offer international products and local goods. Main stores include Haggen, Fred Meyer, Safeway, Whole Foods, plus local co-ops and seasonal farmers markets.

Most businesses accept card payments. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and in many grocery stores. Withdrawal fees range from $2.50 to $5 at out-of-network machines.

Public schools are mainly in the Bellingham Public School District. Private schools exist too. Instruction is primarily in English.

A small but growing nomad community with meetups and many work-friendly cafés.

Excellent access to large parks and green trails suitable for running and walking.

Popular running routes include South Bay Trail and Whatcom Falls Park. The city is generally safe with running groups available.

Several gyms and fitness centers offer a range of classes and equipment.

Tennis courts are found at public parks and clubs, mostly hard courts. Booking is sometimes needed.

Padel courts are not common in Bellingham.

Several yoga studios offer various styles, many with drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors.

Options include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Karate with English instructors.

Mount Baker Ski Area is 1.5 hours away with terrain for all levels and a season running November to April.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular on Bellingham Bay, with rentals and guided tours mostly in summer.

Surf spots are far away on the Washington coast. Water is cold year-round, requiring a wetsuit.

Cold-water diving in Puget Sound and Salish Sea with varied marine life and equipment rentals available.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is the main hospital. Many clinics have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens stock OTC meds and operate regular hours.

Tap water meets federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and museums. Baby supplies are easy to find.

LGBTQ+ friendly with inclusive venues and local events. Legal protections are strong.

Very pet-friendly with many parks, vets, and pet services. Off-leash areas are common.