Your Local Guide to Making the Most of Winter in Bellingham
Winter in Bellingham doesn’t mean staying inside and hibernating. As a local, I can tell you there’s plenty to do when the days are cold and short — from scenic outdoor walks to interactive indoor fun — without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a staycation or have friends in town, here are the best free and cheap winter activities in and around Bellingham.
Free Outdoor Favorites (Weather-Friendly Adventures)
Whatcom Falls Park
Location: 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
This is Bellingham’s classic outdoor playground: waterfalls, forested trails, bridges, and viewpoints perfect for brisk winter hikes or peaceful strolls. Pack a thermos of cocoa and enjoy the sound of roaring falls — it’s free and a local favorite year-round.
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Location: 600 25th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
This hidden gem tucked near Western Washington University offers miles of forested trails with views of Bellingham Bay and the snow-dusted Cascade peaks. In winter, the trails are quiet, crisp, and ideal for a peaceful walk or dog outing.
Bellingham Boardwalk
Location: Bayview Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Always open
If you want a scenic outing with minimal effort, the waterfront boardwalk is your go-to. Views of the Bay during winter sunsets are unbeatable, and there’s no fee to stroll along the marina and watch the ferries come and go.
Zuanich Point Park
Location: 2600 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Another waterfront classic, this park is great for kite flying (when the wind cooperates), picnics under gray skies, and bird-watching. The panoramic vista out toward the San Juan Islands feels especially peaceful in the cooler months.
Lake Padden Park
Location: 4882 S Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98229
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Lake Padden’s rolling loop trail is perfect for a winter jog, brisk walk, or family outing. It’s a local standby for all seasons, and winter light reflecting off the lake is worth a photo stop.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Spots (Warm & Welcoming)
Spark Museum Of Electrical Invention
Address: 1312 Bay St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (360) 738-3886
Whether it’s raining or snowing, SPARK is a can’t-miss indoor attraction. This interactive science and history museum showcases everything from vintage radios to jaw-dropping electrical inventions. It’s fun for families, date nights, and curious visitors — and affordable compared to many tourist museums.
Family Interactive Gallery (at the Whatcom Museum)
Address: 250 Flora St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Wed–Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sun noon – 5:00 PM
Phone: (360) 778-8974
This hands-on gallery inside the Whatcom Museum is great for kids and adults alike. Winter is a perfect time to explore creative exhibits and warm up with artistic inspiration. Admission is budget-friendly, and the space is designed for playful discovery.
Bellingham Public Library
Address: 210 Central Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hours: Vary by day — typically 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun afternoon hours)
Embrace cozy indoors with free access to books, games, workshops, and community events. The library is a great refuge on rainy or snowy days, and local residents often stay longer than planned. It’s one of the best free resources Bellingham has to offer. (Check current hours before you go.)
Regal Barkley Village
Address: 3005 Cinema Pl, Bellingham, WA 98226
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Catch a matinee of the latest films for a low-cost break from winter weather. Movie tickets in Bellingham are often cheaper during daytime shows, making it a perfect affordable escape when temperatures dip.
Bonus Free / Low-Cost Ideas Around Town
- Historic Fairhaven Village – Walk cobblestone streets, window-shop local boutiques, and grab a coffee without spending much.
- Downtown Art & Murals – Bellingham’s exterior art is free to enjoy; layer up and take a self-guided mural tour.
- Mount Baker Scenic Route (Chuckanut Drive) – Drive or bike the scenic byway for spectacular coastal views overlooking Samish Bay — winter light makes it extra dramatic.
Local Tip for Winter Days
Rain or shine, the best budget outings in Bellingham combine nature and community spaces — parks, trails, waterfront paths and free cultural stops. Bellingham winters may be cool, but they’re packed with local charm and affordable experiences.
